Ok, so maybe it's impossible to have a stress free wedding, but you can certainly do things to make sure stress is kept at a minimum! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you have a relaxing and enjoyable wedding day!
1. Pick the right Venue and Vendors
Everyone wants a gorgeous venue that has an amazing backdrop for your most amazing day, right? But before you confirm that venue, make sure you ask around about how well organized and friendly that venue is! The owners of venues can really put a damper on your day if they are rude or unorganized or have a bad attitude. The same goes for your vendors!
The last thing you need on your special day is to have someone moping around and snapping at you and your guests. Hire professionals and read reviews and ask your other vendors about their reputations. Having qualified people with good attitudes and sunny dispositions can make a world of difference in having a great experience or a miserable one! The above photo is at Southern Tree Plantation in Blairsville and I can tell you that not only is the venue absolutely gorgeous, but the owners are total angels. They go above and beyond and always have a smile on their faces. That's what you want!
2. Surround yourself with Helpful people
Being a bridesmaid or a groomsman is more of a responsibility than some people think. When choosing who is going to be standing next to you on one of the biggest days of your life, make sure they are going to be helpful to you! There is no reason for the bride or the groom to be worrying or fretting about anything on their wedding day. Assign tasks to not only your bridal party but other friends and family so that you can relax and know that everything is going to be taken care of. Even simple things like having a designated dress carrier and positioner for when you are taking photos will give you peace of mind and a helping hand during every aspect of the day! Allow help also! I know some people (myself included) like being in charge of all the things but weddings are a huge undertaking with more moving parts than you can imagine, so allow yourself to be helped.
3. FEED YOUR VENDORS
Going back to the whole having happy people around you, FEED YOUR VENDORS. We are there for 8-10 hours and we get hungry. I'm not talking about throwing them a sack lunch either, set aside in the budget enough money to have a plate for every vendor and their assistants. Hungry people are not happy people and unhappy people do not do their best work. So if you want to get the best out of everyone and have everyone be in high spirits, give them food! They will be very grateful.
4. Do a First Look
Ok, so I know some people are very traditional and they don't want to do a first look and that is completely fine. But I'm giving advice on how to make your day as stress free as possible and a First Look definitely helps with that! Let's even talk about that tradition for a minute. The tradition of not seeing the bride until the altar goes back to the days of arranged marriages. The fathers of the bride were worried that the groom wouldn't find the bride attractive and that the groom would flee if he saw her before the altar. So they made it a tradition to not see each other until then. They even went so far as to put a veil over the bride's face so that he couldn't see her until the very last second! Some confidence, dad! In this day and age, I'm fairly certain all of my couples have seen each other and are in fact attracted to one another so that tradition is kind of a non issue now. Again, if you want to wait to see each other, by all means! It's YOUR day, you do what YOU want, but having a First Look has a lot of benefits. First, it ensures plenty of time for photos with your spouse. Not only that but it usually helps ease those pre wedding nerves. I can't tell you how much both the bride and groom relax after seeing one another. It's also a more intimate moment to have caught on film. It's up close and personal and you aren't sharing your reaction in front of all your family and guests. It is usually more heartfelt and I can promise you, ladies...if your man is going to cry when you walk down the aisle, he is going to do it with or without a first look. They usually just cry at both so you get two moments to capture of the waterworks instead of just one! LOL. But seriously, the biggest bonus is not having to worry about whether people are having a good time during the cocktail hour while you are taking photos or if the wedding runs long and you have not done a first look, worrying about how much sunlight you have to get all the photos in. It's just one thing you can get done before the ceremony so that the rest of the evening is relaxing and fun.
5. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
I'm sure not all wedding dresses are the most comfortable attire in the world, but make sure it fits and fits well! You don't want to have to worry if your boob is going to pop out or if your stomach looks tucked in or any of those crazy things we get in our heads! You want your gown to be fitted properly and comfortably and to have soft material. I've seen several wedding dresses with pockets also and to me, that's one of the greatest things I've seen in my whole life! So get a comfy, well fitted dress with pockets! And if you're dying to have stilettos at your wedding, that's fine! But maybe pack a pair of tennis shoes or flats that you can slip on for the reception so that dancing is fun and not painful!
6. Make a list of family photos
There are always a lot of family and friends at your wedding and while you are taking photos, it gets hectic and hard to remember who you have included and who you haven't. I always send my couples a questionnaire beforehand to fill out that includes a place for them to write out exactly who they want in their family portraits. It makes the family photo portion of the day go by quickly and efficiently and it ensures that you haven't forgotten anyone special that you would like to get a picture with! So before your wedding, sit down and write a list of exactly who you want in your family photos.
