Weddings

Dalton & Amber

 

Back in December when we first met with this sweet couple, we learned about their big day at one of our favorite venues, Windsor Manor, as well as some of their story as a couple. They met in highschool and dated for a few years. Then she went off to college in Savannah for 7 years and then moved back to the Augusta area and they’ve been inseparable ever since!

The wedding day was overcast most of the day which made for a good bit of humidity but, it was perfect for photos since everything was even lighting. Once we arrived and made our way to the bridal suite, we said hello to everyone and started with details right away. We absolutely loved all of the little details that they came with and Dalton’s peacock bow tie was a super great pop of color to include. Once we finished the details and did the photos of the girls in their robes, we got Dalton to start getting ready for them to exchange letters. As he was finishing up getting ready with his guys, we did a first look with Amber and her girls which made for some super sweet moments in the photos. Right after that we did the first look with her dad and the letter exchange. One of our favorite parts of the day was the letter exchange (which was funny but you may have to see the video later for that) and letter reading where we had some one on one time and got to hear what they wrote for each other which was so sweet. At this point we had all of the girls ready and together so we did their group photos quickly as well as a few bridal portraits. Next was the guys turn for their group photos and then into the ceremony as everyone lined up. The ceremony from the start already had so much joy as Dalton gave everyone fist bumps down the aisle (including me) which was a great start. Once everyone had made their way down the aisle, it was time for the bride. The pure joy on Dalton’s face when he saw her was contagious and we found ourselves smiling the entire time. Once they said their vows and kissed, Amber gave a little “raise the roof” gesture and everyone was cheering for the newlyweds as they made their way back up the aisle as husband and wife. It’s at this point that we switched into family photo mode to try and quickly get everything needed so the family could go start the party a little bit. Once all of that was finished, we did a few fun photos with the whole bridal party and of course the couples portraits that we love doing. At this point, we were a little bit ahead of schedule so they brought the bridal party some drinks on a tray as Amber was having her dress bustled for the reception. We made our way over to the reception to prepare while taking a small breather of our own.

This reception was an absolute party that was so much fun to be a part of. From the very beginning announcement for the entire wedding party, they all danced their way in, each with a fun twist. We wanted to include more of those in this blog post but, there’s so many good moments that it would have made the blog post very long and taken longer to organize so, maybe be on the lookout for those in Amber and Dalton’s posts soon. As the newlyweds made their way into the reception, they danced right over to have some of the wedding party where they were handed drinks. They each took a sip and started their first dance where they shared so many adorable facial expressions showing their love and just laughing at each other or themselves in a series of small moments. They then transitioned into the Daddy/Daughter dance and the photo of Amber looking at her dad and the joy and proud expressions on both of them showed how much this moment meant to them both. As they finished and Mother/Son dance started, we knew to be prepared for them to break out into a fun choreographed dance but, that was about all we knew. We knew in our heads that they would probably face the crowd then and we need a wider angle lens just in case they were moving a lot which worked perfectly. I don’t know how else to explain the dance they went into after their traditional slow dance besides just fun. There will be more on that in the highlight film for sure. At this point, the party was going and everyone started to dance a little bit or migrated to watch the game on their outdoor TV setup so they could keep up with what was happening. After a little time had passed, we did the cake cutting inside with a few people and the speeches as well. There were two great and heartfelt speeches given by their Best Man and MOH. We also did the bouquet toss and garter removal/toss which also had a lot of fun moments that were hard to narrow down for the blog. At this point, the party was in full swing and everyone was drinking and dancing. The last few photos show this sweet moment where Amber requested a song that was in memory of her late brother, Hunter and everyone surrounded her dancing which led to a moment where she felt so overwhelmed that she got teary eyed and everyone hugged her (I’m not crying, you’re crying). We then ended our time with them doing a fake sendoff with some fun white ribbons that everyone waved around as they made their way down the line and stopped for one last kiss surrounded by their loved ones. We then found ourselves in conversation with his Mom and got to say bye to everyone on our way out. It was an honor to be a part of this beautiful day and we’re so excited for what the future holds for Mr. and Mrs. Williams!

