Atlanta Wedding Photographer Lauren Wright : Blog

Married! Troster & Ashleigh : Primrose Cottage

Lauren — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:39:01 +0000

July 17th was an amazing day, not just because I was photographing a wedding, but because I was photographing Troster and Ashleigh’s wedding! It feels like just yesterday that Ashleigh and I sat in a trendy little coffee shop and imagined what her wedding day would be like. We shared stories, laughed together, and spent three hours or so just getting to know each other. I knew from our first encounter that their wedding would be a joy to be a part of, but I couldn’t have guessed just what a treasure these two are. They have been together for seven years already, so their wedding day was really the celebration of a new chapter in what has already become a life spent together. Troster and Ashleigh, your love is such a gift. I pray that the two of you continue to bless each other with that gift every day.

I’ll begin by sharing some of Ashleigh’s amazing details! Her classic ivory pumps perfectly complemented her Paloma Blanca wedding gown. I also loved the broach she wore – it belonged to her great-great-grandmother!

JoAnn Brown did a wonderful job on the florals! They were absolutely beautiful.

Ashleigh had the best stylist in Atlanta do her hair and make up – Cayla Roberts! I love this girl. Seriously, she is an incredible stylist, and she’s an absolute joy to work with. You want her hands working their magic on your hair for your wedding day!

I love being able to be present as a bride or groom’s family and friends gather around them to pray on their wedding day. It’s such a special time, and it always takes me back to the moment on my wedding day when my best friends lifted Robert and I up.

The wedding ceremony was held at Northside Church in Atlanta, where Troster works. Their sanctuary is stunning!

After the ceremony, the entire bridal party headed to the Old Mill in Roswell for photos with the newlyweds!

The reception was held at Primrose Cottage, so of course it was beautiful, the food was delicious and the evening was perfectly coordinated!

Ashleigh’s dance with her father was quick paced, but it was also very emotional for her whole family. I love that you can see a joyful tear falling down Ashleigh’s face in this shot.

The expression on Ashleigh’s face as her sorority sisters gathered around to serenade her was priceless. She loves her Alpha Delta Pi sisters!

Engaged! Jeff & Ashley : Woodbury, GA

Lauren — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:16:39 +0000

If you browse my blog for any amount of time, you will learn one thing about me for sure: I LOVE shooting outside. I love deep green trees and bright blue skies. I love the warm, bright colors that fill the sky during sunset. No matter where I am, whether in the city, in the suburbs or out in the middle of nowhere, I will always find a bright patch of green where I can shoot. Why? I’m not really sure. I just think it’s beautiful. I can’t help myself! So when Ashley and I were discussing options for her and Jeff’s engagement photos and she mentioned that Jeff’s family owned a farm down in Woodbury, I was intrigued. Then she said the magic words – red barn (swoon!) – and I was sold.

Ashley and Jeff share such a sweet, gentle type of intimacy. Jeff is always ready to take care of Ashley’s needs, whether it’s beating down prickly bushes or carrying her across tall grass. These simple gestures reveal a deep level of care and respect for her that just makes my heart smile. They chat and laugh openly, the hold each other tenderly, and smile at each other with a look that sings of their mutual love and affection. You’ll see what I mean!

Look at that smile! Ashley, you’re gorgeous!

Another word that will make me a happy, happy photographer? Sunflowers!

People often ask me how I’m able to edit through photos so quickly. The answer is that I do my best to get the shot right when I take it. It doesn’t always work out perfectly, and most photos do need at least a little help to be their most beautiful, but then you have photos like these in the next set. These next three photos have no editing on them whatsoever. I pulled them straight from the camera, re-sized them and posted them here. This is another reason why I LOVE shooting outdoors!

We finished the evening shooting down by the cabin. This is just such a cute picture to me.

Jeff and Ashley, I can’t wait to celebrate your wedding with you! I know it’s going to be such a sweet, special time, and I’m excited about it. I’ll see you in August!

Married! Matt & Sueann : Crystal Lake, Hampton GA

Lauren — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:54:26 +0000

I loved being a part of this sweet wedding. Matt & Sueann were married at the Crystal Lake Country Club, which compared to the locations where I usually shoot is practically in my back yard. It was also special for me because Matt’s family lives next door to my parents, so they’re (sort of) my neighbors! Their wedding day was full of love, snuggling and the laughter of a crowd of young children. They wore me out by the end of the night, and I had a blast. I hope you enjoy their photos!

I have to begin by sharing the bouquet and boutonniere designed by Gayle Lowe at Eagles Landing Floral Design. They were so beautiful! If you’re getting married on the south side of Atlanta, you want Gayle to design your flowers. Trust me – she’s amazing!

