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!

Jennifer and Stephanie from Bob Steele Salon did Eleanor’s hair and makeup.  See those eyelashes?  Those are 100% Eleanor’s.  Amazing.

Eleanor sitting in the sun in the corner of her parents’ kitchen…

Dan photographed Eric and his groomsmen getting ready at Midtown’s luxurious W Hotel…

At First Presbyterian Atlanta…  I’ve heard a lot of women say that they first felt like a bride when they put on their veil.  I’m not sure if that’s how Eleanor felt, but she definitely walked around like a princess from the minute the veil went over her hair!

Eleanor’s mom helps wrap her sash…

The groomsmen…

LOVE how this little guy put his hand in his jacket!

Eric…

The bridesmaids…

I’m not sure what these flowers are, but the bouquets designed by Kathy with Parties to Die For were absolutely stunning!

Eleanor…

Waiting for ceremony time…

Eleanor’s mom adjusted her earrings…

Eric’s mom and brother wait for their turn to walk down the aisle…

I love Dan’s overhead shot of Eleanor walking down the aisle with her father…

The newlyweds…

Just a short walk across 16th St. took Eleanor and Eric from the church to the High Museum of Art for their wedding reception!

Their first dance…

Eric and his mom…

Eleanor and her dad…

Hand-rolled sushi and fresh stir-fry from Woodruff Center’s Restaurant Associates filled the guest’s bellies!

CAKE!

My heart melted when I saw this shot of Eleanor that Dan captured, while she and Eric were cutting their wedding cake.  Little moments like this are what make our job so special!

Bubbles to end the night!

Eleanor and Eric, thank you so much for being so INCREDIBLY laid-back and wonderful to photograph!  It was an honor to celebrate with you!

Well, Lauren and Robert’s wedding is the perfect excuse for me to get back on track.  They got married on Sunday afternoon at Maggiano’s in Buckhead. It was a completely perfect day in every way – a little bit of sunshine, a little bit of rain, and a whole lot of happiness!  This was my first solo wedding in years — shooting without Dan was kinda strange, but I managed with flying colors, if I do say so myself.  :)

Lauren is not only a client; she’s a fantastic photographer, and a sweet, sweet friend. Being part of her wedding day was the hugest of honors!

Here’s Lauren, joyful even as she munches on a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios!  (She’s really one of the happiest people I’ve ever met!)

Lauren’s gown…

Lauren’s dad watches as she has her hair and makeup done…

Robert’s mom pins on his dad’s boutonniere…

Getting dressed…

Robert came to the front door of Lauren’s parents’ house to get her for their wedding…

…which is where he proposed to Lauren last year!

The super-beautiful bouquets were created by Boukates!

Forget limos!  Lauren and Robert and their entire wedding party rode around town on a HUGE, fabulous tour bus, complete with leather seats, satellite TV and radio, and a full bar!

Lauren’s exquisite hair and makeup were styled by the wonderful Cayla Roberts…

The groom…

We stopped for portraits at Atlanta’s botanical gardens…

The wedding party!

Lauren and Robert ducked into a corner to pray together before their ceremony began…

Getting married!

Lauren and Robert and their parents…

YUMMY pink velvet cake by The Queen of Confections…

First dance…

Lauren dances with her dad…

…and Robert spins his mom…

The best man and maid of honor crack up at their own toasts…

The bouquet- and garter-catchers — not a match?

Lauren’s parents share a dance…

Last (impromptu) portrait of the day!

They left on (oh yes) a FIRE TRUCK!

Lauren and Robert, THANK YOU for sharing your day with me!  It was so wonderful to be there, not only celebrating with you, but documenting the beginning of your incredible journey together.  I love you both, and I can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you get back!

{{hugs}}

To see more of Morgan’s most recent gowns (as photographed by moi), click HERE.

To learn about Morgan’s trunk show this coming Sunday, 2/21, click HERE.

P.S. Come see Morgan’s gowns for yourself (along with yours truly) at a trunk show THIS SUNDAY, the 21st in midtown Atlanta!

This is one of two gowns that I photographed that have a detachable underskirt, so the dress can be long for the ceremony, then short for the party!

The short version of the gown above…

Favorite…

Last but not least, a big THANK YOU to our fabulous model Jona! (You were wonderful!)