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It’s all About Your Experience | Engagement Session Style Guide

January 18, 2018 0 Education, Engagements, Photography Tips, Portraits

What every BRIDE needs to know

THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION IS ONE OF OUR favorite parts of our time together because it gives you both a chance to be in front of our cameras before you get married, which is going to make your wedding day experience feel so smooth, seamless and comfortable. Not only that, but we get to create something so special together. You’re going to be married for over fifty years, but you only get to be engaged for this short period of time. We are so excited to capture the only time in your lives when you get to be each other’s fiancees. So we have created this guide for you, and packed it with all our best secrets for getting the best out of your engagement experience, so let’s dive right in!

Choosing the time and date

FOR THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION WE LIKE TO USE NATURAL LIGHT because we believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections creates photographs that feel fresh, timeless and true to you as a couple. We begin all engagement sessions two hours before the scheduled sunset during the “golden hour,” when the light is the dreamiest. Use a sunset calculator online to determine the scheduled sunset for the date and location you’d like to do your session. Then, just subtract two hours to figure out your start time. Remember, the sun sets much earlier during the colder months of the year and much later during the warmer months, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your engagement session date, especially if you’re taking time off work or have evening plans afterward.

To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early. We like to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down. Although we might have a few tricks up our sleeves during the later part of the day. If you’re wearing two outfits, save your favorite one for the second half, and if you’re wearing only one, arrive in that.

QUICK TIP: Our weekends fill up first and far in advance. You can get a Fast Pass to the front of the line by scheduling mid-week.

SELECTING THE RIGHT LOCATION

THE LOCATION OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION IS UP TO YOU! The first thing to decide is whether you would like to feature a natural or more industrial,urban area in your session. Like you can see on our website and blog, most of our couples want to showcase the natural beauty of Georgia or the area they choose to be photographed to give their out-of-town guests a fun preview of what to expect when they travel for their wedding. But we live in an area where there is so much unique history and architecture, and if that speaks to you, that is wonderful. We especially love shooting in the natural areas because they are so unique and the light is divine. There are also other great options around the state, and we’re always up for exploring a new spot together.

think outside the box

THIS IS THE TIME TO THINK outside the box! We encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, country club, or resort. Maybe it’s a family ranch, upscale hotel, or even an airplane hangar. The sky is literally the limit! Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around. You will be surprised with what you come up with. Plus, if something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you ask! Our couples have secured permission to some pretty amazing places in the past. If you get stuck or need inspiration, check out our blog and keep browsing through. We have some great go-to locations around town that we can always hit, too. Just let us know which session you love, and the overall feel you are going for, and we will go from there! Easy. Peasy.

Destination Engagement

YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION includes travel time anywhere within metro Atlanta. If you’d like to go somewhere outside of these cities, we are up for the adventure! The travel fee for locations outside of these areas are priced depending on the distance.

We love traveling and actually on the road quite a bit. We’ve done engagement sessions from north to south and everywhere in between, so if we’re already going to be in or near an area you’ve always dreamed of doing your photos, and we can coordinate our schedules, let’s set it up. We’d love to make it work!

If you’d like us to meet you in a destination outside of Atlanta for your engagement session where I don’t already have plans to visit, just let me know and we can get you a custom travel quote.

Style Tips For HER…

because you’ve been waiting your whole life for this, why not DRESS IT UP!

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT rocking a sequined gown, tulle skirt or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There’s no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your engagement session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your collection, a lot of our brides love Rent the Runway for their engagement photos because you don’t have to spend a lot to feel like a million bucks. Plus, you can send the outfits back when the session is over. Other brides just love having a great excuse to bring a new permanent piece (or two!) into their closet!

There’s no such thing as too dressed up.

say yes to the DRESS

LONG, FLOWY DRESSES AND SKIRTS LOOK AMAZING ON CAMERA BECAUSE they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like under mossy trees, garden, plantation or beach. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body—which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! We recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two!

one or two? it’s up to you!

