There are so many things that I would love to blog about this wedding! Adam and Katelyn began dating during their time at Georgia Tech, and because of them and another great couple (Kelsey and Bryce Dykes) I have a new appreciation for Tech even as a graduate from rival school UGA. Katelyn's mom had contacted me before the wedding to let me know about the significance of the flowers that would be used in the wedding and how a quarterly publication, Flower Magazine, would be doing a special feature about it. Katelyn's grandmother is a rosarian (someone who grows roses) and has been for years. She even has grown a specific type of rose named after Katelyn. Of course when it came time for Adam and Katelyn's wedding it made sense to use these special roses for the flowers, but it's rare to find a florist who would be open to using roses from family gardens. It turns out that Katelyn's grandmother has been friends with famous gardener Ryan Gainey (internationally known for his design of gardens) and Ryan was willing to make the arrangements and bouquets for the wedding using the special roses. This story will be featured (along with photos!) in the summer 2013 issue of Flower Magazine, and will be written by Ryan Gainey himself! It was so special to see Katelyn with her grandmother and mother, holding the flowers that were so carefully grown and tended to by her grandmother. I love it when the details of a wedding have sentimental value because it just makes it that much more special. Adam and Katelyn (and the whole bridal party) were such good sports during outside pictures in the 100+ degree heat, and the groomsmen were even wanting to play around on the playground at Perimeter church in their ties and jackets! Another fun bit of information about the wedding was the band that played at the reception. Katelyn apparently used to babysit for one of the lead singer's children, and when it came time for wedding planning they got in touch with him about music. He then brought a bunch of talented musicians together to be the official band at the wedding- and they were INCREDIBLY talented. My second shooter friend, the talented Kathryn Torbett, saw one of the band members and turned to me saying, "That is one of the characters on the TBS show, House of Payne!!!!" She had to verify it, so we made our way up front and she was right! Of course I got a picture of her and Palmer Williams, Jr. and we were pretty excited:) The band was really talented, and I was even more impressed when the electric guitarist came out into the dance floor and wailed. Needless to say the reception was a blast for the guests (and for us:), from the famous people to the awesome officer who broke it down on the dance floor, taking off his military jacket and wearing a US Flag dress shirt. I LOVED it. I should have known that the reception would be fun when Katelyn and the bridesmaids were dancing up a storm in the bridal room only minutes before she walked down the aisle. Such a great wedding- I'm so thankful I got to be a part of it!! Best wishes Adam and Katelyn! PS- check out the picture of Adam and Katelyn's mothers' shoes. They both wore amazing sparkle sass shoes- love love.
LEAH! I had to include a picture of you in the blog post! It's a tradition now:)! Oh, and above is Palmer Williams, House of Payne actor!
Mr. + Mrs. McNaron//John's Creek Wedding
I have been wanting to blog about this wedding but had some gliches (i.e. my macbook freezing up and now being repaired! ahh!! but all pictures are safe on external harddrives). I love this couple. Lauren and Alan have been dating since they were in high school (earlier even?) and finally they are husband and wife. I've said before but I'm a huge fan of high school sweethearts because my parents have been together since 9th grade (and actually were voted "most motherly and fatherly" for their senior superlatives!). I think the time they have waited for marriage made this day all the more sweet. I was actually talking to one of Lauren's bridesmaids (either Katie or Callie) about another photographer who blogs a top 5 from the wedding, and I thought I needed to try it out for Lauren and Alan's wedding. So here's a top 5:
#5: The details of the wedding- from the flowers (which Alan's supertalented mom did- she owns Holland Daze Expressions in Bloom in John's Creek) to the shoes Lauren wore (her mother's wedding shoes). Alan let his groomsmen choose ties that they liked to wear, so each guy had a different tie. Oh, and the cake. It was perfection (see picture).
#4: The dancing at the reception- it was incredible. I want to especially note how awesome Lauren's mom was at doing the wop (you were amazing!)
#3:How much Lauren laughs and how happy pictures of her are (I should do a whole series of pictures of Lauren happy and laughing, with her sisters, friends, Alan, by herself!)
#2: The grandmothers photobooth pictures. Wait until you see it- these grandmas are my inspiration. Part of the reason I love these pictures is because they are wearing nose and glasses, which is what my grandma made us wear for pictures growing up. She died at the young age of 64, and what I wouldn't do to have a picture of her on my wall in nose and glasses. I hope to not age and become a grumpy old lady but to be sillier than ever and full of love. just a thought.
#1: The moment when Alan (blindfolded) prayed with Lauren before the ceremony. They held hands and prayed while I took some pictures of them (I know, way to ruin the moment). Let's just say that I was definitely crying as I heard the words they spoke to each other and God. It was a prayer begging God that they would cherish each other, serve each other, love each other to the end. It made me want to go home and love my husband better. You guys have an incredible love for each other and it made my whole day. Number 1 for sure.
The picture above of is of Alan and Lauren leaving the sanctuary... and me excited! I've never actually seen what I look like when the bride and groom walk down the aisle, but thanks to my talented second shooter Christina Schuman I have a picture of me clearly happy. And check out my crazy alien flash attachment (Gary Fong light diffuser). Thanks 'tina for the crazy shot.
