The Cottage » Blog

03 • 27 • 20

Whitney + Jon | Georgia Backyard Wedding

This blogpost is late – as it was a wedding from last fall and I have tried to get it together to write it several times – but it is oh so on time, right? As a wedding photographer in the middle of planning my own daughter’s wedding, I have been staying up on the current levels of restrictions and protocols put in place by local and national government levels and how it affects this industry. I have been so saddened hearing about brides losing venues with days notice, others rescheduling when they were so close to crossing the finish line (that’s what it feels like at the end), and then knowing personally about reschedules and cancellations on the vendors’ ends and the importance each client holds when you have a service based business. All of this is in my face for business and personal reasons.

I asked my own daughter what her thoughts were about her June date, and what she wanted to do if the pandemic precautions affected her date. She has stayed firm that she wanted to get married that day, and she was willing for her vision to look a little different if need be. We are still unsure of what our day will look like, but we continue to plan and make preparations. Enter the appropriateness of this blogpost.

Whitney and Jon had an adorable home wedding on their farm last fall surrounded by family and a few close friends. They wanted simple. No fuss. Comfortable. It was a rainy day with a few redirects, but Whitney prayed for a break in the clouds and we were granted a peak of sun for a first look, some bridal portraits, and a ceremony. It was a sweet, intimate day.

If you are a bride that is unsure of your wedding plans, do not let it rob you of the joy of marrying your man. Whitney and Jon have beautiful memories from their day just as my Caitlyn and Jon will – no matter how it turns out. It is your story. Own it and love it. And don’t be afraid to roll with these punches and go ahead with life even if it needs to look a little different (there’s nothing wrong with rescheduling for your vision either! I just want to give you permission to go with your gut!).

Just look at how beautiful this home wedding day was!

Tags: Fall Wedding,Farm Wedding,Georgia Wedding Photographer,Home Wedding,Southern Home Wedding,The Cottage Photography,Wedding,wedding photographer,wedding photography

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03 • 24 • 20

Trinity and Charity Vow Renewal | LaGrange, Georgia Wedding Photographer

There is not a lot of information on how to do a vow renewal. Trust me, I’ve looked because a few years ago, I planned my own. I used to think that vow renewals were kinda overkill. I mean, you’re still married, right? What’s all the fuss? Well, then I had a marriage. A marriage that at some point was renewed and needed to be celebrated – for us. Now, I have a much broader view of the possibilities for a vow renewal, and I think if you want to celebrate, do it! There are many reasons that prompt a “rewedding” if you will – it may be that there was never a celebration to begin with. A small wedding for whatever reason may warrant a larger celebration later. A crisis or interruption in a relationship may mean that new commitments are in order. Honestly, life is crazy isn’t it? It is full of ups and downs and sometimes we need to make a mark for a new start or celebrate how far we’ve come. Whatever the reason, just do it!

With all this in mind, it was my pleasure to help Trinity work out this SURPRISE vow renewal for his bride of 10 years. Y’all, it takes a ~~brave~~ (ahem) good man to take on a project like this. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to be at the ceremony because of a prior engagement, but I was able to document the proposal and it was so fun! All the girls got new outfits that daddy picked out (Little Bit was so proud too!). Mom was told to put on her clothes that were laid out for her and meet them at a certain spot at a specific time. Amidst the rain and a little bit of waiting, all worked out and they continue to live happily ever after. 😉

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03 • 18 • 20

Nathan, Class of 2020 | Georgia Senior Photographer

During this time, when we are uncertain of our schedules and future events, I want to continue to celebrate our High School Seniors. Even though this will be a memory one year that is distinct and a story that will be told around dining room tables, I completely understand the disappointment for this year’s seniors that are anticipating missing the end of senior sports seasons, proms, and graduation ceremonies. I want to encourage them that they still matter! We are still proud of you, and I encourage you to find ways to celebrate the seniors in your life in a special way this year!