MOST OF OUR BRIDES WHO CHOOSE TWO outfits will bring one “wow” dress, and then another shorter sun dress or cocktail dress for a more casual “us on a date” feel. But if you want to bring two “wow” dresses and forgo the more casual dress altogether, give yourself permission to do it! The camera loves runway-esque apparel and so do we!

Remember, though, you don’t have to bring two looks if it’s too stressful or you’d rather just stick to one fabulous look. Just one outfit that you love will be so much better than one outfit you love paired with another you’re not very excited about. So, one or two? It’s really up to you!

choosing colors

WHEN CHOOSING COLORS FOR YOUR OUTFITS we recommend selecting lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color pallet fits beautifully into almost all natural out door environments.

Solid monochromatic colors are easiest to coordinate, but primary or complementary colors also look great and bring energy to the photograph. Darker colors will cause the subject to appear thinner while lighter colors will make the subject appear larger. When choosing color schemes, consider not only what looks best on you, but also what colors will look best as wall portraits and complement your home’s decor.

coordinating THE LOOKS

AS YOU’RE COORDINATING your outfit with your fiancee’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palletes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match”. You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. So if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earnings and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then he could wear a navy coat with gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square. Now he has his own dominant color (navy) while still incorporating a few touches of your color palette. Most of our brides choose their dress first, and then put together their fiancee’s outfit based on that. That’s why we have a section for each of you.

flattering your features

IN OUR EXPERIENCE, EVERY WOMAN, REGARDLESS OF HER shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.

THREE-QUARTER LENGTH SLEEVES creates an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so we recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.

HEELS ELONGATE WOMEN’S LEGS making them look fabulous. Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference!

QUICK TIP: Bring a pair of flats to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will than you later!

make a STATEMENT

PAIRING AN ACCESSORY OR TWO WITH YOUR OUTFIT CAN REALLY help bring some extra dimension to your images. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not as noticeable on camera. Belts, bracelets and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. Fresh florals in a crown or bouquet can be a really romantic touch as well.

GO PRO with Hair & Makeup

PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKEUP IS ON TOP OF MOST OF our brides’ checklists because it looks amazing and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. From lash extensions to blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in font of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artists, have her apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of our brides feel like their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day, especially when it comes to false lashes, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera— and our brides always love the final result.

If you need recommendation for hair and makeup, we work with the best in the business and have a great go-to team! they’re sweet as pie, talented as heck, unbelievable professionals and wonderful people, You’ll LOVE them! Just let us know and we’ll send you their information. We know they’ll take good care of you!

CONFIDENCE. It’s always the best accessory.

A LITTLE EXTRA POLISH

Don’t forget, your ring will be center stage, so give yourself permission to get it cleaned and your nails done, too!

skip the spray tan

ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT SEEM counter-intuitive, we recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph most beautifully and naturally.

fashion tips FOR HIM…

because dapper and debonair never go out of style

FROM JAMES BOND TO DON DRAPER, MEN look most striking in a well-tailored suit. If he doesn’t have one, now’s the perfect time to invest in something he’ll wear for the rest of his life! The best part? It’s a lot less expensive than you might think! While custom suits can cost thousands of dollars, some of the most well-known brands have off-the-rack suits in their stores for a fraction of the prices. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.

THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE for a WELL-TAILORED SUIT

MIX IT UP

MANY OF OUR GROOMS LOVE TO MIX A SUIT COAT, BLAZER or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and can be more fun than wearing two full suits in a row. I am a big fan of this fresh take on a timeless classic.

layered looks

NEXT TIME YOU WALK BY a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when we say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

LONG PANTS AND CLOSED-TOED SHOES ARE THE MOST SOPHISTICATED and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on the face you fell in love with. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals and jeans at home, too. Suit pants, dress pants or colored pants work best, especially when paired with closed-toe shoes. Brown leather dress shoes compliment almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants.

