“She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love.” —Van Morrison

Last month my husband and I traveled to Atlanta, Ga. — affectionately known to many as HOT-lanta! — but it was surprisingly cold & windy from what I remember of my time there reporting for a local newspaper. And the crazy weather was just the beginning of this crazy weekend.

For some crazy reason, my husband and I decided to drive to Atlanta. OK, I admit it was my crazy idea. But my loving husband went along with it. So we drove through the night and arrived in the wee hours of the morning, grabbed a few hours of sleep, then prepared for a full location scout.

Just before the rehearsal, I was approached by one of the Bride’s crazy fun bridesmaids; she had the crazy idea of me shooting the rehearsal dinner later that evening as her gift to the Bride + Groom. How could I say no?! A chance to better acquaint myself with the wedding VIPs, practice my moves — “Research,” I told my husband. “I mean, why else are we here?” My loving husband then reminded me that I can be a little crazy when lacking sleep. No problem, I’ll just get some coffee.

The crazy laughter from the rehearsal dinner permeated the air for blocks, as family and friends toasted the couple with undeniably funny memories and heart-warming wishes. My man patiently waited in the bar below the restaurant & watched the game, making the occasional crazy run upstairs when I called for assistance — not a bad deal.

The next day, all 20 of the couple’s crazy bridesmaids and groomsmen, along with four ushers, their large families and a whole lot of friends gathered around the Bride + Groom as they committed their lives to one another. The ceremony was breathtaking and original, with touches of the Groom’s bold personality and the Bride’s bashful beauty. When the couple took the dance floor for the first time as Mr. + Mrs., Van Morrison’s lyrics were on the lips of the Groom. A lovely moment. But behind the scenes, the surprising weather kept the wedding planners, myself and my sweet husband running around like crazy.

Cheers to Amy + Andy — may the spark that kept you warm that day keep the crazy love alive in your marriage always.

And to my husband who, after much deliberation, agreed to step-up his assistant status and try second shooting with me during this crazy busy wedding weekend — I always knew you were crazy good under pressure. Thanks for loving this crazy gal.

And here’s a sneak peak at the custom wedding website that I created for the couple:

CREDITS:

Venue: Summerour Studio

Catering & Event Planning: Soiree Catering & Events

Bride’s Dress: Priscilla of Boston Vineyard Collection

Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew

Florist: Darryl Wiseman Flowers

Cake: Sugarplum Visions

Wedding Website: Caron Cooper Media & Design

 

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Tawanna + Lee were married at 11 a.m. on June 11, 2011, at Barnard Park in Glennville, Ga. One of Tawanna’s bridesmaids told me the bride wanted to feel like a princess with a wedding fit for royalty. The sun was shining, birds were chirping and the couple was surrounded by family and friends. It was a day straight from the pages of a fairytale, complete with horse + carriage, white doves and a handsome prince. It was Tawanna’s dream come true. Happily ever after…

A couple weeks before her wedding, I met Tawanna at her girlfriend’s house to take a bridal portrait. The rainy morning kept us inside, so we did most of the shoot around a staircase and balcony. Tawanna told me she wanted a shot with her bouquets — the bouquets she has caught at her friends’ weddings over the years. She said the four she had with her was just a small sampling. It was a cute way to commemorate the occasion. And soon it will be her turn!

 

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Just weeks before my best friend was to be married, we decided to shoot an impromptu bridal portrait. We dolled her up before one of her fittings and shot the portrait right in the boutique. La Mariée Haute Couture Bridal in Sarasota has a fabulous mirror that provided a simple backdrop for the shot that was displayed at her wedding reception.

Sara’s wedding was photographed by Reign 7 Studios — they did an amazing job. (I already had my hands full as a bridesmaid and her wedding planner!) But I did snap a few shots of her gown the morning of her wedding, along with the cute hanger gifted by her sister-in-law.

I was thrilled to contribute some photos to my once-upon-a-time babysitter’s wedding scrapbook. She was married to her beau in the Log Cabin Community Church in Smyrna, Ga. The Log Cabin has a rich history, built to serve the area between Atlanta and Marietta. The cabin’s cozy feel was the perfect setting for a small wedding. The Bride looked gorgeous, the Groom looked proud! Congratulations to the newlyweds!

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