 

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Venue - Windsor Manor

Wedding Planner - Katlyn Gates

Dress - Tiffinie Bleu

Makeup- Stephanie King

Hair - Kayla Huffman

Caterer - Tastefully Done

Bartender - GQ Style Bartending

Flowers - April Kroger

DJ - Shane & Dale Music

Bow Tie - Brackish Bow Ties

Dequan & Sherry

 

We had the absolute joy of meeting this couple in person for their engagement session at Rose Hill in Aiken which you can see here. By the end of that session, we loved this couple and their whole family by association already and were super excited for this wedding day. With some change of plans due to Covid and ease of travel for family, they landed on 2nd on York (aka Second Baptist Church in Aiken, SC) which could host the ceremony and reception easily.

Come wedding day, we met with some of the vendors and walked through the space since we had arrived early. We then went to say hey to the bride Sherry and all of her girls. We started how we typically do with gathering her details to photograph them quickly so we could get them all back to her. Once we finished that, the guys started to show up as well as our third shooter and so we gave her a rundown then I split off to go with the guys for a while. With the guys, we got to make a lot of fun jokes and hang out as well as grab a steamer from the girls to steam some shirts. With the girls, Sherry was having her hair done and they were making adorable tik-tok videos for the wedding day transformation. Once the guys had finished getting ready, we stepped out to the far side of the parking lot to attempt them having shade and greenery somewhat since we knew the bride loved greenery. It was super hot so, of course we made sure to be quick so the guys could go back in and snack on some fruit and water that the Father of the Bride had brought. As I met back up with the girls, the ceremony decor was finishing up as well as the band’s setup. So we captured a few moments there before the room filled up and before we knew it, the bride was finishing getting in her dress and then we made our way to prepare for the ceremony. Once everyone made their way down, the bride’s father (who is hilarious by the way) made a nice little walk half way down the aisle saying hey to everyone and then he stopped to wait for his little girl. She made her way around the corner and we could see Dequan holding himself together super well with the biggest smile on his face. Once she locked arms with her Dad, they walked the rest of the way together with her son on the other side. Now they were together at last at the altar and ready to tie the knot (literally in this case because they had a three strand knot to tie in the ceremony which represents themselves and God in their relationship.) They exchanged their vows and even took communion together before sealing the deal with a kiss. As they made their way back up the aisle as husband and wife, everyone in the entire building lit up with a smile. Everyone followed behind them to hide away in another room which is where they also signed the marriage certificate before doing a quick room reveal of the reception space. Once we finished that, we made our way over to Hopelands Gardens for all of the family, bridal party and a few couples photos. We quickly went down the list and added in a few and still managed to catch back up on the schedule pretty well. It was hot so, we were quick to get everyone back to the Air Conditioning.

Once we all met back up at the reception where everyone else had been enjoying some smaller snacks and the photobooth, we went into the reception space to prepare for their entrance together. I almost always switch to video at this point and Morgan switches to lead photographer during the reception and we’re able to divide and conquer pretty well. The newly weds were announced in and went straight into their first dance, followed by the Father-Daughter dance. Near the end of their song, all of the sudden you hear a record scratch noise and it switches to a very upbeat song and all of the sudden they are joined on the dance floor by the Groom and his Mother just laughing away and enjoying letting loose a little bit together. Once this was finished, everyone sat down to enjoy dinner for a bit and then it was time for the toasts and cake cutting. There were a few toasts/speeches made and a few even that were a surprise to the couple but they all gave genuine sweet speeches before opening the dance floor. After a little bit of dancing, we went into the bouquet and garter tosses which were hilarious seeing the contrast of multiple girls jumping and diving to catch it and then the guys watching it land on the floor and then go to grab it. Once all of that was done, the dance floor really opened up and the couple walked around to different tables and groups for photos and hugging everyone. As everyone danced the night away (I cannot wait for this wedding film for some of these dance moves) the couple headed to the photobooth to take photos together there and with family and friends. It was around then that we got to say bye and congratulate them again. As we were walking out, we had the honor of Dequan walking us to our car and talking some more about their honeymoon and reflecting on the day a little bit before he got pulled away by some more guests in the parking lot. We cannot stress enough how much we love what we do thanks to couples like these two that we feel we can call our friends and that lift us up with kindness. We are excited for the Durant’s and what the future holds for them, their family and their ministry!

