An Intimate Wedding at The Arboretum in Murray, Kentucky



Some weddings are filled with elaborate timelines, packed dance floors, and hundreds of guests. Others are intentionally simple, centered around the people who matter most.


Nikki and Corey Underhill chose the latter for their intimate wedding at The Arboretum in Murray, Kentucky. Surrounded by a small group of their closest family and friends, they exchanged vows on a hill overlooking the pond before heading into town for dinner and cake.


It was a beautiful reminder that a wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful.


Two delicate cream-colored roses in bloom surrounded by dark green leaves in a moody garden setting.
White yard sign on green grass reserving a hill for a special event from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM on 10/3.
Tranquil pond reflecting lush green trees on a calm autumn day in a serene park setting.
A rustic stone waterfall flows into a serene garden pond surrounded by autumn leaves and wooden fence.

A Small Wedding Ceremony Overlooking the Pond



The Arboretum provided a lovely outdoor setting for Nikki and Corey’s ceremony. Their guests gathered on a small hill near the pond, creating an intimate atmosphere without the need for elaborate decorations or a traditional wedding venue.


Nikki wore an emerald green velvet dress, bringing a beautiful touch of rich color to the day.


As the couple exchanged vows, their family and friends watched from just a few steps away. Some recorded the ceremony on their phones, while others watched with tears in their eyes.


Those little reactions are some of my favorite things to photograph during intimate weddings. When the guest list is small, every person there has a meaningful connection to the couple, and those emotions become such an important part of the story.

A groom in a navy suit holds hands with a bride in a green velvet dress during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Bride hugging a guest in a green velvet jacket at an outdoor wedding near a pond.
Group of people bowing heads in prayer outdoors at a garden event, some holding phones.
Children and adults enjoying a peaceful park with lush green trees and a winding pathway at dusk.
A couple shares a heartfelt hug in a lush garden setting, with a serene pond and trees in the background.
A man in a navy suit bends down toward a smiling young boy in a white shirt and tie at an outdoor wedding.
A group of people standing in a line outdoors at a garden wedding ceremony, bowing their heads in prayer.
Groom placing wedding ring on bride's finger during outdoor ceremony, bride holding colorful autumn bouquet.
Two groomsmen in suits conversing outdoors near a wooden arbor and stone pillar at a wedding venue.
Three adults outdoors, woman in orange floral dress taking selfie with phone, bald man in sunglasses behind her.
Young woman with long brown hair and glasses wiping tears at an outdoor event.
A couple shares a romantic kiss outdoors, man in navy suit and woman in emerald velvet dress, under a dramatic cloudy sky.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with groom in purple tie, officiant in teal, and guests gathered in garden.
A groom in a blue suit holds hands with a bride in a green velvet dress during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Elderly woman in blue dress shares warm embrace with groom in navy suit during outdoor wedding celebration.
Couple in green velvet dress and blue suit hold bouquet during outdoor wedding ceremony with officiant.
Couple walking hand in hand on green lawn, woman in emerald velvet gown and man in navy suit, viewed from behind.
A couple embraces outdoors, woman in green velvet dress, man in navy suit with red beard, on a grassy path.
Black and white photo of a hand with dark nails and rings resting on a suit jacket chest pocket.

Family Portraits and a Few Moments Together



Following the ceremony, we spent some time photographing Nikki and Corey with their family and friends.


With such a small gathering, there was no need for an extensive portrait timeline. We were able to capture the people who came to celebrate with them, along with a few photographs of the newlyweds together at The Arboretum.


One of the things I appreciate about smaller weddings is the flexibility they offer. There’s room to focus on the moments that matter without feeling like every minute needs to be filled with another activity.

Four women pose together outdoors on a pathway, one in a green velvet gown holding a bouquet, at a wedding celebration.
Family of three posing on green lawn, parents flanking young boy in navy suit, trees and cloudy sky background.
Five men smiling outdoors on a sunny day, standing together on a pathway surrounded by green trees and grass.

Dinner and Cake at The Keg in Murray, Kentucky



After their ceremony and portraits, everyone headed to The Keg in Murray, Kentucky, to continue the celebration over dinner.


Rather than hosting a traditional reception, Nikki and Corey kept things relaxed with a meal surrounded by their closest people.


We captured a few additional details, including their wedding rings, before photographing the couple cutting their cake.


Their cake was created by For Goodness Cakes in Murphysboro, Illinois, adding a sweet finishing touch to their celebration.


Diamond engagement ring and gold wedding band displayed in an open blue velvet ring box on a rustic wooden surface.
Bride in green velvet dress and groom in navy suit cutting white wedding cake at reception venue.
Women socializing at a rustic bar, sharing drinks and conversation in a lively indoor setting.
Young flower girl with curly red hair and green bow stands near wedding cake at rustic reception.
Couple cutting white wedding cake at indoor reception, groom in navy suit, bride in emerald green velvet dress.
White wedding cake with floral decor and Mr. & Mrs. Underhill cake topper displayed on a wooden table.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss at a wedding reception, man in blue suit and woman in green velvet dress.
Two-tier white wedding cake with floral accents on a table with a "Cheers to The Underhills" runner.
Elegant wedding invitation on lace doily with Corey and Nikki names in white script on clear acrylic.
Two-tier white textured wedding cake with floral decorations and Mr. & Mrs. Underhill cake topper.
Personalized C and N cufflinks on The Underhills wedding napkin dated 10-03-26.
Vibrant autumn wedding bouquet with orange zinnias, green dahlias, and eucalyptus in a glass vase.
A stunning emerald-cut diamond solitaire engagement ring resting on a lace veil beside a black wedding band.
Close-up of a green zinnia flower with red center surrounded by orange and yellow blooms in a vibrant floral arrangement.
Groom with red beard in blue suit feeds cake to bride in green velvet dress at wedding reception.

A Wedding That Felt Like Them



What stood out about Nikki and Corey’s wedding wasn’t an elaborate venue setup or a long list of traditions. It was how intentionally simple everything felt.


A small ceremony overlooking the water. Family and friends close enough to see every expression. A few portraits together. Dinner and cake to finish the evening.


There is something genuinely special about couples choosing a wedding day that reflects what they actually want.


And sometimes, that looks like an emerald green dress, a hillside ceremony, and the people who have been part of your story all along.


Planning an Intimate Wedding in Kentucky, Missouri, or Southern Illinois?


Whether you’re planning a small outdoor ceremony, a micro wedding, or a full wedding celebration, your photographs should reflect the moments and people that make your day yours.


I’m Tatam, the photographer behind Tatam Jordan Photography, documenting weddings throughout the St. Louis area, Southern Illinois, Kentucky, and beyond.


If you’re planning an intimate wedding and want photographs that feel natural, meaningful, and true to your day, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.