Morieka and DeAndre’s Wedding

First off, we’re really late with this post. But since it was my friend Morieka’s wedding, I’m hoping she’ll forgive me and appreciate that I want to feature her beautiful family’s photos!

At the Solarium in Decatur, the couple and their wedding party had space to gather and get ready along with a beautiful venue for the ceremony and reception.

A gorgeous September day offered plenty of sunshine as a backdrop for Morieka and DeAndre’s wedding. The Solarium provided wonderful outdoor vignettes where the bride and her party simply shined.

The groom’s side was no less photogenic — or joyful!

 

What a charming and elegant way to say “I do…”  Simply gorgeous!

Morieka and DeAndre shared their first dance to “If Only You Knew” by Patti LaBelle. The dance floor was soon hopping.

But there were still moving moments at every turn. I was honored to be able to capture many of them and share in the joining of these two families.

The bride and groom truly sparkled as they left the Solarium to start a new chapter of their life together.   

I am so thankful to Morieka and DeAndre for including me in their amazing day. Weddings are always heartwarming, but this one was extra special indeed.

Fun and Stress-Free Family Portraits

What to do if you find your brood of four adult kids, including one living in Texas and one recently married, will actually be together in Atlanta to celebrate the holidays for the first time in years? You recognize a rare opportunity to have a family portrait taken and call us! We’re so glad Carol Rubin had just this “aha” moment because we loved spending time with her beautiful family.

Despite a rain delay we managed to find a clear, nice day when LOF could capture their fun personalities with candid shots and formal family portraits. Their own home was the perfect setting to put everyone at ease and help them just be themselves during the shoot.

This was not a problem at all for the littlest family members, who seemed blissfully unaware that they were being photographed.

The kids’ playful spirit and insistence on having fun made it impossible for the adults — or the family pooch — to be nervous!

Since no portrait session would be complete without some mantel-worthy photographs, we also captured a few slightly more traditional family shots.

I know many families won’t brave the winter weather like the Rubins did and, if you’re in that group, I don’t blame you! But with Spring right around the corner in Atlanta–and I say this hopefully as 30 degree winds blow outside my office–many families will be hoping to do outdoor family portrait sessions. The Rubins had fun and got great results for some simple reasons that anyone can borrow:

• They didn’t spend the shoot worrying about getting the kids to stand still, be quiet, stop sticking their tongues out at each other…(fill in the blank). We captured their kids being the kids that they are at this very second in their lives. That’s the great thing about candid photography. The grownups can keep smiling for the camera and let the photographer watch the kids and catch the right moments.

• Carol shared her list of ‘must-have’ formals in advance. Then I was able to work towards shooting those and capture candid moments along the way.

• They scheduled the session with the little ones in mind. You know your kids better than anyone. Are they happier first thing in the morning? Or are they more fun after an afternoon nap? Or are they at their best beside a fire reading books and playing a few games before bed? Let that guide the time of day you choose for your shoot.

• They kept the wardrobe simple–coordinated but not matching, solids that photograph well rather than distracting prints. Wearing layers is another fun way to switch things up; a jacket or scarf can be taken off or wrapped around your waist for a different look. And being comfortable is key. It’s tough to move naturally in clothes that bind or dress shoes that pinch.