I love the suspicious look Matt has on his face here.

Sueann was so excited she couldn’t help but laugh!

I don’t know how this happens, but I seem to be blessed with clients who love to snuggle and hold each other. That’s good, too, because if I’ve ever photographed you, you know that “snuggle” is my favorite word!

Sueann’s bridesmaids were dressed in champagne and lavender. They looked beautiful!

Married! Asher & Lorena : Carl House, Auburn GA

Lauren — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:20:51 +0000

I knew it was going to be a great day when I ascended the staircase at Lorena’s home and her mom greeted me with a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. As I stood among her family members, quietly documenting their playful chatter, warm smiles and heart felt laughter, I felt completely at ease and at home. I must have shared that feeling with Lorena, because while there was activity buzzing all around her, she was the picture of calm. Her closest girl friends were scrambling to finish their hair and makeup, her mom was trying to decide whether or not to wear a crazy hairpiece, and the hair dresser was arranging and rearranging Lorena’s thick black hair, but she didn’t seem to notice any of it. She was just excited to be marrying Asher.

I love these two pictures, because her joy is written all over her face.

Lorena styled her wedding with an elegant, vintage-inspired theme, and her soft, feminine gown and delicate bouquet were absolutely beautiful.

She was also sporting a beautiful birdcage veil and feathery hairpiece. Doesn’t she look radiant?

My good friend Matt Yung joined me as the second shooter for their wedding, and while I was having fun photographing the girls, he was hanging out with the guys. I love this portrait of Asher, because he just looks so cool and relaxed.

I thought the flower girl looked so cute in her poofy white dress! I loved the rosettes around her neckline. It looks kind of like a necklace.

Lorena’s two brothers walked her down the aisle to her eagerly waiting groom.

One of my favorite things about shooting at the Carl House is the beautiful garden and grounds that the property has. It’s a breathtaking location, especially at sunset.

The ballroom at the Carl House is equally as beautiful as the grounds. They dressed it up beautifully in silver and lavender.

LOVE! Isn’t this one of the cutest cake toppers you’ve ever seen?

Asher and Lorena surprised their guests with a choreographed first dance. The first part was a waltz, and the second was a fun, spicy Latin dance! Everyone loved it.

Married! Kevin & Meagan : Senoia, GA

Lauren — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:32:06 +0000

My heart began to beat faster at the pastor spoke these words over Kevin & Meagan: “Love each other. Love each other so much that your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will look at the photos from today and still be talking about your love after you are gone.” I meet with brides all the time, and we often talk about the fact that wedding photos carry special importance because they are one of the few things from your wedding day that you carry with you. But for some reason, this pastor’s words touched my heart in a new way. In a few years, Kevin and Meagan probably won’t remember my name. They won’t be able to recall every precious memory that they made on their wedding day, but they will be able to pull out their wedding photos and remember the joy that they shared that day. Their young children will crawl up in their lap as mommy and daddy share their love story with them. They will be able to see how much love and laughter their parents shared on that day.

Kevin and Meagan, to say I was thankful to be a part of your wedding would be a gross understatement. Your love for each other inspires me. Your love for the Lord challenges me. Your families love for each other encourages me. Celebrating with you has given me a renewed passion for my work, and I cannot thank you enough for that. You are both wonderful and dearly loved. I pray that your lives are full of experiences that draw you deeper and deeper in love with our incredible Savior and that you’ll look back at your wedding photos years and years from now and be inspired again by the vows that you made to each other on that day.

Meagan is such a smarty. She wore really, REALLY comfortable shoes!

Hello, hot tamale! Meagan you are SO gorgeous!

Yeah, Kevin isn’t too bad, either.

I told Robert I loved Meagan’s tattoo. He told me there’s no way in you know where I’m getting one. Haha Meagan it looks like I’ll be letting you carry the awesomeness of your tattoo alone!

I know I’m not supposed to have favorites, but these portraits might be some of my favorites ever! Kevin and Meagan, you guys ROCK!

Hello, blue skies. I like you. Especially when you’re full of clouds.

After the ceremony at New Hope South in Senoia, we headed to Flat Creek Country Club for their reception. It was such a great party!

Kevin & Meagan, you are wonderful. Your love brings the light and warmth of Christ’s love into the lives of people around you. I pray that you continue to love each other with the love of Christ and that, generations from now, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will still be talking about your amazing love.

