Blog. Uggggh!

Sorry for the jumbled mess that was once our blog...we are having technical difficulties and they will hopefully be fixed on Monday when the blog gods return to work. Stay tuned. ;)

Ahh...vacation...

Ok, so the timing was a little crazy. We worked our tushes off on Sunday night, and had to be ready first thing Monday am to drive (with our two kids in tow) down to Sarasota, FL. But, thanks to the video in the car and our constant coffee stops, somehow we made it. Although I was born in NY, Sarasota is one of my “happy places”. My parents’ house is one of the most comforting places that I know. Somehow, it all seems easy and I am 13 again when I am in that house. Next we headed to my other “happy place”, Siesta Key. I grew up on that beach. My grandparents had a condo there, my aunt and uncle still do, and it was our family gathering spot for many years when I was a kid. I remember going into the Gulf with my Grandpa Jack when I was 8, and now here I was in the same gorgeous crystal blue Gulf with my 8 year old. I loved walking the beach with my family, and now I was walking the beach as a mother of my own family. Ric and I loved our vacation—boy did we need it!—and we got to do a little of everything…Red Sox game in Tampa (except that they lost), walking the beach, reading!, lots of Big Olaf’s ice cream, fireworks, sandscastles in sand that is like powdered sugar, sleeping late, family time, seafood, the best pizza ever at Napoli’s, and seeing rainbows and breathtaking sunsets. Let me sum it up this way… on our first day walking onto the beach alone (my folks watched the kiddies)…I said out loud to no one in particular… “Calgon, thanks for listening…”

Andrea and Jason, part 2

Onward to the wedding… Sunday night was at the Grand Hyatt and it was a phenomenal celebration. We loved working with Julia McElvey over there, she oversaw the event and it was first class all the way. The ceremony was warm and personal and beautiful—J Wilbur from Eventscapes did the floral and it was incredible. The service was presided over by the wonderful Rabbi Donald Tam, our Rabbi Emeritus from Temple Beth Tikvah. He added such personal touches, as he has known Andrea since her Bat Mitzvah! The reception was fantastic—beautiful, warm and everyone seemed to really enjoy the party! Sharon Fisher from It’s My Party was the planner, and as usual, she covered every detail with style. My highlights were when Andrea’s Dad saw her for the first time. He was so beautifully emotional, it was touching and lovely. Seeing the connection between Andrea, her parents and younger sister, it was so special and obvious that their bond is so strong. I loved how happy both sets of parent were all weekend! And, seeing how content Jason and Andrea are together—they clearly have a solid friendship to start their marriage. And, as I know from personal experience, there is no better way to start the journey. Andrea and Jason, thanks for letting us share your celebration with you and your families. We really enjoyed it! Mazel tov!

Five Weddings...and a Bris!

This has been quite an amazingly busy month with all the simchas… and today was such an interesting contrast yet with such similarities. I started the day with one mitzvah and ended with another. Our friends’ son, sweet little Aviah Daniel was celebrated today at his brit milah and I was honored to be there. Aviah entered the Jewish Covenant today, and his father completed his Covenant by having the brit milah for his son. This was the beginning of Aviah’s life as a Jewish boy. There was song, celebration, and, of course…lots of food. Immediately after the bris, Ric and I packed up our gear, dressed in our all black “ninja photographer” garb, and headed to our next mitzvah. Andrea and Jason were starting their life together as husband and wife. There was song, celebration and, of course…lots of food! Although functioning in a different capacity than we were in the morning, we were honored to be a small part of this celebration for Andrea and Jason. What a month of mitzvahs… Five Weddings and a Bris!

