Meghan and Ryan grew up about a mile apart but it took moving to Charlotte and swiping right for their love story to begin. However you would have thought these families knew each other and had been friends for years. From the hugs to swapping partners for a spin on the dance floor, the Gentrys and Flinns were just meant to share in celebrations together and I LOVE that. Meghan and Ryan approached their wedding day with their eyes focused on becoming their own family... even though a VIP member of the family couldn't attend the wedding (sweet fur-baby Ivy). Throughout the day they showed just how much they wanted to experience and be present in their wedding day. They wanted to make time before the ceremony to hold hands and exchange gifts because even if they didn't want to see each other until they were at opposite ends of the aisle, they wanted to have a sweet moment to be together at the very start of their day. During cocktail hour when most couples opt for hiding away, Meghan and Ryan greeted guests and got to love on the people that came to celebrate them. At the reception they greeted everyone and made sure everyone had plenty to eat and drink... including me with a drink straight from the bottle of wine, ha! All of these actions should give you an idea of how wonderful these two are, but what they surprised their families with was the most meaningful thing they could do. Ryan and Meghan stood up to thank everyone for coming and thank their families for the love and support they'd been given. They then announced that they made a donation to the Ovarian Cancer Alliance in honor of their late grandmother who battled ovarian cancer and Ryan's mom who is a survivor. Needless to say they had us all in tears. Most couples are very focused on themselves and their wedding day so this gesture was so unexpected and the best example of Meghan and Ryan's hearts. 

Congratulations again, Mr. & Mrs. Gentry. I hope you're waving at all the animals on your safari for me!! 

I'm not a big crier, although motherhood has softened me, but when Stephanie & Chad read their vows to each other privately I couldn't help but shed a few tears. When couples approach their wedding day with a focus on their marriage, it is just so much more meaningful and with COVID, Stephanie and Chad had a lot longer to plan for their marriage than most couples. Last year we did their engagement session on what would have been their wedding day to commemorate the occasion and what could have been a hard day was just a fun celebration of their love. Thankfully the real deal was worth the wait... even if mother nature decided to rain on our parade. Stephanie and Chad were both so excited to get married that a little rain wasn't going to put a damper on anything. It also helped that they were surrounded by family and friends that were all willing to roll with the punches and a few little drops of rain in the name of a good photo. We did get a few breaks in the rain but Stephanie and Chad had to make the hard decision in the middle of portraits to move their ceremony under the tent so their guests wouldn't get wet. It's not what either of them wanted or envisioned but I watched the two of them giving silent signals of "we got this" with hand squeezes and quick hugs. Not every couple would be able to shake off having their wedding day vision get totally flipped on its head, but not every couple is Stephanie and Chad. I adore these two and I'm so glad I was able to be a part of this fun day! If rain on your wedding day is good luck, I think even their great grandchildren are set. 

Congratulations again, Mr. & Mrs. Berger! I hope Greece was everything you wanted and more!

Amanda and Mike waited a longgggg time for this day to come. When we met in 2019, I was super excited after hearing about their plans and vision for their day. It may have taken an extra year, but I would say it was all worth the wait! Although no wedding, even one that is two years in the making, is without hiccups and Mother Nature decided to throw us a curve ball. After a beautiful ceremony at Immaculate Heart of Mary, we headed to Agnes Scott to capture all of the portraits. As the wedding party got ready for a shot on the steps of Letitia Hall, the skies opened up. We figured it would be a super quick shower as is typical for a summer storm in Georgia. Once we checked the radar, we realized the storm was just sitting on top of us. Thankfully Amanda and Mike, as well as their friends, were totally fine to roll with the punches. We took a break to give Amanda and Mike a chance to admire their reception space and Britt Wood Designs's beautiful work. Most couples don't get this opportunity as guests have already moved into the space so it was really special to see them soaking it all in. Throughout the day I found them just basking in the love and awesomeness of having everyone you love in one room. During the ceremony they stole glances over their shoulders to look at their family and friends and during the reception I caught them standing off to the side just watching the packed dance floor. Maybe it was just because they waited so long for this day to come or maybe Amanda and Mike are just awesome people (probably both), but they were so appreciative of all of the work that went into the day. Everyone was so gracious and welcoming and warm, it was truly a pleasure to be a part of it all.

Amanda and Mike - YOU MADE IT! I'm so thankful I was able to celebrate with you and your amazing family and friends!

Classic with personality. That's how I would describe Katy and her wedding plans that apparently she has had since she was a little girl! I knew Katy and Alden's day was going to be amazing just based on their vendor team but after spending the evening with them for their "Pandemic Portraits" I was super excited to share in their entire wedding weekend and to be able to hang out with them and their amazing family and friends! I got a sneak preview of what their day would be like at their rehearsal dinner at Park Tavern. You learn so much about your couples at the rehearsal dinner. For example I learned that Alden has an insane sweet tooth and just about all of their family and friends have  one degree of separation. Everyone was connected! When guests all know each other, it makes for one epic party and it most certainly was. Despite a few hiccups leading up to the wedding, including a major one... you know, a pandemic... everything was smooth sailing on the big day! Katy and Alden incorporated so many fun details in their wedding day that really showcased their personalities and made for a memorable experience for their guests. On top of a delicious meal, their family and friends got to enjoy Kona Ice (a personal favorite) and Chick Fil A sandwiches to end the night! They also had fun headwear, glow sticks and lighted necklaces for the dance floor. It could not have been a more perfect day and I'd say it was well worth the wait. 

Katy and Alden - thank you so much for including me in your big day! LOVE YOU GUYS!​

It has always been a dream to shoot a wedding at the Atlanta History Center. It is such a gorgeous venue and the backdrop for the ceremony is unlike any other place in Atlanta. To be able to photograph Sam and Brian there was the cherry on top! I absolutely adore these two and their sweet families! I first met Sam's family at her sister Jordyn's wedding a few years ago, so when Brian asked me to capture the proposal I was SO PUMPED! Sam and Brian met in Whole Foods while living in Hawaii and when it was time to pop the question, Brian thought the perfect place would be the rooftop bar at the Whole Foods in Midtown... although I was hoping he would say Hawaii. He arranged for family and friends to come and celebrate the big moment and surprise Sam. When you're with these two and their crew, you instantly feel like one of the family. We were all bummed to have to wait for the big celebration due to COVID but once the day was finally here, it was well worth the wait.