A while back we introduced Isabelle & Charlie via their wonderful engagement session at Lake Lanier. You might recall their PineIsle Pointe shoot included a labradoodle, a romp through the high grass fields and shoreline stroll that ultimately ended up in the water. Now we get a chance to share the other side of their journey as a couple. The wedding!
It was a perfect October day in Georgia. Not too cold, but just right for tying the knot. Isabelle & Charlie had just recently purchased a home at a country club. But not just any country club; it was TPC Sugarloaf!
Golfers in the South will immediately recognize that name. It has long been a prized member of the PGA TOUR’s acclaimed TPC Network of premier clubs. Designed by the Australian professional golfer Greg Norman and situated on 1,200 acres of Georgia’s countryside; it’s first class all the way. So a portion of their lovely 60,000 square-foot clubhouse would serve as the setting for both their ceremony and reception.
The day begins
As usual our storytelling style of coverage begins with the getting ready portion of the day. Isabelle chose to get ready at the clubhouse while Charlie hosted his buddies at their house. Since they had just recently purchased the house, they didn’t have much furniture. However one key piece was their gorgeous grand piano in the center of the house against a huge wall of windows. Charlie actually had a little extra time on his hands to play a little bit. Meanwhile Isabelle was going through her hair and makeup session as she was surrounded by loved ones. Once they were ready we moved right in to the couple’s first look in the center courtyard; next to Charlie’s favorite red Japanese maple where he stood patiently as she made her approach. After a few minutes of privacy we jumped into their bridal portraits, which included shots by the garden and a gigantic oak tree.
First look in the courtyard
Let the ceremony begin
The spot for the wedding was actually situated just outside the clubhouse on a perfectly manicured lawn with a trellis that overlooked the lake and the golf course. The ceremony was a simple but relaxed affair with a nice soft breeze comforting the couple as they exchanged their vows. After a few moments to greet family and friends we took them right back out for some additional portraits with the tall feather grass gardens by the lake.
A few more bridal portraits during cocktail hour
It’s time to get this party started
Finally the reception arrived. It was brisk and to the point. Introductions, the first dance and their cake cutting. All designed get to the most important portion of the evening, dinner and some fun on the dance floor. The night concluded with a fantastic sparkler exit.
Let them eat cake
Time for farewell to our lovely couple
All throughout this journey we had a great time getting to know Isabelle and Charlie and we are truly grateful to have been chosen to document this time in their life. We can’t wait to see how they continue to grow as a family in the future!
The team that made this wedding the fabulous event it was:
Venue coordination by: Elizabeth Smith — TPC Sugarloaf
It was a blistering hot start to this beautiful sunny day in June. Summer had arrived as evidenced by the beads of sweat forming on our foreheads as we take inventory of our gear in the car. Yet the moment we arrive to the setting of today’s wedding you totally forget the high temps.
After all, today we get to work in Rockmart’s dreamy In the Woods wedding venue! A 250 acre of lush woodlands surround a modern-rustic ceremony pavilion and a peaceful lake. A total gem in Georgia’s vast northwestern landscape.
The only thing better than shooting at this location is spending time with Casi and Kyle themselves. Such incredibly friendly people; it’s easy to lose track of time just hanging out with them. You may remember their lovely fall engagement session at Piedmont Park. If not, now might be a good time to check out their engagement blog post to get a better feel for how they met and who they are.
After several hellos and hugs, we split up to begin our getting ready coverage for the day. The groom and his buddies have their own private spot by the pool near the entrance of the venue. While Casi and the girls enjoy the bridal suite cabin overlooking the lake and the chapel.
Kyle, a pilot, enjoys a very
relaxed but animated conversation with his groomsmen on a fluffy couch over
drinks. Some are in the same industry and others are just close friends. A
varying array of topics are on display with most sentences beginning with “remember
when”. Then ending with side-splitting laughs.
Meanwhile Casi is having her own fun with the girls as they finish up their hair and makeup. With all the ladies in colorful matching robes moving swiftly around the suite; it’s almost like watching a painting in motion. They enjoy a little champagne as we breeze through some quick group portraits. Finally, the time comes to get dressed. Casi’s dress arrives hand delivered by mom and her maid of honor. A beautiful strapless ball gown from Stella York Design purchased at Suite Bridal. It’s perfect! She’s in the dress and ready to go in almost record time. By now the guys are almost done getting dressed. Their last hurdle is getting those tie knots perfect. This is one of our favorite parts of the day to shoot. There’s nothing like watching several guys cramming over a mirror as they flip long silky pieces of fabric around as if it were a synchronized event at the Olympics. Success! Kyle looks like a million bucks. So, we quickly take some group shots with his groomsmen outside by the pool and on the way the way back to the cabin. In about 10 minutes we return to their room, so they can enjoy the comfort of some air conditioning on this very hot day.