7. Remember that this is YOUR day!
As much as I have said to delegate tasks and ask for help and listen to advice from professionals and your friends and family, remember that this is YOUR day. Don't let anyone try to take over and make decisions that should be yours to make. If your heart has been set on getting a pizza bar for the food and someone is telling you no, you get that pizza bar! If you don't want any kids in the wedding and you have family members making you feel bad, you tell them that you don't want any kids there. You will be happier and more at ease with decisions that were important to you if you stick to your guns and do it your way!
8. Hire a Wedding Planner
DIY is great and all, but weddings are a HUGE undertaking and not something you do on a regular basis. Planners know weddings. They know all the little things that you may not think about and they know how to help coordinate your day. Let them take care of all the details for you. I promise that the extra money you spend to get a good planner will save you BIG on headaches and worries later on.
The above photo shows one of my couples with Marmaros Productions. They are professional and kind and do a great job!
9. Relax and have FUN!
This is one of the best days of your life! Remember to enjoy it and take it all in! Take time to dance with your spouse and eat your food and laugh with your friends. It goes by in a blink and you'll wish you had stopped worrying about the little things and embraced the day as a whole. Everyone's wedding day has mishaps but it makes them unique and it doesn't ruin the outcome. So relax and have fun and don't sweat the small stuff!
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It was a joyous feeling of celebration as everyone got ready for the day. During preparations, Lydia & Josh exchanged gifts and a letter. It was so romantic & you could just feel how excited they were to get married.
Lydia was simply radiant in her dress. It was so fun to watch her bridesmaids' excitement when they saw her.
She did a first look with her Dad. You could see how overwhelmed with love he was for his beautiful daughter.
It was definitely a perfect summer day for an outdoor wedding. The sun was shining bright and the sky was a deep blue.
I loved the shabby chic feel of the wedding décor. With earth tone colors it had a very romantic country feel. All of their friends and family did the decorations and decor. They did a phenomenal job! The ceremony was outside with wooden benches & some were draped with quilts. I LOVED the ceremony site. They had old windows hanging from a wooden cross. It was gorgeous. Lydia arrived to the ceremony in a cool classic Ford truck.
The ceremony was so sweet. Lydia was proceeded by the sweetest little flower girls and a very handsome little ring bearer. Josh kept his eyes on his bride and his expression was that of the luckiest man in the world!
After the ceremony, these two were all smiles and consumed with love for each other. It created some very romantic shots!
In lieu of a traditional cocktail hour, this fun little couple had lawn games for the guests. It was the most fun idea! They included Cornhole, Giant Jenga, and lots of fun, like bubbles, for the littles.
The outdoor reception was such a fun celebration with country food and a lot of dancing. All of their family members made us feel like we were part of their family. They were so nice and welcoming. During the father/daughter dance, Lydia and her father included her other sisters as well. How sweet is that??!!
This sweet couple ended their day with a beautiful sparkler exit.
Congratulations Lydia & Josh!
The most special thing is that Amanda is one of my best friends and it was such an honor to be a part of her day!
Amanda & John wed at Chief Hosa Lodge in Denver, CO.
The venue was gorgeous & rustic. I loved the rock walls inside. It made it very romantic and fairytale-ish. The view was incredible!! I'm used to our north GA mountains, which are beautiful on their own, but they are a subtle beauty compared to the Rockies for sure!
Amanda was simply exquisite in her dress. The wedding color was a beautiful deep blue and she and all the wedding party wore adorable sporting matching blue Converse shoes.
She did a first look with John & he was all smiles when he saw his beautiful bride. When you watch them embrace you can just feel the love between them and seeing my best friend have that on her wedding day was priceless.
The ceremony was outdoors set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
It was very moving. I didn't expect any of us to cry but Amanda and I both did, and so did our other besties, Laura and Christy! Surrounded by their children & loved ones, Amanda & John committed their lives to each other. They included a foot washing and completed a family tree with their children. It was emotional and so full of love.
The reception was such a great party! The toasts were so meaningful & heartfelt. Everybody cut a rug and quite a few even did keg stands...including the bride and groom! How fun is that? LOL. It was a true celebration!
Here's to many years of love & happiness for Amanda & John!
They married at The Church on Main in Chattanooga, TN.
