Blog Posts - Boone Studios

Snow Day in Jonesborough

1/24/2016

My husband and I bought a house in Jonesborough last summer and so far we love it here! Today we decided to take some photos downtown while it was snowing. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

The photograph through the window pane is from inside the new Tennessee Hills Distillery located in the old Salt House. We were shooting photos and one of the owners drove up and then asked if we wanted to get a shot of downtown through their upstairs window. How cool is that!?! This turned into an impromptu private tour and tasting, which was just stellar! We'll definitely be going back to purchase some whiskey and a pint glass.

Here's the photo (taken by my phone) that I posted to my Instagram account from our awesome tasting at the distillery. My Instagram is filled with photographs of my life...and also my photography business. If you are interested in following me then check out: chelsea_boonestudios

Sneak peek: Hayes Winter Wedding

1/22/2016

I had the honor of being able to photograph a beautiful wedding at Rose Hill Chapel in Johnson City, Tennessee, back in December. The church was stunning, the ballroom had a great atmosphere with the special touches of light, and the wedding party was an absolute blast to work with! Take a look at some of the highlights from that special day!

I loved the Doctor Who tshirts under the groomsmen's tuxedos! So cool!!!

This is one of my favorite shots from the reception. It's not the best angle or greatest action shot, but it certainly shows the joy of this generation spanning dance to The Twist. I am so glad that this grandmother was not only able to attend the wedding, but also able enjoy herself at the reception.

For more photos from this wedding visit our Facebook page!

This wedding was unique in that my second photographer and I were treated like family rather than the hired help. I don't know exactly what they did to make us feel this way, but it didn't feel like we were "working" all day...it felt like we had shared in the joy of a close friend or family member. Everyone, including the guests, were so incredibly laid back and sweet. It made for a much less stressful wedding day and it is a memory that we will always cherish.

Megan and Chris,
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day. I wish you all the joys of marriage as you journey onward together.
Much love,
Chelsea

Gothic Portraits

11/13/2015

It's Friday the 13th and what better way to celebrate than to post my most recent portrait session with the stunning Sierra. We strive to offer portrait sessions that are catered to your unique style and interests. Sierra has a love for anything dark and creating that spooky vibe made her session a blast! Below are just a few of the photos from her session. Enjoy!

For more information on portrait sessions click here. Feel free to contact us to book your portrait session or to discuss how we can customize your session to your unique style or interests.

Jon and Amos : Sneak Peek

11/10/2015

This past June saw the momentous decision from the Supreme Court supporting marriage equality for all. I am so thankful to have been able to take part in the Love Wins movement and actually photograph a same sex couple at their wedding during this exciting time.

Jon and Amos were a great couple to work with, even with Amos being a little camera shy. Their wedding was beautiful and the reception was an absolute blast. Below are some of my favorite photos from their special day. Enjoy!

There wasn't a traditional wedding party, but we still had fun taking photos with their close friends who helped make their special day possible.

Post ceremony shots were a breeze with this couple. I loved how each of them turned out.
Below are a few of my favorites!

I personally thought the grey and yellow decorations and suits/accesories looked fresh, modern, and quite stunning. Such a great choice on their part!

You guessed it...that's a bleeding armadillo groom's cake! How cool is that?!? What a great way to pay tribute to one of the greatest movies of all time!

"The cake part is red velvet cake. Blood red!! People are gonna be hackin' into this poor animal that looks like it's
bleedin' to death."
-Shelby, Steel Magnolias

This was, by far, the best groom's cake I have ever seen at a wedding (and I thought my husband's duck cake was pretty cool at our wedding). It was certainly a great way to start off the spectacular reception.

Dancing, dancing, and more dancing! What a great crowd and such a fun spirited group! This reception was a photographer's dream when it comes to the dancing photos.

I want to give a special thank you to Jon and Amos for allowing me to be a part of their
special day. I wish them a long life of happiness together.

Wedding Day: The Dance

11/7/2015

This is part 9 of a 10 part wedding series.
Be sure to check back for the final post!

So...life happened. It's been awhile since I have posted anything regarding this wedding series. House buying, vacations, new dog, and everything in between has gotten in the way. Great things come to those who wait though, right? Anyways, I hope you enjoy the final two posts of my wedding series.

Though dancing at weddings or celebrations can be traced back to ancient times, the idea of the "first dance" tradition we are accustomed to started as far back at the 17th century and was a part of an etiquette for balls that were held by wealthy families. It was customary for the guests of honor to have the first dance and afterwards everyone else could join them on the dance floor. Today the idea of a first dance is to signify the beginning of the reception for a newly married couple.

