An Engagement Session to Die For

Oakland Cemetery, is one of the best known public parks and places to visit in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s one of the few places in the city I could drive to, no matter the time of day. Aside from Oakland being the resting place for many famous people, what I value the most is how at home my soul feels when I walk through the grounds. Nothing in this cemetery looks the same. There is so much variety with the new and old stones and some plots are so overgrown with ivy, you’d never know someone is buried beneath it.

I was lucky enough to meet Jessi, a few times at my day job, when she came in to see her mom. We made small talk and hit it off. Jessi is a poster child for a girl’s girl. She shines in her clothing, has the long nails and loves goth and all colors black! She’s won my heart! A few months later, her mom came to work, all excited, telling everyone Jessi is now engaged. I was praying she’d want me to be her photographer and now that I am, I’m on cloud nine hearing all about her gothic wedding theme! I’m finally going to have a Bride in a black dress!!! My heart is so happy!

This spot here was one of the prettiest spots on the grounds. I didn’t see this big, white, tree until I stumbled right up on it. To see it in person was so breathtaking, no pun intended, lol. I took my couple shots here of Justin and Jessi, then scooted myself in between the branches and got my foreground shots. Those are my favorite shots to ever get, in any session. I think it adds a bit of mystery, romance and POP to the photos.

I had to stop here in this archway and get a photo with the twisted vines up top. I love when nature takes over spots and screams to be included in the photo. Plus I love putting my couples into a position and tell them to hold the pose. That’s what I did here and I just photographed them talking to each other and getting the sweetest reactions out of Jessi. Sometimes the best shots come after the button is clicked and the couple lets their guard down.

Another one of my go to “poses” is to have everyone walk. This is a casual thing to do and I love the way it turns out. I feel like the paparazzi, following my couple. It looks like a natural, fun, day with your partner, just walking, talking and laughing together. Just out there in the world being loved on by your most favorite person in the world.

We stopped on this patch of grass for a little afternoon slow dance. Slow dancing is one of my favorite things to do with my husband. He thinks I’m a freak because I’ll be in the kitchen at midnight, eating cereal with zit cream on my face. He comes in to check on me and I’ll make him slow dance with me, everytime. Yet, everytime I go missing, he still comes to check on me, knowing what I’ll make him do. I think he likes it too but “too manly” to admit it.

You know, if my husband and I didn’t want to be cremated, I’d buy us two plots and go out on the weekends and make memories next to our spots, just so we have good times to remember while one of us will be there morning the other. I’m so morbid, I know.

I love this sassy look. She bought the umbrella herself and it was the perfect accessory in many shots. We took her necklace off and got close ups of it.

We can’t forget the Groom. During our engagement sessions, I go over my Groom posing and show him what I’ll be making him do before the ceremony.

As I mention on my website, I have several lenses. https://paulashtonphotography.com/#start-here This is from my wide angle lens, which is able to get a view of the whole area. I’d be lost without this lens, when a photo calls for the entire scene. I don’t use it alot but it is definitely a lifesaver when I do.

Wedding days aren’t the only times I play with the rings. I give you a little warm up during the engagement session. Usually, it’s when the couple is changing, if they trust me enough to hold the ring while they’re gone. If not, no worries, I just talk to the couple while I get my shots. Btw, I wouldn’t trust anyone with my ring either, so no worries to all my future Bride’s who may feel it’s rude to not leave it with me. I don’t like being left alone with the ring, myself, but will do so if we’re pushed for time.

Did I mention above, how colorful and full of blooms the cemetery is? This was before Spring. We had one more frost to deal with before temps got warmer but the trees and bushes still showed off for us. There was so much beauty to see here. There couldn’t have been a better location for this couple. If you notice, this is the same photo but at different angles. I always move around and try to get a good mix of horizontal and landscape. Who doesn’t like variety?

I have more walking photos but this time I added the foreground. I’ll never get enough of this!

If you’ve never used me as your photographer, I invite you to try one of my mini sessions this year. My sessions are found here https://book.usesession.com/i/2vq1XcoTE

If you know anyone getting married and looking for a wedding photographer, please give them my info. I’d love to serve them and can work with any budget. The prices I have listed, is only if you want the full bridal experience.

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