Last year, I was just a girl with a dream. I wasn’t sure how 2010 would pan out, but I had goals. As I sifted through the weddings from this year and picked out my favorites, I became so grateful. It hit me all at once, the reminder that last year at this time, I had never shot a wedding of my own. I forgot about the frustrations of working out my system, learning how to do things and make it work for me. The feeling that I was never going to get it.

Probably the biggest take away from this year, is that photography forced me to really learn who I am. If I had no vision, no idea who I was, and afraid to be transparent and silly in front of people, how would they ever trust me? How would they open up so I could capture a truly emotional photograph? I was forced to recon with myself. To stop hiding in the shadows and to step out, fully confident. In a sea of so many other photographers, I had to figure out how to be different. I won’t pretend that I totally have this figured out yet, but I am leap years ahead of where I was last year…and setting goals for 2011.

Thank you for being with me on this journey. I really appreciate each person I have come to know this past year. The support and encouragement. And am excited to see where 2011 takes me.

Christopher + Sarai

I really love this photo. This little boy was so cute.

Jean + Kay

Ed + Dana

Mark + Abigail

Lauren + Elliott

Casey + Brandon

Ken + Michelle

Kinny + Sue

And my first wedding… Drew + Kysha.

Kysha, I’m sorry if you hate me for reposting this pic, but I love it. I love your look, I love Drew’s response, and everyone else around. That was some fun.

The November air was crisp and cool. But not too cool. You never quite know what weather you will wake up to in Georgia. The weather reports may say one thing, but here, weather does whatever it wants. It’s unpredictable, sometimes impossible to plan around. I was nervous for this wedding day because it was so late into November. On this particular day, the weather was perfect. Not too hot or cold. Sunny, with a little overcast. It was as if the weather had been told to cooperate… and it listened.

As I walked into Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, it felt like a wedding day. People all over the place. Carrying equipment, setting up, getting stuff done. It felt like something special was about to happen.

In the bridal prep room, away from hustle and bustle outside, I was immediately greeted by Sarai’s infectious smile. The mood was light and fun. You couldn’t help but feel that way too.

I made my way over to the groom’s room and as I opened the door smiled. All that was in the bare room were a couple of chairs, a television with the Falcon’s game on, and some beers. To be honest, Christopher hardly paid attention to the game, at least while I was there. He was beaming. Excited to see his bride. His love for her was obvious, without even seeing them together.

Christopher and Sarai, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day. I am so glad I got that second email from you. Your day, your love, and both of you are absolutely beautiful.

Here are a few from the day:

To view a slideshow with more images, click HERE.

A phone call from Christopher.

The gorgeous flowers were created by Jaemi of Exhale Design.

There was a mini photographer at the wedding. He was absolutely adorable. This was one of my favorites.

I absolutely LOVE this picture. Look at the way he is looking at her!




Sarai, you’re simply gorgeous.

She pulled me aside at her sisters wedding and asked “Do you photograph elopements? Ken and I, we want to elope together in the mountains.” I told her of course and honestly didn’t know if she would really contact me again. We became Facebook friends and I casually followed her status updates and pictures. You see, at Michelle’s sister Dana’s wedding, I fell in love with her family. They are so kind and welcoming and my gosh they know how to have a good time! I feel so blessed to be a part of such a special day, and I truly love when I get to keep up with everyone.

Well, a few weeks ago, Michelle did contact me. I was elated as I read the email…we are eloping! On a Monday! Can you come? Shortly after… another email. Change of plans! We are having a small ceremony with family on Sunday…Can you come? I definitely wanted to be there. And the family coming? That was the icing on the cake.

The ceremony took place in Highlands, NC in a beautiful suite. The dress, the rings, the shoes, the family, a beautiful bride, dapper groom and warm weather to boot. The day went flawlessly.

Michelle, thank you so much for contacting me. As always I am so honored to photograph you and your family. Ken, thanks for being such a good sport. You will see in the pictures, you really were born for this

Click here for a slideshow of the day.

I just need to insert here that Old Edwards in is a photographers dream. There were so many beautiful locations with fantastic light. I thought I was in heaven. Michelle and Ken were troopers. Heels and all they stuck with me and were game for whatever the entire time we shot.

We met at Starbucks several months ago. Over the aroma of coffee beans and the sounds of steaming milk, we sat and talked for hours. The conversation included the topics of life, the journey it brings and lots of laughter. We hit it off. As the conversation progressed, Jean shared with me something that touched my heart.

