Caroline + Nick

I have a new appreciation for many things because of this couple, Caroline + Nick.  They graduated from Clemson University, and as much as I'm a good Georgia fan with the rest of this town, these were some faithful Clemson fans and maybe the most faithful honoring their huge National Championship win with the grooms cake and mascot appearance at the reception.  I also got a whole new appreciation for the beauty and historic value of Emmanuel Episcopal Church near downtown Athens.  Caroline's parents were married at this church, and they have family roots in the history of the church.  The red doors, the stone exterior, the natural light that fills the sanctuary... it was all so so beautiful.  

Caroline kept her dress a secret from her bridesmaids so that she could surprise them on the wedding day with what it looked like.  I love that idea and have never seen it done before! It was so fun to see their reaction to Caroline in her dress and their expressions showed how much love they have for her.  On another note, I LOVED this dress.  The simple lines and elegant silhouette made this dress such a stunner.

Caroline and Nick had such a calm and ease to them- you could tell how much people loved them and how supported they were by their close knit wedding party and family.  I loved getting to shoot everything about this wedding... especially the amazing flowers done by European Floral Design.  The flow of the day went so smoothly thanks to Debra Lassiter and the band was SO fun (check out Anita and the Party Life - Anita sang on tour with The Supremes and later, Celine Dion for several years!)  How could you not have a good time at this reception?!  A huge thanks, too, to my talented friend Latetia of June Bird Photography for second shooting and creating beautiful imagery.

This wedding was such a celebration and another reminder that I'm the lucky one who gets to document such special days for families to enjoy for lots of years to come.  And I may pay closer attention to how Clemson does in football next year because of you guys!! Best wishes!!

Emmi + Reese

I still remembering walking to my car in downtown Athens and seeing these two sitting by a tree.   I stopped to say hi and quickly realized Emmi and Reese were an item (is that still a term?).  They clearly enjoyed talking with each other and just taking in life around them.  I love getting to see their relationship grow, and how much they longed to be married.  So glad I could be a part of their day and look forward to knowing them now as a married couple!!

Emmi's flowers were done by our amazing mutual friend, Ashlie Johnson of Bud and Bloom.  I loved all the greenery, and thanks to Josh Smith of Tailored Events an organic and minimal feel was woven throughout the details and flow of the day.

Wedding photographers often photograph the details because they make pretty photos to post, but what matters more is when details hold a story worth remembering.  The groomsmen all wore navy woven ties, and I found out from Reese that the tie choice was inspired by finding an old tie of his grandfather's and replicating that look for all the groomsmen.  Another fun detail was the "N" monogram on the handkerchief Reese carried.  I thought maybe his full name started with a "N" or something else I didn't know about him, but it turned out to be based on a joke his grandmother had told.  He told me that his grandmother had said the "N" on the handkerchief was for nose, which had to make you laugh when you were tearing up.  It was a joke in their family, so it was fitting for Reese to carry his own "N" handkerchief.  Hopefully I'm telling that story right... Reese you'll have to validate my "N" re-telling!  I love it when a wedding day is full of family stories and heirlooms.

I took a lot of photos of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, but these photos kinda cracked me up so I had to post them.  Emmi is one of the most beautiful people I've ever met.  I have taken lots of pensive and model photos of her in the past for other projects, so to see her just open mouth and happy made my day.  Her beauty is easy to see in her model moments and yet there is a whole other side of her beauty in the joy she takes around those she loves.  And the most so with Reese.  The photo below captured the moment when I realized how funny Reese is.  He was being silly and made a series of awesome expressions and entertaining faces, and that's only a small sliver of how much fun he is to be around.

The Engine Room in Monroe is one of the most unique venues with all sorts of character and an industrial feel.  The decor went so well with the venue, including this wedding cake and the uber good from Mama's Boy.  The reception kicked off with first dances, and these go down in my book as some of the most energetic and happy first dances I have ever seen!  

The anniversary dance that celebrates the couple married the longest followed the first dances, with Emmi's grandparents having been married the longest.  The DJ asked her grandfather what has led to a happy and long marriage, and her grandfather said, "I love her more than I love myself."  Tears.  Me, in tears, behind the camera.  What an amazing picture of love.

The reception was a blast- these two love some good 90s alternative and pop music which is MY FAVORITE! I loved seeing them dance and have fun with their friends.  The air guitar action was amazing (see below) and Reese's hair completes his dance moves for a perfect 10.  When Mmmm Bop was played, I decided I needed their music playlist (but really, my favorite was Beastie Boy's Brass Monkey:)

So much love for these two and their families... thanks so much for letting me be a part of your day and i hope that one day you get to dance together at your grandchildren's wedding counting up all the decades you've been by each other's side.  XO!

Allison + Alan

This wedding is a dream for multiple reasons.  The vintage decor, the amazing historic house (Vinewood Plantation) where everyone got ready, the BRUNCH food (mmmmmm...), the beauty and kindness of this couple, the array of different colored stemware, the mimosa bar, the lawn games and property filled with gorgeous green backdrops everywhere.  And those are just a few examples of what everyone enjoyed at Allison + Alan's wedding.  I am the lucky one that got to document and share the joy alongside my awesome second shooter and true friend Latetia of June Bird Photography.  Here is a little preview of their beautiful wedding!

I love seeing what surprises or notes the bride and groom give each other before the ceremony, and this one was a favorite for sure.  Alan had written in a book all the things he loved about Allison and he had been working on it for months.  That is gold (and an awesome idea to steal for other people out there!!)