Blending two cultures—Chinese and Vietnamese—comes with a number of special ceremonies and traditions. Emily and Jimmy’s private ceremonies along with games involving the groom proving himself worthy of his bride blended perfectly on this cool spring day. You might remember them when we photographed their engagement session at Stone Mountain Park.

After we spent the morning at each of the family’s homes, we headed to Heritage Sandy Springs, where the official garden wedding ceremony followed by the reception were to take place. Emily and Jimmy opted for a first look before their wedding. We love when couples decide to go this route. It gives just enough time to create wonderful portraits of just the two of them without the stress of rushing through it during the short time allotted for cocktail hour. If you find yourself on the fence deciding whether to have a first look, we can help talk about the pros and pros (no that was not a typo). But don’t feel pressured. We will definitely work with what makes the two of you most comfortable. Take a look at just a few of the images we captured that beautiful spring afternoon at this quaint historically located garden.

bride approaching groom for first look in garden
groom twirls bride and portrait after first look in garden
bride and groom through yellow flowers portrait
bride and groom on stair in garden with purple tulips
creative bridal portrait on stairs
groom portrait and bride portrait
bride and groom back to back under purple wisteria vine trellis

Can’t you just see how giddy Jimmy was. He couldn’t contain his joy!

bride and groom skipping running towards camera

Look how romantic the wisteria covered trellis/pergola frames our lovely bride and groom.

romantic portrait through wisteria vines
bride and bridesmaids portrait bridal party photo

Emily here is enjoying the last few minutes in the bridal suite provided by the venue along with her bridesmaids as they make sure every last detail is complete. She’s ready to go!

bride through crack of door getting ready before wedding
bride and mom preparing for processional
groom and groomsmen getting ready
bride and mom coming down stairs in garden
groom seeing bride down aisle
groom emotional seeing bride down aisle
bride with mom and dad in wheelchair
ceremony with officiant
bride and groom laughing during ceremony
bride and groom vows during ceremony
bride and groom with bridesmaids during ceremony
bride and groom with officiant during ceremony
bride laughing during ring exchange ceremony
pronounced man and wife and recessional
reception entrance bride and groom
groom comes in with arms up during reception entrance

The firs dance song “Better Place” by Rachel Platten was sung a capella by the bridal party. What a special moment for our bride and groom.

bridal party sing a cappella first dance song with bride and groom
bridal party reading lyrics on cell phone during singing of first dance song bride and groom a cappella
bride and groom visit tables during reception toasting
best man's toast to bride and groom Chinese costume
maid of honor toast to bride and groom chinese costume

Let them eat cake!

bride and groom cake cutting

Let’s get this party started. Core Elite Entertainment had everybody on their feet.

wedding reception dancing
wedding reception dancing
wedding ring shot
bride and groom sparkler exit

Special thanks goes out to the amazing vendors that made this Heritage Sandy Springs wedding come together.

Photography: Viridian Images Photography (that’s us)
Videography: Timepiece Films
Wedding Coordinator: Beyond Blue Events
Venue: Heritage Sandy Springs
Caterer: Royal China
Bartenders: Elite Private Bartenders
Cake: Picasso Cakes
DJ: Core Elite Entertainment
Makeup Artist: Glam by Ruthie
Hair Artist: Ella Cole Studio
Wedding Dress: Elegant Bridal | Allure
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groomsmen Tuxes: Professional Alterations
Officiant: Randy Walterman