TIES, BOWTIES, POCKET SQUARES, COLORED SOCKS, BELTS, TIE CLIPS, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp compliments to any suit. If you bring two suits to the session, you can start with a traditional necktie and belt, then switch to suspenders and a bow tie for your second look. If two suits are too stressful, no problem. One look will do the trick! You can still mix and match accessories to compliment both of her dresses without doing a full change during the session. So, either way, you win.

HOW TO PREP YOUR MAN

MOST MEN AREN’T OVERLY EXCITED TO TAKE PHOTOS FOR TWO hours, because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Take fifteen minutes to educate and empower your guy. Tell him why you chose us and our style of photography. Show him your three favorite sessions that we’ve done, explain why you love them and express to him how much it means to you. Trust me, once he knows it’s important, he’ll light up the camera for you! The most common thing we hear from guys before engagement sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t think they’ll be good at it. By the time we’re done though, they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!

after the session

DON’T FORGET TO PLAN a dinner date! You’re already going to ball dressed up! Why not take advantage of it? We know the wedding planning process can feel all-consuming, so take some time after the session just for the two of you to relax and have some fun together. You deserve it!

one final note

WE KNOW WE JUST GAVE YOU A LOT TO THINK ABOUT, we created this guide to help make your engagement session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future marriage is the most important thing to us, and we want your engagement session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And we’ll take care of the rest!

ENGAGEMENT SESSION checklist

Iceland | Travel Channel Feature

December 28, 2017 0 Destination, Weddings

Over the past three years we’ve been blessed with opportunities to photograph weddings in far away destinations. Recently, The Travel Channel wrote an article highlighting some of the most exotic locations couples have chosen for their weddings. We are so grateful that one of our weddings was selected for their special feature.

First and foremost we would like to thank David and Rachel for bringing us along for this Iceland destination wedding. Secondly, we want to thank The Travel Channel for taking the time to consider us for this article.

Destination Wedding in Iceland | David + Rachel

July 7, 2017 0 Destination, International, Weddings

A countryside wedding in Iceland

It’s 5 a.m. in the morning and we can’t sleep. It’s not because of the hotel. The Stracta Hotel is charming and quite comfortable. It’s not the weather outside. Everything is calm and serene. It’s not even the threat of the towering Hekla volcano in the distance that has been rumbling in recent days. No, it’s none of those things. It’s simply the fact that David and Rachel’s nuptials are just hours away and we have the incredible privilege of documenting their day. How surreal is this? We’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on a Nordic island the size of the state of Kentucky. Outside our window is the small town of Hella. A population of roughly 780 but sheep and horses seem to dominate the view across the fields. Anticipation and adrenaline mix into this dreamlike state. There’s so many opportunities to create photographic memories with a setting like this. It’s no wonder we’re ready to get out of bed so early.

How did we get to Iceland in the first place?

Everything begins in the capitol city of Reykjavík. David and Rachel decided to move here from England to create a new life for themselves filled with adventure. Reykjavík provided the perfect balance for their lifestyle. Mixing professional careers with their love for the outdoors. David could follow his path as a software engineer and Rachel could expand her rise as a talented graphic designer. With gorgeous terrain and shorelines all around them, every afternoon becomes an opportunity for exploration.

In 2016 something totally unique occurred. Following an old leap year tradition, Rachel proposed to David on the 29th of February. They were soaking in a local hot springs pool by the city lighthouse when she popped the question. Of course he said yes and the rest is history. It was now time to begin planning an intimate destination wedding for their family and friends from England. Thankfully, photography was high atop their list as one of the primary items to secure. Through a series of emails and Skype video calls, we were able to finalize arrangements to photograph their wedding.

In late August we arrived in Iceland. Several days before the wedding so we could do our own sightseeing. Before heading out on our mini vacation, we were able to connect with David and Rachel and enjoy a wonderful dinner at Snaps Bistro. We were also able to enjoy an afternoon hike with them which yielded one of the most impressive sunsets we’ve ever seen.

