02.08.2025


Jonathan & Ann-Marie Plott


RIVER JOURNEY, TENNESSEE AQUARIUM

 

Cassie and I had the joy of joining Jonathan and Ann-Marie for their intimate wedding on the River Journey side of the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga. Just the two of them, a few of their favorite people, and the quiet wonder of glowing tanks all around.


Ann-Marie walked down the aisle to Ocean Man by Ween — and somehow, it was perfect. Quirky, heartfelt, and completely enchanting. The kind of entrance that made everyone smile and think, of course they did — this is so them.


The evening unfolded like a Ghibli film — whimsical, ethereal, and full of those small, breathtaking moments that sneak up on you. Soft lights. Jellyfish floating by. A kiss at the top of the stairs. Laughter echoing through tunnels of glass and water.


They each had their own personal Mellow Mushroom pizza and shared warm pretzel bites at their sweetheart table, surrounded by jellyfish and string lights. The whole vibe was cozy and surreal — a perfect mix of magic, comfort, and joy.


Ann-Marie’s dress shimmered like it was stitched from moonlight and seawater. Jonathan looked at her like there was no one else in the world. And in that moment — there wasn’t.


It was a short wedding — just four hours — but it held galaxies of feeling. A reminder that you don’t need a big crowd or a packed timeline to create something unforgettable. Just love, intention, and a little ocean magic.



Favorite Details:

• The Dress: Dreamy draped sleeves and sheer, ethereal texture — it caught the aquarium lights like a fairytale.

• The Music: Ocean Man by Ween for the ceremony, and whimsical Ghibli soundtrack moments throughout.

• The Cake Topper: Two tiny green frogs in love? Absolutely yes.

• The Florals: Dusty tones with hints of navy, lavender, and ivory — like something from an underwater dream.

• The Food: Pizza. Pretzels. Cake. No stress, all comfort.

• The Energy: Pure softness. Deep connection. No rush, no pressure — just two people savoring the magic of it all.



A Love Story Years in the Making

Jonathan and Ann-Marie’s story started long before this day — all the way back in middle school. By freshman year of high school, their connection started to take root, and by sophomore year, their feelings had quietly blossomed… though neither of them picked up on the other’s hints.


It took a friend nudging them to attend their first dance together, and despite a little awkwardness, it became a night to remember. A few days later, they both admitted what they’d been feeling — not just like, but like like. They agreed: this was it. And from that moment on, they’ve been side by side ever since.


When I asked them what they hoped their wedding photos would reflect, their answer was simple:

“That you can tell we love each other just by looking at us.”


After witnessing their day, their story, and the way they look at each other — I think you’ll agree.


This wedding was a reminder that when you let go of expectations and center your day around what truly matters, the result is something more magical than perfect — it’s real.


Whimsical. Ethereal. Unapologetically them.

