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!

“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!

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!