Planning an intimate wedding in Iceland

So how exactly do you plan an intimate wedding in Iceland that takes advantage of the southern coast of the country? Well, allow us to take you through a visual journey of David and Rachel’s big day. In the end it may serve as a rough draft for future brides looking to elope or host an intimate wedding in Iceland.

If possible, plan to make a grand entrance. The wedding ceremony was set to take place in a small church in Hella, but the bride was getting reading in Reykjavík; about an hour and a half away. So she reached out to a close friend who happens to be a pilot so she could be flown to the countryside church. Not only was this a notable way to arrive for the occasion, but it also allowed her to enjoy a scenic tour of the coastline from the air with her father. He had never been to Iceland before.

We rushed over to the grassy runway with a our cameras to capture every angle possible. As we were waiting for the plane to arrive we ran into another group on a bachelor party weekend. Their groom was about to parachute in as they were enjoying some drinks and a feisty game of football (soccer for us American folks).

At last Rachel arrives with her father by her side and we quickly make our way over to the small quaint church.

the ceremony, we grab a few quick photographs in the sprawling fields and hills around the church.

Throughout the morning we’ve enjoyed sunny blue skies but in Iceland, the weather can break at any moment. As we make our way further east to seek out a waterfall for some epic portraits, the clouds begin to roll in and droplets hit our windshield. Nonetheless we push through and arrive at Seljalandsfoss, one of the best known waterfalls in the southern region just off the Ring Road on Route 1.

It’s also one of the only falls where you can actually hike up the side of the mountain and walk directly behind the cascading water. Our brave bride makes the trek up the mountain in heels with water spraying everywhere. Every step a slippery adventure. Thankfully the weather holds off long enough to get several images on and around the waterfall.

It’s now time to make the commute back to Reykjavík to meet up with family and friends for the festivities. On the way back into the capitol city, we make a quick stop at Heiðmörk as we try to squeeze in a few more portraits in between rain clouds.

Finally we arrive a Flóran Café Bistro, the site of David and Rachel’s intimate wedding reception. A wonderful spot located inside the Botanical Gardens of Reykjavík.

Without a doubt, Iceland left a gigantic impression on us. A dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and massive glaciers. So many photographic options for a destination wedding. We sincerely thank David and Rachel for bringing us along to document such an important day.

If you are considering a simple elopement or an intimate wedding in Iceland; we’d love to speak with you. After traveling through this great island, we have many tips on how to plan your wedding on a mountaintop, the countryside or on a black sand beach. We can also share other suggestions on hotels, Airbnb’s and great places to eat. Feel free to pick our brain. Contact us here to begin your journey!

Wedding at 103 West Atlanta, GA | Wesley + Chelsea

July 5, 2017 0 Weddings

Well, what else can we say about our couples? We have the best couples any photographer could ever ask for and Wesley and Chelsea will not be the exception. What an amazing couple these two are. You saw them earlier when we photographed their engagement session. Would you like to know a little more? I’m sure you would and that’s why we interviewed Chelsea for you so you can get to know them better.

So tell me, how did you two meet?

We met on my first day of work when I first moved to Atlanta in 2012. Wesley worked for a non-profit that was based in Peachtree Presbyterian when I was working, and my boss introduced me to him on my first day of work. It took us a while to actually start dating though.

Why was that?

We were just acquaintances for a while, and eventually began showing more interest in one another. Wesley would go out of his way to visit me at work, claiming he was just stopping by to say hi to everyone. It was on a Memorial Day weekend beach trip with our church that Wesley took me sailing, and we finally decided to start dating. The rest is history!

How did he “pop” the question?

Wesley proposed while we were hiking on Arabia Mountain. He had been acting a little strange all day and wouldn’t let me look in his backpack. We walked up the mountain and as we were going, he kept stopping to tell me how much he loved me. When we got to the top of the mountain, Wesley handed me an envelope containing a haiku he had written for me (Wesley has written several haikus for me throughout our relationship). When I got to the end of the poem, he got down on one knee, pulled out the ring box, and asked me to marry him.

