A couple walks hand in hand on a sidewalk in front of a tall, plain white wall with two vertically aligned windows for destination engagement photos

Engagements

McKenna and Michael’s Destination Engagement Photos in Franklin, Tennessee

The owner & lead photographer here at Aly Matei Photography. I proudly serve outgoing couples who value lively & emotive experiences.

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This weekend in Tennessee was such a fun one! I flew out to Franklin to meet up with McKenna & Michael (and their amazing planner, SB Moore & Co) for a weekend full of planning, venue walkthroughs, and of course their destination engagement photos! Being part of the behind-the-scenes planning made this feel so much more than a typical shoot. I got to tag along, see Ravenswood Mansion in person, and photograph their session while getting the inside scoop on their wedding day vision. Such a dream!

We explored downtown Franklin and a nearby park, and honestly? I left obsessed! Not just with these two (though they made my job SO easy), but with Tennessee itself. Franklin has the cutest historic charm, and everywhere we turned was another perfect backdrop.

A couple shares a kiss on a sidewalk beneath a vintage theatre marquee on a quiet street.

McKenna and Michael’s Destination Engagement Photos in Franklin, Tennessee

We started the shoot downtown, right outside the iconic Franklin Theatre, which had their names and wedding date up on the marquee! They dressed up for this part, McKenna wore the sweetest textured mini dress, and Michael looked so sharp in his navy suit. These two just have this calm, sweet chemistry that feels so natural to be around, and it made the city feel even more special. Watching them laugh and sneak kisses under the bright lights was such a core memory.

A couple walks hand in hand on a sidewalk in front of a tall, plain white wall with two vertically aligned windows for destination engagement photos
A couple walks hand in hand on a sidewalk in front of a tall, plain white wall with two vertically aligned windows for destination engagement photos

After we wrapped up downtown, we headed to a nearby park where things got a little more laid-back. McKenna wore a breezy white dress, and it photographed beautifully with all the green around them. These destination engagement photos had such a peaceful, nostalgic vibe and the kind of warmth that makes you smile without even realizing it.

A couple holding hands walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple holding hands walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple holding hands walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos

The Best of Both Worlds

One of my favorite parts of shooting destination engagement photos is getting to capture all sides of a couple! Elevated and editorial downtown moments and cozy, romantic portraits in nature. McKenna & Michael’s session in Franklin gave us both. And being able to join them for wedding planning that weekend added such a personal touch to the experience!

Their wedding at Ravenswood Mansion next summer is going to be so good! This trip was the perfect preview.

Planning your Destination Wedding or Engagement Photos? Book me as Your Destination Engagement Photographer!

Let’s make your destination engagement photos feel like you. Whether it’s Tennessee, the beach, the mountains, or your favorite city! I’m always down to travel! Reach out here and let’s start planning your dream shoot.

A couple stands smiling in front of the Franklin Theatre marquee, which displays "MCKENNA AND MICHAEL for their destination engagement photos
A couple stands smiling in front of the Franklin Theatre marquee, which displays "MCKENNA AND MICHAEL for their destination engagement photos
A couple walks arm-in-arm on a sidewalk beneath a vintage theatre marquee on a sunny day for their destination engagement photos
A couple walks arm-in-arm on a sidewalk beneath a vintage theatre marquee on a sunny day for their destination engagement photos
A couple walks arm-in-arm on a sidewalk beneath a vintage theatre marquee on a sunny day for their destination engagement photos
A couple walks arm-in-arm on a sidewalk beneath a vintage theatre marquee on a sunny day for their destination engagement photos
A couple walks arm-in-arm on a sidewalk beneath a vintage theatre marquee on a sunny day for their destination engagement photos
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a white dress hold hands while walking outside on a paved street, with trees and buildings in the background.
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a white dress hold hands while walking outside on a paved street, with trees and buildings in the background.
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a white dress hold hands while walking outside on a paved street, with trees and buildings in the background.
A couple walks hand in hand on a sidewalk in front of a tall, plain white wall with two vertically aligned windows for destination engagement photos
A couple walks hand in hand on a sidewalk in front of a tall, plain white wall with two vertically aligned windows for destination engagement photos
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a white dress hold hands while walking outside on a paved street, with trees and buildings in the background.
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a white dress hold hands while walking outside on a paved street, with trees and buildings in the background.
A woman in a white dress links arms with a man in a blue suit as they stand outdoors, looking at each other and smiling in the sunlight.
A woman in a white dress links arms with a man in a blue suit as they stand outdoors, looking at each other and smiling in the sunlight.
A woman in a white dress links arms with a man in a blue suit as they stand outdoors, looking at each other and smiling in the sunlight.
A woman in a white dress links arms with a man in a blue suit as they stand outdoors, looking at each other and smiling in the sunlight.
A woman in a white dress links arms with a man in a blue suit as they stand outdoors, looking at each other and smiling in the sunlight.
A woman in a white dress links arms with a man in a blue suit as they stand outdoors, looking at each other and smiling in the sunlight.
A woman in a white dress links arms with a man in a blue suit as they stand outdoors, looking at each other and smiling in the sunlight.
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a white dress hold hands while walking outside on a paved street, with trees and buildings in the background.
A woman in a white dress links arms with a man in a blue suit as they stand outdoors, looking at each other and smiling in the sunlight.
A couple sits on outdoor stone steps surrounded by flowers, sharing a kiss. The man wears a blue suit, and the woman is dressed in white. Buildings and greenery are in the background.
A couple sits on outdoor stone steps surrounded by flowers, sharing a kiss. The man wears a blue suit, and the woman is dressed in white. Buildings and greenery are in the background.
A couple sits on outdoor stone steps surrounded by flowers, sharing a kiss. The man wears a blue suit, and the woman is dressed in white. Buildings and greenery are in the background.
A couple sits on outdoor stone steps surrounded by flowers, sharing a kiss. The man wears a blue suit, and the woman is dressed in white. Buildings and greenery are in the background.
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a white dress hold hands while walking outside on a paved street, with trees and buildings in the background.
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky
A couple holding hands walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky for destination engagement photos
A couple walks across a grassy field with a large tree and distant hills in the background under a bright, overcast sky

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My philosophy is simple: your wedding day was meant to be EXPERIENCED and not just posing in front of a strangers camera the entire day. I want to capture the must-have portraits and document you truly loving every moment of your wedding day.

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