Last Saturday we had the priveledge of photographing the wedding of Merry and Neal. It wasnt long ago that I first spoke with Merry about photographing her upcoming wedding at beautiful Callaway Gardens. We did not get a chance to meet prior to their wedding day, so Catherine and I were excited to meet Merry, Neal, and their families! The ceremony was to take place late afternoon at the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel with reception following at the Callaway Lodge. There was a hint of rain in the air as we met up with Merry and her family Saturday afternoon while she was getting ready for the 6:30 ceremony (click pictures for a larger view).







Blake, the handsome ringbearer, was quite interested and a big helper!





Once Merry was dressed and ready, we headed over to the Sibley Center for a few quick bridal portraits in the gardens before needing to head out for the ceremony. Isnt her dress just gorgeous!



Merry was such a gorgeous bride!












The Chapel is just gorgeous, built on the edge of a lake with a beautiful running stream and water fall on the backside. The stone Chapel is filled with gorgeous stained glass windows, each set of windows representing the pine forests, hardwood forests, and different flowers of the four seasons. This is one of those enchanting places where you could just take pictures all day, and we would have had there been the time!

There are not a lot of "hiding spots" at the Chapel, but here we find Neal the handsome groom hanging out with his best man Rob.



Ellie, spreads flowers down the main asile. She so purposefully placed handfuls of petals exactly where she wanted them! So cute!



Amidst all the last minute jitters, Merry and her Dad share a quick laugh just before entering the Chapel and heading down the asile.



With this ring I thee wed...



I think the joy has taken over at this point!







Once all the family photos were finished and everyone headed for the reception, we took the last few minutes for a little quiet time alone with the bride and groom. Isnt this one just gorgeous!










With the Chapel located at the tip of a lake, I shot this one across the water so I could get this beautiful shot of the happy couple in front of this gorgeous chapel.



After family shots and a few alone with the bride and groom, we headed over to the Callaway Lodge for the reception. The table center pieces were these beautiful lighted vases with long stem roses - beautiful touch!



After a delicious dinner of lasagna, chicken, tortelini, eggplant parmesan, vegatables, and more, it was time to cut this beautiful, yet delicious cake!







Told you the cake was good!
















Merry and Neal, it was a true pleasure to meet you and your families on your special day! We really appreciate all the hospitality you extended to us throughout the day and weekend! Catherine and I hope you enjoy this preview of your wedding day, there will be plenty more to come in the near future!

Baby Carly

Almost 2 weeks ago, I was honored to be part of the arrival of Carly Rose.  She is the third child for my friends Jennifer & Russ.  Due to the hour her big brother and sister were asleep but I hear they were all excited to finally meet their baby sister.

She is so cute and this outfit says it all.... 


After the delivery I let the family get into a routine before I came to visit again with my camera last Friday.  Big brother, Ben, made sure I knew she was 8 days old!  He is so proud of his baby sister and had a big day showing her off to his classmates. 

Here are a few images from the session that completes her Birth Story Package.


Ben helping her play with her baby doll


He's all BOY and full of mischief!

She fills up my big basket and looks so cute sleeping on the cuddly blanket.


Look at her cute belly button and the hand made diaper cover from one of Jennifer's friends.  It has a matching baby doll and looks so cute on her.

watching me take pictures of her cute baby bottom

In Daddy's Hands


Snuggled with Mom

The new parents adjusting well to being parents of 3 and enjoying a quiet moment

Hmmmmm

hugs & kisses from her big sister, Elly



Here is the long anticipated slideshow.  This session completed the 'Birth Story Session' for the family and the slideshow includes images from all 3 sessions.  Enjoy!