Andrea and Jason, part 1

We were so thrilled to be Andrea and Jason’s wedding photogs, they are such a great couple! They both just seem so contented to be together, and it was crystal clear that both sets of parents were so happy for this union. The rehearsal dinner was Saturday night at the Buckhead Club, and was filled with warm, loving toasts to the couple and more than a few tears. Jason’s Mom gave Andrea a gift that HER mother-in-law gave her upon her marriage to Jason’s Dad. One of Jason’s college professor’s was there to toast them…I loved that they were still in touch. That is so rare! During most of the toasts and video montage, Andrea, her sister and parents sat closely huddled together…thankfully, they had Kleenex! It was a beautiful lead in to the fabulous wedding…

Debra and John

Ric and I spent a lovely Saturday morning at the always amazing Four Seasons Hotel with Debra and John. They were so relaxed and happy, it was such a nice way to start our day. Debra looked absolutely radiant in her gown and Steve Moore (always so spot-on) did her hair/make-up and she looked beautiful. John got ready in his room with his 80-year old Mom, and she was just beaming at her “Johnny” all morning. After the ceremony, we moved to the Savannah Room for a lovely luncheon with warm toasts and beautiful music. It was a cozy, intimate warm celebration for two lovely people who just seem to adore each other. And, in true Four Seasons fashion, the event was just perfect down to every last detail. We wish you all the joy in the world, Debra and John!

Think Pink.

Tonight I attended my first “meet and greet” for the Breast Cancer 3 Day walk. I am part of a team called Angels 4 Angels and the goal was for us all to get to know each other better before the big walk in October. It was a typical gathering, food, drink and chit-chat. What I didn’t bargain for was the emotional connection I left with. At one point, they asked us to head to different corners of the room based on our birthplace. After we were all divided up, they asked for all the Survivors to come to the center of the room. As I stood on the outskirts (Thank God) and looked in on these 5 amazing women in the center of the circle…I thanked my lucky stars for my health and for that of my Survivor Mom, Margie. I can’t wait for October…

Meggin and Allen

It is always so interesting to me the whole six degrees of separation thing... when my now 8 year old son was 2, he was in preschool with this sweet little boy named Jonah. Who knew then that 6 years later Ric and I would be photographing Jonah as a ring bearer at his Aunt Meggin's wedding. Meggin and Allen really just enjoyed their wedding day at the King Plow Art Center--from start to finish. It was so sweet that Allen wanted to see his bride all alone--except for us ;)--when he saw her for the first time. The ceremony was lovely. Meggin was so clearly excited to marry Allen, that when the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, she did a little happy wiggle under the chuppah! It was adorable. Onto the celebration, catered by Bold American, and they did such a great job that the servers were practically ambushed by guests coming out of the

kitchen. The food was just that good. After Atlanta Beat introduced the new Mr. and Mrs. they launched right into the hora. It was a great celebration.

I loved the warmth and obvious joy that permeated through the entire room last night. It was apparent that the family and friends were truly celebrating that these two lovely people found each other. At the end, we did a "photo booth" set up where people could come by and have some fun/crazy/goofy/serious/whatever shots taken. Those were some of my favorite shots from the night. Meggin and Allen, you are obviously best friends and we know from personal experience that this is a phenomenal way to start a marriage. Mazel tov to you both!

Arlene.

And in life there is always the yin and yang...the good balanced with the bad, the joy balanced with the sadness. Today I went to the funeral for my dear friend's mother-in-law who was a lovely, warm, genuine woman. Arlene was the the glue that held her family together. According to my friend/sister Meredith, Arlene should have written a handbook on being a mother-in-law. Mer's husband, Jeff, gave the eulogy for his Mom and what hit me most was something like this...you have a Mom, and you just think that she is supposed to just always be there and always be wonderful. But, as he said, Mom's don't HAVE to be wonderful...some just are. Hug your Mom.

Rachel and Scott

We spent our Saturday at Rachel and Scott's beautiful wedding at the JW Marriott. We came to the bridal suite to get some prep shots with Rachel and her girls. Steve Moore from The Moore Agency did all the make-up and the girls all looked fantastic. More importantly, they were all having so much fun being together, and Rachel seemed so relaxed and content. Rachel's dress was perfect for her and I loved the special touches that she had... her late grandmother's ring and handkerchief, and her great grandmother's wedding band. Touches like that are so meaningful... Sue Winner, wedding planner extraordinaire, was in charge (and she is Rachel's cousin!). Sue had the day running to the millisecond and everything was just beautiful and so under control. She even had the bridesmaids cover their gold dresses with towels during a pre-wedding champagne toast. The ceremony was sweet and the celebration was fantastic. US Beat was the band and they were fantastic! I love when a band can rock out to Bon Jovi at a wedding...so fun! We wish Rachel and Scott all the love and joy they felt today--for the rest of their lives. Congratulations!