In recent years, the first dance has become more popular than the actual wedding ceremony and in some weddings it even takes more time and preparation than the wedding itself. Perhaps you prefer the more traditional first dance where you share in a special moment of swaying back and forth with your new spouse to a slow romantic song that is meaningful to the both of you. Others may choose to take dance lessons and surprise the guests at the reception with their ballroom dancing skills. For some the idea is to choose an upbeat pop song and perform a well practicied choreographed dance that will end up going viral on YouTube.

Regardless of the kind of first dance you have, it will be the first organized event that you and your new spouse will do together as a married couple. So fast or slow, choreographed or not, the first dance is significant of your love for one another and your desire to work together on whatever may come your way throughout the years.

From one former Bride to another, the first dance is sometimes the first chance you get to really communicate with your spouse on the day of your wedding. If you don't have a choreographed dance planned, then you are on the dance floor swaying back in forth and probably staring lovingly into each other's eyes...and more than likely talking about your day so far. Did your great Aunt from out of town squeeze your cheeks too hard after the ceremony? Is your tuxedo tie choking you? Wasn't it a beautiful ceremony? Bet you can't wait to get out of your killer pumps that look amazing, but feel awful to walk in.

Make sure that you have a photographer who can capture those sweet moments between the two of you during your dance. It will be these moments that will be most precious later. The ceremony is important. The portraits afterwards are always special. The first dance is your first experience working together as a married couple. So make sure it's a good one and be sure to find a photographer that will give you photographs you can cherish for the rest of your days.

Let's not forget about the Father Daughter Dance!
(or other variations of this dance)

The first dance is significant, but the father daughter dance is oh so sweet. Even the most stage fearing Dads won't turn down their baby girls when asked to dance at their wedding. These days it is becoming more popular to also have a Mother Son Dance and in the case of deceased parents another older adult, such as an Aunt or Grandfather, can be chosen. I have photographed weddings where the Father Daughter dance and Mother Son dance were seperate with their own specially chosen songs. At other weddings, I have witnessed the dance being done together. No matter what you choose, make sure the song is just right and that you have a photographer who can capture those precious moments with your family.

Be sure to check back for the final post in the Wedding Day Series.

Sneak Peek of the #MoreLoveWedding

7/13/2015

I had the honor of being able to photograph a lovely wedding in Kingsport recently. Cody and Julianna are such a sweet couple and their wedding was absolutely beautiful. It is the first wedding I have photographed where I cried during the vows. Their sweet and rustic wedding decor was stunning with it's touches of deeply personal items and photos. I'm so glad I was able to be part of their special day. Please enjoy the sneak peek of their photos!

They had a vintage car to escort them! How cool is that?!?

It may have been unbearably hot that day, but at least
the reception decorations were stunning!

This wedding party was a blast to work with!

The sweet Bride and Groom.

Cody and Julianna,
Congratulations on tying the knot! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to take part in such a momentous occasion in your life. It was a blast being able to document your wedding through photography. May you be blessed as your family grows and may your marriage be long and happy.
Best Wishes! --- Chelsea, Boone Studios

Wedding Day: Decorations

4/24/2015

This is Part 8 of a 10 Part Wedding Series.
Be sure to check back for the next 2 posts!

Every wedding has it's own unique style. Some weddings go all out and decorate for the both the ceremony and the reception. Others opt for just decorating the reception area. Whatever way you choose to decorate for your wedding it should reflect both the theme and style of the Bride and Groom's collective taste.

DIY Weddings are all the rage, so there's a good chance you are making your decorations...or paying someone to make them for you. Either way, your decorations should be featured in your wedding photography.

I have photographed themed weddings, such as Christmas (which was an absolute joy since everything was so stunning and festive). I have photographed weddings where the reception was geared towards the Groom's interests: football or fishing. Other weddings have just focused on using their colors. Regardless of their choice, the decorations truly make the wedding experience special for the guests. Sure, everyone will talk about how lovely the Bride looked in her dress, but it's always great to hear the guests talking about how wonderful the decorations looked.

Flowers (real or fake) are always a great choice.
Using wedding favors for the guests as part of your decorations also help
add a little touch to the reception tables.

A great way to decorate tables is to use your engagement photos in frames. Alternately, photos of the bride and groom as children is always a nice touch! Regardless of how you choose to decorate your ceremony or reception area, your wedding photographs should include every little detail that made your day beautiful and unique.

Be sure to check back for the last 2 posts!

Prom 2015

4/19/2015

I had the pleasure of being able to photograph a lovely young lady named Cat before Science Hill High School's Prom. We had an awesome time at Founders Park in downtown Johnson City. I look foward to photographing her again in the future! Here's a sneak peak of her photos!

