Working with Travis and Emily over the past year reinforces why I love what I do. We shot their engagement session out at Vines Park in Loganville in the spring, and as we were walking, I placed them under a cherry tree because the lighting was beautiful. As I was directing them in how to pose, the wind blew, and petals began too flutter down from the tree limbs. I quickly called out to Travis to pull Emily in for a kiss, and without a second thought he acted and we got an amazing shot that has been one of my favorite engagement photos to date. As I got to know them, I found out we shared a lot of similarities! My pastor, and his wife are named Travis and Emily. Travis’s sister’s name was Emmie, which is my daughter’s name, and Emily’s niece, who was the flower girl, was named Audrey! As Travis said—it was just meant to be that we ended up working together! This couple has been down to earth, genuine and just makes you feel at ease when you are around them.
The weather finally cooled down for their October 21, 2018 wedding. I don’t think they could have dreamed of a better day! The sun was shining, the temperature was cool, and the tase of fall was in the air! (Finally!!)
Emily and her girls were getting ready in the bridal suite, and after saying hello, I started photographing her details. Her bouquet was absolutely breathtaking—the colors were vibrant and the design was exquisite—On, the owner of 9 Oaks who designs the florals, has never ceased to amaze me with her eye for detail, and her floral designs are really a work of art. When I was almost finished, Jacki, their wedding coordinator was decorating their favors table with the cutest white pumpkins trimmed with lace and burlap and tags. I ended up using one for some of the detail shots.
When the guys arrived, I pulled Travis out so he could read his letter from Emily, and then worked with the guys and Travis and his immediate family for their photos. Once I finished with them, I hurried back over to capture a few more photos of Emily getting ready, and then took the girls out in front of the White House on the property to get some photos of them in their monogrammed flannel shirts. Emily’s mother zipped her into her elegant gown, and we headed outside for a first look with her bridesmaids. The lighting outside was just beautiful, and Emily truly looked angelic as we worked to shoot her bridal portraits.
The ceremony took place at the bridge, which was adorned with a gorgeous arch of flowers, magnolia leaves and eucalyptus. It was just gorgeous…the curve of the bridge and the flowers provided a beautiful frame for the ceremony photos. Their ceremony was God-centered and sweet, and when they sealed their vows with a kiss and started down the aisle, Travis dipped Emily for another kiss.
We worked with the family and bridal party, and then with Travis and Emily. They were so easy to work with—their smiles were genuine, bright, and infectious. When they were introduced at the reception, they went right into their first dance. It was so sweet to watch them quietly sing to to one another as they swayed to the music. Emily’s father gave an emotional welcome, and the couple and their guests enjoyed a barbecue dinner followed by gourmet cupcakes. After the father-daughter and mother-son dances, Emily and Travis played the shoe game, in which Emily’s shoes were raised quite a bit more than Travis’s were. She tossed the bouquet and he threw the garter, and they enjoyed a last song surrounded by their family and friends. They exited to a tunnel of sparklers where Travis dipped Emily (twice) and helped her into their car. It was a beautiful day filled with love, laughter, and the sweetness of two lives becoming one. Travis and Emily, it was truly an honor to be a part of your love story, and a blessing to work with you both. I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, happiness, and may God always bless you in your future together.