Engaged! Stephanie Joy & Chris : Serenbe

Lauren — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:51:56 +0000

I pulled up to Hutcheson Ferry Road feeling hopeful. The sun was out, the sky was blue, and there was a light breeze in the air. It was a perfect day for an outdoor engagement session. And then I turned the corner. Cue dramatic music. The sky was an ominous shade of navy, and I could see the lightening in the distance. I let out an audible groan, and I proceeded to drive into the worst storm I’ve been in so far this summer. Tree branches were falling into the street, the rain was being blasted in sheets against my windshield and I could hardly see where I was going. My heart sank as I prayed. Oh Lord, please let this clear up soon. I want Stephanie to have perfect pictures. As I pulled into the parking lot, though, not even the rain could dampen my excitement. I hadn’t seen Stephanie in years, and even though our first encounter was relatively brief, her gentle spirit and sweet words of encouragement had left me feeling like we were old friends. She’s just that kind of person. I can understand completely why Chris cherishes her.

After being trapped in the car for about twenty minutes, the rain began to let up, so I grabbed my miracle umbrella (the one that I didn’t know had been hiding in my trunk for months) and headed out to meet them. When I saw Stephanie, she greeted me with a wave and a warm smile. I jogged up the stairs to her and wrapped her up in a hug. When Chris caught up to us, she smiled at him and said, “Have you met my beloved? This is Chris.” Her sweet words made my heart smile. They share a love that is tender, joyful and rooted in the love of Christ. I am sad that I will not be able to celebrate their wedding with them, but I was happy to be able to give them these photos as a gift.

Despite the fact that the rain didn’t want to go away, we began taking pictures. Stephanie and Chris are an adventurous couple, so they had no problem wandering through the rain with their huge rainbow umbrella or even putting it down and snuggling without it. You won’t see any kissing pictures here, because they chose to save their first kiss for their wedding day. They want to honor God in all aspects of their relationship, and I think their desire to serve and celebrate Christ together is so beautiful and encouraging. I love these two!

They hold each other so sweetly.

Chris makes Stephanie smile – not that she needs much encouragement! She always seems to be smiling.

The ring Stephanie is wearing here isn’t her actual engagement ring, but she wanted her pictures to show off that Chris proposed with a pearl. He chose to propose this way not because it’s Stephanie’s favorite gem or because he wanted to be different, but because he wanted to make a statement to her about the kind of life he wanted to build together with her. In Matthew chapter 13, the Bible says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” He and Stephanie share the belief that a relationship with Christ is worth giving everything for, and he wanted her to have a ring that would always remind her of their mutual passion for the things of God.

COLOR! I loved their umbrella!

When I saw this shot on the back of my camera, I said a silent prayer to the Lord telling Him I’d never question him about the weather again. He knew exactly what he was doing.

When Stephanie told me she wanted a rustic farm look for her engagement photos, I knew we had to head over to Serenbe. Y’all know I don’t need an excuse to drive out there and take pictures!

Chris is a champion cattle roper, so of course we had to have a little fun playing up his cowboy side!

Stephanie, I’m sure you’re the prettiest little thing he’s ever been able to wrangle! Haha.

Next, we headed over to the wildflower field. I loved the colors we came across here.

We finished up the evening watching some of the horses that live on the property. They’re so beautiful! I also took a few detail shots of Stephanie and Chris’s stylish western wear.

SO SWEET!

These last few were taken after the sun had set and most of the evening light was gone. I had already disassembled and packed up all of my lighting gear, so I had to take advantage of the Mark II’s high ISO capabilities to help me capture a few shots of them praying and reading God’s word together.

Entering the judgment free zone! Remember, I was taking pictures outside in the rain, and my hair doesn’t curl up all sexy and cute like Stephanie’s does. But I love this picture anyway, because I love this girl!!

Stephanie and Chris, I am overjoyed for the two of you! I will continue to pray for you as you begin your marriage journey, and I know your wedding day will be full of tears, smiles and some warm, heartfelt giggles.

Married! Ryan & Melissa : Powder Springs, GA

Lauren — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:19:08 +0000

Love is patient. These words are spoken over and over again in wedding ceremonies, but it’s not often that you come across a couple whose lives and love story truly reflect these words. Ryan was the first young man that Melissa ever dated, and shortly after finding him, she decided that she didn’t want to date anyone else again. Lots of high school students have dreams of marrying their sweethearts, but often time and distance come between them and life simply moves on. This was not the case with these two. Through high school and college, they stuck it out, determined to build a life together even if they had to wait – and wait they did! Melissa and Ryan have been together almost seven years, and their patient, determined love is encouraging to witness.

Ryan and Melissa’s wedding day was full of emotion. Melissa walked around the corner to surprise her parents with a gift, and she broke down into tears. When she regained her composure and her dad turned around to see her for the first time, he began to cry as well. I asked him if this was the first time he had a child get married, and he responded, “No, but it’s so different when it’s your daughter.” How sweet!