Meredith and Marc

As soon as we met Meredith and Marc, we were so excited to work with them. They were so lovely and just seemed to genuinely LIKE each other in addition to loving each other. The wedding ceremony was at the Botanical Gardens--you've never seen such gorgeous orchids!!! Marc's aunt is Joan Rubenstein of Flowers by Joan, and so the floral was just gorgeous. Meredith and Marc saw each other for the first time surrounded by their immediate family and bridal party--and everyone was just so wrapped up in their happiness. Some highlights for me... - Marc's Mom had a cell phone with her at the ceremony. To be honest, at first I was shocked that she couldn't leave it behind for her son's wedding! But...of course there was a reason...Gayle was on the phone with her sister in South Africa who couldn't make it to the wedding. - In traditional Jewish fashion, Meredith did her circles around Marc, he did circles around her, and then they sort of did a 2008 take on the tradition, and circled each other. - Everytime Meredith circled Marc, she gently touched his hand. It was so tender and romantic. - The ringbearer was their "child" Leo, the sweetest dog who was so well behaved and lovely with all the children who were at the wedding. - Marc's South African accent!!! (which, amazingly, he can turn off and on in a snap!) I could go on...but you get the idea. It was a warm, loving and emotional ceremony for two of the nicest people we've met! Mazel tov!!!

Noah's Beach Party

We were so looking forward to seeing Noah, last time we saw him was at his older brother Bennett's Bar Mitzvah a gazillion years ago. Noah completely grew up and it was great seeing the whole family again! The celebration was at Kol Emeth, and was a beach theme. They had a lighted waterfall and a kiddie pool complete with beach chairs and flip flops. The centerpieces were mini star fish and fun lights and each table was named after a famous beach. Tod Peavey was the DJ and played a great variety of music to keep the party going. What a great guy to work with--and so professional! I wanted to join in his trivia game--I think I would have beat all the 13 year olds! Except, who is Chris Brown? :)

Moo with me?

Last night, Ric and I had a date. And...it was to do one of my most favorite things in the world. We saw RENT. It was my fifth time...and what made it so special was that the tickets were a gift from Amy and Doug, one of our lovely couples who got married last September. She knew that I loved the show, and as a thank you to us after her wedding (what client does that?!?!) she sent us RENT tickets. Can you believe it? I can't think of a better date night? My honey and great seats to see my favorite show. No day but today. p.s. Amy...you rock!

Boom...I'll be Four

My sweet little Princess turned four today. And yesterday, if we asked Mara how old she is..she'd say: Right now, I'm three. But, tomorrow I'm going to wake up and BOOM, I'll be four! The tradition is that we sneak into the kids' rooms while they are sleeping and decorate the room with signs, ballons and streamers. When they wake up---they open their eyes in Birthday-ville! My baby is FOUR! BOOM!

Andrea and AJ

We knew we'd have a ball with Andrea and AJ, and we were right. As soon as we met them last year, we left our meeting smiling--their joy and laughter were contagious. And at their engagement session, we had a hard time getting them to stop laughing to get some plain ole smiles. They have such fun together--and isn't that just such a wonderful way to start a marriage? Their wedding was at the Atlanta History Center (I LOVE it there...) and they we so cool to trek though the wet (sort of muddy) grass to get the shot of the gorgeous lawn and Swan House. You can't be at the History Center and NOT get that shot. The highlights for me... - The Seven Blessings at the ceremony. Seven of Andrea's friends and family read the blessing in Hebrew and were each followed by the English translation by one of AJ's friends and family. What a beautiful way to combine their faiths. - seeing Andrea's Mom feed her at the cocktail hour after the ceremony. I guess as a Mom, you never stop wanting to take care of your "baby". -The romantic first dance, followed by an even better first dance with AJ's two daughters. The four of them danced and hugged and it was so warm. -The hora is always fantastic, but they also did the Tarantalla, a traditional Italian dance, as a tribute to AJ's Italian heritage. What a ball! Andrea and AJ, we wished that we had been guests at your wedding! You two are so much fun and so obviously meant to be. We wish you a lifetime of laughter...

