Ben & Katie's Log Cabin Chapel Wedding | Vinings, Georgia

A cheerful white trolley inched its way closer to the front steps of Hotel Indigo for the second time that afternoon. As soon as it stopped, Katie scaled the steps, her white dress held dutifully by the maid of honor. The sun was out, full force, but Katie and Ben had already thought of a fun way to beat the heat. Catch a breezy white trolley across town, complete with icy cold libations and "Despacito" blasting through the air, and you'll certainly stay cool and make some memories along the way.  

Without further ado, take a look at Ben and Katie's wedding day, complete with trolley rides, a ceremony at The Log Cabin Church in Vinings, and a bet-you-can't-help-but-dance reception at The Swan Coach House. 

Cody & Brittany's Sentimental Wedding | Ballground, Georgia

Brittany and Cody incorporated so much sentimental charm into their wedding day. From a sixpence in her blue shoe to her mother's veil gracefully trailing as she walked down the aisle, Brittany's classic taste had us humming "For Sentimental Reasons" all day long. The groomsmen sported tails on their tuxes, and the Father of the Bride impressed us all with his ballroom dance skills for the Father-Daughter dance. 

The Wheeler House is a perfect location for the sentimental bride. Wrap around porches graced with comfortable swings and rockers welcomed guests into the stately white home, and just along the stone walkway was the outdoor ceremony, intimate and secluded. Top it all off with the getaway car to beat all getaway cars. See for yourself when swap through this snippet of Cody and Brittany's wedding day, and maybe hum Nat King Cole's "For Sentimental Reasons" while you're at it. 

 

Kevin & Tara's Grist Mill Engagement Session

We met up with Kevin and Tara at Grist Mill in Stone Mountain Park around golden hour for their engagement photos and between good conversation, goofiness, and splashing around, the time seemed to fly. 

Before the photos started, Kevin and Tara confessed that they were "awkward" in front of the camera. We were determined to prove them wrong, and triumphant when we looked over images later that evening, because these two are naturals, and so fun to shoot. 

Keep scrolling to enjoy a few of our favorites from their shoot. We can't wait to catch up with them again this fall for their wedding day! 

Wedding Guest Group Photo | Tips & Tricks

We've talked with many couples who like this idea, but until this weekend, we never saw it actually done. And to be perfectly honest, it's a little bit of a feat to capture your entire guest list in one giant group photo. How on earth can you get everyone in one awesome photo without grumpy guests and a frustrated photographer? Here are a few tips to help you plan your GIANT group photo in a way that makes the whole process seamless and fun. 

1. Communicate Clearly 

The best idea we've seen for this is simple: Use your programs to communicate the timing and location for this group photo. Everyone will have one in hand, and if they haven't read it, we guarantee someone sitting next to them has. To top off the program communication, ask your officiant to reiterate this information at the end of the ceremony. 

2. Photograph Early

Don't wait until the end of the reception to snap this group photo. Rallying the guests will get progressively more difficult, especially when some may have already started to leave. We suggest capturing this photo at the end of the ceremony. If there isn't a great location for a ceremony photo, plan it for early in the reception, and it never hurts to loop your DJ in for extra help in communicating this to guests. 

3. Scout Locations

The best angle for a large group photo is .... drumroll ... ABOVE! Take a look at the locations available to you on your wedding day, and take note of any places where a photographer might be able to shoot from a window, balcony, staircase, or porch. 

4. Make it Quick!

Don't drag it out. Know how you want your guests to pose, communicate this upfront, take some rapid fire photos, and let them get back to the party. This way you'll get their best smiles, best reactions, and a happier group photo. 

Hats off to Theresa and David, whose wedding was our inspiration for this blog. 

Got any other tips and tricks to share? We'd love to hear from you!