All that being said, I introduce you to Nathan! I love doing Senior photography – I’ve said it before – because they are there usually willing and follow directions! 😉 I will say though I enjoy doing sessions for girls and boys differently, and here’s why. Girls are there because they want the portraits. Even if they aren’t exactly comfortable in front of the camera, they want the portraits and in general want to do this thing. Boys can be a totally different beast. They are there for their momma! Sometimes, they are more reluctant and more uncomfortable with this weird lady telling them to give her a real smile and being looked at! I love that challenge! My goal is for them to smile naturally and actually have a good time – or at least smile when I ask them if it was painful!

Nathan did great and I think his session was a success! Here are a few tips from Nathan’s session:

Relax! (He did great at this by the way.) Be honest with me about what you like or don’t like about doing this. When I can get to know what is comfortable or uncomfortable for you, I can customize the order in which we do things, or the poses that will be most suited. I want to make this fun and easy!
Represent! Bring things that represent you well. Nathan brought a school sweatshirt (for the future) and a football jersey (from the present) to represent a part of who he has been through his high school career and a part of who he plans to be in the future!
(be) Real! If you aren’t a big toothy smiler, don’t fake it. Smile for real. Interact with me or mom or your friend that came (which is a great idea by the way). Have conversation. You will see more of your real self in your portraits. Be happy, serious, smiley, pensive. You be you!

Enjoy Nathan’s session!

Tags: Atlanta Senior Photographer,Class of 2020,georgia photographer,Georgia Senior Photographer,lagrange georgia photographer,Senior boys,senior photographer

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03 • 10 • 20

Graham Graduates | First Year Plan | LaGrange, Georgia Newborn Photographer

Graham Cracker. Graham the Ham. Grambo. I have never heard or had so many nicknames for a baby I have photographed. His parents play the game too and have a new one every time they come for a session. Do you know what it reminds me of? Did any of y’all watch Mad About You? No, everyone too young for that? If you’ve never seen it, go check it out. It was one of Hun’s and my favorite sitcoms when we got married. Anyway, their dog walker was played by Hank Azaria, and every time he came to walk their dog Murray, he had about 6 play on words name for the dog. It was the best! But I digress…

This little hunk of a man has been a joy to photograph, not only for his absolute cuteness factor, but you see, his momma and daddy are really special to me. Julie and Josh were one of my bride and groom couples just a few years ago. I love when my clients are repeat clients. It is so satisfying and such an honor when people claim you as their own. This little family I claim as one of mine! When you get to do wedding, maternity, and baby together, you just begin to feel like family. Not to mention when you get to photograph both cousins on one side too, you really fall in love!

I am so sad to see Graham’s one year session over. Part of that sad is because they are being stationed in Alaska soon, so they will have to find an Alaska photographer to love them while they are there (unless they will be home regularly!). Since Graham’s daddy is in the service, we have gotten to do some creative things to incorporate who this family is! All that being said, enjoy Graham’s First Year!

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03 • 06 • 20

Mae, Class of 2020 | Senior Photographer

I love Senior Portraits. Honestly, I love all photography. Even the stuff I’m not great at, I appreciate so much, but Senior Portraits are so, so fun. From the Momma point of view, I think they are really important too. It’s the last baby portrait, right? It marks the finish of childhood before they transition into adulthood. From the Photographer point of view, these guys are in such an exciting time of life and I love highlighting who they are right now. It showcases personality, they are willing to be there, they are not nervous and most smile on demand, and I don’t have to keep them asleep the whole session (wink, to my newborn sessions)!

This fall, Mae came and played for the day and she made work that day so fun and easy. She is built for modeling and is gorgeous, but her gentle, easy going nature showed through and made her session a breeze.

Here are a few tips from Mae’s session:

Shake it up with clothing. Don’t be afraid to have diversity and different looks. Mae had a fall session, but also brought a blue sweater and white pants which gave us a totally different feel.
Know your style. Mae was really easy going, but she knew she preferred a more natural look. That narrowed down our focus and allowed us to get more shots without having to move around so much.
Don’t be shy! Move around. Make different faces. Relax and just talk. Part of that is my job – to distract you from any awkwardness, but just let go and don’t have any reservations about being you. Silly, adventurous, serious, whatever. The more personality, the more we get to choose from!

Now, enjoy Mae’s Shoot!