I'm a Fanilow.

Ok, some of you may be reading this and will be thinking....hmmmm...do we still want to hire Barrie and Ric--afer all, she's a Fanilow!!! For those of you who don't know what that means...I love Barry Manilow...so to quote Will & Grace, I am a 'Fanilow'! I went with 3 of my favorite gals to see him at his fantastic show at Philips Arena. Ok, so he has had so much work done that his face barely moves...but you could see such emotion in his eyes-- that man loves what he does. And, whether you are a Fanilow or as my best friend said when I asked her to come with us to the show "I'd rather stay home and pull my own teeth"...you have to admit, the man is talented! Sorry, Ric...I had to post this. That's what you get for putting me in charge of our blog. ;)

Our Most Famous Client!

Ric and I are so proud of and are so looking forward to seeing our boy Jason David perform the one man show he wrote!!! Todd and Anne must be so incredibly proud of him...we can't wait to see the show. P.S. Nice photo, yes? Good work, Ric. ;)

Atlantan Brides

Today we had a great meeting with the new editor of the Atlantan Brides magazine. Elizabeth Ralls has such an enthusiasm for the magazine and her ideas are fantastic. Ric and I can't wait to see the new magazine...and we are SO thrilled that we will have a couple of weddings featured and a feature article. We are EXCITED! Stay tuned for the update...the mag comes out in June and you KNOW I will share the news once it is out.

The coolest thing...

...is watching one of your all time favorite movies from your childhood with your own children...and seeing them LOVE it. Have you rented The Karate Kid recently?

Our mini escape

Ric and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary by escaping for a couple of days to a wonderful resort. We drove to the Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation and had the most relaxing couple of days. The food was delicious, the room was lovely and we actually had a couple of dates that did not include any photography or wedding cakes. ;) My highlight was sitting around their nightly bonfire, roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. Sitting under the stars with my partner-in-crime, holding hands and feeling like we didn't have a care in the world...ahh, Happy Anniversary to me!

Susanna and Connor

As soon as we met Susanna's Mom, Debbie, we knew that this was a family we wanted to work with. Once we met Susanna and her Dad and sisters, that was confirmed. What a lovely family! Susanna looks like Charlotte from Sex and the City, and has her own unique vintage flair. We knew her gown would be beautiful--and it was so her!!! She met Connor while he was performing (he's a musician) and according to the story, she fell for him instantly. During their wedding vows, they both pledged such love for each other--it was beautiful. Speaking of beautiful...Rich Larsen from Sunflowers did the most incredible job on the room at the King Plow Art Center. It was transformed with trees, lights, candles and orchids and roses everywhere. Really unreal. Tova Glenn designed the gorgeous invitations, programs, placecards and menus...they were beautiful and elegant, and tied in with the elegance of the decor. We worked with wedding planner, Kourtney Coleman and she has a knack for keeping everything running according to schedule, while not missing a single detail. One of our highlights always, is working with Kourtney! I just loved Susanna's gown...it truly was made for her. I loved how her sisters were her bridesmaids and really doted on her. I loved how both Connor and Susanna had 3 of their 4 grandmothers there--that always touches me. We wish Connor and Susanna the most wonderful honeymoon in Italy (ok, so we were a little jealous...) and we wish them a lifetime of marriage to duplicate the examples that both sets of their parents have shown! Congrats!

