Adam and Katie met at the University of Georgia in, wait for it, CHEMISTRY class:) It was fitting that Adam asked for Katie's phone number so that they could study chemistry together. When Katie told me how they met and eventually started dating (their first date being a chemistry study date), it made sense that she wanted to include this theme into their wedding day. Katie and Adam are both science people, with Katie working as a physical science technician for the USDA and Adam entering medical school this fall. Katie was able to get Erlenmeyer flasks from the USDA to use for flowers for the centerpieces at the reception, and the favors were candy-filled test tubes (with some sort of LOVE molecule on it!). They even had a frame with their married name spelled out in elements from the Periodic Table! Who knew you could get those?! I have to say I loved it so much. It was so fun to see their personalities shine through in the wedding details, and their love for all things Georgia and specifically science:) We took pictures all around the UGA campus, including a quick stop at the Chemistry building where it all began. We even got some fun and quirky shots of them in nerd glasses even though they look nothing like the nerdy type! Thanks for being so fun, Adam and Katie, and for planning such a unique and personal wedding day. I'm so glad I got to photograph it! And especially since Katie and I are sorta twins: we both drive volvo station wagons, we are both from New York, and of course we share the same name!!! oh, and my wedding colors were red and black, with black bridesmaid dresses and red flowers and even the same red roses in bridesmaids' hair!!! except I'm terrible in science. But I think the Volvo is enough to make us good friends;) Thanks so much you two!!
Chris + Chelsea//Italian Countryside Engagement
Okay, so maybe this session wasn't photographed in the Italian countryside, but you might think so from some of the pictures!! Chris and Chelsea told me they wanted to get their engagement pictures done at Chelsea's grandparents' "farm" and I was excited to photograph them in a personal location. But little did I know that this "farm" was anything but a quaint little property. Instead it is acres upon acres of beautiful land, houses that different family members own, a huge lake with their own SWAN boat, and an Italian style home and gardens where Chelsea's grandparents live. I didn't know what a swan boat was, and then I turned around and saw it near the dock and realized it is exactly as it sounds, a boat that is a huge swan. And this isn't just any swan boat, but a swan boat designed for Michael Jackson in the early 1990s. It was owned by him until later sold at an auction and purchased by Chelsea's grandparents. Who knew!?! I was in awe of all the different beautiful backdrops and was excited for the opportunity to photograph this lovely and loving couple. I met Chris when he was in high school and I was his history teacher (I was a very young teacher:). He has always been such a kind and genuine person just like his siblings that I've gotten to know, and more recently I've gotten to know him in a different role since he started his home renovation business, CW Renovations. His company has done some great work for us, most notably my NEW office at our house! If you're in need of some renovation help I definitely recommend him. It was no surprise that Chris found Chelsea who is just as genuine and kind. I told husband when I got home from the engagement session how much I liked Chelsea- she is one of those people you feel comfortable with instantly and you can just tell what a good friend should would be. They are a super happy couple, which of course if my favorite to photograph:) Thanks Deans and Chelsea for letting me in on your happiness- I'm so encouraged that God brings special people together! 
and I had to get a few shots of their respective "children"- these dogs will soon be siblings come November! Dogs are such a good preparation for children...
Mr. + Mrs. Snow//John's Creek Wedding
There are so many things that I would love to blog about this wedding! Adam and Katelyn began dating during their time at Georgia Tech, and because of them and another great couple (Kelsey and Bryce Dykes) I have a new appreciation for Tech even as a graduate from rival school UGA. Katelyn's mom had contacted me before the wedding to let me know about the significance of the flowers that would be used in the wedding and how a quarterly publication, Flower Magazine, would be doing a special feature about it. Katelyn's grandmother is a rosarian (someone who grows roses) and has been for years. She even has grown a specific type of rose named after Katelyn. Of course when it came time for Adam and Katelyn's wedding it made sense to use these special roses for the flowers, but it's rare to find a florist who would be open to using roses from family gardens. It turns out that Katelyn's grandmother has been friends with famous gardener Ryan Gainey (internationally known for his design of gardens) and Ryan was willing to make the arrangements and bouquets for the wedding using the special roses. This story will be featured (along with photos!) in the summer 2013 issue of Flower Magazine, and will be written by Ryan Gainey himself! It was so special to see Katelyn with her grandmother and mother, holding the flowers that were so carefully grown and tended to by her grandmother. I love it when the details of a wedding have sentimental value because it just makes it that much more special. Adam and Katelyn (and the whole bridal party) were such good sports during outside pictures in the 100+ degree heat, and the groomsmen were even wanting to play around on the playground at Perimeter church in their ties and jackets! Another fun bit of information about the wedding was the band that played at the reception. Katelyn apparently used to babysit for one of the lead singer's children, and when it came time for wedding planning they got in touch with him about music. He then brought a bunch of talented musicians together to be the official band at the wedding- and they were INCREDIBLY talented. My second shooter friend, the talented Kathryn Torbett, saw one of the band members and turned to me saying, "That is one of the characters on the TBS show, House of Payne!!!!" She had to verify it, so we made our way up front and she was right! Of course I got a picture of her and Palmer Williams, Jr. and we were pretty excited:) The band was really talented, and I was even more impressed when the electric guitarist came out into the dance floor and wailed. Needless to say the reception was a blast for the guests (and for us:), from the famous people to the awesome officer who broke it down on the dance floor, taking off his military jacket and wearing a US Flag dress shirt. I LOVED it. I should have known that the reception would be fun when Katelyn and the bridesmaids were dancing up a storm in the bridal room only minutes before she walked down the aisle. Such a great wedding- I'm so thankful I got to be a part of it!! Best wishes Adam and Katelyn! PS- check out the picture of Adam and Katelyn's mothers' shoes. They both wore amazing sparkle sass shoes- love love.
LEAH! I had to include a picture of you in the blog post! It's a tradition now:)! Oh, and above is Palmer Williams, House of Payne actor!
