New Year's Eve Wedding - The Clausels

Kyra and Wayne said their I Dos on December 31st, 2024, and celebrated the New Year, ringing in married with their friends and family. They got to start off their married life telling everyone they met, "Oh yeah, we got married last year," which is my kind of humor.

I met Kyra for the first time at the Chattanooga Bridal Expo, or as it is now called, Bliss Bridal Show + Expo. Kyra was so sweet and kind, and when she was telling me about her wedding day and what she dreamed for it to be, I knew instantly I was very interested.

In the fall, I did Kyra and Wayne's engagement photos. I always love to get to know the couple before their big day. It helps us to become comfortable with one another, and so the couple can get used to a camera being in their face all day.

Kyra and her girls got ready at an Airbnb. This place was beautiful and massive.

After getting ready portraits, we headed over to a downtown area where we took some wedding party portraits. Almost the whole day was inside; it was quite a cold December, and they had many interesting indoor places in mind that they wanted to take photos. After the ladies were done, it was the guys' turn. I always try to get the guys' pictures done efficiently and quickly. Most often, it is not the part of the wedding day they are looking forward to, and I want the groom to be able to celebrate how he wishes to.

The next stop was the ceremony. They got married in a large church that was lit by low, moody light after the sun went down. The ceremony was beautiful, and Kyra and Wayne really shined during their ceremony.

After their ceremony, they did a sparkler exit out of the church. Their reception was not going to end until late in the evening, so they wanted to do their "exit" early. During the ceremony, Kyra wore her gloves and put her engagement ring and wedding band on top. During the exit, the wedding band slipped off Kyra's finger! Thankfully, though, with the help of the guests, they were able to find the ring.

We headed off for some full-flash, no-light portraits of the wedding party and the couple, visiting many different spots for these photos—downtown, another indoor location, and back to the Airbnb.

Their reception started off with a bang with the greatest disco ball, champagne pop, and tower entrance I have ever seen! Their reception was great. Their friends gave great speeches, the first dance and mother/father dances were spectacular, their cake had bride and groom dinosaurs on top, and there was TONS of food! It was truly spectacular.

Thank you to Kyra and Wayne for having me capture your special day!

I’m Hayley, the heart behind Hayley Phillips Photography — based in Chattanooga, TN, and serving couples and families across Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Smoky Mountains. I believe the little moments matter just as much as the big ones. Whether you’re planning a wedding, welcoming a baby, celebrating senior year, or simply capturing this season with your family, I’m here to tell your story honestly and beautifully. Let’s create something meaningful together! hayleyphillipsphotography.com