There are weddings, and then there are weddings where you bury a smoked sausage in the ground for good weather — and it actually works. Welcome to Kali and Braydon’s one-of-a-kind, joy-filled celebration at the stunning Cielito Lindo cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee. This day was magic, full of sunshine, laughter, espresso martini brownies, and vows that could’ve been written by the same person (spoiler: they weren’t, they’re just that in sync).
As a wedding and elopement photographer based in both Knoxville, Tennessee and Minneapolis, Minnesota, I’ve seen a lot of incredible love stories — but this one? This one had Grand Teton-level romance, a playlist crafted with love, and a Smoky Mountain backdrop that stole the show.
Let’s get into the magic of their day.
The Story That Almost Didn’t Happen (Thanks, Flight Cancellations)
Kali and Braydon’s love story kicked off with a little help from the universe (and maybe Bumble). Kali was supposed to be in New Orleans, but her flight got canceled. Meanwhile, Braydon, who lived in Tulsa, was visiting family in Chicago. The stars aligned — or at least the Wi-Fi did — and they matched.
They spent six months talking nonstop, texting and FaceTiming until their conversations stitched into something undeniably real. By the time they finally met in person, it was already game over. Soulmates locked in.
A Proposal in a Snow Globe
Braydon popped the question in the most cinematic way possible — in the middle of a snow-dusted road in Grand Teton National Park. They’d set out early in Jackson Hole to catch the sunrise, but Braydon’s original proposal spot was buried under waist-deep snow. So they just drove, following instinct (and maybe a little fate), until they found the spot.
The world went quiet. Snow started to fall gently, like a movie scene. Kali stepped out of the car, the stillness wrapped around them, and time seemed to stop. That’s when Braydon got down on one knee. Cue the tears.
Cielito Lindo: The Perfect Smoky Mountain Spot
Kali and Braydon chose the beautiful Cielito Lindo cabin in Sevierville, TN, for their intimate wedding — and let me just say, it did not disappoint. Perched high above the Smokies, this rental cabin doubles as a cozy getaway and an incredible wedding venue with panoramic mountain views and plenty of space for celebrating with loved ones.
Seriously, this place is chef’s kiss for couples dreaming of a scenic, small wedding without sacrificing personality or views. Bonus: You can stay the night with your wedding crew afterward and soak in the hot tub with a glass of wine and a heart full of happy.
Sunset Colors, Smoky Mountains, and… a Buried Sausage?
Kali envisioned a wedding full of fun, love, and vibrant energy. Enter: a sunset-themed palette with yellows, bright pinks, and oranges that gave the whole day a glowy, golden-hour vibe.
As for the DIY? These two and their families did it all. Kali and her mom handled all the decor and floral arrangements (except for her bouquet and Braydon’s boutonnière, which came from Cupid’s Petals). Her mom and mother-in-law tag-teamed the desserts, and Kali herself was the day’s playlist maestro.
One particularly legendary DIY moment? Kali and her sisters buried a smoked sausage the night before the wedding — an old wives’ tale to guarantee good weather. Guess what? Blue skies and sunshine, baby. We’re believers now.
Portraits at Foothills Parkway — AKA the Wind Tunnel of Love
Before the ceremony, we snuck away to Foothills Parkway for some off-site portraits. And let me tell you… it was WINDY. Like, hold-your-veil-or-it’s-gone-to-the-next-county windy. But honestly? It made for some dramatic, romantic, wind-in-the-hair, Titanic-on-the-bow-of-the-ship level magic.
We laughed. We leaned into the chaos. We created some seriously swoon-worthy photos with the mountains behind them and love written all over their faces.
The Ceremony That Had Everyone Crying and Laughing
Let’s talk vows. Their ceremony took place on Cielito Lindo’s epic wooden deck, framed by mountain peaks and the stunning A-frame altar they decorated with sunset florals. As Kali and Braydon read their vows, everyone realized something funny — they’d unknowingly written near-identical words and even made the same joke in different ways. It was a clear we-get-each-other-on-a-cosmic-level moment.
No dry eyes. Lots of laughs. 11/10 ceremony.
The Gown, the Cake, and the Espresso Martini Brownies
Kali wore her mom’s wedding dress (cue the collective “awwww”) and looked like an absolute queen. Cristina, a close friend, styled her hair to perfection. Braydon designed their koozie favors (graphic design = husband material), and their cake? A simple one-tier vanilla cake from Publix — and it slapped. They even saved a slice in their freezer for the one-year mark. Iconic.
But the dessert MVPs were definitely the espresso martini brownies Kali and her sister whipped up. A nod to the couple’s favorite cocktail and a crowd favorite.
First Dance Feels
Their first dance was to “Work Song” by Hozier — moody, romantic, and so them. With the soft light of the evening stretching across the mountains and their friends and family watching with full hearts, the moment felt straight out of a dream.
In Kali’s Words: “Magical.”
When asked to describe their wedding day in one word, Kali simply said: “Magical.” And that’s exactly what it was.
Everything — from the emotional vows to the sausage magic to the espresso brownie shots — was layered with intention, love, and joy. It was personal in the best possible way, full of thoughtful touches, a little chaos, and a whole lot of heart.
A Little Advice From the Bride Herself
Kali’s advice to future brides? “RELAX. The only thing you can control is your own attitude. Remember what you’re really there for, and the rest will fade away.”
Mic. Drop.
Planning your own mountain wedding? Whether you’re tying the knot in Sevierville, TN, or eloping in the windswept wilds of Foothills Parkway, I’m here to make sure your day is captured beautifully — wind gusts, buried sausages, and all.
Let’s create some magic together.
📸 willowandrove.com
[📍 Knoxville, TN + Minneapolis, MN]
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