Sneak Peak - Joy's Bridal Session on Marietta Square

Had an AMAZING time today shooting Joy's bridal portraits around one of my favorite places, Marietta Square.  This Georgia girl accessorized her tiered cotton dress with fabulous boots, a cowboy hat, broken in denim jacket, and a funky necklace.  We had a great time hearing about Joy's recent wedding and her "Brady Bunch" style blended family, with kiddos ranging in age from preschool to high school.  Thanks, Joy, for totally working it and being a pleasure to photograph!

Here's a favorite from her session....

Santa at Bark Station {Woodstock Pet Photographer}

Another wonderful year at Bark Station has gone by, and we celebrated with the annual Portrait Event Fundraiser.   This year Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue was the recipient of the money raise, and Santa Steve was on hand to create some holiday memories.

Lorre Lamarca of Bark Station

Diesel give Santa some doggie kisses

Not all of our visitors were furry and four-legged:  several families had their children along.  This poor little guy was scared of our sweet Saint Nick--despite many attempts and a very patient and experienced Santa, the photo on Santa's lap just wan't going to happen.

Once Mom and Dad and the faithful Labradoodle got involved all was well!

This sweet beagle tolerated the outfit her owner selected with admirable cooperation.  But once the photographer lady pulled out a lat with elf ears to complete the ensemble, she rebelled and quickly got it off.  Smart and quick dogs, those beagles!

Another subject that took some coaxing.....this sweet little guy wasn't all that expressive for his portrait.  But he adores Bark Station mascot Darla, so once Darla was called over and jumped in with Santa we got a sweet expression from him.  Thanks for the assist, Darla!

An example of a young man VERY excited to see Santa.....right here.  There were so many good shots of he and Santa having a great time it was hard to narrow them down.

This awesome family recently rescued these dogs and gave them a loving home.  It will be their first Christmas together, and judging by the adorable matching green sweaters and the adoration of these boys, I think the dogs have it made!

And here's sweet Arthur, who attended last year and has SUCH a good time he had to come back.  I'm pretty sure Arthur is on Santa's NICE list and will have something very special waiting under the tree.

Christina and Charlie's Christmas Wedding

This year the holiday spirit has been.....somewhat elusive, to be honest.  Lots of damp and gloomy weather the past few weeks haven't helped--it's just been hard to feel jolly!  But thank goodness for my brides!  Several beautiful Christmas weddings have been wonderful experiences and reminded me of all the good things about the holidays:  beauty, joy, family, and laughter.

Christina and Charlie were married at Zoar United Methodist Church, and celebrated with a reception at Summit Chase Country Club.  From the moment I stepped into the beautifully decorated foyer I had a feeling it would be a beautiful setting, and it truly was.  Once the candles and tree were lit, the scene was just magical.

Fathers and their daughters:  Christina with her dad and Charlie with his little girl, Isabella.

 

 Sure, I could have shared one of the formal portraits of the bridal party......but what fun would that be?!

 The entire wedding party made a grand entrance, culminating with the happy couple.

I love it when the bride and groom are in their own world during the first dance.

Christina and her father performed a choreographed dance routine that brought the house down.

Congratulations and Merry Christmas to Christina and Charlie and their families!

Homeless Pets Foundation - Riddick {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

Although this is not the Vin Diesel character, this dog seems to share some of the same characteristics: tough on the outside, soft on the inside. When I met this sweet guy he was very willing to pose for his portrait, although far more interested in being petted and enjoying some rare personal attention.  Riddick is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and came to Homeless Pets Foundation due to his owner falling on hard times.  Unfortunately, when the owner lost his home he also lost the ability to care for his pet. Being a large, strong dog and somewhat an 'alpha' personality, Riddick needs a new owner with some previous dog-ownership experience, and definitely needs to be the only pet in the home.  But he definitely adores people and has a lot of love to give.

To find out more about Riddick or other available dogs please you can reach Homeless Pets Foundation at 770-971-0100.

Homeless Pets Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by Dr. Michael Good, an Atlanta veterinarian who saw a need to create an organization that could assist animal shelters and pet owners in need. In the Atlanta area alone, there are more than 100,000 animals destroyed each year for lack of a home. The Foundation provides critical medical care, food, foster care and comfort to these homeless animals.

Since late in 2002 they have placed nearly 10,000 animals in loving homes. The Homeless Pets Foundation is currently split into three different entities - The Homeless Pets Foundation, Homeless Pet Clubs, and Homeless Pets Transport.

Samantha and Joe - Wedding at Gwendalough Manor {Atlanta Wedding Photographer}

Sass, class, and a whole lotta love.....those were the keywords for Sam and Joe's nuptials at Gwendalough Manor.  The weather, the fall color, the families, and most of all the happy bride and groom made this a very memorable event.  Sam had put such thought into her details, from the birdcage veil to the black accents, then using crisp green apples to set everything off perfectly.  It was gorgeous!

Now THIS is how the groom should react when he sees the bride for the first time in her grown!

And THIS is how happy the bride should look when she knocks her groom's socks off.  Oh, yeah.

After he escorted her down the stairs to meet her groom, the bride's father stood and watched their First Look.  I love this shot of him standing, looking on, as she has her first moments with her husband to be.

  

Some bridal parties are very serious, subdued, formal.  This group.....not so much!  

L'Amour!  It was in the air....

Samantha and her father as they were about to walk down the aisle--they were in their own world for those few moments.

The new Mr. and Mrs.!

The fall color was slightly past it's peak but luckily we still had some beautiful leaves on the trees.

Combine a photo booth and a lively group of wedding attendants and guests and you'll get some highly entertaining photos.  They kept that booth busy the whole reception!

Congratulations Sam and Joe!