Mr. & Mrs. Ray - Fall Wedding at Pine Knoll Farms
It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged, so here is an attempt to get back into the swing of it. My goal is to post a blog at least once a week, although twice a week would be ideal. We’ll see how this goes, and please feel free to hold me accountable!
I’m so excited to share with y’all this stunning wedding I photographed in fall of 2018. In October, Amber and Carson tied the knot at Pine Knoll Farms in Appling, Georgia.
Amber is one of the most intentional people I’ve ever met. She pays attention to the little things people care about, and details really matter to her. When my assistant and I arrived, the venue was decorated beautifully. Floral arrangements everywhere, little signs (some of which the bride made herself), personalized decor, and everything else in between.
A lot of my brides and grooms opt out of doing a first look (where they see each other before the ceremony) and as an alternative, I suggest to the bride to do a first look with her dad. Amber decided to do a first look with both her dad and step-dad, and of course she had to do a little booty pinch before they turned around to see her.
Another alternative to not doing a first look is for the bride and groom to exchange letters. They get to hear each others voice and spend some time together, but don’t actually see each other face to face. Moments like this are precious, and I typically tear up a bit photographing them.
Amber wanted me to stand at the front to photograph her entire walk down the aisle. I’ve never had a bride ask me to do that before, but it allowed for me to get some beautiful shots of her and her dad’s walking her down the aisle. Carson is a stoic man, but he was moved watching his bride walk down the aisle.
Their ceremony was shot and sweet, and the sun even came out towards the end. The light was perfect for Amber and Carson’s portraits.
If you can’t tell, I am all about veils.
Carson & Amber were announced at the reception and went straight into their first dance. They danced to one of my all-time favorite songs - Tennessee Whisky by Eric Stapleton. After cutting their cake, they danced with their parents. Amber danced with her dad to the tune of, “You’ll be in my Heart,” and then she danced to “Carolina” with her step-dad. I think it’s special when daughters can dance with both their biological dad and step-dad. Carson and his mom might have stole the dance floor though when they broke out doing the movements to “YMCA” during their dance. I’m always down for a live band and “Anybody’s Guess” did not disappoint. The dance floor was a blast.
Even though the morning started out rainy, the sun came out and the day was beautiful! And of course, the day ended with some sparklers.
Congratulations to the newlyweds, Amber & Carson! I pray y’all’s marriage only gets sweeter with time.