Backyard Atlanta Wedding

Rich + Ross are die hard Batman and Star Wars fans. It showed on the neckties they wore on the day their marriage began in a backyard Atlanta wedding ceremony. And maybe in their socks. This day could have been stressful from the previous rains and last minute decision to change ceremony locations. But what stood out was how magnificently thoughtful these two men are about everything.

Their Vows Made Me Cry

The vows they wrote and spoke to each other had tears sliding down their cheeks. And mine. Which is fine, because I know I’m likely going to cry at every wedding I photograph. I adore my couples and am always so excited for their wedding day. They deserve to have a photographer who is invested in them and not just showing up for another work day. I know my camera gear well enough to still create the composition and get the focus I need. Even if I can’t see through my tears. Which is how I can make promises to my couples before their wedding day arrives. I know I will be able to make the photographs they want and will cherish. For the rest of their lives.

We Knew It Might Be a Backyard Atlanta Wedding

When we met up before their wedding day, we talked about the ceremony being in front of this gorgeous mansion. But then the rains came and it became a less soggy set up for a backyard Atlanta wedding. Guests could keep their shoes neat and chairs wouldn’t sink into the ground. It was a different backdrop than what we planned, but it was an alternate we discussed during the initial walk through.

I love the opportunity to walk around locations with my couples prior to wedding days. It allows us to talk more about the photographs they want and the possibilities of all the different locations. As well as the “what if” contingencies if anything doesn’t go as planned. Talking through this in advance helps lower the stress levels for Day Of changes. We all know what to expect and what we’ll do to adjust. No bad surprises or spikes of stress over the unknown.

Pre-Planning Is Key

In addition to talking about locations and contingency plans for the day of their wedding, we also discussed all the formal groups. Having lists in place and everyone in the groupings aware and ready beforehand helped that part of the day move easily and quickly. Which is normally a relief for everyone. Folks want to celebrate, not stand in front of the camera. I get it. And I’m happy to help give all the tips on making it painless and quick. I want everyone to have a great time while still making the obligatory formal photographs my couples (and maybe their parents and/or grandparents) want.

Two grooms in suits holding each other close with a gazebo and statue in the background filled with woods and fall leaves
Two grooms in suits sitting on gazebo steps and laughing
Chest to knees view of two grooms wearing suits with a Batman and Star Wars ties while holding hands before their backyard Atlanta wedding ceremony
One groom in a navy blue suit straightening the tie of his husband-to-be who is smiling and wearing a grey suit
Torso view of two grooms holding hands in the middle of their wedding ceremony
Wedding guest holding her cell phone and making a video of the wedding ceremony of two grooms
Two grooms hugging each other tight after their backyard Atlanta wedding ceremony
One groom holding his husband's arms while the other groom wipes tears away from his eyes
Two grooms in suits holding each other close, touching foreheads after being married in a backyard Atlanta wedding ceremony
Two grooms burying their faces in each other's shoulders in the middle of their first dance after their backyard Atlanta wedding ceremony
Two grooms in their first dance after the wedding with foreheads touching and one holding the back of the other's head
Two grooms in suits smiling at the camera with fall leaves on trees in the background after their backyard Atlanta wedding ceremony
Two grooms and their nephew and wedding officiant smiling in their suits and ties sporting symbols for Batman, Star Wars, and Cars Lightning McQueen
A large Batman figurine holding a glass bowl filled with keys and notes saying, "Thank you for being a Key part of our lives.

Whether you’re planning a backyard wedding in Atlanta or another location and you’re looking for the right LGBTQ friendly photographer who will honor your privacy and wishes, you can start a conversation here. Also, if you don’t have a friend with a gorgeous mansion and backyard views to share for your wedding location like Rich + Ross…you can actually rent a backyard Atlanta wedding location.

Rich + Ross. You are two men I am better for knowing. Thank you for trusting me with such a key day in your lives!

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