Kevin and Katie’s wedding will be one that I always remember. Years ago when I taught British Literature at Norcross High School, they were in my first period class. I can still see where Katie sat in my C205 classroom— close to my desk and against the partition that served as one of our classroom walls. Katie was one of those students who just exuded joy and happiness when she walked in the room. She often got there early in the morning and well before the bell rang to begin first period (well, that is until she and Kevin started dating and they barely made it on time due to their early morning Chick-Filet-et runs or Katie’s Harry Potter club meetings before school.) Kevin started out sitting across the room. He was very quiet but always had a kind smile and a bag of baseball gear for practice after school—and I always used to tease him for the Gator shirts he wore to my UGA decorated classroom.
One day, I noticed Kevin moved his seat—right in front of Katie. Then I noticed them talking and laughing quietly as they waited for the bell to ring to begin first period. When Katie convinced him to attend her Harry Potter club meetings (I still remember that maroon and gold striped scarf she wore when it was cold) I knew they were more than just friends. They were inseparable. After they started dating, I’m not sure that I ever saw them walk in without the other—that is, until Katie underwent eye surgery and was out for several days recovering. I admire Katie so much…despite multiple eye surgeries and absences throughout high school and coping with all the stress and roadblocks that went along with that, she never let it slow her down. I remember when she was out for an extended time in my class that I sent her flowers…and when I was picking out what kind of flowers, I picked yellow…because to me, she was a ray of sunshine and I sorely missed her sweet smile in the mornings and eagerness to help me with anything I was doing before school started.
Kevin and Katie dated throughout high school, had a long distance relationship as Kevin went off to school at Auburn, and the next time I saw them was when I was photographing Tanner and Laura Beth’s wedding, and Kevin was a groomsmen. I was thrilled to see him, and later that evening I had a break to see and hug Katie. She had grown into a now taller than me (because she was definitely shorter than me back in high school) beautiful woman, and we spent a few minutes chatting and catching up. Not long after Tanner and Laura Beth’s wedding, Kevin popped the question when they were hiking with their dog Bogey and Katie contacted me about photographing their wedding. I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to capture their day…especially because I had known them at the beginning of their romantic relationship!
Katie and Kevin live in Atlanta with Bogey and they love the city! They spent the evening before their wedding at Atlanta’s famous Georgian Terrace Hotel, and then moved over to Park Tavern for the ceremony.
When I arrived at the Georgian Terrace, Katie and her sweet girls—her sister Heather and bridesmaids Emily and Zoe were busy with hair and make-up, and I got started with her detailed shots. After that, we photographed the guys on the rooftop of the Georgian Terrace and down on the sidewalk. Once Katie was zipped into her stunning gown, we took the girls up to the rooftop as well and they were troopers—because we were in full sun on the roof in 95 degree weather! We made sure to get the famous Fox Theatre sign in the photos down on the sidewalk, and then it was time to head over to the Piedmont Room at Park Tavern.
When we arrived at the Piedmont Room, the property was surrounded by construction for Music Midtown. Katie and Kevin knew about it and they were completely laid back and trusted us to do the best we could with the situation. Luckily there was no event going on in the small courtyard and we were able to use that for their first look!
When it was time for the ceremony, Katie and Kevin’s dog, Bogey, was brought in to be a part of the celebration. Hamp, one of the groomsmen, and also one of my former students, was in charge of Bogey. Bogey came skittering in decked out in an Auburn collar and white bow tie. Katie’s father escorted her down the aisle, and they said their vows surrounded by family and friends. Katie was a little excited about getting to that part, because she jumped in when it was Kevin’s turn, causing everyone to laugh! Groosmen Kevin and Ryan played the guitar and sang “God Only Knows” during the ceremony and they were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Cosola! They were all smiles as they made their way back down the aisle, and Bogey stopped to get some love from a few guests.
Bridal party portraits were interesting…the construction workers weren’t allowing anyone out on the green, but we got reassurance from Josh, one of the venue employees that he would do what it took to get us out there and get those famous Atlanta skyline photos! He succeeded after a very convincing conversation with one of the workers and we went out to the grass with Bogey in tow. One of my favorite shots from working with this group was when Bogey decided he’d had enough of being apart from his mom and dad and he decided to try to make a break for it…much to Hamp’s dismay.
We shot sunset portraits with Katie and Kevin and then went up to celebrate! At the reception, Kevin and Katie shared their first dance as husband and wife and then Katie and her dad surprised everyone with a choreographed dance. After Kevin and his mother danced, they invited the whole room to join in and then dinner was served.
Saturday was truly an amazing celebration of a very special couple…and this wedding was so meaningful to me! I had a total of five former students in the bridal party—it was a wedding I won’t ever forget! Kevin and Katie, you have always been special to me. There are no words for me to express how proud I am of both of you and how much it meant for me to be able to capture this day for you. I love you both and I wish you every blessing as you begin this new journey together! Congratulations!
Venue: The Georgian Terrance Hotel and The Piedmont Room at Park Tavern
Photographer: Audrey Herron Photography
Second Photographer: Kristal Whitley
Flowers: Edge Design Group
Wedding Gown: Martina Liana purchased at Bride Beautiful
Wedding Planner: Laura Burchfield
DJ: Exquisite Sounds Entertainment
Cake: Lush Cakery
