Elisabeth + Patrick

These two met in New York City, but both have roots down South so it makes sense they married in Elisabeth's home town.  And it was an incredibly beautiful wedding! I loved getting to see these two laugh and have fun with each other, while also having sweet moments that showed their love and devotion.  Here's a little preview of their big day...

Elisabeth looked like the perfect bride and is so photogenic that its impossible to take a bad photo of her! Special thanks to Kristen White Imagery for being an amazing makeup artist and her team for making everyone look pretty fab.  

One thing that has really hit me after photographing weddings for 7 years is the importance of the bride and groom's parents.  It stands out to me because they are the people there who have loved these two special people the longest, have stood by them over the long haul, and who are the people that remain the key players throughout the rest of their lives.  So here's a tribute to the special parents who make weddings possible and for these two couples whose love was so apparent for the couple.

The wedding reception at Athens Cotton Warehouse was INCREDIBLE.  Bethany at Epting Events did an amazing job bringing Elisabeth's vision to life and the venue was magical with candles and hanging lights.  I especially loved the praline bar and donut wedding cake... 

This reception was full of dancing- it was rare to not have the dance floor completely covered.  I loved getting to see everyone have fun, but the best was when Elisabeth and Patrick joined the band on stage for "Shout," and then were surprised by Elisabeth's dad coming on stage showing his moves!  I'm so glad I get to capture moments like these because I hope these photos will bring them back to a really special memory.

Congratulations to this beautiful and lively couple- and thanks so much for letting me document the celebration!! And special thanks to all the wedding vendors who contributed to the beauty of this day, including my second photographer extraordinaire- Latetia of June Bird Photography !

Henry + Mandy

These two.  I had the privilege of photographing Henry and Mandy's wedding near Fort Worth, Texas at an amazing country church (The Brooks at Weatherford).  I had tears in my eyes for most of the wedding because of their deep joy in each other and in God.  Mandy is a talented artist (see her work here) so each detail was carefully thought through and beautifully made.  

Henry's expression when he first saw Mandy for the first look goes down in my books as one of the most priceless moments I've ever captured.  They truly delighted in each other.

The wedding day was mostly cloudy until the ceremony, and it was incredible how the light broke through at that exact time.  The sun came out and shined exclusively on the alter at the front, spotlighting this covenant making ceremony.  I've really never seen anything like it.

One of my other favorite moments in a wedding is when the bride and groom see family and friends after the ceremony.  It's the hugs from parents that are filled with such joy and a sense of "well done, my son" that speaks from the embrace.  

I took so many photos and could fill the whole internet with shots from this amazing day, but I had to just choose a few to share on the blog.  I chose the mixture of sweetness and intimacy with fun and heartfelt expression to give just a taste of this amazing wedding.  So thankful for these two and the gift it was to me and Mattie (bestie and second shooter who turns out to be a talented photographer as well as designer!!!) to be a part of it.  Much love!!!

My friend Jess and her California Wedding

My friend Jessica and I met in middle school, nearly 20 years ago.  We were on the same cheerleading squad, and shared the same group of friends that continued through high school, college, and now.  Her house was the THE place we all congregated on weekends, with so many memories there from awkward middle school days to graduation parties, and everything in between.  My love for bagel bites comes from her kitchen at 1am, and every relationship has part of its story at her house.  Friendships like this are more like family, and I can honestly say I have never felt happier for this sister-friend than her wedding day.  Jessica was so absolutely calm and at peace and so incredibly happy to be marrying Richard.  It was fitting that they chose to get married in a place of warmth and beautiful light and gorgeous scenery, where Jessica's family is from.  When Jessica called me to tell me about her wedding in Newport Beach, California and asked me about photographing it, I was beyond excited.  

Everyone flew out to California a few days early to enjoy the Southern California beach, eating good food and spending quality time with family and friends.  There was so much to photograph there, so many things uncommon to the east coast.  At least uncommon to me:) Getting this shot of Richard and Jessica with the policeman on the beach on horseback was something you don't see here.  Below is a picture of me and Jess and friends who made it all the way from Georgia to be with Jessica on her big day.  These ladies epitomize loyalty in friendship and would do anything to be there for anyone, and have shown that over the 20+ years of friendship.  Love you guys lots and lots.

I went with Jessica while she got her hair and makeup done, and how sweet is this: Lolo (Jessica' mom, Lorraine who is also like family to me and helped raise me!) paid for me to get my hair did, too! This was my first ever getting my hair done with the bride (what photographer gets to do that?!) and I felt so special that Lorraine did that for me.  She and Mike always make Jessica's friends feel like family and I felt so loved by them.  

The boat that Richard and Jessica got married on was a 1929 classic wooden boat that reminded me of something you would see pictures of JFK on.  It was awesome.  We all got to see the sunset and then enjoy a super fun reception, complete with Richard doing some killer karaoke.  I'm so happy for these two and grateful I got to see Jess get married to this man who absolutely loves her and honors her, and to see a happiness in her that is unmatched.  Love you guys and I'm so glad I got to be there for this!!