My Life Photo Blog » Wedding

Wild hairs and laugh lines

Catherine — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:37:58 +0000

Last week my assistant Tracy and I were headed downtown for an engagement session with one of my amazing couples when we got on the topic of editing. Tracy is also a photographer not just a fab assistant.

How much is too much and why do we, by we I mean photographers and those being photographed, feel such a strong need for it? In the beginning of my wedding photography I was like most. I edited and edited and edited to the point that the photo stops being a photograph and is now instead something that is reminiscent of my client with plastic smooth skin, perfect hair and not a bag under her eyes to speak of.

But what was funny was that all the photography I had done prior as a fine art student on my own and the photography of professionals I admire didn’t do this. Why? Because the photograph was real! A real moment. A real person. A real emotion. I did not start on this path to spend hours as a graphic editor in front of a computer. I love photographs. I wanted to be a lifestyle photographer. I love the real memory of that frozen moment that a photograph can generate for us years down the road. I love the wild hairs and wrinkled nose of a smiling truly happy bride.

The photograph ceases to be a photograph once you remove and edit out all of the wonderful details that made it unique and beautiful. It was this uniqueness that caused me to push the shutter to start with. I saw the beauty of the moment, not the possibly of the the beauty once I spend an hour in photoshop trying to make it better because I believe that I can’t make it better. I can’t make the client “better” they are who they are and they are beautiful and I truly believe that!

It is perfect, a perfect moment all by itself. Pure. Real. I want my photographs, despite all the possibility that technology gives us, should be just that….a beautifully captured moment frozen by the click of my shutter.

Ready for something Beautiful

Catherine — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:53:29 +0000

I am ready for something beautiful to happen in 2012. I am excited about new alliances within the photography industry and I am hopeful for blooming real friendships that may come from it. I am ready for a revitalized commitment to photography and love. I am ready to make the best images I have ever made and have spent many of the past days evaluating my images and images that I want to create. I am ready to grow and be better at everything photography as well as treating my clients like the royally that are to me. I am so ready that I may just jump up right here in my office and shout “let’s do this!” as while making and overtly exaggerating fist pump!

It’s a beautiful view in here!

Catherine — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:30:13 +0000

My view today! Working on Kimi and Mike’s wedding! Such a beautiful couple and I love love love her dress!

Photos like this are the reason I love photography so much! Such a sincere sweet kiss from her father after their dance together.

Wedding: Kimi + Mike

Catherine — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:29:25 +0000

Congratulations to Kimi and Mike on a beautiful wedding! I am in love with Kimi’s dress! The ceremony and customs throughout the day were so wonderful to witness. I love the nervousness that was fluttering about before the ceremony and how that inevitable feeling of relief and happiness comes over the bride and groom when they see each other and know that this is the day the are going to be with the one they love forever. Such a wonderful couple and I am honored that we were apart of their day!

Kimi’s cousins came from Japan and performed a traditional dance for all of the guests.

Mike and Kimi also performed the traditional Korean Tea Ceremony to show respect for their parents.

Wedding: Alex + Aron

Catherine — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:26:16 +0000

Alexandra and Aron were married last weekend at The Mansion on Peachtree in such a wonderful ceremony! Alex was stunning in her gown and I love how excited she was about the entire experience!

She looked amazing!

Alex and Aron had the most precious baby boy!

Wedding: Katrina + Chris

Catherine — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:23:10 +0000

This past weekend I had one of those weddings that was just like the fairy tale wedding you dream of as a little girl. Katrina looked truly amazing, the weather was beyond perfect, Chris was so handsome and the love in the air was contagious.

The earrings were a gift from Katrina’s parents. Gorgeous!

While the bridesmaids were putting last minute touches on the place settings Katrina was enjoying her gift from Chris. A ring engraved with “I love you”

I love Katrina’s pure excitement to put on her wedding dress!

Katrina and Chris decided to have a first look and it was one of the best I think I have ever witnessed!

The wedding was held at Frogtown Wine in Dahlonega, Ga….a perfect place.

Unlike the traditional sand or candle Katrina and Chris poured two wines into one and then shared the glass!

After the wedding Katrina and Chris and I ran out for just a few more shots after the wedding!

Everyone danced the night away! I truly mean everyone!!

I love catching a true moment. Chris ran to his parents before the last dance had ended and gave them a huge deep felt hug!

Congratulations to you both! I am so glad I was able to be apart of your wedding!

Wedding: Kate + Ben

Catherine — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:17:42 +0000

I was so lucky to be able to head back to Brasstown Valley Resort for Kate and Ben’s wedding. It is truly a piece of heaven there.

Kate and Ben are coffee junkies and love to explore new flavors so how sweet and personal was her card to Ben exclaiming him as her “cream”!

They decided to see one another for a firs look and what a sweet first kiss on the wedding day!

It looks like cake….but it’s cheese! Super amazing fabulous tasting cheese!!

Wedding: Allyson + Jason

Catherine — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:41:34 +0000

Allyson and Jason were wed this past Saturday and it was one of the most relaxed and fun weddings I have ever photographed. Everyone was so calm and very much enjoying the experience of the day. They both decided to see each other before the ceremony for photos and we had so much fun laughing and taking photos. Jason is so funny and everyone loved just being around him. Allyson we so beautiful in her wedding gown and she wore a cathedral veil which makes me unbelievably happy! As the night progressed I found out that not only do Allyson and Jason’s friends know how to work it for the camera they know how to party! It was a wonderful wedding and a rockin’ reception! Congratulations to you both and enjoy Cancun!

The first few moments (above) where they saw each other for the first time.

Everyone was ready to head over to have a good time at the Whitlock Inn!

Wedding: Jennifer + Heath

Catherine — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:43:04 +0000

Jennifer and Heath were wed this past Saturday at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, Ga. It it absolutely one of my very favorite venues. Jennifer’s dress was so beautiful with all of the flower details.Congratulations to you both!

Jennifer carried a pendant tied to her flowers that held the wedding photographs of her grandparents.

I love catching the moment of Dad seeing his little girl as a bride for the very first time!

Wedding: Leigh Anne + Patrick

Catherine — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:37:30 +0000

Saturday I was lucky enough to spend my day photographing Leigh Anne and Patrick’s wedding in Crawfordsville, Indiana! The weather turned out perfect and the sky was incredible! I loved the parasols for the girls and the colors made me so excited! Patrick and Leigh Anne were so amazingly sweet with one another and there were quite a few tears shared between them. The wedding was held for family and close friends. Leigh Anne is from Georgia and many traveled long distances to be apart of this day. It was so sweet and so special for everyone that attended. I am so happy for you both and am excited for you and for your future!