Melissa looked so beautiful and elegant.

Are you kidding me? Melissa, where did this hot model face come from? FAVORITE!

I have to give my HUGE thanks to my friend Robert Combier for second shooting with me Saturday. I had originally planned to have someone else along, but that person got sick Friday night and I had to find someone else. Robert canceled his plans for the day to come help me out, and I am so thankful. While I hung out with the girls, he spent time photographing the guys.

Again with the fabulous faces. Melissa, you are so fun to photograph!

Melissa was adamant about having a shot of Ryan’s face as he watched her walk down the aisle, and it’s no wonder. He looks so very happy.

The First Baptist Church of Powder Springs was a beautiful location for the ceremony.

Now THAT is quite a kiss!

Ryan and Melissa made quite an entrance to the reception!

Their first dance was so sweet.

Melissa and her dad surprised their guests with a choreographed dance. It was lovely!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Voyles! I hope you enjoy your honeymoon. Your wedding was a pleasure to be a part of. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your day!

Engaged! Kevin & Meagan : McDonough, GA

Lauren — Sat, 22 May 2010 17:34:09 +0000

“I love love,” Meagan said as she leaned in to kiss Kevin again. Oh my gosh, how cute are they! I thought to myself. From the moment I received my first email from Meagan, I was convinced that we were going to get along and possibly be good friends. When I asked her to tell me about her and Kevin, she told their love story with passion and enthusiasm. Perhaps their story touches my heart because it’s so close to my own. They were close friends who met in church, and one day they decided to take a leap of faith and start dating, and now their years of friendship will make way for a lifetime of love. I’m so excited for them, and I can’t wait to photograph their wedding in a few short weeks!

Married! Marc & Nicole : Glen Errol Estate

Lauren — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:30:17 +0000

Though the rain clouds looked dark and threatening on Saturday, they weren’t going to dampen Nicole’s spirits. Even when a light sprinkle caused a ceremony delay, she was completely calm. Nothing could upset her, because Saturday was her wedding day, and regardless of whether or not the rain held off or came down in sheets, at the end of the day she would be Mrs. Marc Felice, and that’s all she cared about.

Marc & Nicole’s wedding was held at the beautiful Glen Errol Estate in north Atlanta, and it was a beautiful setting for their intimate outdoor celebration. The grounds were absolutely beautiful, and I had a wonderful time wandering around the Estate with the two of them during their portrait time. These two are truly each others best friends. They love each other, encourage each other, strengthen and support each other in times of joy and of great sorrow, and it was wonderful to be a part of their wedding. I hope you enjoy their photos as much as I do!

Nicole’s dad passed away a few years ago, so she had her florist tie his wedding band and a photo of him to her bouquet so that he would be with her as she walked down the aisle.

Doesn’t she look stunning? Wow!

Thanks to Tim Harman for coming to second shoot with me! While I was hanging out with the girls, he grabbed a few shots of the guys. Doesn’t Marc look so handsome in his khaki suit?

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Felice!

Nicole really wanted to take photos down by the lake, so that’s where we started.

Favorite!

Married! Noah & Ashley : Destin, FL

Lauren — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:26:03 +0000

Even though Noah and Ashley were surrounded by a crowd of family and close friends, the way they looked at each other would have made you think that they were standing alone on the beach. Noah’s smile spread from ear to ear as he promised his life to Ashley, and he chuckled as he recited the words, “Come what may.” I will love you until my dying day, I sang in my head. I couldn’t help but smile, noticing that Ashley had chosen to incorporate words from her favorite film into her wedding vows. Though simple, it was the perfect way to describe their commitment to each other. They chose each other, and come what may, they will continue to choose each other every day for the rest of their lives.

Ashley’s mom and sister helped her put on her veil and jewelry.

Seeing herself all dressed up was quite an emotional moment for Ashley. I may have had to wipe away a tear right about now. Shh! Don’t tell anyone. I’m a big softy when it comes to my friends.

I LOVE this photo of Ashley’s mom waiting for her to descend the staircase. It’s a simple and beautiful portrait of a beautiful woman.

Before I move on to the ceremony, I have to sneak in a few portraits of my seriously beautiful friend. Isn’t Noah a lucky guy? I think so.

Noah: Please look at Ashley like this forever. She will never have to wonder how loved she is.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Landwerlen!

I’ll leave you with two more photos. On the left is a photo of us from my wedding, and on the right is the photo of us from hers. Love it PS. The awesome photo on the left is by Anne Almasy.