The first look
Just about that time the phone rings and we get word from
the coordinator that Casi is ready for the first look. So, Kyle is quickly
shuttled to the dock on the lake and we get him set up for her approach. What a
trooper. The sun is beating down on him as his bride makes her way from the
cabin. Nonetheless he patiently waits.
Something made much easier when your view includes a glass-like lake,
blue skies and trees that wrap this scene up in a million shades of green.
At last! She taps him on the shoulder and he gets to see his beauty. A very tender moment; so, we give them a little time alone as we photograph from a distance.
Now we can have some fun with portraits. This venue provides so many great photography spots it’s almost hard to decide where to begin. But we quickly make use of the dock, a dry creek bridge and the neighboring woods before heading into the honeymoon suite to cool down again and freshen up.
Time to get married
Next up is the ceremony. The chapel is already buzzing with guests and the groomsmen are doing their job. No, they’re not just welcoming friends and ushering folks to their seats under the cool breeze of the chapel’s monstrous airplane propeller ceiling fans. No, they are ribbing and making the groom laugh as he waits. Basically, making him feel relaxed and at ease.
Meanwhile the bride is on her way to the back entrance of
the chapel with her father. A large wooden gate and a stone pathway provides a
grand entrance for Casi. There’s a quiet moment before the music begins and
those large doors slowly open. We’re off! The bride and groom connect eyes
immediately as she makes her way to the front and the ceremony begins. The
bridal party flanks the couple on either side of the stage as the audience follow
the proceedings. About 30 minutes later it’s official. They’re married, and a kiss
seals the deal.
After a quick session of family photos, we sneak in a few more
bridal portraits before packing up our gear to head to the reception.
Time to get this party started
The reception hall is so warm and inviting! 5200 square feet of space designed with an elegant-rustic flair, befitting the natural setting of the country side. Exceptional landscaping surrounds the stone courtyard and the outdoor bar used for cocktail hour. Another highlight; the massive bar doors that lead guests into the building. Casi’s style is evident both with the details chosen to decorate this large space.
But everyone is hungry and ready to party. So, we roll right
into the start of the reception with the introductions of the bridal party and the
couple. This is quickly followed by the first dances and the toasts. As dinner
begins we utilize this down time for additional scouting and gear prep to set
ourselves up for some creative night time portraits. All the time we’re keeping
and eye on sunset and twilight times, so we can make the most of a colorful
sky.
As we make our way back in, the dance floor is ready to open. No shy folks here. With the first song there are 5 or 6 couples getting down. Covering the dance floor is another one of our favorite times at a wedding because we can document so many special moments as people let loose. Casi is right in the middle of it all with her bridesmaids. A little further along into the festivities we move to the cake cutting. A beautiful cake produced by Gabriel’s Desserts.
We peek outside and it’s just about the right time to take
advantage of the changing light as we approach sunset. So, we rush over to the
couple and ask for just 20 minutes of their time, so we can create some very
special images for them. By now we’ve also spoken to the coordinator and they
have a golf cart ready to zip us over to our pre-scouted locations. So off we
go. We head back to the water and the dock to get some romantic portraits using
some creative off camera flash work to highlight the couple in this setting. The
orange string lights add to the mood and feel of the moment. Then we rush over
to find the tallest hill on the property, so we can tower the couple over the
tree line against the colorful evening sky.
Before you know it we’re back at the party and we’re feeling stoked about having such a productive portrait session. Now it’s just about having fun and boy did they all have fun. The reception continued for a couple of hours before it was time for their sparkler-limo exit. What a spectacular day working with Kyle and Casi while meeting so many new folks. We highly recommend In the Woods as one of the top venues in Georgia to have your wedding unfold. Need more firsthand details about how to plan your photography for this venue? Contact us and we’ll be happy to assist!
