On the second day of May, I was honored to celebrate TWO new marriages with TWO wonderful couples! The first celebration was a tiny, family-only wedding at the lovely old Claremont House in Rome, Georgia. Monica and Ricky met in Rome at Winshape, where Ricky was working at a retreat that Monica attended. Just a few years later, they came back to this beautiful north Georgia town to join their lives together.
This was the second wedding of the year that I’ve photographed without Dan! I missed him like crazy, but I had a blast with Monica and Ricky!
I started the morning with Monica, who was getting ready in her room at the bed and breakfast.

Ricky had hand-written the SWEETEST letter to her that morning, on the only piece of paper he could find in the cabin where he was staying with the other men.

He also sent a gorgeous, hand-embroidered hankie…


Monica’s mom watches as she smoothes her dress…

The rings…

Monica and Ricky spent about an hour with me before their ceremony. Here they are in the circle at Winshape, where they met for the very first time. It was only fitting that they would see one another in their wedding clothes here for the first time, too!



The Berry College campus (where Winshape is located) is stunningly beautiful, with endless trails and fields and beautiful places to make pictures!










Back at the inn, Monica and Ricky freshened up and prepared to say their vows…

Monica’s dad waits for her at the bottom of the stairs…



The ceremony…

Monica’s parents holding one of her nephews…





Ricky’s mom, grandmother, sisters, and their families watch the ceremony…


This is the entire guest list, in one picture! It was so special to see a wedding with only immediate family members there to celebrate. Everyone was so happy to be together!

Monica, Ricky, and the kids…

Ricky with his mother and grandmother (I should look so good when I’m their ages!)…

Monica’s sisters with their families…

Two of Ricky’s sisters with their families…

Another of Ricky’s sisters and her daughter…

The pastor and his family, and Monica’s parents…

Last but not least… the bride and groom…

The innkeepers served a delicious mostly-vegetarian lunch after the ceremony, then Monica and Ricky headed off for a week at the beach!

Monica and Ricky, I am so happy that you chose me to photograph your wedding! It was incredibly special to be there with you and your families on such a precious day!