Destiny's dress looked like it was made just for her. She looked simply breathtaking!
Her bridesmaids were all sparkles in the beautiful champagne rose color she chose for them.
Matt & his groomsmen complimented them perfectly in their navy blue suits.
The first look really captured how in love this couple is. They were full of love & kisses!
The church décor was like a fairytale!
The ceremony was done amongst beautiful flowers covering the ceiling above. Proceeding Destiny down the aisle was their beautiful little flower girl princess in her amazing gown. Destiny was all smiles as she met her groom. The ceremony was just lovely.
The reception hall was perfectly matched to their colors. The décor was romantic and elegant. The food was so fun & included cupcakes, donuts, and a pizza bar!
I really enjoyed photographing this sweet couple. Congratulations!
As soon as I met the bridal party, I knew this was going to be a fun wedding. They were all laughs & celebration and totally fit this fun loving couple.
Samantha looked like an actual princess in her dress. She was breathtaking!
I was absolutely in love with her bouquet.
Their color was a deep red burgundy that paired perfectly with the deep lush greenery that covered the venue.
The ceremony was outside in a little outdoor sanctuary. It was just a little magical!
Ryan looked so excited to see his bride and when he did he was moved to tears.
As they stood together exchanging vows we were all just consumed with how in love they are.
The reception was a formal sit down dinner with amazing food! There were toasts & drinks & dancing. It was such a good time!
I have no doubt Samantha & Ryan will have many years of good times!
They wed on an October day at Mt Liberty Baptist Church in Blue Ridge, GA.
It was a beautiful fall mountain wedding.
Cassidy was a gorgeous bride and one of the sweetest ever, too.
They exchanged vows in the pretty little sanctuary of the church and it was full of love & tears of joy. It was such a sweet and sincere ceremony.
It was followed by a pretty outdoor reception with dancing, bubbles, and an incredible cake.
I wish you a lifetime as full of love as your beautiful wedding was!
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It was a beautiful September day and the air was full of romance! The décor was full of incredible flowers and a formal sit down setting.
Carly was an exquisite bride and she simply glowed as I took pictures of her against the gorgeous landscape of this venue.
Derrick was overcome with emotion as his bride approached him. From the moment she stepped down the aisle these two only had eyes for each other.
The only thing that made it sweeter was watching Derrick say vows to their sweet son Kason. Watching these three become a family was a joy and a true honor
to photograph.
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
Venue: Sanctuary Estate, Cleveland, GA
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The day certainly did not go as planned. A huge monsoon of a storm swept in right before the ceremony and made things very interesting! But even in the chaos of the unpredictable weather, Abigail and Will remained calm and happy and focused on each other. If that's not a great way to start off a marriage, I don't know what is! Plus, the storm gave us some incredible sunset shots!
Abigail looked like a princess in her breathtaking dress. When she walked down the aisle Will looked at her the way every bride wants her groom to. It was so romantic.
The ceremony was outside & it was so moving. The love, the prayers, the adorable flower girl & ring bearer. He grandfather presided over the ceremony and that made it so touching & special.
The décor was elegant rustic with a lot of amazingly gorgeous flowers & greenery. She used a beautiful plum color and it was intertwined everywhere. It was perfect!
My favorite part was when Abigail met with a blindfolded Will before the ceremony. They prayed together and it was so sweet & heartfelt.
Taking pictures of these two was a joy. They are so in love & full of happiness. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of their day!
#HappilyEverHarbin
The lush green trees draped in moss created an incredibly romantic setting.
Melissa wore a lovely yellow wedding dress while the groom donned navy blue. You couldn't have asked for a more Disney like atmosphere.
Everything was simply magical in the breathtaking chapel where they exchanged vows. Love filled the room as they committed to each other, prayed with each other, and completed a family.
The ceremony was so sweet & heartfelt.
The reception was such a good time! That family could dance!!
They left under the light of sparklers to their happy ever after...
This wedding was classic and romantic. Walking into the venue was like walking into a fairytale.
The tables were formally set and covered in big gorgeous flowers and lush greenery accented with glowing candles. We had stormy skies for a lot of the day so they moved the ceremony inside. It quickly became one of the most beautiful ceremony sites I'd ever photographed. The greenery and the candles and the attention to detail was phenomenal.
The connection between Tori & Christian was profound. You can especially see it in how they look at each other in their first look photos.