The team that made this wedding the fabulous event it was:
Planning and coordination by the spectacular: Kathie Shramm — In the Woods
The word special doesn’t begin to describe Jibran and Leia’s wedding. It goes far beyond that. Exceptional, noteworthy and outstanding are adjectives that also play a role in describing this remarkable union. It just feels like a more unique or sophisticated synonym is required for such a brilliant couple. Jibran and Leia hosted their wedding in Midtown, Atlanta. One of the most popular areas of the city known for its cultural attractions. On this Saturday afternoon their family and friends enjoyed a truly unforgettable day.
We first met Jibran and Leia during the winter many months prior to the wedding. It was there we began to document their story. Perhaps you may remember some of the images from their engagement session. They both met on the steps of the Carlos Hall shortly after beginning college at Emory University. They hit it off right from the start and the rest is history as they say. With budding law careers on the rise these young professionals were ready to move on to the next stage of their lives; marriage.
So the planning began. To say they had a lot to prepare is also an understatement. The fusion of Pakistani traditions with American traditions to generate one wedding weekend requires careful consideration. Nonetheless they were able to create a 3-day wedding weekend that incorporated everything they needed from each culture.
In particular guests were treated to a lavish ceremony and reception at the iconic Georgian Terrace hotel. An architectural landmark in Atlanta that combines modern luxury with southern sophistication. Dating back to 1911 this beautiful building hosted the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Calvin Coolidge. It allowed Arthur Murray to start teaching his dance lessons and it was the site of the Gone with the Wind premier. Yet with all of its modern amenities and contemporary upgrades, you’d think it was designed just recently.
All the details and decorations mirrored the brilliance of the setting. Jibran and Leia looked impeccable in their attire. Though what really stood out about their big day is what always grabs your attention every single time you’re in their presence. It’s their kindness. It’s their personalities. Most of all it’s their sincere relationship. There’s always a warmth to their interactions. Their first look was a perfect representation of this. Tears flowing endlessly, which later cascaded into their ceremony. It’s no wonder so many people gravitate to them. They are loved for who they are and how they share that with others.
Jibran and Leia, all we can say is we truly had a fantastic time documenting your wedding. Your parents are endearing and your friends are wonderful. Thank you for placing your trust in us to deliver these moments in photographs. We are grateful to have taken this journey with you!
The Pronovias princia style wedding dress was jaw-dropping.
Leia’s Pronovias wedding dress was a lace gown with train, fit and flair/mermaid fit and included a long sleeve, lace jacket worn for the ceremony.
Jibran wore a traditional black tuxedo, white shirt and bow tie from The Black Tux.
These lovely ladies below wore a fabulous Monique Lhuillier‘s back cutout pleat tulle bridesmaid gown in the color sea.
Planning and coordination by the spectacular: Hannah Sabolik — Like the Dazzling
Oh what a wedding! Todd and Chrissy had an amazing wedding this past winter at Eagles Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, GA.
We met in college…
Todd and Chrissy both attended Auburn University. They were always friends, but finally started dating in the fall of 2010 – the year that Auburn won the national championship!
After they graduated, Todd got a job in his hometown of Athens, GA, and Chrissy starting working in Atlanta. After a year or so, Todd finally made the move to be with Chrissy in Atlanta. He proposed on February 1, 2015 in a park close to his house. You might remember their engagement session (here). At that time Chrissy had no idea why Todd was making her take his dog, Maddie, on a walk in the rain that day, but I am sure she’s very glad he did!
Together they’re raising Maddie in their recently acquired home in Decatur. Congratulations you two. I’m sure your Caribbean honeymoon in the Dominican Republic was just as amazing as your wedding.
The Details
Molly Wade, you did a fantastic job with Chrissy. Her hair and makeup are on fleek!
I love the natural expressions Chrissy’s bridesmaids have when they congratulate the happy couple after their first look. Bridesmaids dress from Bella Bridesmaid Atlanta.
Let the party begin… | Eagles Landing Country Club
Their first dance song was That’s How Strong My Love Is by Ottis Redding and daddy and daughter danced to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. Todd and his mom danced to My Wish by Rascal Flatts. I love photographing this part of the wedding. It’s so very emotional. It never gets old.
The cakes was by Bliss Cake Boutique. Did you get a look at the groom’s cake in the back? It represents Todd’s love of hunting. Once again. Thank you Todd and Chrissy for trusting us to document the best day of your lives together by far.
