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Sunday, June 30, 2013

nevette + steven wedding preview

As Nevette's family flew in from Ecuador and Steven's from North Dakota, this day was more than a union of two people. It was a coming together of two cultures and two families. And as the sun set over the lake, these two, who affectionately call each other mi amor, were more than happy to be surrounded by it all.

More beautiful faces and details to come!


xoxo-E

Friday, June 28, 2013

eaker family preview


This family session is the start of a full weekend of shooting. And if everyone is as awesome as the Eakers, we're going to have an amazing few days! We managed to dodge the rain today and enjoy a great evening together sitting by a lake, soaking in sunshine and running down grassy hills.

Can't wait to show you more from these five!


xoxo-E

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

tuesday tip: signature drinks

As you personalize your big day, don't forget about the drink menu!

We love how one of our recent couples created drinks that were not only fitting for their warm summer wedding, but also a representation of their sweet, Southern culture. They created a "His and Hers" chalkboard cocktail menu featuring an Arnold Palmer and Peach Bellini to add a refreshing signature splash to their wedding celebration. 

What would your signature drink be?



From our world to yours,


xoxo-E



Sunday, June 23, 2013

allie + jeremy wedding preview

A little preview of yesterday's breathtaking bride. What a beautiful day!


xoxo-E

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

tuesday tip: canvases

Photos come to life once they are printed.

That sentence is this week's tip plain and simple. As I was first learning the art and craft of photography, this statement used to be very, very true. Sitting in the dark room with only the glowing red safe light to guide me, I watched as my images literally rose out of blank sheets of photo paper and came into existence. If I didn't take the time to print them, they existed only as strips of negatives.

We may have come far in the advancement of photography thanks to computers and the digitization of cameras, but unless your photos are printed, they still only exist as negatives...except now they are called digital negatives since they are handed over to our clients via flash drives.

This afternoon was really wonderful because we got to complete a commission by hanging three beautiful canvas prints on the walls of a couple's home. And not just any couple either. These prints, of places special to these folks, now belong to my grandparents celebrating 65 years of marriage!

May we be so fortunate.




Initial Design Sketch:


Final Product:



These two have served as an amazing example of love and marriage, and they mean the world to me.

Here's wishing we all get to be surrounded by those we love and things that bring us joy!


From our world to yours,

xoxo-E

Monday, June 17, 2013

summer reading

This Friday marks the official beginning of summer!

Growing up, summertime meant family trips to the cabin, peaches galore, lots of swimming and...summer reading. I grumbled a bit, like everyone else, at the idea of being tasked with homework during my so-called time off from school. But when you get right down to brass tacks, I loved making trips to the library and, when all was said and done, I liked diving into stories just as much as diving into cool, pool water. (Reading a few chapters while laying in the sun is honestly one of the best ways to dry off after a dip.)

As I went on to study journalism and also earn a master's in English, well-crafted accounts and anecdotes became a huge part of my life. So in honor of the beginning of the season, I thought I'd share what books are on my summer reading list so far:






I'm looking forward to carving out time during the week to sit down and dive into these pages. If I get through these books, I'd love to add some more!

What should I absolutely add to this summer reading list? What is everyone else reading this summer?


xoxo-E



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

tuesday tip: let them eat cake

Are you planning to follow the tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary?

If so, don't forget to let your bakery know that these servings from the top tier should not be included in your overall guest cake count. If the idea of buying even more cake, as well as trying to correctly store your top tier for a year, makes you wince a little...there are solutions!

Instead of trying to freeze your delectable dessert, here are a couple fun options:

  • Go back to the bakery that made your wedding cake and have them re-make the top tier for your anniversary. (Bonus tips for the hubby who surprises his bride with a bouquet of flowers that were used on your big day!)
  • Give everyone a top tier! We've seen a few of our couples choose to have a small cake on each guest table at the reception. Not only are there a lot more flavor choices, but by making this choice, you've got cake and centerpieces covered!


Hope these tips are helpful in your planning! If you're now thinking you're a little worried about just how much cake you'll need, don't worry! We covered servings and sizing HERE!


From our world to yours,

xoxo-E

Monday, June 10, 2013

walker adoption homecoming

A large crowd of family and friends gathered and pressed against the security straps of the airport clutching cameras, welcome home signs and much anticipation. It had been a long 17 days of waiting for Jessica and Adam to return from China, but not near as long as the two years the entire Walker family had been waiting to adopt little Samuel and bring him home.

This past weekend I got to attend and photograph my first adoption homecoming. It was a neat experience and an honor to capture these images so that everyone close to the family could be completely a part of the big arrival.

Interesting enough, an adoption homecoming is much like photographing a wedding. I was surrounded by so much love and emotion as these people welcomed someone new into their family.

No one could blame Samuel for being a little overwhelmed after such a long trip to a place full of completely new faces, but my favorite part of the evening had to be seeing his face light up when he met his new brother and sisters for the first time. He is completely captured by them. And they adore their new little brother.

I wanted to share a few shots from this event and it has such a journalistic feel, it just calls for a full post in black and white.

Welcome home, Samuel.













Thanks for inviting me out to such a beautiful event, Walkers! As you're searching to find a new normal, know that you're surrounded by a whole gaggle of people supporting you every step of the way.

We're thrilled for this next big step in your adventure!


xoxo-E

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

tuesday tip: wedding license vs. certificate


Had I taken a picture, instead of this beautiful couple signing their marriage license, you might be looking at a selfie of a sad, newly married gal leaving the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles without a new license because she didn't know the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate three years ago.

Simply stated, a marriage license allows you to get married and a marriage certificate is proof that you are married.

 

Had I known this difference shortly after Bryan and I were married, I would not have spent 4 hours in the trailer that is the Fulton County DMV in the middle of a sizzling southern summer. With the air-conditioning out of order. And with the wrong documentation in hand. I had a copy of our license (meaning we could get married) instead of a certificate (certified proof that we were in fact married).

But no worries! Getting all the correct documentation you need for your big day (and the days to follow) can be easy and you can usually find all the info you need online. Laws to obtaining a marriage license can vary from state to state or county to county, so be sure to get the correct information for the place where you'll actually be getting married. You'll want to know any details that will be helpful or that are particular for where you're getting hitched. For example, currently if you're getting married in Georgia and you complete a qualifying premarital education program (a good idea anyway), your application fee will be waived.

If you're saying your vows in Georgia, HERE is a good place to start looking for information on obtaining a marriage license.


A few things you'll want to find out:

  • Where do you apply for your marriage license?
  • What documents do you need to bring with you in order to get a marriage license?
  • How long is your marriage license valid for?
  • Is there a waiting period to obtain a marriage license?
  • Is a blood test required to obtain a marriage license?
  • What does it cost and how can you pay for your marriage license?

If you're not planning to have a signing ceremony of any kind on your wedding day, it is a good idea to go ahead and provide your officiant with your marriage license beforehand so you don't have to worry about it on your wedding day. Whoever presides over your ceremony is responsible for signing and sending the license back to the place of issuance.

When applying for your license, go ahead and look into having a couple copies of your marriage certificate mailed to you after the wedding. After you receive your marriage certificate, you can start the name change process. This is a whole post by itself!

Expect to see a very helpful Tuesday Tip in the near future covering the timeline, cost and details involved in changing your last name. But, first things first...get your license to wed!



From our world to yours,

xoxo-E