Jean was born in Haiti and he and his family have been living in America. His parents were making plans to move back home and his father had gone back to Haiti to prepare. On January 12, an earthquake struck Haiti and devistated it. Jean’s father did not survive. As Jean shared this with me tears filled my eyes. I looked over at Kay and noticed the way she was looking at him. In complete and total adoration and love. They shared a glance and it was easy to see that they were each other’s rock. That they had made a decision that no matter what came there way, they didn’t want to go through life with out each other. In that moment I knew I wanted to photograph their wedding. I just hoped I would be lucky enough for them to pick me.

Kay you are absolutely regal. Jean, you may be the sweetest man I have ever met. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day. I am honored.

Click here for a slideshow.

We started off at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta.

I looovvveedddd Kay’s Kate Spade shoes.

The image on the left is my second shooters, Angelina’s point of view. The right was mine.    Now for Jean…

After the ceremony, we headed over to Lillian Webb Park for bride and groom pictures. When Kay told me she wanted this, I got really excited. There was pletny of time alotted, which means we got tons of amazing pictures. Oh Kay, go on with yourself. F.I.E.R.C.E.

Angelina’s view

I was getting a picture of Kay’s shoes and when I found out Jean wore matching socks?! I was elated.

I am in the middle of  the edit from Sunday’s wedding, but when I saw this picture I just about DIED. Just look at her! Her skin, her make-up, her hair, her jewelry. WOAH!  I started quoting every Rachel Zoe-ism I could think of.  It was a moment. 

I will be blogging the rest of this wedding soon, but for now I can’t get over how GORGEOUS Kay looks. She SHUT.IT.DOWN.

Kinny and Sue wanted a small, intimate wedding with family and friends. That was the most important. They had a slide show created that included images from every guest at the wedding. EVERYONE. They had bio’s created about every guest so that each person could get to know each other and their connection to Kinny and Sue. Why? Because that’s what Sue and Kinny are about. Family. It was obvious throughout the day that their family and friends felt the same way about them. Included, Involved, and so so happy for the new bride and groom. Kinny and Sue have been together for 11 years and as you will see in these images, they are very much in love. It is a genuine, magnetic love that each person hopes for in their lifetime.

From the moment I arrived to Sue’s house, I felt the warm and fuzzies. Sue kept checking on me and my needs to make sure I was ok. That’s just how Sue is, caring. She was the most calm bride I have ever seen and as a result, the day went flawlessly. Sue and Kinny, I hope you are enjoying your biking trip! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day. I am absolutely honored and you have made and impression on me for life.

The day began at Sue’s house where hair sylist Brad Westmoreland and make up artist Alyson from Authentic Beauty worked their magic. We then headed to All Saints’ Episcopal Church. The reception was held at Piedmont Driving Club where Lethal Rhythms rocked the music. Many thanks to Evie and Angelina who cam along with me to help document the day.

For more images, CLICK HERE for a slide show.

Angelina took this shot. I luuuvvvveeeddd the light. I’ll admit, I was completely jealous when I saw these 2 images Angelina shot. On the way to the ceremony! Sue and Kinny make a dashingly good looking couple. Notice the way he looks at her. This is the look of LOVE.

With any post, there is always something I just can’t choose between to post. This time, it’s the ring shots. Here’s one in black and white. And another in color. First dance. They know how to have fun.

Another look of love. Evie shot this image of everyone during the first dance. I love all the reactions!While all the grown ups were inside, this is what the kids were up to. Dohrean’s (the ringbearer) moment.

This past Saturday I shot a fabulous wedding in Atlanta. Here is a little peek of what’s in store.

From the moment we arrived for Lauren and Elliott’s wedding, fun was to be had…by all. As I introduced myself to Lauren, her family, and bridesmaids, I instantly felt as though I was just one of the girls hanging out. Then I met the groom and groomsmen, and  instantly felt like I was in a comedy show. And at the reception, when it all came together, it was a BLAST.

I told Lora I was jealous. Several times throughout the day in fact. Jealous she was shooting such an awesome wedding. Jealous she had such an awesome bride, groom, wedding party and family. Jealous for all the details. JEALOUS.

As a second shooter, you don’t often get the chance to really connect with a family. I was so grateful to Lora for inviting me to come along and it was sweet icing in top of a sugary cake when I met the wedding party and family. They were so kind to me and I appreciate their generousity very much.

Here are a few from the day:

The wedding dress and the reception dress.

Chanel is Lauren’s favorite perfume so it was only right to have it’s own picture.

I took these shoe shots while Lora was photographing the bride and I love how they turned out. As usual, I couldn’t pick just one.
        

The frosty pink glasses drew me to this table.     

For these first dance shots, I decided to be a little risky and I turned off my flash. I waited for the bride and groom to move under the light and I LOVE the outcome.