Jennifer and Jordan

We spent a wonderful Saturday at the Fox Theater with Jennifer and Jordan--what a cool venue! Their wedding was so filled with details that were uniquely theirs. The bridesmaids, and bride! all wore Chuck Taylor sneakers---the girls were in plaid, and the bride in white with blue lining (something blue!). The boys were in black Vans with their tuxes. Rolling with the theater theme, they designed a Playbill as their wedding program and had movie clapboards as their place cards. The two touches I loved the most were the chuppah and their first photo. They had sent wedding guests a square of fabric with the save-the-date cards. On it, guests added a message, wish, photos, etc for the couple. They arranged these like a quilt under the canopy of the chuppah, and were married under all these good wishes and memories. And, right after the Rabbi announced the new Mr. and Mrs., the two photo buffs pulled out a camera they had stashed at the chuppah, and took their first photo as husband and wife--of each other. It was so charming and funny! The celebration was fun and warm and these two are so meant to be together. They truly compliment each other and just fit so well together! As a shout out to their first dance together--"When I'm Sixty-Four"...we hope the couple adores each other as much as they do now, when they ARE sixty-four. Something tells me that is won't be a problem! Mazel tov!

We're on YouTube...

Such a sign of the times... we are officially part of the YouTube generation! We worked with some of our industry favorites on a photo shoot around Atlanta, and our videographers, Dewitt Smith, posted it on YouTube. It is our take on the traditional Bridal Portrait... Take a look at the New Bridal Portrait!

Brides Against Breast Cancer

Just wanted to highlight a fundraiser that I am connected to. Brides Against Breast Cancer is holding their annual gown sale this Friday and Saturday at Lambert Place in Atlanta. I'll be there volunteering on Friday...come by and say hello! For more information: www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org.

Jessica and Rob

As soon as we met Jessica's parents, we knew they were family. We went to their home for a one hour (ish) meeting, which became 3 hours, and Ric and I could have stayed longer. We left with 2 new friends, and couldn't wait to be a tiny part of Jess and Rob's wedding. And later, when they were in from California, we met Jess and Rob and instantly felt as if we had known them for a long time. The entire crew was so warm and genuine and lovely--we just couldn't wait for this weekend. And we were going to be working with planner, Helene Popowski, which is always a huge pleasure. The rehearsal dinner was at 103 West and was Beatles themed, as Robbie is a HUGE Beatles fan. (LOVE that!!) The musician played instrumental Beatles music during dinner, the guests signed a print of the Central Park "Imagine" memorial to John Lennon. The funniest Beatles connection came during toasts. Each toast was warm and funny, and oh man the Kleenex were passed around! Dear friends (fami-riends as they were called) sang Beatles songs to the couple customized with their own lyrics. My highlight was "Yellow Submarine". Jessica's last name was Levine (luh-vine). In the song, they sang "Rob you know it's Le-vine and not Leveen, Le-vine and not Le-veen..." just so clever and so funny. The evening was a warm beginning to a fabulous weekend for the couple. Saturday we started early at the Ritz Buckhead and hung out with the girls in Jess' suite. They were all wearing shirts that Jess had made (and to which her Mom added her crystal-sparkle touch). The shirts read "Imagine. Love. Forever. January 12, 2008". After hair and make-up, we headed down to get ready for Jess and Rob to see each other for the first time. AH.....the room. J Wilbur from Eventscapes was brilliant. I fell in love with the room. There were trees with candles, rose petals at the base, draped with crystals lining the aisle. The chuppah was unreal. The bouquets were just beautiful. And, I haven't even gotten to the reception decor yet. Jess and Rob were so beautiful when they saw each other. It was so obvious how much they truly ADORE each other. I always love seeing that incredible connection. They each had special sentimental gifts from each other. Jess pinned a vial of sand inside her gown that Robbie had collected from the beach where they went on their first date. Rob wore socks that had their names added with crystals and the wedding date. The ceremony was beautiful, and was led by dear family friend, Rabbi Shalom Lewis. He officiated at Jess' baby naming and bat mitzvah--and now her wedding. How amazing. The ceremony was warm and personal and filled with love. The whole night was! When we saw the ballroom, we were floored. The collaboration of J Wilbur, Helene and the Levine family was incredible. The flowers were amazing, the linens were incredible. There was an ice Absolut Vodka bar with flowers encased in big blocks of ice. Some highlights for me: again, the aisle and chuppah. Jess' amazingly emotional dad carrying around 3 handkerchiefs. (gotta have back-up.) the ketubbah witnesses (all 8! of them) who are dear Levine family friends. the kippot, for each guest with black Swarovski crystals hand glued on by Jess' Mom. the dessert ROOM, with every imaginable treat. including an ice dessert bar. and an absolutely gorgeous wedding cake. the custom painted chairs they used for the hora made by one of their "fami-riends". Guests left the celebration with a delicious bedtime treat. The most incredible cupcakes, boxed with chocolate covered almonds and tied with a gold ribbon. I could have eaten a whole bowl of that frosting. Our night ended with Jess, Rob and their Best Man/Matron of Honor on Peachtree Road at 1:45am. Channeling the Beatles, we emulated the famous "Abbey Road" photo crossing Peachtree Road. Rob was Paul Mc. and even went barefoot. (yes, it was a little cold out!) Jess and Rob--it was wonderful being a part of your celebration. If you are always half as happy as you were today--you will have a wonderful forever together!!! All you need is love...