The ceremony was so sweet and romantic! Tori walked down the aisle of rose petals and candles to meet her groom. The room was filled with love and happiness.
Let me tell you, this family really knew how to party! They danced and laughed & truly celebrated these two!
They exited under a sky of sparklers and stopped only to share kisses under the light of the fireworks.
They chose Greystone Estate in Ball Ground, GA as their venue.
The formal décor was breathtaking with formal place settings, gorgeous greenery centerpieces, & romantic drapery.
Ali was not only accompanied by her pretty bridesmaids but also her sweet baby daughter as she prepared for the ceremony. Their two handsome sons would join all the other gentlemen in the bridal party as well. Everyone was all smiles & full of joy! I think she may have been the smiliest bride I've ever photographed and her excitement and happiness was contagious!
Ali was just exquisite in her dress. Seriously, I'm pretty sure Ali is Jennifer Garner's twin. Just so naturally gorgeous. One of my all time favorite photos is the photo of Ali breastfeeding her daughter in her wedding dress before the ceremony. It was such a sweet and beautiful moment and I felt honored to have been there to capture it.
The ceremony was held outside on the beautiful grounds and it was a perfect June day!
Ali and Todd are such a happy couple which made them so much fun to photograph. They completely complimented each other and are so in love!
The reception was beautiful. It was so festive, full of dancing & celebration. You could just feel the love and joy from this family.
It was catered by Sweet Magnolia and all the food was amazing!! Every detail came together from the gorgeous cake to the sweet speeches from the wedding party.
As twilight set in we took advantage of the romantic lights with a few more photos before they exited amidst sparklers.
What a beautiful family.....
With their adorable son Tripp by their side, they were married in July at Willow Creek Falls & Vineyard in Blue Ridge, GA.
The décor was so cool with formal settings, antler & flower centerpieces, candles, and romantic lighting. It was a perfect expression of them!
Sporting cowboy boots & a camo vest Dustin let his country boy shine. And while Kim's dress was beautifully elegant she made sure she wasn't outdone and donned cowgirl boots under her dress. Can I also mention how amazingly cool and beautiful the feather accent on the bodice was?! They were a perfect match!
The ceremony was so moving. There was a part where the family held hands around them and covered Kim & Dustin in prayer. The love & bond between these two runs deep. Everyone could see it. Everyone could feel it. It was so special to watch this family unify.
The reception was just a downright celebration. Breakfast was the meal. That's right! Bacon, eggs, pancakes, biscuits & gravy. I mean, does it get any better than that?
A sparkler exit was the perfect way to end this amazingly romantic day.
Congratulations to this beautiful little family!!!!!!!
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That only added to the magic of the spring day.
Her dress was made for a princess and that is just how Emily looked!
Surrounded by family, hand in hand, Emily & Garrett exchanged vows outside under a picturesque arbor.
When I photographed them together, romance filled the air as you could just see how in love this sweet couple is! They only had eyes for each other.
The reception was an elegant classic style in beautiful turquoise blues. Watching this family come together and join in the love that this bride & groom shared made my heart burst.
Emily & Garret's wedding was an incredible timeless classic!
The décor was done in luscious shades of purple accented with gorgeous flowers & romantic lights. It was a fairytale of rustic elegance.
The warm May evening was full of joy that Emily & Ian exuded in every moment. As soon as they saw each other in the first look I could immediately feel their deep connection & excitement for what was to come!
Emily was stunning in her dress. I loved photographing them surrounded by the vineyard . At one point in the evening, God sent them a rainbow. Talk about a sign! It was breathtaking!
The ceremony was a glowing exchange of love. They just seemed so happy to be there. Did I mention their sweet puppy stood up with them and was their flower girl? It was adorable!
The reception was a true celebration complete with dancing, toasts, & smiles everywhere!
They ended the night with sparklers & a purple Dodge Challenger. It completely suited them & this incredible wedding!
The late afternoon air was full of romance & salt as Becca & Matt exchanged vows in front of a perfect backdrop of sand & surf.
The reception was so much fun! A relaxed night of love, laughter, & dancing under the stars.
They ended the night with a send off surrounded in bubbles.
The perfect ending to the perfect day!
The venue was a gorgeous southern rustic style at Washington Grass Inn in Greensboro, GA. From the elegant cotton centerpieces to the vintage style dinnerware, every detail was perfect!
Annamarie was all smiles as she prepared for her special day. Surrounded by her bridesmaids & her sweet dog you could feel the excitement radiating from her. That totally shined through in her pictures! Her dress looked like it was made especially for her & she looked exquisite. Based on Dad's expression in the first look photos, he thought so too!
