It's the most wonderful time of the year (for pictures)

Wedding season has started to slow down, but we definitely haven't! As the leaves started to show their fall colors, we became increasingly busy with family shoots, senior pictures, and more. October and November and the beautiful weather they bring are always a favorite for portraits. The changing leaves make a beautiful backdrop, and who doesn't look cute bundled up in hats and sweaters? This time of year is also popular for portrait sessions because these pictures are perfect to use for Christmas cards and gifts for grandparents.

Below is a collage featuring some of our favorite pictures from the fall season.


Top Left: Claire Sullivan's senior pictures
Top Right: June Hartley 6 month pictures
Bottom Left: Randi and Nick's engagement shoot
Bottom Right: Ilse family portraits

Leigh and Mike

We love destination weddings because they give us the opportunity to shoot at some great new places. As a thank you to the bride and groom for taking us with them, they purchase only what they have photographed on the day of the wedding and then we shoot any extra events such as rehearsal dinners, brunches, etc. at no charge. For Leigh and Mike's wedding, this gave us a wonderful weekend in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina and lots of extra time to get to know them and their families better. Leigh and Mike's wedding was special because it took place at Leigh's godparents' bed and breakfast, The Hawk and Ivy. Leigh is also a photographer and asked us to get creative with their wedding photos and really think outside the box. We hope these pictures are everything she imagined.

Shelley & Corey

At the end of August, I got the opportunity to photograph the wedding of two friends, Shelley and Corey, at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. Though the church is strict on not allowing photographers in the ceremony, unless we're up in the balcony, I was able to grab a few shots through the millimeter wide crack in the doors with an amazing new lens I just purchased. Thanks to Josh for catching some other great shots from up top!

After the wedding, the two partied at one of my favorite Atlanta venues, Ventanas, which is Spanish for "windows" and when you see the photos you'll understand why. This couple has some of the most fun friends we've ever met and we truly wish we could do this wedding over again and simply go as guests because, thanks to Travis of Fonix Entertainment, he had them dancing late into the night. Thanks to Corey and Shelley for letting me convince you to leave the party for a few skyline shots at night on top of the helipad. They turned out to be some of my favorites!

Heiko & Heather

What do you get when you add a gorgeous cathedral, a bride and groom who love to dance and an amazing skyline venue with a sunset helipad shoot? The wedding of Heather and Heiko Ramirez! Here are a few of my favorites from their day.

The Real Value of Photography

As a little girl, you aspired to be a princess, dressing up in puffy pink dresses and ordering your dog around the kitchen with a flourish of your wooden spoon. Your plan to rise to royalty was flawless, practically fail-proof even. You would pick the most handsome man in the land and marry him.
Your wedding day- a day that has been fantasized about ever since the moment you first saw that white dress, the sparkling flowers, the voluptuous curls in her hair, the veil- a crown for a princess. You’ve envisioned the day that it would finally be your turn, the day you would find your prince charming to sweep you off your feet into a fairy tale ending. Now the day has arrived and this flawless vision has morphed into the actual reality of planning one of the most monumental days of your life. Everything must be absolutely perfect. The to-do list is endless and budgeting all the necessities is stressful beyond reasoning. You start thinking that maybe you could save money on the photographer by having your mom step in… You picture your delightfully stubborn mother documenting this event of paramount importance, “Doodlebug, smile now! You don’t want these pictures turning out like your Uncle Larry’s fiftieth anniversary party now do you? Oh my goodness! Silly me, the lens cap is still on! Let’s redo those shots of you getting into that anaconda of a dress.” Epic disaster. You’re starting to rethink that brilliant idea. Sure, mom’s scrapbooks were nice, but this is your wedding day! It deserves so much more than a Creative Memories scrapbook done by someone that takes on your important day as a hobby on the side.
When you’re outlining your budget, it’s commonly advised to make a list of the wedding components in order of importance. There’s the dress, the hair, the makeup, the food, the flowers, etc. While these are all vital factors, they are temporary investments. Are you really planning on wearing that dress again? (At least you’re hoping not to!) The hair and makeup are washed away in a matter of hours, the food demolished by ravished guests who couldn’t care less what it tastes like after a few drinks, and the flowers that have wilted by the time you depart for your honeymoon. The one element that has any degree of permanence is the photographs. By the time you have children or even retire, your glory days of being twenty-five and flawless remain eternal. This is the number one reason that the photographer should be at the top of your budgeting list.
A professional photographer has a unique vision. They have gone into this business for a reason, most likely because they have an eye for composition, lighting, coloring, and all the other component of what makes a “quality picture”. If you are worried that they will not be invested in you and your personal vision, think again! Their job is to tune into what you are looking for in their pictures and bring out the best qualities and the beauty of the day. All they need from you is a little bit of trust in their abilities. Then you can take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the day that you have worked tirelessly to pull together while they capture every flashing smile, fleeting giggle, and glistening tear in your eye. The end result is a much more tranquil bride who can focus on the moment and savor the experience. Not to mention you will be left with thousands of shots to browse through so that you can pick and choose your favorite moments and build a lasting memory of your lifelong dream. Once you pick your favorites, the photographer is able to design the layouts for a professional looking album that trumps an amateur scrapbook any day. The lasting satisfaction of the memories is a priceless gift that, in essence, within reason surmounts the price tag.

Kenny & Laura: A Beachin' Engagement Shoot

Last week, I got to experience one of my FAVORITE parts of my job. I traveled to Hilton Head Island with Laura Cabana and her fiance' Kenny to do their engagement photos. This shoot gives you a little taste of everything: fun, colorful shots in Harbor Town Marina, followed by a romantic trip down to the beach. Enjoy!

Bob and Robyn

We had the opportunity to photograph Bob and Robyn's wedding on May 28th. Their story is unique in that they both attended the same high school, and were dates to the junior prom. After graduating high school, they went their own ways for 20 years, then reunited and fell in love. Their beautiful Memorial Day weekend wedding and reception were both held at Polo Golf and Country Club.