Lauren & Ben :: Magnolia Hall

Mandy and I met up with Lauren and her bridesmaids before the wedding at a cantina in midtown. I really loved this downward angle Mandy captured.


Meanwhile I was experimenting with a new lens downstairs- let's just say I've given up my zoom lenses completely by now.







Lauren and her sister Bethany... I think they are very close?








Mandy's black and white photos:





Mandy's image of Lauren's mom:




Same moment, as shot by two photographers!



We had the window just before complete nightfall for their photos together. I love that the drama of twilight combined with their heartfelt gestures towards one another. As the saying goes, "We're only as good as our clients."


















Thanks Lauren & Ben for the opportunity to share this day with you!

Engaged: Brittany & Andrew

The sweetest and most endearing photos from Brittany and Andrew's engagement session in Piedmont Park! I had a great time getting to know these two better, and of course I was thrilled to hear from them how much they loved the photos. A happy client is better than any other accolade!







Andrew's company designed and constructed the tall building in the background, so the skyline has a little extra importance to them.


Just pure sweetness!

Jacquelynne & Donnie :: Chateau Elan

Jacquelynne & Donnie were married at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville with reception following at Chateau Elan. Jacquelynne chose not one but two pair of shoes to wear with her gown, and I was happy to have a hand in pointing her to retailers offering red shoes!






Thanks to Amanda Carol for joining me for the day and spending some time with Donnie as he was getting ready.






Can't help but love that Jesus Himself is in the background looking on this scene with Donnie and his mom.


Meanwhile Jac peruses the Bible for a passage to be read during the ceremony...


Jacquelynne told me she spent a lot of time in this room as a little girl since this is her family's home church.


A few quiet tears were shed by Jacquelynne's niece before proceeded down the aisle.





A moment of pure pride and happiness!


I love Jacquelynne's poignant and tender expression looking at her father after the ceremony...




A classic exit from the church with birdseed tossed in the air.


Off to Chateau Elan-




Practicing the first dance one last time...











Jacquelynne allowed for additional photo time during the reception. Her choice to set aside a few extra moments let us capture images of her and Donnie on the grounds at sunset. I love this sparkling green light in the trees- it reminds me of the scene in The Great Gatsby as he longs to pursue Daisy and the green light across the dock offers a symbol to move forward!






Time to dance! I've noticed band members always seem to like having their picture taken, must be something about their outgoing natures...



The grand exit set to sparklers and kisses!

Visual Luxury

I was very excited to work with the talented folks at Event Design Group last week documenting their look for The Atlantan Brides show at Hotel Palomar. I love the feeling of walking into a space when the designers clearly intend to create a remarkable experience. Here white tree branches laced with crystals and puffs of pale hydrangeas lent an air of fantasy to the environment.




A table for brides to enter for Wedding Day Prep Packages featuring gifts from great vendors.


The bar, complete with florals stuffed into every corner...



A buffet set up with treats



Banquette seating custom made by EDG


EDG enlisted Doc Waldrop of Full Circle Lighting to add to the drama with an ever-changing display of foreground and background color. As fast as I could shoot, the uplighting changed!





One of the most impressive concepts by EDG was this canopy of baby's breath pinned to wide ribbon at the entrance. As brides entered, event hosts pinned a sprig of flower to the brides-to-be.






After covering every aspect of the EDG decor, I took a peek at the work of some of my favorite vendor friends, including the delicious smelling chocolate cake by Jeff at Karyn at Frosted Pumpkin.


An eclectic burst of imagination by T.Evenire Event Planning and Design.



And endearing Eco-Chic table design by Ashley Baber with florals by David Clark at Chelsea.


Bamboo plates and flatware...


The guest book featuring very cool Polaroid transfers by Ross Oscar Knight-





Love it!


As an avid biker, I could not have loved the vintage bike with my (initial conveniently on the seat!) more.




Great job everyone, and I hope all brides and their guests had a fabulous afternoon!

Greece

I can't imagine there is a place in the world more beautiful than Oia, Santorini, though perhaps some vistas equal it... I am so thankful for the time I had there and in Athens with Mandy and my mother. We laughed as we have never laughed, slept and ate and drank and swam and braved the steep, winding pathways cut into the cliffside. Our time there ended with a pilgrimage to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean.

The most scenic route to the Acropolis...



Stray cats abound, fortunately they get at least a little food from the compassionte locals.






I watched this guy for a long time, such an elegant and contemplative silhouette against the sky. Then when he walked away he was just another teenager in shorts and a tank top (of the wife-beater variety).








Changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.


