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Michelle Lea Photographie | East TN wedding & family photos

@michelleleaphotographie

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Wife to my soulmate, mother to one little boy. Capturing motherhood + weddings in East TN + ✈️. Lover of life child of the King and I love what I do!

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A little rain wasn’t going to stop this beautiful day at Chateau Selah in Blountville, Tennessee.

We couldn’t help but laugh when the rain started falling on their wedding day because it had done the exact same thing during their engagement session the year before.

The day started off cold and rainy, but by evening the skies had cleared just in time for the sweetest ceremony.
I loved this bride’s style, the chartreuse green and brown color palette and can you believe that she did her own florals! These colors were such a beautiful combination against the setting at Chateau Selah, and a lovely reminder that even when the weather doesn’t go quite as planned, the day can turn out even more beautiful than you imagined.

It was such a joy to photograph their wedding and capture these memories at one of East Tennessee’s beautiful wedding venues.

For couples planning a wedding in Blountville, Kingsport, Johnson City, Knoxville, or Asheville, I’d love to help tell your story through the wedding photography that I offer.

Wedding venue: @chateau_selah
Cake: @cakesbyangelabowes
DJ: @tricitiesentertainment
Dress: @astorybookending
Hair: @stylzby_rylz

#chateauselah #johnsoncityweddingphotographer #knoxvilleweddingphotographer #easttnweddingphotographer by @michelleleaphotographie

Jacob & Allie, a wedding to remember! 🤍

These photos captured the day perfectly, @michelleleaphotographie always doing an incredible job of showing off all the details.

Even through unexpected moments
(⛈️🌧️☔️) the bride & groom stayed joyful & calm. No one even missed a beat!
The barn was filled with pops of blue, lace, and stunning florals!
Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Dayton! 💍💕

🗣️Top shelf vendors:
Photos by @michelleleaphotographie
Video: @abvweddings
Planner: @ashleigh_farmer14
Florals: @aprilhyderflorals
Cake: @madhattercaters
DJ: @amplifiedmobiledj 😘
Rentals: @celebrateweddingrentals
Make up: @merakibeautyandesthetics
Hair: @powerponystudios
Gown: @bluewillowbridal1
Decor & Venue: US! @the_side_porch by @michelleleaphotographie

This maternity session at Allandale Mansion in Kingsport, Tennessee, was such a sweet way to celebrate this family as they prepare to welcome their second baby. I was so honored they asked me to photograph this season of their lives again.

I spent the morning photographing them walking hand in hand, watching the ducks, and sharing giggles with Mom and Dad. These are the little moments I love capturing, the ones that may seem ordinary now but will mean so much when they look back on this season.

I love sunrise sessions just as much as sunset sessions. On the right morning, the light can have that same warm, golden look you might expect in the evening. And when little ones are involved, a morning session can sometimes be a much better fit than staying out close to bedtime. If you love the look of sunset photos but mornings work better for your family, sunrise may be just what you’re looking for.

For families looking for maternity photography in the Tri-Cities, TN area, Allandale Mansion is such a beautiful place to document this season before your newest little one arrives.

#kingsportfamilyphotographer #johnsoncityfamilyphotographer #maternityphoto #easttnfamilyphotographer by @michelleleaphotographie

This sweet family is preparing to welcome their third baby, and their session at Melton Hill Park in Knoxville, TN, was such a joy! With two little ones who spent the evening laughing, chasing each other, and giggling their way through our time together, there was no shortage of sweet, genuine moments to capture.

Mom loves flowers, so I was thrilled to find the prettiest yellow and white blooms scattered throughout the park. We made the most of those beautiful little pockets of color, and just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, the most gorgeous sunset showed up!

We had actually rescheduled this session after an unexpected rain shower rolled in the week before, just as we were getting started with photos. There had been no rain in the forecast, but sometimes the weather has other plans! I’m so glad we decided to try again because we ended up with the most beautiful evening.

As an East Tennessee family and maternity photographer, these are the sessions I love most: documenting this season of growing families, the playful chaos of little ones, and all the anticipation of welcoming a new baby.

If you’re expecting a little one and looking for a Knoxville, TN maternity photographer or family photographer in East Tennessee, I would love to help you preserve this special season!

#easttnphotographer #knoxvilletnphotographer #knoxvillematernityphotographer #easttnfamilyphotography #knoxvillefamilyphotographer by @michelleleaphotographie

Sometimes the plans that change at the last minute end up being the most beautiful ones.

This Knoxville maternity session was originally planned for Sequoyah Hills Park, but with the UT vs Texas game and President Trump’s visit to Knoxville, we decided to pivot and meet at Melton Hill Park instead.

And honestly? I think it was meant to be.
For this sweet family’s sunrise maternity session, we had the most beautiful combination of East Tennessee scenery water, mountain views, and just the beginning of those gorgeous fall colors peeking through the trees.