Rachel Rozanski from Brushworx doing what she does best.

Bride seeing her reflection during bridal prep

Chelsea admiring Rachel’s work with her hair.

Tell us about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?

My sisters and mom came to Atlanta to help me shop for my wedding dress, along with my mother-in-law. We had several appointments set up for the weekend, but we ended up finding my dress at the very first store, Bride Beautiful. I had a general idea of what I wanted, and tried on several dresses. The first few weren’t quite right, they were too much lace or not enough poof, I didn’t love any of them. After I tried a few on and consultant had a better idea of what I was/wasn’t looking for, she went out and grabbed a few more dresses. When I tried on my dress, I knew it was the silhouette I was looking for, but I wasn’t completely sold. Then I walked out of the dressing room to show everyone, they loved it! The train was gorgeous, it had 3 tiers of lace. It was just the right balance of lace and tulle that I was looking for. It had the perfect silhouette I was looking for. I tried a couple more on after that, but none of them compared to the one I chose. My dress had everything I was looking for, it made me feel great, and it was perfect for dancing!

This Allure wedding dress from Bride Beautiful looked so elegant in her mother in law’s bedroom.

Beautiful Allure bridal dress from Bride Beautiful.

Beautiful bridesmaids in their Bill Levkoff dress in black from Bride Beautiful

Did you see each other before the wedding?

Yes we did, and I’m really glad we did! It gave us some time to be together and prepare for what was about to happen together. I would have been a lot more nervous for the ceremony if the first time we saw each other was in front of all our guests.

What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome?

I was most nervous about standing in front of everyone saying our vows. I was also nervous about anyone in the wedding party fainting! It all went off without a hitch, though. It was nerve racking standing up there with everyone looking at us, but everything went smoothly while we were up there.

What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife?

We danced to The Way You Look Tonight played by The Retreat/Sam Hill Entertainment

What was your favorite moment from the wedding?

All the dancing! And having all of our friends and family together in one place.

How would you describe your overall wedding experience?

We tried to keep our wedding experience as simple and stress free as possible. Wesley’s mom offered a tong of help with the planning process and took on a lot of the little tasks along the way. The day of the wedding we both tried to stay relaxed and be present and in the moment. We both spent the morning with our wedding parties – me and my bridesmaids getting ready and watching wedding movies at Wesley’s parents’ house, Wesley and his groomsmen eating lunch and hanging out at Cherokee Town Club to get ready. Once we arrived at the church, things moved pretty quickly, and everything pretty much fell into place! Peachtree had a wedding guild that made sure the ceremony went smoothly, and then our day of coordinator made sure everything for the reception was in place at 103 West. The ceremony was such a special time for us, sharing our vows with all of our closest friends and family there to watch. Once we got through the ceremony, we felt a bit more relaxed and excited to party the night away with everyone. It was fun getting to chat with our friends and family at the reception, eat the delicious food and dance! When it was time to leave, we didn’t want to leave. There’s nothing like having all of your loved ones together to celebrate you!

What advice would you offer to other couples planning a wedding?

Don’t let the little details and decision get in the way of enjoying the celebration.

How was your experience taking photos/working with us on your wedding day?

We had a great experience working with you on our wedding day. You were prompt and professional throughout the day. You gave easy and clear instructions to everyone and got some really great shots!

What photography-related advice would you offer to a couple?

Make sure you find a photographer you feel comfortable with and who matches your style.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to other couples planning their wedding?

I would advise them to remember that their wedding is about them as a couple, and to make sure the decisions and plans you make reflect that. I would also advise them to stay within arms reach of each other during the reception. It is so easy to get separated when everyone wants a chance to talk to you! You don’t want to get to the end of the night and realize you didn’t spend enough time with your new husband/wife!