Someone in a white wedding dress with billowing sleeves applies hairspray while getting ready in a bathroom mirror.
A bride in a flowing white wedding gown gets assisted by bridesmaids wearing sage green dresses in a preparation room.
A wedding veil being arranged and pinned to the back of a white bridal gown with organza sleeves.
A vintage black and white photograph of someone in formal attire with a bow tie standing outdoors in an urban setting.
Bride in elegant white dress and fur wrap walks across stage holding blue and white bouquet during winter wedding ceremony.
Two men in formal black tuxedos and bow ties at a wedding event, one wearing a mint colored tie.
A wedding ceremony takes place in an indoor venue with guests seated in white chairs watching someone in a flowing white gown.
Side view of a bride in an off-shoulder white wedding dress holding a blue and white bouquet during the ceremony.
Intimate wedding ceremony taking place in rustic stone-walled venue with guests seated in white chairs.
A wedding couple and officiant share a moment during an outdoor ceremony against a stone wall backdrop.
A wedding ceremony takes place with a bride in white gown and groom in black suit exchanging vows before an officiant.
Black and white wedding ceremony photo showing bridal party gathered in front of stone fireplace.
A romantic wedding moment between a couple in formal attire embracing against a stone wall backdrop during their ceremony.
Bridesmaids wearing emerald green dresses hold bouquets while standing in front of a stone wall during wedding ceremony.
The groomsmen in charcoal gray suits stand in a row at the ceremony, waiting attentively near a stone wall.
A couple walks down the aisle at their wedding, with the bride wearing an off-shoulder gown and holding a blue-tinted bouquet.
Emotional moment captured at a wedding as two people share a tender embrace.
A bride in a flowing white wedding dress and shawl poses outdoors on a balcony with mountains in the background.
A winter wedding scene with an elegant off-shoulder white gown, lantern decor and a blue and white bouquet on a lakeside path.
A bride in a flowing off-shoulder wedding gown poses with a blue and white bouquet on an outdoor terrace at dusk.
Wedding party in sage green bridesmaid dresses and white wedding gown holding floral bouquets at twilight.
Bride in white gown stands with four bridesmaids wearing matching sage green dresses holding lantern bouquets.
Five people in matching brown suits and black bow ties pose together at a formal event.
A group of five groomsmen stand together wearing matching grey and black tuxedos with mint green accessories.
Black and white photo of couple sharing an intimate moment on balcony at their wedding.
A couple in wedding attire walk together on a lit pathway during evening hours.
A romantic evening wedding portrait with a bouquet of blue and white flowers against a garden backdrop.
Newlywed couple shares an intimate moment on a balcony at dusk while bride holds a blue and white floral bouquet.
A couple shares a romantic moment in black and white photography on their wedding day.
Intimate black and white portrait of newlyweds sharing a romantic moment under an arched structure.
A romantic black and white portrait of a newlywed couple embracing during their nighttime wedding celebration.
Couple poses in formal wedding attire at night under an archway with twinkling lights in the background.
A romantic black and white nighttime portrait of newlyweds embracing on a balcony with city lights in background.
A romantic wedding photo shows a couple in an intimate embrace, with the bride wearing a flowing white gown and long veil.
A romantic silhouette of a couple standing in an archway at night with twinkling city lights in the background.
A vintage-style wedding portrait of a couple standing on stairs with the bride holding a floral bouquet.
A romantic wedding couple shares an intimate kiss on a staircase with soft lighting and a floral bouquet.
Romantic black and white portrait of newlyweds embracing on stairs with a soft dreamy effect.
Happy couple share a joyful moment on stairs at their wedding, bride in white gown holding blue bouquet, groom in tuxedo.
A bride and groom share a joyful moment together on a staircase during their wedding day.
A black and white wedding photo showing a couple on outdoor steps, with the bride in a flowing white dress.
A couple in wedding attire stand together on a dramatic black staircase with metal railings.
Elegant bride and groom share an intimate moment on modern stairs with dramatic lighting.
A couple in wedding attire share a romantic kiss on a grand modern staircase with dramatic lighting and white handrails.
Newlyweds share a playful moment while dining at a reception with string lights and food platters.
Wedding couple laughs together at their reception dinner surrounded by twinkle lights and floral decor.
A gourmet pizza with white sauce in a takeout box surrounded by wedding decorations.
A couple in formal wedding attire cuts their white wedding cake together in front of a colorful aquatic-themed mural.
A newlywed couple cuts into their elegant three-tier chocolate wedding cake adorned with fresh strawberries.
Black and white wedding photo of a couple outdoors, with the bride wearing an off-shoulder dress and groom in a tuxedo.
A bride in a flowing white dress and groom in black suit walk away from camera in romantic black and white photo.
A black and white romantic moment captured of a couple embracing on a balcony with railing silhouettes.
A romantic first kiss between newlyweds with the bride in an off-shoulder wedding dress and groom in black tuxedo.
A black and white wedding photograph showing a couple sharing an intimate moment by a window at night.
Newlyweds share a romantic kiss in front of an ethereal aquarium tank filled with swimming fish and blue lighting.
A couple shares their first dance in front of a large aquarium tank with blue lighting.
A couple in wedding attire stands together at a scenic overlook framed by tall trees and autumn foliage.
Bride in off-shoulder dress and groom in black suit share romantic moment in natural setting.
Elegant wedding couple stands on a wooden deck overlooking a misty natural backdrop.
Black and white photo captures newlyweds kissing during intimate woodland wedding portrait session.
Black and white photo of a bride in a flowing white gown with long train standing next to a groom in formal attire.
Front entrance of Tennessee Aquarium building with distinctive striped architecture and glass roof.
An elegant wedding reception venue with white draping and blue aquarium walls creating ambient lighting.
A modern wedding reception space featuring a large aquarium tank with white draping and hanging lights.
White tiered wedding cake decorated with miniature green dinosaur cake toppers and colorful floral designs on the sides.
A two-tier chocolate drip wedding cake decorated with chocolate-covered strawberries and ganache.
Wedding decor detail showing a labeled Plotts shadow box frame next to woven basket.
Two glowing LED pillar candles in a rustic lantern display with decorative moss and small mushroom accents.
Stacked wooden boxes containing chocolate brownies with 'Thank You' written on them displayed against a green background.
Wedding rings displayed in gold geometric terrarium with moss, alongside purple and mauve roses and baby's breath bouquet.
A geometric glass wedding ring box displayed with dried flowers in navy and blush tones.
A wedding reception head table decorated with lights and featuring an aquarium display with blue lighting in the background.
An elegant reception venue with white draped fabric ceiling, string lights, round tables, and white folding chairs.
Wedding cake flavor card displays 'Wedding White Cake with Vanilla Buttercream' on a white tablecloth.
Colorful tropical fish swimming among aquatic plants in a vibrant blue aquarium display.
A spotted turtle with brown and yellow shell markings crawls across muddy ground in natural habitat.