RMP in the News!

Click here to read more about Kelley and Romero's wedding on our blog.

Cammie and John

Can I just sum the night up in a word? Wow. Our Saturday night with the new Mr. and Mrs. Rice was fantastic and definitely one of the most incredibly beautiful and incredibly warm events we've ever been a part of. The ceremony was held at the Biltmore Hotel and the ballroom was absolutely transformed into an elegant wedding chapel at the hands of Tony Brewer and Company. We have worked with Tony before, but this weekend, he outdid himself. I can't even imagine the number of lights, roses, tulips, sheer drapes, crystal beads and candles that they used. It was unreal. Cammie's gown was a gorgeous Anne Barge creation that was just perfect for her, and she wore her grandmother's wedding band, a gorgeous strand of pearls from John and a special ring from her Aunt that was over 100 years old. The ceremony was very warm and intimate. Cammie and John each have 2 sons, and those young men were their "best men". Before lighting the unity candle, each son lit his own candle and then lit one of his new brothers'. Then, John's sons lit Cammie's and Cammie's sons lit John's. It was so touching, meaningful and warm. The boys are all so connected--like brothers. After the ceremony we headed to the Four Seasons for the reception. (and yes, the Georgia/GA Tech game ended right as we were trying to hustle to the hotel...ahh, Atlanta traffic times 100!) I thought that the Biltmore looked spectacular...well the Four Seasons ballroom left me speechless. And that doesn't happen often. Really. Just ask Ric. ;) The ballroom looked like one that Cinderella would have been dancing in with her Prince Charming...all the way down to the beautiful white roses with crystal stems that Cammie presented to her new Mother-in-law and held in honor of her Mother and Grandmother who were too ill to attend. The four boys made the toasts--and all agreed that they had never seen their parents happier. Cammie and John, we know you are two of the warmest people we've met who are so meant to be together--and we know, in true Cinderella fashion, that you'll live happily ever after!

Rachel and Scott

Today was our photo shoot with Rachel and Scott, and we had a great time getting to know them both! We first met Rachel earlier this year, and finally got to meet Scott. What a great couple. They met at UGA, when they were college freshmen---6 years later, here they are about to get married.

The Month of Seniors!

October was a busy month with Senior Portraits. We had a great time with all of them...and here is a glimpse into a few of the shots we took... Ahh...to be a high school Senior once again.

Parker

We had a ball this weekend with the Parker and his family at his bar mitzvah celebration. I first met his Mom, Kelli, about 8 years ago when I was pregnant with Jake. She has an invitation business, and sold me my baby announcements, sharing a piece of one of our family milestones. Little did I know then that we'd be a part of one of her family milestones 8 years later! The celebration started with their family dinner at Maggiano's Perimeter on Saturday night. The party continued the next day at Andretti Speed Lab in Alpharetta, and the kids had a blast. They started by racing at the track there, and playing video games, skee ball, etc. Parker's sister, Emma, won enough tickets at skeeball to buy a Mercedes! After the kids were done racing, Jamal from Vibe Entertainment called them into the party room. (we just LOVE Jamal!!!) The room was all about tennis. Parker is a big tennis player, and the centerpieces were all mini shots of him and his racquet. The party was so much fun, the kids all had a blast, and Parker was smiling the entire day. He really enjoyed his celebration and you could tell! Mazel tov to the Goldsteins--we'll see you in 2010 for Emma's simcha!

