Archive for 'weddings'
I love these two and their whole family. We hugged, we laughed, we cried. It’s true. And they’ve remained great online friends since the wedding. Their wedding was bursting with love and joy. It’s what you hope for with every wedding.
We started off with a summer engagement shoot in Maclay Gardens. We met very early in the morning and stuck to the shade as much as possible. Even with that, these two a smiling and looking fabulous while we were slowly being drenched in sweat.
I know – they’re the cutest. All dapper and in love. There’s more of this ahead as we look at their wedding. They styled it with rich peacock colors.
Know what’s extra special? When the groom designs the engagement ring. Good job, Mike! Bonus: the center stone is Alexandrite and shifts from green to pink depending on the light. It’s stunning!
Kirsten’s dress was covered in lace and looked like a pale pale green or grey depending on the light. I adore the deep pink ribbon with and sweet floral Manolo Blahnik shoes.
I just adore photos of the bride as she gets ready.
That is one happy momma!
Just a reminder of how stunning those shoes are…
Mike & Kirsten opted for a First Look. If you’ve been wondering what they are, it’s when a couple decides to see each other alone before the ceremony. They’re always beautiful, intimate, and filled with loads of emotions. As a bonus, you can go ahead and shoot many of your formal portraits so it’s easier (and faster) to move into the reception.
This little dude just wasn’t having it. No children were harmed in the making of this wedding photo.
Guys, it’s favor time – please make a large print of this and pull it out for her wedding one day. It’s a precious moment! And it will make future me cry.
My favorite parts of the ceremony? The couple each being walked down the aisle by their family and Kirsten’s minister father conducting the ceremony. Pssst…my dad is also a reverend and I hope one day he’ll do the same for me and my sister.
Pssst – their wedding food was so wonderful it was featured in an article in the Tallahassee Democrat!
Thanks to you and your family for inviting me along for your lovely wedding day! Best wishes for a happy future!
Venue: Lieto Fine Farm, Monticello, Florida
Bridal Gown: Theia Bridal
Bridal Heels: Manolo Blahnik
Bridal Boots: Ariat
Catering & Bartending: Truly Scrumptious, Thomasville, Georgia
Flowers: purchased from Costco and arranged by the bride and groom
Cake: Tupelo’s Bakery, Monticello, Florida
Engagement Ring: designed & created by Paul Vermylen III
In October, I thought my art school friend was living in China (she still was but is moving to the US now). So I was a little surprised when she sent a text saying she was getting hitched in our nation’s capital and would I photograph the wedding. Of course, I said! Nikki and I have the kind of friendship where it doesn’t matter if we fall out of contact because we always fall right back in with ease.
I was really really surprised when she said, “Awesome! It’s on Halloween!”
Halloween was in 6 days. These two crazy kids (and their friends and family) managed to plan and have a wedding in under a week. And it was one of the most joy-filled events of my life!
Can you believe the bride created these flower arrangements herself? She used bouquets from Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s and added some feather details too. Not all of her family were able to make it so she used a locket to keep her brother and sister close.
Everyone who wasn’t local stayed at the Hyatt Regency where we got ready and did a First Look.
One of the sweetest things I’ve seen is Nikki’s Daddy tying her sash.
After the first look (and a quick drink) we headed down to the District of Columbia War Memorial. Beautiful location!
Nikki’s not to subtle shout out to China, where she and Chad met.
Everyone should have this much fun, laughter, and joy at their wedding! This was just minutes before walking down the aisle.
Nikki and Chad chose to whisper their vows to each other. Very sweet. This was their friend Dave, who became an officiant for their ceremony, telling everyone (but especially me) not to follow.
Now THAT is how to be excited you’re hitched! These two and ther entire group were a blast and had me in stitches all day!
There was some luck and fate at play in this wedding. In addition to everything falling into place (location, friends and family able to fly in, and so on) Nikki found the perfect heels at a consignment shop in Georgetown. That might not sound like a big deal but they’re also French and vintage satin.
Once it got dark we headed back to the hotel Can you spot the happy couple in the elevator? The lovebirds also updated their Facebook status as a very public display of affection.
Thanks for having me along on your wonderful wedding adventure, Nikki & Chad! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness! Much love to you both!
