Atlanta | Caron Cooper Photography

“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.