But even with all that beauty surrounding us, my favorite part was watching this family together. Mom, Dad, and their little boy soaking in this season of becoming a family of four. The cuddles, the little giggly moments are the pieces I hope they remember forever.
There’s something so special about photographing motherhood and growing families here in East Tennessee. From the mountains, water and the start of the season changing. Knoxville has no shortage of beautiful places to tell these stories.
And sometimes, the best locations are the ones you find when the original plan takes an unexpected turn.

If you’re looking for an East Tennessee family photographer or Knoxville maternity photographer to capture your family in a natural, heartfelt way, I’d love to tell your story.
#KnoxvilleMaternityPhotographer #KnoxvilleFamilyPhotographer #EastTennesseePhotographer #EastTennesseeFamilyPhotographer #KnoxvilleTNPhotographer by @michelleleaphotographie

Over two years ago I never would have given modesty a second thought, but it's funny how God will uncover things about ourselves the closer we grow to know him. I've consistently asked in prayer for him to break my heart for what breaks his. The cultural view of Modesty. The consistent stance that less means power and more means bondage. That generations of young girls have been taught this and we have come into agreement with it.

Modesty isn't about a skirt, a dress, or even pants for that matter. It's the posture of our hearts. My heart is for empowering women, may we each know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in his image. May we never loose sight that we can command attention in a room, not because of our clothing, but because of who we are in him. Knowing that our identity is deeply rooted in his grace.

That's what Abundantlea means to me. This is what we are building.

#modestactivewear #modestgymwear #modestathleticskirt #modestfitness by @michelleleaphotographie

Allie and Jacob have the kind of story that makes a wedding day feel even more meaningful. They met in school, fell in love, and have been together ever since. Their wedding day at The Side Porch in Gray, Tennessee was a beautiful reflection of that history and the life they have built together.

Baby blue details, spring-inspired florals, and all the little touches came together so beautifully. Then, in true East Tennessee fashion, the weather decided to make its own contribution.

Just as the ceremony was wrapping up, the skies opened up with a torrential downpour. Everyone got soaked, except for the bride and groom, who had already made it down the aisle and were able to run for cover. Somehow, the rain even worked in their favor.

The bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s outfits stayed beautifully solid in color, and thanks to the incredible work of Power Pony Studios and Meraki Beauty & Esthetics, you would never know there had been a downpour at all. But those are the moments that become part of the story.

As a wedding photographer from the Tri-Cities and the surrounding East Tennessee and Western North Carolina areas, these are the wedding days I love to photograph. The beautiful details, the people you love, and the unexpected moments you never could have planned.

Allie and Jacob, your day was beautiful in every way.

Vendors
Venue: @the_side_porch
Planner: @ashleigh_farmer14
Florist: @aprilhyderflorals
Videographers: @abvweddings
Cake: @madhattercaters
DJ: @amplifiedmobiledj
Rentals: @celebrateweddingrentals
Wedding dress: @bluewillowbridal1
Makeup: @merakibeautyandesthetics
Hair: @powerponystudios
Photography: @michelleleaphotographie by @michelleleaphotographie

Baby Loughry arriving in Spring 2027 🤍

Thank you to our friend @michelleleaphotographie for capturing all of life’s big moments for us! by @michelleleaphotographie

I can hear all the giggles just looking at these pictures.

I photographed this couple’s wedding a few years ago, so when they reached out to let me know they were visiting family in the Banner Elk area, it was such a joy to see them again. This time, they brought their sweet children along, and I had the privilege of photographing their family in such a special place.

The kids kept us laughing as they chased each other through the field, with a few M&M snack breaks in between. Maybe all that energy really did come from the chocolate 😉.

It is always an honor when I have the opportunity to photograph my couples weddings but also their family as they grow.

If you’re located or vacationing in the Banner Elk North Carolina area and you’re looking for a family photographer, it would be an honor to photograph your sweet family. by @michelleleaphotographie

So many looks in one location! The last two are giving me Fall vibes and I’m here for it 🍁.

Which one is your vibe? A, B, or C? Tell me in the comments! by @michelleleaphotographie

I was sitting in Coach Cloud’s 8th grade class when I first heard the news that the Twin Towers had been hit by two planes. At that age, I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of what was happening. It truly hit me when I went home that day.

Growing up, my Dad was a reserved man. He was tough, and he rarely showed emotion. But on this day, I saw something I had never seen from him before. With tears welling up in his eyes, he looked at me and said, “We are under attack.” I’ll never forget the heartbreak and the disbelief of realizing that our country had been changed forever.

In the weeks and months that followed, I witnessed our nation come together in unity. We stood together for who we are. We remembered those who lost the people they loved, we supported the families left behind, and we honored the brave men and women who answered the call to fight for our freedoms.

Twenty-five years later, I still remember that day. 9/11 I will never forget. by @michelleleaphotographie

Big shoutout to @kehcamera for offering camera rentals! I’ve bought and sold several things with them over the years and the experience has been wonderful! by @michelleleaphotographie