Kathryn + Brett’s Lakeside Wedding – Monroe, GA | Atlanta Wedding Photographer

When Kathryn asked me to photograph her wedding last year, I was so honored and, to be quite honest, a bit surprised. I’d not yet started my photography business, so this request was just the push I needed to take a leap of faith on a longtime dream of mine. So thank you to Kathryn, Brett, and their families for believing in me and asking me to photograph their wedding weekend! It truly was a huge honor and something I’ll always remember.

Kathryn and Brett chose to get married at her family friends’ home on a lake in Monroe, GA on 6.14.14. The private location was gorgeous — filled with tall trees, a rustic barn, and a grassy “pointe” that made for an ideal ceremony location. Her family and friends spent hours the day of the wedding making everything just so. The florist created the most stunning backdrop for the ceremony — it quite literally glistened in the afternoon sun. I think every detail of the day perfectly represented who they are as individuals, as well as a couple — right down to Kathryn’s light pink wedding gown and the colorful Chuck Taylors that Brett and his groomsmen wore with their suits. Kathryn and Brett are such fun-loving, easy-going, and friendly people, and it was so much fun working with them and their friends and family. I hope you enjoy a peek at their big day!

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VENDORS
Wedding Photography: Melissa Hayes Photography // Wedding Planning & Coordination: Erica Esslinger Events // Floral Design: Juli Vaughn // Tents, Tables, Chairs, Lighting: Goodwin Events // Makeup/Hair: Jessica Goldstein // Invitations: Designed by the bride // Catering: Plain Nuts // Wedding Cake: Karen’s Sweet Confections // Band: Moody // Dress Designer: Ivy & Aster // Bridal Salon: Kelly’s Closet // Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew and David’s Bridal

Ryland’s Newborn Session – Marietta | Atlanta Newborn Photographer

Some of our good friends in Nashville told me about this nonprofit organization a few months ago called Preemie Prints. Their mission is to support and share hope with preemie, NICU, and angel (those who have had a pregnancy or infant loss) families through a variety of outreach programs. Those programs include the gift of NICU & NICU graduate photography nationwide, all done through volunteer photographers. Knowing several people who have dealt with the struggle of the NICU with their babies, I was thrilled to find this organization to volunteer my services with. My first assignment was with a family in Marietta a few weeks ago.

When the request came to me, this note was sent along from Ryland’s mom, Carrie: “I came down with a condition called the HELLP syndrome. I had to have an emergency C-section at 30 weeks gestation. I was scared for my baby because he was so young and little. He is doing good and gaining weight like crazy. He is currently a little over 4 weeks old (34 weeks gestation). He now weighs 3lbs 7oz! He was put in a crib today!! I have hope that he will come home soon. It has been a long road and we still have a long road ahead of us, but I know he will be fine!”

I so enjoyed getting to know Ryland and his parents, Carrie and Jacob, and I had the best time photographing their little angel. I hope these photos bring them joy for years to come as little Ryland continues to grow!

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Geeker Family Session – Roswell | Atlanta Family Photographer

Joanna and Lee just had a beautiful baby boy last month, and they asked me to photograph them with some family who were in town from Columbus, GA and New Mexico last weekend. They have a lovely backyard, complete with lots of greenery and a little pond, which made for the perfect spot for a Sunday evening session.  Their “first child” Gracie even put on her fancy collar and made it in several photos. 😉 One of my favorite things about this business is meeting such nice people and getting a little peek into their lives, and this family was no exception!

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Allison + Garrett’s Wedding – Marietta Square | Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Allison and Garrett joined families in a beautiful, sweet ceremony in historic Marietta Square over the 4th of July weekend. Their three children were just as much a part of the ceremony as they were, and it was clear from the start of the day just how much love they already had for one another before officially becoming one family. Allison was absolutely glowing in her gorgeous lace gown, the girls looked adorable in their matching dresses, and Garrett and his son were quite dapper in their khaki suits.

When Allison booked their wedding with me, she said she just wanted to document the love between two soul mates and the celebration of this joyous day with their families and closest friends. From their “first look” at home, to the sand ceremony in a quaint gazebo on the square, to dancing with their kids at the reception at The Strand Theatre, it was a most perfect day. It was a pleasure working with them, and I know they’ll have many, many years of happiness to look forward to as a family!

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VENDORS
Wedding Photography: Melissa Hayes Photography // Ceremony Venue: Historic Marietta Square // Reception Venue: The Strand Theatre // Floral Design:  Carithers Flowers of Marietta and bride’s mother // Hair: Chanda at Van Micheal Salon // Invitations: Paper Affair // Catering:  Carriage House Catering // Wedding Cake:  Carriage House Catering // Guitarist:  Cory Tucker, Rome GA // Dress Designer:  Adrianna Papell // Girls Dresses: Chasing Fireflies

Aimee ‘s Head Shot Session – Westside | Atlanta Portrait Photographer

Aimee is a Stella & Dot Stylist. We met up at Whittier Mill Park in NW Atlanta for an early evening head shot session, and we had the greatest time. It’s so fun shooting fellow Stylists because I know they are always going to have great jewelry for their sessions. 😉 And that little pup of hers is a rescue she just adopted a couple months ago, but you’d think they’ve been family for years… isn’t she just too cute?

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