Introduce us to your team:

Day of Coordinator: Holly Parks
Ceremony/Reception Location: Peachtree Presbyterian Church / 103 West
Hair/Make up: Rachel Rozanski – Brushworx
Bride’s Dress: Allure – Bride Beautiful
Bridesmaid Dress: Bride Beautiful – Bill Levkoff
Groom and Groomsmen attire: Jos A Banks
Florist: K&Co Floral Design
Cake Artist: 103 West
Videographer: Timepiece Media
Band: The Retreat/Sam Hill Entertainment

You want to see more do you? Take a look at their wedding day video slideshow below:

Piedmont Park Atlanta GA Engagement | Kyrone + Chinyere

June 15, 2017 0 Engagements

It started…

In the Fall of 2007 Kyrone and Chinyere met through a mutual friend. Chinyere was not impressed after their introduction since their first conversation involved one of sarcasm and attitude. So with a shaky start, the two eventually started a friendship with their mutual involvement in African Student Union and seeing each other around campus. Two years would pass before they began dating and really know each other. The two became inseparable from that point on. They were engaged in 2015 at the Georgia Aquarium Since they both love the outdoors, Piedmont Park felt like the best place to showcase their engagement session and we couldn’t agree more.

Kyrone and Chinyere share both Nigerian and American heritage and chose to celebrate their marriage honoring both cultures. Their traditional Nigerian wedding was held on July 2, 2016 and in 2017 they will celebrate their US nuptials with a wedding at Twelve Atlantic Station. Congratulations! We can’t wait to document your US wedding.

They have so much fun together. It shows.

Take a look at more from their session below:

Rhodes Hall, Atlanta GA Wedding | Mark and Sabrina

June 13, 2017 0 Weddings

We were so happy to meet Sabrina, Mark and their respective family and friends. And we were doubly excited to capture their wedding at Rhodes Hall in downtown Atlanta. We met them earlier when we photographed their camping themed engagement session. Both Mark and Sabrina are so very kind and hospitable to everyone they meet that it wasn’t questioned when the call came out to help Sabrina make her fairytale wedding one that will always be remembered. So, without a doubt in their minds, everyone pitched in to make this wedding happen for them which included her friends singing their first dance song “Thinking Out loud” by Ed Sheeran a cappella. This group of friends can sing. We are so thankful to have been a part of your US wedding day festivities. I’m sure your destination wedding in Goa, India in November was just as exciting.

Everyone working together.

The beautiful Romanesque style Rhodes Hall was the backdrop to their third day reception. This “Castle on Peachtree” was built in 1904 using granite from Stone Mountain and was once home to the Rhodes family from Rhodes Furniture and is currently the headquarters for the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. It is absolutely a beautiful and unique venue for any event.

Venue: Rhodes Hall
Caterer: Cafe Bombay
DJ: Arijit Chowdhury
Videographer: Picture This Media
Cake: Ruhina Harris
Makeup Artist: Ruhina Harris
Saris: from India

For more from this amazing three day event, see the recap below:

Athens GA Engagement | Andrew + Danielle

June 13, 2017 0 Engagements

Puppy Love

Andrew and Danielle first met their junior year of college. A few of their common interests include raising puppies for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, marching in the University of Georgia‘s Redcoat Marching Band, and were both science majors.

They started attending monthly puppy training classes together and arranged play dates for their dogs before classes. Once the new semester began, they started spending more and more time together. They arranged to take the same classes and attend the same social events. They continued together after graduation. In 2015, Danielle and Andrew moved to Florida where Andrew began training service dogs for veterans and Danielle entered her Master’s program at Jacksonville University.

While deciding on where they wanted to have their engagement photos taken, they realized there really wasn’t any better place than where it all began. We visited the Georgia Botanical Garden in Athens, passed by a very special park by the lake where they spent most of their free time, then traveled back to their beloved UGA to bring it all back. Congratulations Andrew and Danielle. We can’t wait to photograph your wedding in the North Georgia mountains in the fall.

They are just so cute together.

They had so much fun going back to campus and visiting a few of their special spots.

Even after so many years, they were still nervous crossing the arch.

