Though I’ve done wedding photography in Athens before, it had been a little while since I’d had the pleasure, and this was my first time at the Historic Smithonia Farm. The venue fit Abby & Justin perfectly: it’s a laidback and sunny place, full of open fields and rustic brick walls, nothing stuffy or pretentious about it.
One of my favorite things about their day was that Justin’s grandfather officiated the ceremony. And one of the reasons that is so excellent is that he also officiated Justin’s brother’s wedding, which I also got to be a part of! {Check out Holly & Matt’s wedding here.} It meant a lot to me that I got to be a part of both Holly & Matt’s and Abby & Justin’s weddings, seeing familiar faces and feeling like a part of the family.
Thank you so much for having me, Abby & Justin!
Check out their engagement session here, and check out the photos of their wedding photography in Athens below as well as advice and information from the bride and groom.
Most memorable moment from your wedding day?
First Look! Before the first look I was anxious and nervous to finally see Justin. The first look was so exciting and a rush of emotions. Deciding to do a first look was one of the best decisions we made.
Funniest moment from your wedding day?
The funniest moment from my wedding day was definitely when my Maid of Honor Kayley decided to turn the reception into a karaoke night. It was so funny, yet so much fun!
What were you most anxious/nervous about regarding your wedding day and how did it turn out?
I was most anxious just about if everyone (bridesmaids, family members, vendors, etc) would all arrive on time and as planned. Luckily, everything went just fine!
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
1. Hire Raven. Having a fun, laid-back photographer on your wedding day makes a huge difference.
2. Hire a day of coordinator. Not having to worry about any vendors or set-up on the wedding day made the entire day stress free and calm.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Overall, I loved my wedding day and wouldn’t change anything specifically. If anything, I would’ve just not worried about a single thing the whole day because, in the end, it didn’t matter. For example, after the wedding, the bridesmaids went to the reception instead of waiting to be introduced. At the time, it seemed like such a big deal to me for whatever reason. Looking back, did it matter? Absolutely not. Not worth stressing over.
Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for the wedding photos?
Have fun! (And again, hire Raven!)
Vendors
- Florist - Flowerland
- Caterer - Trump’s Catering
- Cakes/Desserts - Publix Bakery
- Venues - Historic Smithonia Farm
- DJ - Chaz Ripley
- Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist - Bombshell Creations
- Day-of Coordinator - Natalie Bradley
- Dress/Clothing - I Do, I Do Bridal & Rent the Runway
Thank you, Abby & Justin, for trusting me to capture the real you! Interested in chatting with me about your wedding day photography?! Of course! Send me a message to get this party started!
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Raven is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer who captures real people on their totally unique and completely awesome wedding day. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens and Dahlonega, documenting love.