Emma & Co.

Emma's bat mitzvah celebration was so lovely! The theme of her party was Emma & Co., and the entire ballroom at Twelve Atlantic Station was decked out to resemble a Tiffany & Co. store...complete with the images from Breakfast at Tiffany's flashing on the video screens. Emma arrived looking like a 13-year old Audrey Hepburn! What a beautiful and confident young lady. Her dress was even perfect Tiffany blue. Sharon and Lauren were the planners, and the celebration was fantastic. Tulip did all the decor, and it was so cool! There was an actual jewelry display case used as a table for the kids' buffet. The centerpieces were Tiffany blue boxes complete with the mandatory white ribbon. Pearl necklaces were strewn all around the room. Sandra Bank from Added Touch did the catering and it was unreal. The dessert area was definitely a highlight...petit fours designed just like mini Tiffany boxes, black and white cookies that were blue and white, etc etc etc! The kids all had a great time, the adults all enjoyed the meal and the celebration--and most importantly, Emma seemed to have a wonderful time celebrating this special milestone in her life!

I'm going back to Maui...

Today was a day I will never forget. I was just invited to go to Maui. With our 7 year old son. On his honeymoon. HUH? Today, my 7 year old, Jake, asked me to go on his honeymoon with him. I asked him where we were going. He said, Maui, just like you and Daddy. That is great, I said, but are you sure you want me to go with you on your honeymoon? He said, of course! you are my Mommy. I told him how nice it was that he was going to take us to Maui, to which he replied--well, you and Daddy are going to pay, cause I'm only a kid! Aloha.

Laura and Mike

We spent our Saturday night with a bunch of animals. Literally. We were with Pandas, flamingos. and tigers...to name a few. We knew that Laura and Mike's wedding would be unique since they were having it at Zoo Atlanta, but we had no idea how very special it would be! Laura was wearing the most lovely Anne Barge gown (we have yet to see an Anne Barge creation that wasn't amazing), her Mom's earrings and her late grandmother's diamond necklace. It really added a sentimental and beautiful touch to her gown. Usually, our couples will see each other for the first time at a grand staircase, or in the ceremony room...this was quite a first. Laura and Mike saw each other in front of a beautiful pink flock of flamingos, or is it a gaggle? But, I digress... It really was so cool, a couple just adoring each other and the flamingos looking on. Wild. We walked around the zoo and did some shots near various animals and just had a fun pre-wedding photo session. One highlight was when we went to the bird theater for a rendevous with a beautiful blue parrot. His handler had him do some fun tricks for us... the best of which was that she asked the parrot, 'Who is crazy?' to which the parrot replied "LAURA!" Apparently this was just a random response he was already trained to do, but what a coincidence! Hysterical. Sherry Habif was our wedding planner for this wonderful day, and she and her associate (her sister, Francine) were really fantastic to work with. The ceremony was beautiful and this couple was beaming! They stood under the chuppah with animal sounds off in the distance. It was quite surreal. Rich Larsen with Creative Events by Sunflower created the most beautiful chuppah and decor in the reception tent. The lighting, the flowers...it was all just brilliant. Baker's Man did the most beautiful cake, and truly one of the MOST incredible we've seen. Truly. You just had to see it to believe it. The party was so much fun, the family and friends could not have been more lovely and warm. And, most importantly, two people absolutely found their soulmates. Laura and Mike, we wish you smiles as huge and lasting as those you had all day at the zoo!

Darcy and Adrian.

