Brittany + Dakota’s Southern Wedding For Heather Photographers

It was a year ago that I met Heather Murphy of Heather Photographers at a local business luncheon where she was speaking. We hit it off and I was delighted to find a local photographer who was down to earth, kind, and lived just a couple neighborhoods away from me. She later reached out and asked if I would be interested in photographing weddings for her company on weekends when she wasn’t available. Here is the first wedding from last month at a beautiful venue in a small southern town not far from Atlanta. It was complete with cowgirl boots!

I love seeing the excitement of little ones as they get ready for big days and princess dresses. And the teenagers who are included as bridesmaids admiring their dresses right along with them.

Seeing the moment when the dress is slipped on for when become she becomes a married woman always makes me stop breathing.

I think it’s appropriate that the closest friends and family members are there to assist.

Especially when there are so many buttons on the back!

Love the detail on the back of Brittany’s wedding gown!

Such a fun and exciting day when one gets married!

She had several garters, one for the toss at the reception and two with special meaning and the fulfilment of something old/new/borrowed/blue.

It’s always such a whirlwind of activity in the bridal suite before the ceremony. Last minute mirror checks. Little ones getting dressed with ruffly bottoms.

Brittany made the headpieces for the little girls.

Last minute make-up retouches.

Wedding days are so fabulous. Seeing the excitement of others’ as people they love are about to exchange wedding vows and ready to document it for themselves. All dressed up for such a special occasion.

Normally, I am with the bride and miss seeing the groom and his men walk out. This day flowed a little differently and I was thrilled to see them all come out with sober faces and nervous excitement.

When they’re all standing at the front, it gets real. Last minute jokes to lighten the moment.

The flower girls are too cute. The littles have no clue about what to do or where to go.

Good thing there were bigger girls to help point the way to go.

Dakota sees his bride making her way to the archway entrance.

That moment. When a father gives his daughter’s hand in marriage to the man she loves. And tears are being fought back all around.

I love that ceremonies are filled with laughter and excitement. And sometimes iPads.

Every ceremony is different in little ways. And in some, they are the same. Hands are held. Love is shared.

Sand is poured by each in different colors to symbolize the joining of two families and their faith that brings them together.

They pray together in asking for the marriage to be blessed.

And then it’s official. They’re married. They can kiss before God and everyone in attendance on this gorgeous (and hot) southern afternoon in the middle of a field.

And kiss again as they’re walking back to a few minutes of air conditioning to take a breather while guests file out and then we start in on wedding portraits.

Brittany has such a gorgeous wedding ring.

Dakota’s wedding band was quite unique.

We walked around the property, working quickly to make their wedding portraits AND to get them out of the heat and back to their guests.

They weren’t even glistening. How is that possible? It was 90 degrees out and they looked fantastic!

The venue has been working on expanding their grounds and has built a bridge and new arbor for garden spaces.

The wedding cake was a good combination of these two. Southern floral with good old country fun in a pick up truck meant to go mudding.

After folks were finished eating, Brittany + Dakota had their first dance in the middle of the dining hall with everyone watching.

These two enjoyed listening to the toasts.

And the slicing of the cake.

Can you tell by his nose crinkle that Dakota might have been contemplating a little trouble making with the cake?

And the reactions of those watching to this trouble making?

There was a bit of dancing.

Even with the littles.

And then suddenly, the night was over and the pick up truck was pulled around for Brittany + Dakota to make their exit.

Folks blew bubbles as they whisked away into the night.

Thank you Heather Photographers for trusting me with the honor of photographing such a special day for your people!