09/10/2026
Meet Tennessee Rick and Patty from Cincinnati . 💛
Today Jen spent a joy-filled day around the Knoxville area with two of the most delightful humans you could ever meet. (Well, these two plus members of Professional Photographers of East Tennessee to “reflect” on photography)
Their story reads like a great one. A completely "by chance" meeting, an evening of chatting, and Tennessee thinking that if he didn't ask Patty out, he might never see her again. She said yes. They married a year later, and now they're celebrating 36 years together (which Tennessee says feels like a finger snap). And yes, "Tennessee Rick" is his real, legal first name, gifted by the best mom in the world who promised folks would remember him.
She was right. He's the jokester of the pair, Patty is the retired nurse who now paints, plays guitar, and loves to travel, and yes, they own a square foot of land in Scotland, so technically we photographed a Laird and a Lady. They cherish the little things too: morning coffee, weekly date nights, and memories of T.O. the Wonder Dog. To possess just a fraction of the joy they share would be enough to last 36 lifetimes. Together, they are joy wrapped in a hug wrapped in happiness (with a butt squeeze or two in there). We couldn't keep the smiles off our faces as these two were in front of the camera.
Here's the beautiful truth Tennessee reminded us of: photographs become gifts we give our future selves. The little moments become the big ones, and one day we look back grateful they were captured.
Major thank you to Professional Photographers of East Tennessee for hosting Jen today to “reflect” on storytelling and couples and lighting and all things wonderful in this world. Go show these two some love in the comments and help us celebrate Tennessee Rick and Patty! 🎉