What better way to wrap up 2009, and break for the holidays, than to end with a Christmas wedding!

Melissa and Tony started dating 12 years ago, and they were married on 12/12.  We LOVE these two together!  They truly waited for the right time to get married, and you could feel the excitement as their friends and family members gathered to celebrate with them!

We haven’t finished editing all of Melissa and Tony’s photographs, but we couldn’t leave them hanging. So here are our Top 40…

Melissa and Tony, we are SO hanging out with you after the craziness of the holidays has passed!  We are so totally thrilled to have gotten to know you two, and we can’t wait to see you again!

Merry Christmas, Jenn and Billy!

We’re so happy to be posting Jenn and Billy’s wedding in time for the Christmas holiday!  We’ve had an insanely busy fall, but we hated the thought of any more time passing before they got to enjoy all of their wedding photos.  And here they are!

**Click HERE to see Jenn and Billy’s slideshow, and link to their full web gallery!

Here are a few of our favorite moments from their wedding day…

Jenn getting ready:

(Anne’s shot)

Jenn’s mom helps floof her veil.  (No, really: “floof” is a word.)

(Anne’s shot)

Billy getting ready… He wore an 18th century frock coat designed by The Quartermaster General.

(Dan’s shot)

Jenn and her dad:

(Anne’s shot)

Billy prays with his mom:

(Dan’s shot)

Billy writing his vows:

(Dan’s shot)

Jenn and Billy saw each other about 4 hours before their wedding ceremony, so we got to capture SO many wonderful moments between the two of them, not to mention a million portraits!  We felt so lucky to get so much time with them!

(Anne’s/Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shots)

There are some way sexier picture of just Billy, but this series was too funny not to post here!

(Anne’s shots)

Jenn and Billy gave us free reign to go anywhere, do anything during their ceremony.  It really allowed us to capture the most intimate moments, including this photo of Billy worshipping backstage at North Point Community Church.

(Dan’s shot)

Billy went on stage alone before anyone else, and led their guests in worship.

(Dan’s shot)

Jenn and her dad walked down into the sanctuary from the balcony…

(Dan’s shot)

The unity candle:

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

Billy and Jenn washed one another’s feet in front of their friends and family, symbolizing the way they will serve one another in their marriage.

(Dan’s shot)

More worship…

(Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

They’re married!

(Dan’s shot)

In a move that celebrated grace, Jenn and Billy surprised their guests by giving away TWO iPods at the end of their ceremony: one to the person who had travelled the least to get there, and one to a lucky random guest with a golden ticket under their seat!

Jenn and Billy rented the gymnasium at King’s Ridge Christian School to host their reception. But let me tell you, this was no boring old gym! Their creative team transformed the room into a dramatically-lit party space, with brightly-colored lighting design by RSL Theatrical and contemporary decor by their friend Carrie Allen.  Leather sofas were scattered outside and around the dance floor, and an ENORMOUS frame surrounded one of Jenn and Billy’s engagement pictures.  The “ticket” invitation and other paper designs were created by Talie Shove, and the cake was created by “I Do” Cakes.

Deejays from Michael Blair Productions brought a TON of energy to the room as Jenn and Billy entered as a newly-married couple!

(Anne’s shot)

The first dance:

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

Jenn and Billy taught their guests “The Jenn & Billy Shuffle”:

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

One of their friends gave an impromptu performance that totally brought down the house!

(Anne’s shot)

A VERY special person collaborated with us to create our first-ever photobooth! THANK YOU, SARA!

Cake!

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

The bouquet toss… LOVE that Billy’s mom is ducking!  Haha!

(Anne’s shot)

…and the garter catch!

(Anne’s shot)

Jenn danced with her grandfather.  It was so clear that this man had played a huge role in her life, and we both got a little teary-eyed at this point.  :)

(Dan’s shot)

The grand exit:

(Anne’s shot, Dan’s light!)

(Anne’s shot, Dan’s light!)

Jenn and Billy, THANK YOU, thank you, thank you for letting us celebrate with you!  You are SO blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who clearly love you and have been blessed by you in return.  We are honored to have shared your day with you!

