As a Nashville wedding photographer, I get to witness so many different kinds of love stories—big ballroom celebrations, countryside elopements, and everything in between. But TJ and Kristyn’s intimate Nashville wedding at Butcher & Bee was something truly special. From their unique style and chill energy to the gorgeous spaces they chose, every moment of their day felt so personal and intentional.
This wedding was the perfect reminder that smaller, more meaningful celebrations can be just as impactful—and just as full of joy—as larger events. With their closest friends and family by their side, TJ and Kristyn crafted an intimate Nashville wedding that felt true to who they are, and I was honored to capture it all.
Getting Ready at The Waymore Hotel: An Intimate Nashville Wedding
The Waymore Hotel
The day started at the Waymore’s Guest House & Casual Club, a trendy and artsy hotel tucked away in East Nashville. If you’re planning an intimate Nashville wedding, this place is a hidden gem. The decor is stylish and eclectic, the lighting is beautiful for photos, and it’s walking distance to some of the coolest venues around.
Kristyn and TJ spent the morning soaking up quiet moments together before the festivities began. They chose to do a first look at the hotel—something I always recommend for couples planning a relaxed, intimate Nashville wedding. It gave us plenty of time for portraits without the pressure of a packed timeline.
The intimate First Look: A Moment Just for Them
I loved that TJ and Kristyn carved out this time for themselves before the ceremony. Their chemistry was off the charts—you could feel the joy and connection between them in every frame. TJ wore a deep blue suede jacket paired with a vintage watch that brought an effortlessly cool vibe to his look. Kristyn’s dress? A sale find with intricate beading down the sides that shimmered with every step—stunning and entirely unique, just like her.
This first look between TJ and Kristyn was one of the most heartfelt parts of the day. Their joy was contagious, and their outfits were a perfect reflection of their personalities. Moments like this are why I love photographing intimate Nashville weddings—they give couples the space to really be present and connect.
Intimate Wedding Family Portraits in the Waymore Lobby in Nashville
Keeping the day simple and stress-free, all of the family portraits took place in the lobby of the Waymore. It was relaxed, easy, and full of laughter—another benefit of choosing an intimate Nashville wedding over a large-scale event. The natural light and eclectic decor gave everything a cozy yet elegant vibe.
The Intimate Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Butcher and Bee, Nashville
For the ceremony, everyone walked just a few blocks to Butcher & Bee, a cozy East Nashville restaurant that’s perfect for intimate Nashville weddings. With moody lighting, exposed brick, and a private event space, it created the ideal romantic atmosphere.
One of the most emotional moments of the day was Kristyn’s walk down the aisle to a live performance by TJ’s groomsmen. The music, setting, and heartfelt vows made this intimate Nashville wedding feel incredibly moving and unforgettable.
Butcher and Bee: The Perfect Intimate Nashville Wedding Venue
If you’re planning an intimate Nashville wedding, Butcher & Bee should definitely be on your list. The warm ambiance and delicious food made the reception feel more like a meaningful dinner party than a traditional wedding—something many modern couples are leaning into.
As a Nashville wedding photographer, I love venues that make intimate celebrations feel stylish and effortless. This space was cozy, inviting, and full of character—the perfect match for TJ and Kristyn’s vibe.
Personal Touches: Flowers, Music, and So Much Love within this Intimate Nashville Wedding
What really stood out to me about TJ and Kristyn’s wedding was how many personal touches were infused throughout the day. The florals? All designed and arranged by TJ’s mom. Her color palette and floral choices were stunning—fresh, seasonal blooms in soft hues that complimented the vibe of the day perfectly.
The music? Handpicked and performed live by people who knew the couple best.
This is the kind of wedding that doesn’t need a huge production to feel important. Every detail was crafted with love by the people who matter most, and it showed.
One of the hallmarks of an intimate Nashville wedding is the ability to infuse your personality into every detail. From florals lovingly arranged by the groom’s mom to a live setlist curated by their closest friends, this day was full of heartfelt touches that made it truly one-of-a-kind.
Why This Intimate Wedding Will Stay With Me Forever
As a wedding photographer in Nashville, I get to see a lot of beautiful days! Something about TJ and Kristyn’s celebration will stick with me for a long time.
Not because of a massive venue or an over-the-top decor setup, but because of how genuinely joyful and connected it felt.
Their wedding was a celebration of their relationship, their style, and their people. There were no unnecessary distractions, just laughter, heartfelt moments, and lots of dancing. It was exactly what a wedding should be.
And honestly? I had such a blast hanging out with them. They were kind, hilarious, and so clearly in love that photographing them felt effortless.
There are weddings that impress, and then there are weddings that move you—this was one of those. TJ and Kristyn’s intimate Nashville wedding wasn’t flashy or over-the-top, but it was deeply personal and joyful. It reminded me that what really matters on a wedding day is love, connection, and intention.
As a photographer, I left this day feeling inspired and grateful—this is exactly why I do what I do.
Planning Your Own Intimate Nashville Wedding? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re planning a downtown elopement or a cozy backyard celebration I’d love to help you document every moment. My goal as a Nashville wedding photographer is to capture the real, the raw, and the joyful. Not just the posed shots, but the in-between glances, the unexpected laughs, and the hugs you’ll want to remember forever.
Looking for beautiful photos and a calm, supportive presence on your big day? I’d be honored to capture it.
Let’s connect and chat about your Nashville wedding plans. I can’t wait to hear your story.
Vendor Shoutouts:
The bride and groom got ready at Waymore’s Guest House. Then theyy held their ceremony and reception at Butcher & Bee in Nashville. Flowers were beautifully arranged by the groom’s mom of Fun and Fancy Flowers (Suwanee, GA). The groomsmen performed live music for the ceremony, and photography was captured by yours truly—Sammy McKenzie Photography.
