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.

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.

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.