Bobby was so handsome waiting for his bride & as soon as she joined him down the aisle everyone could feel just how much love there is between them. It was so romantic! There was laughter & tears and definitely a lot of love!
The reception was a great party with fantastic music, amazing food, & an incredibly fun vibe!
Y 'all this wedding was a southern fairytale!
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I've been asked over the years if I would ever teach any classes. I never knew exactly what I would teach or how I would teach. After a lot of thought, I've decided that I would like to give this teaching thing a try. I think I'll really enjoy it! So my first workshop is going to cover the basics. Are you a novice photographer who wants to learn more about your camera, how to shoot and edit? Then this workshop will be Perfect for you! Here are the details:
Intro to Pro Workshop
When: March 10 and March 11, 2018
Where: Location TBA in Blue Ridge, GA
What we will cover: This workshop is designed for the newer photographer who is still learning and wanting to expand their knowledge so they can take better photos and maybe even start a business of their own. Day one we will cover how to shoot in manual, how to start editing in Lightroom, what branding is and how to brand yourself, and any and all questions you have about camera, shooting, editing and marketing basics. You will have homework on day one too so come ready to shoot and learn! Day two will be a group shooting day. We will have a photo shoot set up so you can watch how I photograph a subject and learn how to pose someone yourself, how to work with different lighting and some troubleshooting as well...like what happens if you have a difficult client or not so great weather or light? All the basics and all your questions answered!
How much: $350, a nonrefundable deposit of $150 is due to book your spot. The remaining amount is due on or by the first day of the workshop 3/10/18.
What to bring: You'll be required to bring your dslr camera, laptop and have Lightroom.
To book your spot now, just go to the Store page on my website and add the Intro to Pro Deposit to your cart! Once you've paid your deposit, you'll be added to my private facebook group and receive more info about the workshop! I can't wait to see you guys there!!
Love, Amber
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Sandi and Matt were married at Tennessee Riverplace in Chattanooga, TN. I was in love as soon as I arrived. The architecture alone is swoon worthy. I knew the day was going to be light hearted and fun because Sandi and Matt were such a fun couple to photograph during their engagement session...and it truly was!
Sandi and I hit it off right away especially when we both found out each other's love for the show Friends (I mean who doesn't quote Friends lines at least 5 times a day, right?). I was so super excited to see that her cake topper was Friends inspired and read "You're My Lobster." Then, as an added bonus and surprise, her brother (who performed the ceremony) started the ceremony by saying, "We are gathered here today on this joyous occasion to celebrate the special love that Sandi and Matt share. It is a love based on giving and receiving...as well as having and sharing. And the love that they give and have is shared and received. And through this having and giving...and sharing and receiving...we too can share and love and have and receive." It may have been the greatest ceremony of all time.
Sandi's dress was spectacular and she paired it with...bare feet. (How could you not love her, right??) She's also one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen and is even prettier because she doesn't act like she knows how pretty she is. Her down-to-earth vibe was echoed throughout the whole wedding and it was completely precious.
The bridesmaids were elegant and classic in long, fitted black gowns. The color scheme was black, white and blush.
Matt and his groomsmen were chic and handsome and decked out to the nines in their black tuxes and black bow ties, including his grooms-woman who totally rocked her tux. Matt was escorted down the aisle by his and Sandi's two sons, who were also very dapper in their tuxes. (Their sons were best friends in school and that's how Sandi and Matt met...could their story get any cuter??)
Their first dance was after sunset and was lit by sparklers being held by their guests surrounding them. It was breathtaking.
Sandi and Matt's wedding was truly everything you would want it to be...beautiful, fun, elegant yet relaxed, filled with laughs and with a lot, a lot of love. Enjoy!
Venue: Tennessee Riverplace, Chattanooga, TN
Flowers and Cupcakes: Sam's
Wedding Gown: David's Bridal
Groom's Tux: JoS. A. Bank
Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse
Food: Mojo Burrito
DJ: Lyrically Speaking/Sting Weber
Videographer: Clark Productions/Michael Clark
Wedding Coordinator: Bethany Downey
Photography: Amber Cather Photography/Amber Cather Herendon
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Ashley and Nathaniel had an absolutely gorgeous wedding at Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard. It was a peacock themed affair with rich purple hues and cool turquoise tones. The details and decor are to die for and the bride and groom just happen to be the most gorgeous couple ever! Enjoy...