No shortage of stray dogs- they seem quite happy to be unfettered.



Mom and me on the ferry to Santorini.


Mandy checks her hair!





Sunrise, one of my favorite times to shoot because the world seems almost empty.

















The same dog in both photos below, just a span of time to change positions.










The sunset is the most important thing that happens in Oia. It seemed to me like people gathered to pay respect.











Juxtaposition!

a legendary event : White, Hot, Cool

This week I was honored to document "Party in the Kitchen", a culinary benefit hosted by a legendary event for Project Open Hand. Guests at Mason Murer Gallery were encouraged to "Wear White - Look Hot - Be Cool"; once the space filled the effect was a buzz of chic people doing something worthwhile for the community while sampling write-home-about dishes prepared by Atlanta's best chefs. All of this among striking works of contemporary art!

a legendary event : Julie & Julia

I'm excited to do a decor-and-details shoot for a legendary event tomorrow at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery- as a sneak preview of how meticulous/inspired/nuanced legendary designs are, check out these images from the recent premiere of Julia & Julia at Phipps Plaza.








The attendees were nothing short of fashionable...



I imagine Julia herself would have approved of the event; it was certainly in keeping with her raison d'être:

"Drama is very important in life: You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper." -Julia Child

Nicole & Rob :: Christ the King and Biltmore Ballrooms

It's unusual but certainly not unheard of to photograph different wedding ceremonies at the same location two weeks in a row. Last year this happened in May at Wolf Mountain Vineyards, and this summer at the Cathedral of Christ the King, as you can see in the previous post. Nicole & Rob's wedding was a truly joyous celebration; they both seemed very relaxed throughout the day and even more so when they were together. Niolce and her bridesmaids prepared for the day in one of the sweet and chic bridal suites at the Georgian Terrace...




Nicole's dad was very attentive to details for her, like framing this engagement photo.


Her brother fastening a bridesmaid's shoe


Many thanks to Lori Suzanne for shooting with me while Mandy had pneumonia. Lori's shot of Rob's dad helping him get ready:


The winding staircase at the Terrace, a photo opportunity not to be missed with Nicole looking so flawless.


Cheerful yellow matches Nicole's smile.



The open height in the Georgian Terrace lobby immediately inspired me to go for uncommon perspective.



Compelling image by Lori of Nicole in the courtyard of Christ the King



Groomsmen images by Lori



My parting shot of the uber-cool guys



Nicole hides from last minute guests


Again Mr.Gelé as the devoted father















DJ Rob Clark encourages festive entrances, and this group was up to the task!




Nicole's lovely grandmothers, both caught by surprise



So fun!





A triumphant beginning to their new life as Mr. and Mrs.!


Many happy returns!

Emily & Joseph :: Christ the King and Wimbish House

Emily and Joseph were married at the Cathedral of Christ the King with reception following at the Wimbish House, also known as the Atlanta Women's Club. I love this venue for its antique charm, it still has the air of those long ago ladies who lunched- in 1895 when the club was established! Without further ado, I present Mr. & Mrs. Luke and all the beautiful details of their day!





Emily's mom admiring the gown from Bridals by Lori.


Joseph Luke IV and his parents... his dad Joseph III gave the most touching speech at the reception, saying that he wished for Emily and his son what he shared with his own wife, sitting around together talking about their children and caring goes on in their lives.



This is a classic, "You will always be my little boy!" shot. Thanks to Mandy for these images of Joseph and his family.


Emily at the beautiful gates of the church.





More of Mandy's images, including Emily and Joseph seeing each other for the first time!























Some of that antique charm I mentioned...









A tender embrace during the last dance.


Best wishes to you both, and I want to meet your new kitten!

Karen & Luke :: Wequassett Resort, Chatham MA

Karen and Luke met in Atlanta while in college at Emory and Ga Tech, then moved to the Boston area where Karen is from originally. Luke's family roots are in Poland, so their wedding festivities were spread across two continents! The wedding weekend events in America were held at the serene Wequassett Resort overlooking Pleasant Bay in Chatham, MA.

The event space at Wequassett on the evening of the rehearsal dinner:


Seeing Karen's dress from Kelly's Closet was a welcome reminder of the best Atlanta has to offer in bridal couture.



Karen on her way to looking glamorous but very natural and modern!





Luke and the guys had an extended debate on the best methods of tie-tying...






Love this raised eyebrow from the maid of honor Erin- let's get our wedding on ladies!

















Lots of romance immediately following the ceremony!