Roswell GA Engagement | Marc + Meghan

May 26, 2017 0 Engagements

They met…

Marc and Meghan first met in a Marketing class at Georgia College. Meghan was sitting in the front row, and when Marc walked into the classroom, he proceeded to sit down right next to her. Marc then introduced himself with a wide grin and let her know he doesn’t normally like to sit in the front row. That class sparked their friendship that grew into something very special.

After about a year of very close friendship, Marc had been wanting to take Meghan to dinner, so he asked her on a few dates. Not wanting to lose the close friendship they loved so much, she politely declined. However, that didn’t stop Marc from asking her out again. In May of 2013, Marc asked again and she finally agreed to dinner. Marc took her to Piccolo’s Italian Steakhouse. After that date Meghan was just kicking herself for not saying yes sooner, since she realized then how much she cared for Marc and was really falling in LOVE with him. Many more dates followed, and have been more madly in love with each other ever since!

Aren’t they the cutest?

Marc and Meghan are just naturals in front of the camera.

The Proposal

After almost three years of dating Marc knew he found the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. It hit him while he was golfing with some friends after they jokingly asked when he was going to “pop the question.” He laughed it off, but then thought, he was really going to marry this girl! A couple weeks later he went to pick out the perfect wedding ring. Meghan loves surprises, so he had to pick out the perfect ring without any help so she wouldn’t find out.

For the next few weeks Marc planned the perfect rooftop proposal at a downtown club in Atlanta. Everything was on schedule until the day of the proposal…Marc received a call at 10 am that he could no longer use their roof.

On April 8th, 2016 while Meghan thought he was at the gym, Marc was frantically driving all over Atlanta to find the perfect spot. Around 1 pm that day Marc remembered another Midtown club with a rooftop terrace! He called the manager and told him his situation and they agreed to keep the club open for an extra hour for Marc to propose. Upon arrival, there was only a bartender, manager and one or two other people at the club. Meghan thought it was strange how empty it was for a Friday, but the bartender played it off casually and told her their table was being prepared in the other room. They were asked to wait out on the terrace. It was an extremely windy day and Meghan had asked if they should go inside to wait. Marc convinced her to stay outside and they got some champagne.

A few minutes later the manager came out and set a cake on their table while they were enjoying the beautiful Atlanta skyline. Meghan tried to let him know that they didn’t order any food, and suddenly looked down and saw “Will you Marry Me”…by the time she turned back around and Marc was on one knee asking her to marry him.

I know you want to see more. Click below for a video slideshow from their Roswell Mill engagement session.

We are so excited to see you two again in a few months along with your closest family and friends as you dedicate your lives to each other. Congratulations!

Iceland Engagement | An American Girl and Her Viking

February 16, 2017 0 Destination, Engagements, International, Portraits, Travels

Kaelene met H (Helgi) in 2011 while studying abroad in Australia. Meeting someone special was not part of the plan at that time. Her focus was centered on two things, her internship and traveling as much as possible. Nonetheless she found herself falling hard for the guy from Iceland. Their journey to this very moment in time is quite interesting. So if you want to learn more about their love story, visit Kaeleen’s blog Unlocking Kiki.

We met up with Kaelene and H at Heiðmork. It’s the largest and most popular recreational park near Reykjavík. A location where millions of visitors enjoy nature and Iceland’s national pastime, hiking. It’s one of the only areas where you might be able to say there’s a forest. Well, maybe. You see Iceland is more about volcanic formations and hot springs than about tall trees. In jest some Icelanders will say “if you ever get lost in an Icelandic forest, just stand up”. However this country is spectacular in so many unexpected ways and a constant feast for the eyes.

Their chemistry is undeniable. This Viking loves his American girl.

Adorable Icelandic horses greet our couple as they make their way back down from the mountain. They are the only breed of horse in Iceland and are typically used for traditional sheepherding, showing and riding. Incredibly friendly and approachable at all times. They will take all the attention you can give them.

They even serve as great models. Next up, the beautiful black sand beach of Þorlákshöfn where a long shoreline meets volcanic rock clusters of basalt.

