Nic and Leia's Nikah

This morning I was privileged to witness a sacred ceremony for a Muslim couple known as a Nikah. A contract between a couple, the Nikah forms part of one of the stages in an Islamic marriage.

The ceremony took place at Leia’s mother’s gorgeous home in Buckhead and was attended by friends and family alike.

Two months ago I documented Nic’s proposal to Leia. She said “Yes!” So I was thrilled to be a witness to their Nikah. Here are just a few favorite photos.

Anne and Trevor's Hydrangea Garden Wedding

Anne and Trevor’s wedding took place where Anne grew up, among the blooms of a variety of hydrangea shrubs that her father has lovingly cultivated over the years.

Before extended family gathered in the garden for the celebration, Anne and Trevor read punny cards to each other and laughed and hugged and enjoyed each other’s company.

The intimate backyard wedding began with piano music played by Trevor’s brother Ian and was officiated by Trevor’s brother Ryan. Anne and Trevor sang to each other during the ceremony and danced with each other and their parents following the ceremony

The most amazingly moist cupcakes ever came from The Sweet Spot Bakery in Duluth.

Tyrae and Khadeja's East Point Wedding

Earlier this year, I was blessed to find Tyrae Campbell, a young photographer eager to learn and willing and able to assist me photographing events.

I was delighted to learn that he was looking for a wedding photographer for his own wedding to the lovely Khadeja.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from their Sunday afternoon wedding.

Elizabeth and Tanmay's St. Luke's Episcopal Wedding

I love a church wedding!

Especially one in a church as beautiful as St. Luke’s Episcopal.

I love a church wedding, even if the church has rules about photographing during the ceremony. At St. Luke’s, photographers are only allowed to photograph from the balcony at the back of the sanctuary. The balcony at St. Luke’s is a long, long way from the altar.

As a photographer I have to shoot with a camera that has a silent shutter and lens that is telephoto. It’s challenging to find a way to capture the emotion of the day from the balcony perspective.

It’s a challenge I happily take on. The limitation pushes me to do something different. It shakes me from the usual routine of a wedding.

When I shoot a wedding at a church, one of the first things I do is introduce myself to the officiant and any person at the church helping to ensure the sacredness of the ceremony. At St. Luke’s that included the rector, the vicar, and two women of the wedding guild.

Sometimes when I speak with the people who assist in making sure the wedding runs smoothly and according to the church guidelines, they tell me about photographers who get angry about the restrictions placed on them or photographers who flaunt the rules.

This make me sad.

The ceremony is one part of the wedding day. For many, it’s the most important part. But there are other things to photograph on a wedding day.

Here are a few favorites from Tanmay and Elizabeth’s wedding day.

Summerlin and Ashley's North Georgia Mountains Engagement Session

Little did I know that Summerlin and Ashley’s engagement session at Vogel State Park would become a botany lesson. But, I’m glad it did.

And I’m also glad that my wife Sharon was there to take it all in.

Summerlin happily answered questions about mountain laurel, wild azelias and the rocks behind the spillway waterfall.

Ashley smiled the whole time. She loves it when Summerlin teaches her about plants.

Susana and Durryel's Costley Mill Park Wedding

Susana and Durryel’s wedding this past weekend at Costley Mill Park in Conyers brough friends and family together for fun times and good food.

The couple who went to a dog park on their first date also brought their dog to the park with them on their wedding day to celebrate with rest of the guests. She almost stole the show in her tutu style collar, but was unable to outshine Susana in her elegant wedding dress.

Durruel looked quite spiffy in his suit, vest and dark red tie, as well. The wedding party rolled in in style, as well.

Nic Proposes ... Leia says "YES!"

Nic contacted me a month or so ago to let me know he’d like me to take photos of him proposing to his girlfriend, Leia. He told me that Leia knew he wanted to marry her, but that she had no clue when or how he would propose.

My job was to be there to catch her reaction when he actually popped the question.

In preparation for the big event, Nic lit candles in the hall coming from the family’s garage and then scattered rose petals on the floor.

Needless to say, Leia was surprised and delighted.

I left Nic and Leia after taking the proposal photos and a few more traditional engagement photos. But then I realized I had left my purse and had to return to the home.

Much to my delight I found Leia’s family had come to celebrate with the newly engaged couple.

Best of 2022: Reception

So many fun things happen during wedding receptions: speeches, toasts, cake cutting (and eating of course), dances and all kinds of exits.

Here are a few favorite reception photos from 2022.