Congratulations Sarah & Brad - An Autumn Wedding

It was a perfect autumn day for a wedding at Founders Hall in Roswell, Georgia. I dropped Lisa off at Salon Solo to capture Sarah and her wedding party getting their hair and makeup done. I then drove a short distance to meet Brad and his groomsmen donning their tuxedos in their Alpharetta hotel. With the guys all dressed early, we had plenty of time to get some outdoor photographs. Brad had spotted an area at the hotel where I posed the guys to form a "V" and I told them of my plans for a shot when we arrived at Founders Hall. A very busy street, but with the plans we made it only took a few seconds to get the shot I think I'll call "Brad Company".

We had lots of fun moving all over the grounds of this wonderful venue...a great group to work with.

Soon it was the ladies' turn and Lisa balanced them on the front steps in a graceful pose. If the truth be known about wedding photographers, they would tell you that most dislike the formal posed shots. I was the same way years ago, but Lisa has taught me so much. Now I just watch her with amazement making certain that all of the little details are in order. Then I check the lighting and camera settings and squeeze the shutter. Nothing to it! Sarah's color choices photographed beautifully.

Before the ceremony, Lisa and I always map out where we will be in order to give the different perspectives of the wedding. Lisa then took the overview from the balcony.

This freed me up to roam around with several lens and camera combinations. I always clear my actions beforehand with the officiant and I always try to stay in back of the guests. But at the rehearsal, I noticed an opening in the fence on the right side and with a longer lens I managed to get this shot.

I also noticed the best man and the rings, a shot I had never seen or taken before!

After the ceremony, we photographed the families around the gazebo area and found some great areas for the bride and groom.

A great reception followed from inside the ballroom with dining and dancing into the night.

Then the limo drove them away in perfect storybook fashion.

On our drive home, Lisa and I talked about the day and the fun we had. Three great weddings in a row this month. This is why I love this wedding photography business!

Randy

Congratulations Lauren & Glenn!

True Colors

I have mentioned before how our true colors shine when facing adversity and this past weekend Lauren, Glenn, the Moore family, and all of their wedding guests passed the test with flying colors!

In January, we had our consultation with Lauren and Glenn along with Lauren's parents, Barbara and Dan. Dan told us of the plans to landscape the backyard for the wedding day. I could see his vision as he described the layout of their gorgeous home.

So I was not surprised when I arrived on Friday at the rehearsal to see the immalculate landscaping! But as the ladies marched in the line up, their heels sank into the saturated ground from the rainfall. Lauren then announced that they were all off to the store for Ug boots, problem solved!

While the forecast called for cloudy skies, the temperature was only to be in the mid 40's. Taking it all in stride, Dan had assembled many portable heaters to fill the reception tent area.

With the flexibility of being a husband and wife team, Lisa and I were able to photograph several perspectives of the wedding. Lisa captured the ceremony from the rear balcony of the house as I roamed around with a series of lenses and cameras.

The ring bearer was a dog named Lola. She never gets too far from Lauren.

Yes, it may have been a little chilly, but I could not have asked for better lighting with the overcast skies.

The reception followed in the tent area of the lawn as DJ Dan Hall kept the dance floor full the whole night long!

I am certain in this situation, others would have crumbled and lost their joy. Not so for Lauren, Glenn, and the Moore family -- great planning and then great flexibility. Thanks also to Erica Prewett of "A Big To Do Event Planning" who kept things moving all day. A great wedding day captured in True Colors.

Randy

Congratulations Kelly & David

As I drove to the rehearsal in Griffin, Georgia a week ago, the weather forecast on the radio blared the 80% chance of rain for the next day. But the next morning was sunny and clear. The rain was much north of the Atlanta area.

Lisa met Kelly and the wedding party at the hair salon while I set up the camera equipment at the church.

David soon arrived at the church smiling and laughing. What a great attitude!

Since the front steps was one of the reasons that Kelly chose this church, Lisa did her posing magic. Most who watch us work will agree that I have the easy part of taking the formal photographs. Lisa just has a gift of balance and directs the people in a considerate fashion.

And then came Kelly's time to marry the man of her dreams. The tears of joy, excitement, and relief overcame her and spilled down her cheeks as she heard the bridal march being played for her.

The reception was held at Griffin Country Club, a very nice venue with a curteous staff. Thanks to Lisa, the club director, for all of her assistance! She also showed me some popular photo spots like this one.

It was just like David to stick his arm out of the window to wave goodbye and just like Lisa to photograph the limo to show the hand waving. I love this photograph!

Instead of the predicted rain, we had one of the prettiest days of the year -- a great day for a wedding! We had fun! Thanks, Kelly and David, for letting us share this day with you!

Randy

The Wellman's 50th Anniversary

As wedding photographers, Lisa and I meet lots of young bright-eyed couples waiting for their big day. But last week, I had the honor and pleasure to capture the Wellman's 50th anniversary celebration. And I have to say, I saw the same bright eyes, so full of love in the Wellmans.




















The celebration took place at the Pinehurst Tea Room in Stockbridge, Georgia. A lovely venue with nice windows and features. The cake was placed in full view of their trademark gazebo on the back terrace.

















































After talking with Mrs. Wellman, I learned that they did not have a photographer at their wedding. "Well, we have to have a cake cutting shot and are we doing a garter and bouquet toss?" I asked. She just smiled and shook her head.




















We all enjoyed Mr. Wellman's solo while they both held back the tears.





























I just had to use the gazebo for a family grouping.















Lisa and I are working on anniversary number 18, but 50 years is a special time to celebrate. Judging by the full room of friends and family, this truly is a special couple. May God continue to bless you two!
Randy

Kelly & David's Engagement Session

Kelly and David picked a beautiful day for their engagement session in the park. With the exception of a few people, we had the whole place to ourselves. Originally we had scheduled the session for the following Sunday, but David was told he had to work. I was glad for the change since the weather was clear and in the 70's.














Indian Springs State Park has a vast assortment of areas to photograph depending on the time of the day. We even found a new area to add to our collection.














David's quick wit kept us laughing the entire time. Kelly never stopped smiling! Riley tagged along entertained and entertaining. Soon she'll have a camera to shoot with.




















Lisa found a secluded spot by the lake with the setting sun to end our session.





























Thanks guys for a great day in the park. We are looking forward to the upcoming wedding. Keep on smiling!
Randy