The oh-so-fabulous Lauren Wright is engaged! I’m so thrilled to be photographing her marriage celebration with the love-of-her-life Robert. Lauren and Robert already had their engagement photos made by the super-talented Florida photographer Scarlett Lillian, but I wanted to spend a little bit of time with them myself before the wedding day, so we met up for a few photos at my favorite-ever Christmas tree farm down in Hampton. I’ve known Lauren for a while, but this was my first opportunity to meet Robert. It was so obvious right from the get-go that he and Lauren make complete sense together. Their love is the real deal, and I am completely honored to be part of such an amazing part of their journey together!

It’s so amazing to see a little boy grow from brand-new baby to a rambunctious 2-year-old!  Render is so full of energy, he was WONDERFUL to photograph!

Render and his mom:

Render and his dad:

Thanks, Lena and Rudi, for giving me the chance to photograph you all again!

**CLICK HERE to see Brooke and Jonathan’s slideshow!

If we had to describe the perfect day for a wedding, this would have been it.  We drove to Charleston, South Carolina for Brooke and Jonathan’s November wedding, and were rewarded with sunshine and sweet breezes!

Brooke and Jonathan chose Lowndes Grove Plantation to host their celebration.  Everyone hung out all day at the plantation, keeping the mood relaxed and happy.  We really couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful experience with one of the happiest couples we’ve ever had the pleasure to know!

(Dan’s and Anne’s shots)

(Anne’s shots)

Guys only take, hmmm, 5 minutes to get ready?  So they passed the morning on the side lawn playing baseball.

(Dan’s shot)

The only rule: you can’t put down your beer.

(Dan’s shot)

Brooke and her mom:

(Anne’s shot)

Brooke is one of those naturally expressive people who seems to always be making some kind of adorable face.  I love this series as she sees herself in the mirror, in her gown, for the first time.

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

Timeless Designs created all of the floral arrangements.

(Anne’s shots)

(Dan’s shots)

Brooke and Jonathan laid out a book of photographs throughout Charleston’s history, and their guests left messages in the pages.  We love this idea, because you can never have too many coffee table books!

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

Brooke with her dad, waiting to walk down the aisle…

(Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

The sun was just hitting the horizon when we pulled together all 20 bridesmaids and groomsmen for a group photo.  It was so obvious that every single one of these men and women had played an integral role in Brooke and Jonathan’s lives.  There is nothing more special than being surrounded by people who know you so well, and love you still!  :)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

Brooke and Jonathan had expected to have a white tent, but they were THRILLED to get a clear-top tent instead!  Let me tell you, these tents are SO wonderful — especially on a clear night like this one, with the blue sky glowing through the roof of the tent.

(Dan’s shot)

Brooke’s sister sang during her first dance with their dad.  Her voice is phenomenal.  It was as if Edith Piaf herself had come back to serenade us with La Vie En Rose.

(Dan’s shot; Anne’s shot)

We heard through the grapevine that Brooke and Jonathan’s first kiss was under a disco ball.  So it only seemed appropriate to snag this miniature disco ball for a photo with their rings.

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

Caramel Apple anyone?  How how ’bout some buttery popcorn?  Sweet treats were waiting for guests as the evening came to an end.  YUM!

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shots)

Dance party! Two 3 Ways played James Taylor, The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Sublime… can you tell everyone had fun?

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

End of the night… The smiles on Brooke and Jonathan’s faces say it all!

(Anne’s shot)

Brooke and Jonathan, we are SO HAPPY that you chose us to photograph your wedding! We can’t imagine having spent that weekend with anyone else. We absolutely adore you two, and we can’t wait to hang out again!

We’re doing things a little differently than usual… since Maisha and Torry’s wedding photos likely won’t be 100% finished before Christmas, we wanted them to have a BIG fat preview to enjoy while they wait!  :)  So while the slideshow will come in a few more weeks, here are our “Top 40″…

Maisha and Torry got married the Saturday after Thanksgiving (chilly but sunny) then left for a honeymoon in MOROCCO (warm and exotic)!  We’re already counting down until they get back in town and we can meet them to hear all about their trip!

