My First Micro Wedding

June 1, 2021

Barbra and Greg were married at the Juliette Chapel + Events, in Dahlonega Georgia. This venue is perfectly tucked away, in the woods, allowing complete privacy for all celebrating any occasion.

I was so excited when I arrived and saw this intimate chapel with my own eyes. I’ve seen other photographer’s post about weddings there and dreamed of photographing my own wedding there one day. To say I was beyond excited was an understatement. This was one of the very first times I felt accomplished as a wedding photographer.

This venue holds up to seventy guests, including pets. The chapel walls are nothing but windows, from floor to ceiling, providing the perfect canvas of forest greenery. This venue is best for smaller more intimate gatherings. The outside is just as beautiful with a variety of colored flowers, bushes and their famous swing.

Before the ceremony, I photograph the ceremony details. This is anything from the whole ceremony site, or building, to the flowers. This is any floral decor at the altar, to the arrangements at the end of the aisle to the petals covering the walkway. If there’s anything you spent money on to decorate your ceremony site, I will photograph it for you.

The details you see here can be styled so many ways. This is why it’s so important the photographers get “the box of goodies” aka the details so we can run off and play with them to make beautiful images for you. The details consists of anything the Bride and Groom wears the day of the wedding…shoes, bracelets, hair pins, perfume, cologne, ties, cufflinks, belts, invitations plus the envelope, the Bride and Groom’s rings, florals such as the boutonniere and the bouquet are great, if they’re ready in time. With each wedding being different and most Bride’s taste being different, each wedding will provide a different set of images.

Photographing the dress is the most stressful part of the day for me. Sometimes, it’s hard finding the perfect spot. It’s challenging being able to reach so high and often times there’s no one around to help me lift the dress. Needless to say, I don’t want to be the reason the dress gets dirty. I try to photograph the dress as quickly as I can so I can return it before it’s even missed. As with everything I photograph, I like to get a wide image of what you’re seeing, then take smaller sections and photograph every detail I can…Even down to the beads of the dress. Once the dress is back with the Bride, it’s easier for me to breathe, lol.

Often times, I like to use surrounding elements as the background for the detail shots. This could include the leaves or petals of plants and flowers to the hardwood or tile of the ground. Don’t worry, I won’t let the image look bad.

Once I’m finished photographing the details, the Bride is usually finished with hair and makeup and ready to get into her dress. Once the dress is on, my must have shots are putting on the ear rings. These are so simple and elegant and take no effort at all. Did I mention I love taking casual photos?

Next, I like to add a family member to help the Bride “get dressed.” This is anything from buttoning up the dress, fastening her shoes or fastening her necklace.

For the guys, this is what their getting ready photos look like. Of course they’re already dressed. I just have them do a little re-enactment (if I’ve missed it) and have the Best Man or the Groom’s Dad help him put his jacket on and adjust his collar.

My must have shots for guys are close ups of the watch and them adjusting their tie or fastening the buttons on their shirts.

I love getting the Bride walking down the aisle. I get excited seeing the emotion on her face as she sees her Groom for the first time. Is there anything more beautiful on the wedding day, than the Bride walking down with her dress fanned out and holding on to the one who’s about to give her away? Don’t worry Brides, I also get a shot of the Groom before you make it all the way down.

Isn’t this the sweetest? The Groom’s best friend gave him a genuine smile when he saw the Bride walking through the doors.

Tying the knot during the ceremony. I wish I had done something like this when we got married. I’d love to have it hanging on my wall. The preacher had a really sweet story he told about how the married couple will be intertwined like the ropes and nothing will be able to tear them apart. And when you add water, that helps strengthen the bond, which is why rain on a wedding day isn’t so frowned upon (to the vendors.)

Ahhhh, the most important shot of the whole day!!!! I GOT IT!!!

Once the ceremony is over, I will move the Bride + Groom somewhere private and do our thing. This is the only part of the day I pose you. I have my must have shots, as well as the shots I need of the Bride in her gown…front + back.

If your venue is known to have a special touch to it, such as this rope swing, please let me know if these are must have photos for you so we can fit them into the timeline. I don’t want to be the reason you didn’t get your most wanted photos because we were crushed on time and you didn’t let me know what was most important to you during crunch time. My goal is to serve you the best way possible and without clear communication, I can only do so much. When you book me, you will have 24/7 access to me to text or call anytime. Let me know what you’re thinking + what you want + I will add it to your folder.

After the Bride + Groom photos, I move to the family formal shot list. This is a list we go over a month before your big day and you let me know who the most important people are you want pictures of. Without this list, we will be in one spot all day and you will miss out on cocktail hour before the reception starts.

Reception Details….yes….I capture it all.

This is the funnest part of the whole day. Each cake is so beautiful. Keep in mind when choosing your venue. You want to be able to move around your wedding cake. Make sure you’re not stuck in a corner. I need to be able to see your face and capture all angles of you two together.

As the night winds down…or hypes up… I center myself in the best place to get the everyone in the exit shot. I love looking back and seeing which of the guests were so excited, which ones look like they’re about to cry, etc.