The one thing you can always count on in Iceland; the unpredictable weather. Constant wind gusts, intermittent sun and rolling clouds which seem to change intensity from one minute to the next. However unlike anywhere else, it feels perfect.

While shooting by rocks we stumbled across Minke Whales swimming just a few yards away. Normally one has to spend a good chunk of change to purchase excursions to see these amazing animals but we were blessed by their presence for a few brief minutes.

Authentic Icelandic sweaters made by H’s mother are perfect for the cool wind gusts coming from the ocean.

It was a blast to hang out with this beautiful couple for a few hours. We sincerely want to thank Kaelene for providing suggestions on where to go, what to eat and what to see. A great portion of our stay in Iceland was practically mapped out on her recommendations. Be sure to check out Kaelene’s blog Unlocking Kiki for further details on how to get the most of your time in Iceland.

This was undoubtedly a memorable trip. We enjoyed it so much that we’re already planning our next trip back so we can check out the west side of this magnificent island. If you’re interested in planning a destination wedding in Iceland or simply looking to elope; we’d love to speak with you about your photography needs. With special elopement packages and wedding collections, we can provide comprehensive coverage anywhere your love takes you.

A trip through Italy | A few days on the Lake

November 1, 2016 0 Gardens, Personal, Photography, Travels

Lake Como, that is…

So this post is so behind it’s not even funny, right? Come on now, 2015 and we’re now closing out 2016. This goes to show how one can get sidetracked with amazing weddings we’ve had the pleasure photographing during the last few months. But now I would like to get back to revisiting the beautiful setting that is Italy. In this case one of my all time favorite areas, if not the favorite area in the world, Lake Como, Italy.

Yes, the first thing that comes to mind for most people when mentioning Lake Como is George Clooney. In fact, I remember the first time visiting Lake Como back in 2006. The locals would ask where we are from and I would reply, “America”. Their first comment was for the most part, “George Clooney”. They would always point out where his villa is and give us directions on how to get there from where we were. But to be honest with you, I was never interested in seeing George’s villa. I’m sure it’s nice and all, but it couldn’t be as amazing as what was surrounding us, all you can see and feel while traveling these beautiful, lazy lakeside towns and enjoying its natural beauty is all I wanted to experience. No offense George.

Where is Lake Como?

Lake Como is in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. It’s an upscale area known for its dramatic scenery. And let me tell you, it IS dramatic. It’s set against the foothills of the Alps if that gives you a better visual. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y. The three slender branches meet at the well-known and popular resort town of Bellagio.

Below are but a few of the photographs we captured during our few days on the lake.

How to get around the lake

Ferries are the main mode of transportation between the towns, especially if you need to get to the other side of the lake. We would get up early, enjoy the crisp morning air, grab a cappuccino and head out on an adventure. Don’t you just love the view? The Italian Alps right behind Orlando.

Below is me getting a little frisky after a wonderful lunch. This area of Italy makes you do weird things in public. It’s so romantic. It helps when you have crazy friends encouraging you too.

Off to our next stop. The idyllic town of Tremezzo.

Even on a break from shooting, we find moments to photograph couples. This majestic place…it inspires us.

Back on the ferry again. Off to the pearl of the lake, Bellagio.

Amazing view on the lake, right?

Below is the view from our friend’s house where we stayed in Varenna, a small fishing village with picturesque streets and alleyways. We met the Gala family 10 years ago while visiting this part of the country and still keep in touch. What a spectacular view.

…and amazing sunsets. This was our view while enjoying some wine and spirits out on the terrace.

The next morning, and we’re off again.

This time to the town of Como.

The view from the ferry as we approach Villa Balbianero in the village of Lenno. The location where many, many well known films have been shot as well as an amazing venue for weddings. We would absolutely be in heaven if we have an opportunity to photograph a wedding at this property, wink, wink. We got inspired and wanted to capture some photographs of us. I still would like to be behind the camera.

Next and final leg on our tour of Italy is Venice and its surroundings.

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