Wedding Day: The Rings

4/8/2015

This is Part 7 of a 10 Part Wedding Series.
Be sure to check back for the next 3 posts!

The origin of using rings in wedding ceremonies can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The rings have not always been metal, often times they were woven from grass and other plants. Men have not always worn a ring to symbolize their marriage. The rings have not always been worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.
Whatever it's history, the rings have always symbolized never ending love.

Some people pass down engagement rings through the family. Others simply buy newer, more modern looking rings. Some choose to have theirs custom made. No matter what engagement ring or wedding bands you choose to have, it should be special to the both of you. After all, it is a symbol of your never ending commitment to one another. And if you are lucky, you'll never lose your precious rings down the drain or in the ocean (seriously, be careful with those things...they can be quite expensive to replace)!

The rings from each of the weddings I have photographed have been different. Some are covered in precious stones. Some are engraved with a sweet message on the inside. Others are engraved all around the band.

If I am photographing a wedding, after the reception has started, I will ask you for your rings. Scary right? I promise I always take good care of them. I will then wander off and take photographs of your rings in a unique setting that is special for your day. Perhaps you have an old family Bible that is near and dear to your heart and you want it to be utilized in your photos. Other times there are decorations that speak to your character and style that I will use to accent the photographs of your rings.

The idea is to create something beautiful that you can cherish, either in your wedding album or showcased in a frame on your wall.

Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, titanium, or sterling silver...doesn't matter. They all photograph well. And even the "cheaper" rings can still look amazing and have the same "never ending love" meaning as the more expensive rings. Don't let your financial situation dictate your love for one another. It's all about finding the ring that works for you and one that you'll be comfortable wearing for the rest of your life together. Maybe your engagement ring has smaller stone than you would have liked. That's ok. You can always upgrade to a newer/bigger one down the road, perhaps for an anniversary. Your wedding band should be able to stand the test of time as you share your new married life with your partner.

Be sure to check back for the next post: The Decorations!

Wedding Day: The Ceremony

3/22/2015

This is Part 6 of a 10 part wedding series.
Be sure to check back for the next 4 posts!

The time has come for your wedding ceremony to begin. The music is playing, your bridal party has made their entrance and now you stand there with your father (or brother, mother, or other significant person in your life) ready to walk down the aisle. Butterflies might be fluttering in your stomach...from nerves, excitement, or both.

Every ceremony I have ever photographed is different. Sometimes the bridal party walks in together. Other times the bridesmaids and groomsman make their own entrances. It isn't always the father walking the Bride down the aisle. The vows aren't always the same. The Minister or Justice of the Peace never say quite the same thing. Sometimes there are unity candle ceremonies and other times there are rope tying ceremonies. It really all depends on what is important to the Bride and Groom on their special day. How they share their love and commit themselves to one another is entirely unique to them. Your photographer should be ready and able to photograph all of those unique moments of your ceremony. The photographer should be able to capture the tears and the laughter of the bridal party as you and your significant other take your vows.

Keep in mind, some vendors do not allow the photographer to move around, use a flash, or even shoot during the ceremony.

Now you are hand in hand with your love and the Officiant is perhaps addressing the guests as to why weddings are significant or how serious the occasion is. Like I've said before, no matter how serious the occasion...don't forget that it's ok to have fun. You can laugh during your ceremony. You can make mistakes, trip on your dress, drop the ring, or whatever might feel like a huge blunder. No one will care. They will laugh it off and the ceremony will continue. It's also ok to cry. Vows are sometimes hard to get through, especially if you have written your own message to each other. Just remember that you can take all the time you need to get through the ceremony, since it marks the start of your new journey in life.

If you can, have someone record the ceremony. It will all feel like such a blur later on and no one wants to forget the little details of their wedding. But, it's a lot to take in and there are a lot of eyes focused on you. It's difficult to remember every little thing. What will stand out is the memory of holding your partner's hand and feeling reassured that you are truly loved.

Make sure your photographer can photograph from many different angles during the ceremony. Otherwise you'll end up with 30 photos from the same point of view. If you are smart enough to hire a photography team then they can cover multiple angles at once and get the best shots from the pivital point of your special day. Keep in mind, some vendors do not allow the photographer to move around, use a flash, or even shoot during the ceremony. If the photos from your ceremony are highly important to you then make sure you clear things up with the vendor of your choice before you book your wedding.

The moment everyone has been waiting for during the ceremony is The KIss! Make sure you take your time so that the photographer can photograph the best part of the ceremony. It's your first kiss as a married couple. It's the first kiss of the start of your new life together. Enjoy it.

Part 7: The Rings
Coming Soon!