Location: The National Mall, Washington, DC
Ceremony Venue: District of Columbia War Memorial
Hotel: Hyatt Regency | Crystal City at Regan National Airport
Dinner: Osteria de Nino
Bride’s Dress: Modcloth | Aisle Be There Dress in Ivory by TrashyDiva
Bride’s Sash & Veil: David’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Consignment
Florist: Bride with bouquets from Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s
Officiant: Dave Goretsky
After many many edits, I’m very excited to reveal my new baby, the Ansley Studio 2015 Wedding Guide.
The inside features my photography as well as slews of information on me and answers to frequently asked questions. Want to know how I got started in photography? It’s in there! Want to know my wedding photography approach and what do expect on your wedding day? Flip through this booklet. Have questions about my wedding collections? I’ve got you covered!
Click here to download the 2015 Wedding Guide & Pricing pdf. Want to read a physical copy? They’ll be available in two weeks!
A special shout out to all my friends who helped with this project including Jen, Laura, James, Emily, Jim, Audrey, and Clint. Thanks for letting me use your peepers and editing skills!
Boy howdy, folks, have I been busy lately! Between the end of the semester, defending my prospectus, and then traveling up North? Phew, I’m exhausted!
Before I left for Rhode Island, a conference at Yale, and then a quick visit to NYC, I photographed TJ & Ashley’s beautiful wedding.
And right when I got back, there was Jessica & Jeff’s stunning and sweet beach wedding.
Keep your eyes peeled for both of those weddings coming up over the next month.
Lately I’ve been doing some headshots. On the left we have Deb who wanted an updated headshot for her international job search. On the right we have Alea who needed a headshot for her SGA presidency at Bainbridge State College.
Next up is Nikki. Once upon this past fall, she was one of my photography students (and her son just finished my photo class this spring too). Things changed drastically this spring when her husband passed unexpectedly. It was especially difficult as she also worked to finish the semester. There were days and weeks when she had her doubts (though I never did), but she succeeded and graduated from Florida State University this May! I am tremendously proud of my friend’s accomplishments and her resilience! In one of these photos you’ll see her holding a framed image of her and her husband – it was important to her to have him by her side for this event since he had supported her through her education and over half her life.
Last up for today we have Jana! She just turned 22 and had a Kate Spade themed birthday dinner (lucky gal!). We couldn’t resist taking a fun portrait and headshot of the lass to celebrate the event!
So forgive me for being tremendously busy, my dear friends. I hope these photos make up for it a little. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to hop back to the dissertation process and work on putting together my summer art appreciation courses. 😀
Ok, guys, I know I’m not supposed to pick favorites. But…I can’t help it.
It’s not my fault really. My favorite holiday is Halloween and one of my favorite places for weddings is Pebble Hill Plantation. And, Heather & Peter know how to throw a party! They even imported one of their favorite bands from Atlanta (and they played “Jackson” at the wedding and you know I love some Johnny & June). Their wedding showed off their personalities and they filled the plantation with vintage Halloween touches and loads of music. Everyone (even grandma!) danced all night to The Whiskey Gentry. An absolutely lovely time was had by all!
See, not my fault at all. I better go ahead and show you the photos so you can see what I’m talking about. 😀
I love it when a couple decides on having a First Look. They get to spend a little time together before the ceremony and without being surrounded by family members. Being a Halloween wedding, the family cemetery provided a perfect location for this and the following shot.
The ceremony took place in the tennis court area. I adore all the touches they added to the space to help personalize it!
They brought vintage seating for their guests to enjoy during the cocktail hour!
The courtyard always looks stunning at night. And from what I hear, Grandma made these favors herself!
The groom’s favorite movie is The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The 1954 classic was even featured on their save the date card. His bride surprised him with this cake head of his beloved creature! Good job, Karen Cakes!
Oh Heather! Your Grandma cracks me up! Everyone needs one as wonderful as she is!
Venue: Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia
Bridal Gown: Christina Wu
Catering & Bartending: Gourmet Guys in Valdosta, Georgia
Florist: Flowers by Cooper in Bainbridge, Georgia
Cake: Karen Cakes in Bainbridge. Georgia
Band: The Whiskey Gentry in Atlanta, Georgia (check them out on iTunes!)
As a special bonus, check out this sweet 5 star review from the bride’s mama: “Ansley did our daughter’s wedding pictures at Pebble Hill Plantation. She is wonderful. We could not have found anyone else as great to work with. She knew exactly what our daughter and son-in-law were looking for in their wedding pictures. Ansley and her staff were very professional and we just all had a blast.” Thanks, Diane – I had a blast with ya’ll too!