Words cannot even explain how much fun we had at Darcy and Adrian's amazing fiesta of a wedding this past weekend. But, of course, I'll try! We met Darcy (she's a sales consultant at Anne Barge's Salon in Buckhead) last year when we were lucky enough to use Anne's gowns for a photo shoot. Instantly, we just were crazy about her. What a personality! So, when she asked us to photograph her wedding, we were thrilled. Adrian is Venezuelan, and Darcy told us from day one that this was going to be quite the fun celebration! She was not kidding. She and Adrian were both so over-the-moon happy on their wedding day--and that permeated throughout the entire celebration. It was so wonderful to see so many of Adrian's friends and family who flew quite a long way to be there for them. Darcy got ready at the InterContinental and Steve Moore worked his magic. Darcy looked like a cake topper bride! She wore the most amazing earrings that her late father had given to her mother, and that really was touching to me. Her gown (as you can imagine) was unreal. Anne certainly outdid herself. Darcy added her own touches, 1,000 of them to be exact. When her gown came in, she decided that it needed a bit more sparkle. So, Darcy sewed on 1,ooo Swarovski crystals herself. And, it looked spectacular. Kourtney Coleman ran the show, and kept everything moving along and so organized. She was so fun to work with, and made our job so much easier as she was right on top of all the details and timeline. Michael Evans did the beautiful flowers, and Classic Cheesecakes created the beautiful and incredibly detailed wedding cakes. The celebration and ceremony were at the Buckhead Club and all was beautiful. I had so many highlights, I'll try to narrow them down. I LOVED that Darcy thanked her bridal party for being there for her and for sharing the day with her. I have never seen a bride do that so emphatically. I LOVED how both Darcy and Adrian were focused on the marriage and that this beautiful day was merely a lovely kick-off for a lifetime together. I LOVED Darcy's gown (I think I already said that, yes?). I LOVED how romantic and real and unchoreographed their first dance was. I LOVED the Venezelan traditions they included in their ceremony and celebration. (more on that later) I LOVED the groom's cake that literally looked so much like a Venezuelan cigar box that Ric and I didn't realize it wasn't real until we were practically touching it. And, I LOVED the joy and happiness that permeated through their celebration from beginning until end. The evening ended with El Cotillione dance which we had never seen. It was a HUGE celebration/Venezuelan tradition. Spanish music played for what seemed like an hour...and the guests were all given boas, masks, sombreros, feathers, etc etc and just danced and danced and danced. It was the most energizing and fun tradition. Darcy had an incredible white feathered mask and it was just the most amazing visual and emotional celebration. Adrian was wearing some funny hat and was BEAMING the entire dance. Someone put a sombrero on my head while I was shooting, and I barely even noticed because I was so wrapped up in the celebration and in watching/photographing Darcy and Adrian! Darcy and Adrian, we wish you bueno suerte (I hope my 10th grade Spanish is correct) and many many happy years together!!

Amy and Doug

When we met Amy and Doug last year, we remembered how they held hands for almost the entire meeting. That really warmed my heart. These two really seem to balance each other perfectly, and isn't that what marriage is all about? Sharon and Lauren from It's My Party, Inc. were the planners (we love them!) and the event was at the Westin Buckhead. We really enjoy shooting there--and the staff there is always so lovely and friendly. My highlight was definitely when Amy and Doug saw each other for the first time...they were both so genuinely emotional and overwhelmed in the moment and that was so touching. The ceremony was officiated by one of Doug's college friends who is now a rabbi and so that added such a personal touch to their ceremony. The other personal touch that we just loved, was that Amy and Doug (who absolutely ADORE children) included their dear friends' children in their ceremony and in the bridal party. How can you resist oohing and ahhing when the cutest little flowergirls walk ever so sweetly down the aisle? It was a really lovely celebration, and Amy and Doug were never too far from each other's side.We just hope their life together is always filled with as much love as they showed to each other tonight! Mazel tov!

Karen and Mark

Saturday we spent the day at the Intercontinental Hotel for Karen and Mark's wedding. Martha Jo and Emily could not have been more lovely and gracious, as this was our first time shooting at their hotel. It was a GREAT experience.

First of all, the weekend was in the capable hands of Sharon Fisher and Lauren LeNoir from It's My Party. We knew it wa