Dan designed these tri-fold “Save the Date” cards using Maisha and Torry’s engagement photos.  Maisha had one sitting on her nightstand:

(Anne’s shot)

The bride-to-be, about to put on her dress:

(Anne’s shot)

LOVE Maisha’s champagne-colored gown!

(Anne’s shot)

The groom-to-be, layout out his suit:

(Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

Maisha’s godsister helped out with a makeup mirror while Maisha applied lipstick.  (Is she getting teary-eyed already?)  :)

(Anne’s shot)

Torry had a few moments alone (sorta) before it was time to pick up Maisha.  This is totally unposed, and it’s one of our absolute favorite pictures!

(Dan’s shot)

Maisha and Torry’s rings were laying just like this when we arrived:

(Anne’s shot)

Maisha bundled up in a fur shawl, prepared for the cold post-Thanksgiving weather.  As it turned out, the day was GORGEOUS and she didn’t even need it!

(Anne’s shot)

Maisha and Torry decided to see one another before their ceremony.  It’s always wonderful to have lots of time for portraits!  Maisha helped Torry finish getting ready by pinning his boutonniere:

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

Torry prayed over Maisha and himself as they took the elevator downstairs.  It was so precious to be part of this quiet moment.

(Anne’s shot)

While Torry took Maisha’s fur wrap back upstairs (it was MUCH too nice of a day for that!), Maisha relaxed in the foyer.

(Anne’s shot)

This yellow car was just hangin’ out in a parking lot as we walked to the church.  Hello, yellow!  :)

(Anne’s shot)

Maisha and Torry held their ceremony at Decatur First United Methodist Church. We LOVED the stone building and huge old doors!

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

The neighborhood was pretty sweet, too!  Just across the street from the chapel we had this stunning view:

(Dan’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

Then right around the corner, a brick wall covered in green vines…

(Dan’s shot)

And another few feet gave us a street lined with gorgeous fall colors and fallen leaves.  It was PERFECT!

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

This light-filled Bride’s Room was the perfect spot for the last portrait before the ceremony began:

(Anne’s shot)

See the 12 people at the front of the church?  Yep, that’s right: 12.  Maisha and Torry wanted a private ceremony with only their immediate family: parents, siblings, and godfamily.  It was such an honor to be part of such an intimate celebration!

(Dan’s shot)

Maisha’s brother and his partner watch as Maisha and Torry say their vows.

(Anne’s shot)

Maisha fits Torry’s ring onto his finger.

(Anne’s shot)

Maisha and Torry jumped a broom to symbolize their new union as husband and wife! (Over… and over… and over again!)  ;)

(Dan’s shots)

Dan followed Maisha and Torry out of the church to capture their first moments as newlyweds.

(Dan’s shot)

Maisha snuggling with her godmother… Her godmother is an ordained minister, and performed Maisha and Torry’s ceremony!  It’s so special when someone close to the couple is able to officiate their wedding ceremony!

(Anne’s shot)

The men: Torry with his new father-in-law, new brother-in-law, godfather, and godbrothers.

(Anne’s shot)

All of the guests in ONE photo!

(Dan’s shot)

After the ceremony, everyone headed to Feast for dinner.  Feast is a wonderfully cozy little restaurant in Decatur.  We’re already making plans to go back for dinner!

(Dan’s shot)

The dinner table:

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

Maisha and Torry, THANK YOU for allowing us to be part of this day with you!  Your family is AMAZING, and we were so blessed to celebrate with you all!  We can’t wait to see you again soon!

**Check out more of Erin and Bill’s photos in their slideshow HERE!

We’re starting a campaign to get Erin and Bill to leave Florida and move up here to Atlanta and be our neighbors.  We LOVE them.  Shooting their wedding in south Georgia was like hanging out with friends!

And if you’re looking at these pictures thinking Erin looks mighty familiar, that’s probably because you’ve seen the lovely lady herself in THIS fabulous movie…!

But enough about how awesome Erin and Bill are.  It’s picture time!

