Brenton and Catie’s early spring wedding out at Empire Mills in Madison, Georgia was truly a beautiful celebration! There was hardly a cloud in the sky all day—and although it was windy, we used that to our best advantage with Catie’s stunning cathedral length veil! I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and photographing Catie’s sweet family for the past few years, and it was such a privilege for me to get to capture this special day for her!
When Kristal and I arrived, we got to work on the bridal details while the girls hung out and finished hair and make-up. Catie’s details were a perfect reflection of her—classic and beautiful. Her lace gown was so elegant! JL Designs did a gorgeous job on her florals—and saved me some pieces to enhance her bridal detail photos! Brenton and his guys came out for photos first so the girls could have a little extra time to get ready. Brenton asked how Catie was doing, which I thought was so sweet.
Once Catie’s mother, Lori, zipped her into her gown and it was time to get her shoes on, her niece, Carson, eagerly settled herself at her aunt’s feet to assist with that task! Catie then shared a sweet first look with her father, and then she and the girls braved the chilly wind to head out for portraits.
Wind can make things interesting and can be a challenge to work around—but with a veil like Catie’s, we were thankful for some wind that assisted with some stunning veil shot. Once Catie’s portraits were finished, she and Brenton had a first look and then we photographed the bridal party before tucking everyone away before the ceremony.
When it was time for the ceremony, Catie’s father escorted her down the aisle to Brenton, who was all smiles as he watched his beautiful bride walk to him. About halfway during the ceremony, Carson decided the rose petals needed to be cleaned up, so she set to work gathering them back into her little basket. Catie and Brenton lit their unity candle, sealed their vows with a kiss and headed back down the aisle joined together as man and wife.
After some gorgeous sunset portraits in the field behind the venue, (huge thanks to their coordinator, Sammy, who is always wonderful about allowing me a few extra minutes with my couples if I need it!!) Catie went to have her gown bustled and then she and Brenton were introduced to their reception where guests welcomed them with cheers. They went right into their first dance as husband and wife, and then Catie danced with her father, Chip. It started out slow and sweet, and then they broke into a fast dance (I was very impressed with Chip’s dance moves!) Following that, Brenton shared a dance with his mother, Margaret. One really neat thing during their reception was that their baker, Debra Adams, stayed after setting up their cake just to make sure to show them how to cut it! A live band kept the guests entertained all evening, and Hallie Jane’s Catering was wonderful as always!
Brenton and Catie enjoyed their time visiting with family and friends, and at the end of the evening were sent off with well-wishes and cheers at their sparkler exit. It was a magical ending to a magical day—and what an honor it was for me to capture it! Congratulations, Brenton and Catie—I wish you every blessing as you begin this new chapter of marriage!
Venue: Empire Mills
Wedding Coordinator: Jackson & June Events, Sammy Kesner assisted by Kelyn Theus.
Photographer: Audrey Herron Photography
Second Photographer: Kristal Whitley
Florist: JL Designs
Caterer: Hallie Janes Catering
Band: Reunion Band
Hair and Makeup: Jessie McNure
Officiant: Todd Lowe
Ceremony Musician: Diane Deariso
Baker: Cake Design by Debra