 
Sherry & Dequan Blog (65 of 93).JPG
Sherry & Dequan Blog (67 of 93).JPG

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Dress - David’s Bridal Augusta, GA

Matron and Maid dresses - Frills by Scott in Statesboro GA

Groomsmen attire - Simon’s Formal in Augusta GA

Your Signature Floors by Tam out of Charleston SC

Tarnisha’s Touch hairstylist for bride

Set’n with Sinclair by Kadeshia for bride

Stationery invitations and signs - LMH Stationery and Designs, LLC

MUA : Makeup by Montrice & Moments by Tameka Mole

Saxophonist: Chris Grant

Keyboardist: Bubbee Bradham

Vocalist: Angel Miles & Carl Cook

Roneisha Badger & Megan Moore

Treat Table: Nicky’s Treats

Photobooth: JW Wiley Impressions

Wedding Cake: Kyndra’s Cakes by Kyndra Shedd

Caterer: Dream’s 2 Reality by Latreal Strickland

Jason & Alyssa

 

We had the joy of meeting up with Jason and Alyssa for their engagement session back in the Fall of 2020. You can see that session here. We got to learn about the amazing work that they both do and even get a good feel for their fun sense of humor. Fast forward to the wedding day at one of our favorites, Windsor Manor in Augusta, GA. Every time we shoot a wedding there, I swear Ian has done something new again and we get to try out new things and this was no exception!

On the wedding day, we arrived early to start on details as we normally do and got to meet up with the guys for a bit since the girls were showing up already hair and makeup ready to go. Once we said hey and the girls arrived, we split up to cover details and some different venue shots. Morgan stayed with the girls and got to capture this super sweet gift that Alyssa’s Mom gave to her (pictured below) and they had a super sweet moment. At the same time, I was in the room with the guys getting ready and joking around before heading out to do their group photos. I had our third shooter Tom with me outside and we had a great time getting to know everyone a little more. We quickly finished up the group and individual photos with the guys and then just a few of Jason by himself before sending them back up to their room so we can get the girls to do the same thing. In the process of Alyssa finishing up getting ready, her Dad snuck into the room and we had a bit of a surprise first look that went perfectly as he may or may not have shed a few tears and we may or may not have as well. Once that amazing moment had passed, we took the girls outside to do their group photos before getting ready for the first look. We had everyone outside to watch from a distance for the first look and I ran to get Jason from inside and also to mic him for the first look. Once we had him in place for the first look, we moved out of the way to capture it and let them have their own moment. It was so sweet, Jason held back tears as much as he could. We then went straight into the full Bridal Party photos and had a few funny ones in there.

Now it was time for the Ceremony and we had set up everything we needed to set up. So we’re photographing guests arriving and then everyone coming down the aisle all the way to the moment where the Bride walks down the aisle. This is one of those perfect scenarios and examples of times where the first look only adds to the day and makes it less stressful but, the moment of the Bride walking down the aisle still has an amazing reaction. Long story short, everyone got teary eyed again and there was so much joy in that garden. Once they exchanged vows and rings, they kissed and with a fun little twist, walked up the aisle with everyone blowing bubbles! Once everyone had made it out, we took care of the family photos with everyone to make sure we got everything and then went around the venue grounds with the newlyweds to do their couples photos which is always fun. We finished those up and then they made their way inside to prepare for their announcement into the reception and first dance. They shared a beautiful slow dance and also the father/daughter and mother/son dances were super sweet. After the dances, they transitioned into the speeches by the Bride’s Father and then Jason’s best man Humberto who we actually have the honor of capturing his wedding day in December. That was also followed by Alyssa’s Matron of Honor, Rebecca who gave an emotional speech to her best friend. From that point on pretty much, the dance floor was open as well as the cake cutting, bouquet toss and garter toss that took place. As the night was winding down and actually dark enough for the exit, we Mike (the DJ) announce to everyone to meet us where we would do the glow stick exit. As everyone was in place, we made our way walking backwards as the happy couple walked in front of us and had them stop and kiss about half way. Everyone was cheering and so happy to be a part of this amazing couple’s wedding day. Once we made it all the way and they kissed one more time, they made their way back over to the dance floor and we made our way to parking lot. It was such a fun wedding and we felt like we were just an extension of the bridal party most of the day. We are so happy for them and look forward to catching up in December at Humberto and Teresa’s wedding day.