Photography: Amber Cather Photography; @ambercatherphoto
Venue: Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard Blue Ridge, GA; @_willowcreekfalls_
Hair: Shawnese McDaniel Hair Couture; @sm_haircouture
Makeup: Lauren Shreve; @laurenshrevemau
Wedding Gown: Lillian West; @bylillianwest
Bridal Shoes: Velcans
Groom's Attire: Saavi Formal
Catering: Center Cut Catering
Florals: Cascading Creations
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When you think of elegant weddings, this is the kind of wedding you think of. Military and navy blues, creams, golds, periwinkles and pinks all against gorgeous autumn scenery. Lace and diamonds, all of Amy's details were soft and elegant. I loved the traditional and classic charm that their wedding had. Ross and Amy's love for one another can clearly been seen and felt in all their photos. It's always fun to see a couple get down and have a ball together at their reception, too!
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
Venue: Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard Blue Ridge, GA
Florist: P.K. by Design
Makeup: Alise Wagner Hausler
Hair: Lori Grady
Cake: Publix
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal, Designer Melissa Sweet
Shoes: I. Miller
DJ: Backwoodz Boyz Entertainment
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When I found out that Elizabeth and Charles were having their wedding at Shiloh Stables in North Carolina, I was so excited. Elizabeth has been riding horses and barrel racing for years, so I couldn't wait to incorporate some photos of them with her horse at the stables.
The day of their wedding, there were several wildfires that had broken out in the surrounding forests. I was so surprised as I drove up and saw that one of the fires was literally right next to their venue. It was hauntingly beautiful. The decor was a mix of rustic elements and vintage stable equipment, furs and pelts, metals and burlap and everything cool you'd expect to see in a classic western film. All of that was paired beautifully with lace and pumpkins and brightly colored flowers.
The ceremony site was by the pond and had a gorgeous old wooden cross draped with lace at the front of the aisle. The autumn foliage behind the cross made for a perfect place to exchange vows.
The reception was intimate and fun. The food was catered by Doyle's and absolutely delicious! Their cake topper was pretty much the cutest and most personalized one I'd ever seen. I loved their individual pies with H's and hearts on top.
I took Elizabeth and Charles out to take some photos with her horse around sunset. The wildfire in the background was so incredibly unique and really made for some amazing photos. The last picture I took was after it was completely dark. The fire is ablaze behind Elizabeth and just breathtaking.
I'm sure you're going to enjoy this western themed wedding.
Venue: Shiloh Stables
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
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April and Andreas had one of the most unique weddings I've ever had the pleasure of photographing. The two live in Germany but decided to get married in the U.S. where April and her family are from. They wanted to include a true German custom, so they performed a log cutting ceremony. The tradition of the sawing of the log represents the first obstacle the couple must overcome in their marriage. By cutting through the log, they overcome the obstacle. It was such a cool ceremony to witness and photograph! April and Andreas made sure to have a legit log, too. They truly worked as a team to saw that thing in half!
I loved April's gown and hair and makeup. She embodied classic elegance and beauty. The red sash she added to her dress was a perfect touch.
Their decor was filled with autumn colors and all things apple. There was cold and hot cider to enjoy and baskets filled with apples for guests to take as favors. The couple has a love for Star Wars, which I think you'll see in some of their cakes, props and photos. Be sure to also check out their uber cool rings and ring box that the groom made himself.
April and Andreas truly had a personalized and beautiful wedding. I know you'll enjoy it.
Venue: Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard, Blue Ridge, GA
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
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Morgan's wedding was everything I dreamed of as a little girl. A gorgeous venue, a princess gown, perfect weather and, most importantly, her true love. Watching Morgan and Craig together throughout the day, their warmth and sweetness towards each other, was refreshing and inspiring.
I think everyone viewing these photos from their wedding is going to be absolutely in love. In love with the venue and all the details and simply in love with love.
Venue: McGuire's Millrace Farm, Murphy NC
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
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I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Kristine and Brett's wedding. Kristine is originally from New Zealand and I would be lying if I didn't say I was girl crushing her accent the whole day. The bridesmaids dresses were super cool. Every bridesmaid got to choose her own top to go with everyone's matching skirt. It was lovely. The bouquets were simplistic and elegant. The happiness of the day was infectious.
During the ceremony, several guests were asked to participate in Brett and Kristine's hand fasting. Each color represented something different. It was so special!
