What I loved best about Mike and Brianna's wedding was the way Mike looked at Brianna the whole day. He had such a sincere love and adoration for her and it was completely evident in all the glances I caught him making towards her. Lots of people say they love watching the groom when the bride walks down the aisle, and yet for Mike it wasn't just when Brianna walked down the aisle but every time he looked at her. My job is to take people's pictures, but it is so much more than that to me. I get to be a part of some of the most special moments a couple has (granted I'm a 3rd wheel but I'm okay with that), and get to experience it in a unique way. This couple was lovely in every way, and to quote Mike's sister at the reception, "they will make beautiful ginger babies together:)" The country club where they got married was elegant and the details of the day were such a reflection of them, from the medicine bottles filled with candy for the guests (since Brianna is now a pharmacist- Dr. Brianna!) to the UGA groom's cake accompanied by Mike calling out the Dawgs during the reception. I loved being a part of it and was grateful for my 2nd shooter, Christina Schuman, for helping me out with their big day. Brianna, you were a stunning bride and I hope that these pictures show even a part of that. Thanks for asking me to be a part of it and best wishes in Virgina!
Erin + Mitch//Athens Wedding
There is so much that I loved about Erin and Mitch's wedding day. When I took Erin and Mitch's engagement pictures I found out that they are both avid runners, i.e. the kind that qualify for the Boston Marathon type runners. The morning of their wedding day they both ran with friends, and Erin was even featured on the online athens website in her running gear and veil in her hair!! love it (see her bridesmaid Sue and her here). Ironically a close friend and bridesmaid in MY wedding organized/hosted a 5k (called Miles For Major) that same morning to raise money for children who are in need of hearing aids... so I also a ran 5k that morning, too!!! Certainly slower than Mitch and Erin, though:) The day was beautiful, with the ceremony held at the UGA Chapel on North Campus and reception at the Botanical Gardens. The ceremony was officiated by a Rabbi and included both Jewish and Christian traditions. I loved seeing the Jewish tradition of the breaking of the glass by the groom, and it was even richer to hear the Rabbi explain the tradition. He explained how it represented that even in the most joyous occasions, the Jewish people remember the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and have joy mixed with mourning. It can be applied more broadly that our joy is tempered by the brokenness in the world, even in the marriage relationship. I just think that is so profound and true. I tend to like traditions and practices that are meaningful and accurate and deep, so the breaking of the glass seemed like one of the richest illustrations of life I've seen. As the groom breaks the glass, those around him shout "Mazel Tov!" (which means "congratulations!"). The other part of the ceremony that I just loved were the vows. Erin and Mitch both repeated the Rabbi in a quote from The Songs of Songs saying, "I am my beloved, and my beloved is mine." I love the simplicity and beauty of those words. So clearly I was tearing up during the ceremony!! After the ceremony during family portraits I got to meet some of Mitch's family friends, in particular one couple who had been married 60 YEARS and then I found out that Mitch's brother, Morris, was the ring bearer in their wedding 60 years ago! So of course I had to get a picture of them all together. The wedding reception was incredibly fun, with some out of this world dance moves from Mitch and the happiest faces I have ever seen from Erin. And I need to note how good the music was- I heard some awesome '90s hip hop that I have never heard at a wedding before. Made my day for sure. And Erin's mom was caught doing "The Wobble" on the dance floor. Last detail to mention- Erin and Mitch are major travelers so their reception had a map of all the places they've been and postcards for guests to write them a note. Mitch has a map on his wall at home where he throws darts to pick out the next spot to visit, and he's even been to Antarctica. So here's to Erin and Mitch who are now honeymooning on a small island off the coast in Africa-- a great big Mazel Tov!!
Erin and Mitch at the UGA Chapel Bell that fans ring for major celebrations (winning football games or GETTING MARRIED!)
this is Mitch's brother (center) who was a ring bearer in this couple's wedding 60 years ago! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Mr. + Mrs. Walker//Rome Wedding
Sonny and Morgan were married on the campus of Berry College near Rome, Georgia, which happens to be one of the most beautiful college campuses I've ever seen. Their wedding ceremony took place at the college chapel and the reception was at the Ford Dining Hall. When I heard the word "dining hall" I thought it might be like UGA's dining hall (you know, slushy machines, dining hall tables, fluorescent lighting, etc). But this "dining hall" looks like one of the buildings from Harry Potter- not so much a cafeteria but a castle. It was absolutely beautiful. But what was even better was getting to photograph all the special elements of Sonny and Morgan's day. Sonny had a necklace made for Morgan as a wedding gift for her to wear with her dress, and it was the diamond from her mother's engagement ring set in a necklace. Morgan's mom died when she was 4 years old, so having this diamond around her neck on her wedding day was really special. Sonny's wedding band was the band that his grandfather wore, and his father. The ring has been passed down through the generations, and on the inside of the ring you can see the date when his parents were married. Morgan's ring was her great grandmother's engagement ring. I have a personal affinity to wearing family jewelry because my engagement ring is my mother-in-law's ring, and we hope to give it to Ethan for his future wife (if and when that happens!). I love it when jewelry has significant meaning. I also loved it when Sonny and Morgan's minister took the time in the ceremony to share words other people said about the couple. The minister even talked about how Sonny and Morgan described each other. I thought about how it gave a really good picture of the true and authentic love they have for each other, and to hear that they were dearly loved by each other and their families. The icing on the cake for this wedding was the desserts. Sonny and Morgan had different desserts picked out based on family member favorites. Each dessert had a card next to it saying things like "Grandma's favorite chocolate cake" or the best man's top choice of dessert. I think it might have been the best dessert spread I've ever seen. Thanks so much Sonny and Morgan for including me on such a big day in your lives... you guys are salt of the earth kind of people and I'm grateful I got to spend time with you!