Erin’s wedding dress was total amazingness.  Thankfully there was this enormous window in a side room with plenty of room to let her train hang all the way down!

(Anne’s shot)

Bill sent Erin a little pre-ceremony letter: “Will you marry me?  Check one: -yes -no -maybe”

(Anne’s shot)

Bill helps his son Prosper with his cufflinks:

(Dan’s shot)

Erin wins the prize for highest wedding heels.  And she ROCKED them.  These suckers made her as tall as me, but she never even wobbled in them!

(Anne’s shot)

We got LOTS of portrait time with Erin and Bill, because they saw one another before their ceremony!  YAY!  Here they are, seeing eachother all dressed up for the first time.

(Anne’s shot)

We took a bus into downtown Albany for portraits…

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

Erin’s veil was crazy.  It kept trying to escape.  We didn’t let it.

(Anne’s shots)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot — light compliments of Dan) :)

(Anne’s shot)

Erin and Bill and EVERBODY were goofy.  So we took a goofy picture of them.

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

(Dan’s shot)

Speaking of Goofy… Erin and Bill work at Walt Disney World!  (WHAT!?!?!?)  So despite Bill’s protestations, we had to take ONE picture with the Mickey ears…

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

The new family:

(Anne’s shot)

Crazy but true: Erin’s dad married her mom in THESE VERY SOCKS 30 (give or take) years ago!!!  How insane is it that their daughter would grow up to marry a man who WAS Goofy at Disney World?!?  LOVE.

This blog post is getting too long, so let’s skip forward… to the ceremony!  Here’s Bill as he sees Erin walking into the church with her dad.

(Anne’s shot)

I love that Erin and her dad are looking at one another here:

(Dan’s shot)

Erin’s dad, who is pastor of the church where they got married, prayed over them before presenting his daughter for marriage.

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

They’re so excited!!!  Husband and wife!

(Dan’s shot)

Erin and Bill walked through the twinkly lights to their Central Park-themed reception…

(Dan’s shot)

There was no dancing (officially), but Erin and Bill snuck in a quick dance before cake time.

(Dan’s shot)

HA.

(Dan’s shot)

Rings.  Muffin.  Yay.

(Anne’s shot)

You’d think they were posed like this… but no… this is just how Erin and Bill are.  ADORABLE.

(Anne’s shot)

A little thank-you speech to their guests at the end of the night…

(Anne’s shot)

Instead of rushing out past screaming guests, Erin and Bill chose to have each guest light a candle, and they slowly walked past their friends and family, hugging and thanking everyone.  Unfortunately the wind wasn’t too keen on that candle business, and most of them blew out.  But it was still a really beautiful exit!

(Anne’s shot)

I love this quiet moment with Erin and her dad and mom.  (Hey… their candles stayed lit!)

(Anne’s shot)

Erin and Bill left in a horse-drawn carriage…

(Anne’s shot)

(Anne’s shot)

But the night wasn’t over yet!  We drove back downtown for a few more portraits.  This is the last shot of the night!

(Anne’s shot — thanks, Dan, for almost getting run over holding the light!)

Erin and Bill, we really, truly loved getting to know you two!  We promise we will make it to Florida soon to visit you at the Happiest Place on Earth!!!

We LOVE the details from Erin and Bill’s wedding!  They completely transformed a HUGE gymnasium at their church into a Central Park themed celebration!  Friends and family came together to create all of the beautiful details…

Erin’s bouquet:

Letterpress programs by the oh-so-fabulous Chocolate Butterbean:

Their Christian ceremony incorporated influences from their travels in Israel:

The bridesmaids’ bouquets:

The CAKE!

Street lamps were scattered throughout the room:

The groom’s cake was a Oreo cookie tower with a milk fountain!

Miniature versions of all of their favorite foods kept the guests bellies happy!  Who doesn’t love mini hotdogs and teensy mac-and-cheeses?

In a balcony, a full-service coffee shop was underway, with baristas making special lattes:

Guests picked up tickets for a carriage ride outside:

The whole wedding is coming right up!