The reception had a world wide theme. Each table represented a different place in the world. The food truck served a global inspired fusion menu that was incredible. My favorite part of the reception was the pie. Yes, they had pies instead of cake. I was in heaven!
I loved so much about this wedding. I'm sure you all will, too.
Venue: Hiawassee River Retreat
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero
Hair and Makeup: Rachel at Vigilante Cosmetics
Bride's Shoes: Steve Madden
Groom's Shoes: Suit Supply
Dessert: The Pie Bar
Catering: Gotta Have It Food Truck
Flowers: fiftyflowers.com
Bride's Ring: Walker and Hall (New Zealand)
Groom's Ring: Shane Co.
Bridal Jewelry: Etsy (BeYourself Jewelry and Chantal Eveleen)
Bridesmaid's Skirts: Etsy (lynamobley2012)
Groomsmen Suits: Suit Supply
Groomsmen Socks: J. Crew
DJ: DJ Jammin' Jeff
Officiant: Judge Harris
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Susan and Robby's Vintage Warehouse Wedding
Susan and Robby are one of the coolest couples around so it only made sense that they chose one of the coolest venues for their wedding day. The two century old buildings that make up the Corner District couldn't have been more perfect to host their wedding. Susan's favorite color is purple and the color really complements her beautifully. She looked angelic. Also, the hues of lilac and the delicate vintage details that Susan chose added the right amount of softness to the industrial warehouse and old general store venue. I truly loved that everything about their wedding fit their personalities to a tee. Susan and Robby are such sweet and gentle people and yet, they have a rock n roll edge. Their wedding day was that and more. Check it out.
Venue: The Corner District
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
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Brittany and Ethan's wedding was a sweet down home southern affair with a vintage vibe, and beautiful shades of blue, all the way down to the bride's Converse.
Venue: Deep South Farm, Ellijay GA
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
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This is honestly one of my favorite weddings to date. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Everyone was happy. It was just a sweet and simple southern wedding that was shared with family and close friends. The day was all about Sarah and Josh.
Sarah and Josh chose to have their wedding at Camp Wetoga in Morganton, GA. It was so beautiful. From the creek and little bridges to the fields and hardwood trees, Camp Wetoga provided the most gorgeous backdrop for the event.
There were a number of things about this wedding that were a little different and that I completely loved. First of all, there was no dinner. That doesn't sound like anything I'd be happy with (if y'all know how much I love to eat) BUT, instead of dinner, they offered a buffet of desserts. They were absolutely delicious and made for a beautiful display. Secondly, the bride arrived by fire truck. I mean, how cool is that? Also pretty fitting since the groom, groom's father and mother, and all the groomsmen are fire fighters. Lastly, they busted out karaoke at the end of the night. KARAOKE! Who doesn't love a good karaoke night?!
Enjoy this sweet, country, summer evening wedding. I know you will!
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas!
Venue: Camp Wetoga, Morganton, GA
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
Flowers: Pamela Keith
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That's a pretty lengthy title, but when you see the photos from their wedding, I think you'll completely agree with why I had to add all those words! Courtney and Tim had an extraordinary wedding at Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard in Blue Ridge, GA. I was in love as soon as I walked through the doors and saw all the deep jewel tones, moss and candles everywhere. It was dark and romantic and fantastic! I knew the wedding day was going to be a blast because the engagement session with Courtney and Tim was so much fun. They are two of the most likeable and hilarious people, not to mention gorgeous together. I'm sure you're going to fall in love with this wedding and this couple, too...
Venue: Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
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Heather and CJ got married at the Densmore Farm in Cleveland, GA. It was pouring the rain as I drove to the venue and as soon as I arrived, the rain stopped! The weather gave them the best of both worlds...the luck of rain on your wedding day and then clear skies for the photos and ceremony!
The venue was a wonderful choice for their country styled wedding. Heather had chosen bright, happy colors for her decor and bridesmaids. Each bridesmaid had their own color. It was beautiful. The bride herself looked gorgeous. She even wore hot pink heels under her wedding dress. How fun and cute is that?? The glow stick send off at the end of the night was a fun addition to match the color scheme!
I think their favors were my most favorite ever. Not only did they have a yummy candy bar, but they also had a table filled with soaps and chapsticks. I'm not saying I grabbed 5 or so on my way out...but I'm not saying I didn't, either. ;)
If this wedding doesn't make you smile, then I don't know one that will. Congratulations, Heather and CJ!