 

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Venue - Windsor Manor

Catering- Silver palm

Dress- Elegant Bridals

DJ - Magic Sounds Production (DJ Magic Mike)

Florist- Rachel Frisell (Garden Gathered Flowers)

Alex & Tahirah

 

Alex and Tahirah’s wedding day took place at the Augusta Marriott in Downtown Augusta, GA. They had a ton of amazing vendors helping bring it all together to make it their wedding day and making sure to pay respects to their family members that had passed on recently.

On the wedding day, Morgan, myself and our third shooter Tom all showed up and made our way into the hotel where you go upstairs to all of the different event rooms that they have. We found Alex and the planners to direct us to the makeup room so we could say hey and find out where the details were. We sent Tom to photograph the guys since they were already ready and close to the front entrance where he could take them to a nice shaded spot that we liked. While he was starting that, we were upstairs in the bride’s room photographing the bridal details that we could and then making our way back down the elevator to the makeup room again. Around that time, the ceremony was almost finished being decorated and we had a decent amount of time before Tahirah was finished getting ready so we made our way to photograph the ceremony and reception areas before anyone was in the space. It was beautifully done and, you cannot tell but the lights were super dim which made for a romantic feel but can be challenging for photography and video. Once the ceremony started, Alex and the officiant came from a side door straight into the ceremony and everyone else came down the aisle. A few of which were holding photos of family members and placing them in the seats that they would have sat in had God not called them home. Once everyone had made it to their place, it was Tahirah’s turn to come down the aisle. Before she did though, there was an amazing prayer (not even kidding, beautiful moment here and we were blessed by it). One important note here is that the man that walked her down the aisle was her Father’s best friend for many years so he stepped in to honor that friendship and we thought that was such an amazing thing for him to do. As they walked down the aisle together, Alex had a big smile on his face and you could see the joy rushing in for both of them to take in that moment together. Once they exchanged their vows and rings, they kissed and made their way down to jump the broom together. As they were walking up the aisle as husband and wife, Alex pulled out a signature move of his from what we understand and honestly, just look at how happy they are in the photos there. Once everyone made it out of the ceremony, we made our way with the bridal party and a few other family members to do the photos outside with them. Everyone wanted to do the photos close and since there was a big group, we found a spot with some shade right outside of the back doors with a little bit of the river in the background and quickly went through any photos that were requested and once we dismissed the bridal party and most of the family, we took just a few of the newly weds as well so that she could get into some more comfortable shoes (we highly recommend to always have a change of shoes as a bride). So as she was changing shoes and taking a moment, we started photographing the reception food and cakes. Before too long, they had lined up and all started making their way into the reception where everyone danced their way in and the building was full of cheer and excitement for this amazing couple. They came out and went straight into their first dance before a sequence of events such as the cake cuttings, a little speech and video put together including famous people and others super important to the Bride which was really cool and probably one of the first times we saw something like this. They also did the garter and bouquet tosses which were hilarious and also quite a few speeches that were heartfelt and emotional. We could tell this meant a lot to Alex and Tahirah both and we were so honored to be a part of that moment and may have shed a few tears ourselves. At that point, the last few speeches picked it back up and set off an open dance floor and more drinks at the bar where it was more free flow and everyone got to enjoy in their own way. There was no formal exit so we actually ended our night with a ton of fun at the photo booth where the bride and groom were taking photos with everyone. They had a little break at one point right at our time to leave so we said goodbye really quick and congratulated them one last time. We are so happy for this couple and wish them many years of wonderful marriage!

 
Alex & Tahirah Blog (58 of 74).JPG

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Venue - The Augusta Marriott