Before entering the reception Karen and Luke observed Polish tradition by partaking of salted bread and wine with their parents. I read this about the tradition from the Polish American Center web site: "With the bread, the parents are hoping that their children will never hunger or be in need. With the salt, they are reminding the couple that their life may be difficult at times, and they must learn to cope with life's struggles. With the wine, they are hoping that the couple will never thirst and wish that they have a life of good health, and good cheer and share the company of many good friends."








A moment under shelter of the porch for more romance:







There's a lot more to see, click here for the wedding day slideshow!

A Little Time with Wyeth and Hopper

On a recent visit to Provincetown on the Cape for the occasion of my birthday, I felt the importance of the landscape, the atmosphere, and the light of this place on the paintings of Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth. Surrounded by the same colors and plateaus that so inspired these painters, I felt the presence of their work like a friend recently reunited.

This boutique rearranges the NOPE sign to OPEN when true.


Provincetown grannies looking out at their boys' catch. As a non-meat or fish eater I had a moment of silence for the majestic fish.



Gratuitous self-indulgence, here's a photo of me looking great for my age. ; )


On to Race Point Beach and the Pilgrim Monument:












These next images were taken at sunrise on my birthday, which I would everafter like to be commemorated by my friends taking photos of whatever inspires or comforts them. The cold wet sand I maneuvered in bare feet was a comfort while shooting these images. It felt like sand that could only exist at dawn on the shore of the Atlantic.










On our last day to explore-by this time we made our way to Chatham- we skipped rocks into the sound. The simplicity of the experience made me very happy. Something you can't buy or achieve...


Mandy took this pic of me on the upturned boat-


then we tried holding the Mark II at arm's length with one hand to get pictures of both of us. It works pretty well with a wide angle lens!


A lackadaisical bunny who was unperturbed by our presence in his grand neighborhood.




The best chowder we had by far was at a divey little restaurant that distinctly reminded me of a truck stop. Note the postcards behind my head!



The sunset as seen from the sky en route home, Hopper would have liked the colors:

Patti & Doug :: Cheers!

My portrait session with Patti & Doug started out harmless enough, perfectly engagement-y:




Then I suggested we visit one of Decatur's most laid back watering holes, Thinking Man Tavern. Instead of the usual photographer approach of "Shoot first and ask questions/apologize later," I sidled up to the bartender and asked permission to make some images. He looked me dead in the eye and said "No," then cracked a grin and told us it was fine. Patti & Doug were laughing and relaxed from the beginning, but they seemed to be especially entertained by the novelty of sipping ale while having their portraits made. Here's to them and all their smiles and happiness; I am thankful to share in it on their upcoming wedding day!

Happy 4th of July- and Happy Birthday!

Independence Day is special in our family for more than one reason- it's also the birthday of the oldest member of the next generation, my nephew Paul Louis Stone III. He is a sweetheart and a beautiful boy, who loves all things Star Wars. Note the injured finger, almost broken on the playground! Happy Birthday Paul!




After presents and dinner, we all went out on the water to watch fireworks.


This is the new filling station






The line of lights along the horizon are the headlights of all the boats anchored for the show.







A note to my photgrapher friends, the images of fireworks were shot from 1/20s to 1/60s at ISO 5000 on a rocking boat! I hope everyone had a very happy and safe weekend. It was my favorite Fourth, spent mostly floating on the lake or partially submerged in the pool, when not searching for roadside-stand tomatoes or socializing with the local party-goers. Til next year!

Jenn & Tim :: A Wedding at Swan Mansion

Just before we took off on one our many trips this year, we completed the presentation of Jenn & Tim's wedding at the historic Swan Mansion. This is the scene that greeted me when I arrived at the Buckhead Ritz Carlton to spend some time with the ladies:


It was pouring, with plans for an outdoor ceremony in just a few hours...







We were all blessed with a beautiful window of dry skies for photos and vows
























This is actually a "found" (totally unstaged) image



A few moments of private emotion before entering the reception.





An awesome photo by Mandy of the cake:



Tim's emotion during the toasts


Nothing like a passionate kiss!

Claudia and the Professor

It's always interesting when an engagement session begins with intrusion from the "authorities". Decatur Police, famous/infamous for running a tight ship, accosted Mandy and I in the parking lot at Agnes Scott as we hoped to begin taking photos; luckily Tom came to the rescue and explained that he is indeed an esteemed professor at the genteel center for higher learning. I couldn't resist giving this post a romantic, silver-screen sort of title because I don't know any other professors who are engaged to pretty, stylish, smart women like Claudia. For that reason I selected a song with literary allusions; if you watch the slideshow you will hear what I mean. Claudia and Tom do belong in a shomance, but obviously they have their own!