Venue: Densmore Farm, Cleveland GA
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
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Every year I do a free event and photo shoot called I Love My Body. Anyone is welcome to attend. Every year I change what we do in the photos, but the basic theme is the same...to love yourself.
I was a professional model for over 20 years. While that career took me all over the world and gave me wonderful opportunities and experiences, it also left me battling some serious self worth and body image issues. I struggled with anorexia, abused diet pills and found myself sick, hating my body and myself. I felt no real purpose if I wasn't physically beautiful and "perfect." After I had my daughter, I really started feeling badly about myself. I pretty much stopped eating and dropped down to 112lbs at 5'10" tall. My hair began to fall out and I just didn't feel well all around, but I was thin, which is all I cared about at the time. Then one night, I was laying in bed with my daughter. I felt like a lightning bolt hit me and I sat up and felt like God said to me, "look how foolish you're being and the example you're setting for your daughter." I felt so ashamed as I looked down at my sweet girl. I was overcome with emotion. Would I want her to feel this way about herself? Would I want her to put her health on the line just to be thin? Did I really want her to watch me behave the way I was? Absolutely not. It was up to me to change myself for her sake at least. And I did. Slowly but surely.
Soon after, I quit modeling and began my photography business full time. I photographed families and weddings and all those yummy, happy moments in people's lives. It made me happy. It was beautiful. These people were beautiful. These moments were beautiful. But women, very often times, would feel very insecure in front of my camera. They would ask me to "take off a few pounds" for them in photoshop. They would want to hide behind other family members. They would want to see the back of my camera and when doing so, hate something about themselves in the photos. It was crazy. They weren't able to see themselves the way I did or the way their family members did at all! I decided there was a need for me to speak out about my own experiences in hopes of helping people. To help them get past this crazy idea that society has burdened us with. That we aren't worthy unless we are physical perfection. To blow up this lie that we all live under. Because it is truly a lie. At my most "beautiful" I was certainly not happy and I should've been, right? Well, I wasn't. I am much, much happier now at my 195lb post second baby weight. It's because I now know my value. I'm able to see through God's eyes, my husband's eyes and my children's eyes. They want me. My character. My effort in their lives. They're not going to remember what weight I was on our family vacations. They're not going to remember what I looked like in my bathing suit. My children will remember me being there and playing with them on the beach. They will remember my presence and whether I was happy or not. That's it! And those moments will be beautiful.
This year, I decided to do our photo shoot in my studio. I wanted the photos to be beautiful, natural and have a bit more dramatic lighting than the previous years. I wanted the women that came to leave feeling worthy, empowered and beautiful. We took some simple head shots and group shots. Then I had the ladies write a positive hashtag on plain white tees. After that, I asked them to write on an index card a negative lie that they tell themselves...and we lit it on fire. Burned that lie up. It felt good watching them set those lies on fire. It also upset me to see what these wonderful women thought of themselves. They didn't see each other's note cards and I thought it was interesting how many of them wrote "not good enough." The last studio shots we did were in gowns. I wanted to photograph these gorgeous women in gorgeous gowns also. We ended the event with a free yoga session thanks to Amanda and Christina at Yoga and Wellness of Blue Ridge.
I hope this event was helpful for the lovely ladies that came and I hope the photos may help other people as well. Looking forward to our 2017 photo shoot next year. <3
My self portrait with my 2 children.
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Happy brides are the prettiest brides and I'm sure that everyone who saw Elisabeth on her wedding day will agree with that. She exuded joy the entire day and she was absolutely stunning.
It was a gorgeous day at Brasstown Valley Resort. The mountain views there are truly unparalleled. The Creekside Pavilion was the perfect choice for Elisabeth and Nick's intimate ceremony and the reception following at the Sunset Pavilion showcased all of those grand views.
Elisabeth and Nick's love and respect for one another was obvious the entire day and I felt very privileged to be able to photograph it.
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
Venue: Brasstown Valley Resort
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Tara and Josh's wedding day had all the essentials for a perfect country affair. Cowboy boots, antlers, a Yeti fish filled groom's cake and more was enough to make any southern girl swoon. I was particularly in love with the selfie sticks on each table at the reception! Tara balanced all the rustic decorations beautifully with soft pastels. Check it out!
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
Venue: Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard
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The first thing you notice about Courtney and Jake both is their sweet and loving nature. They have an incredible love not only for each other but also for Jesus Christ. Their wedding was filled with family, friends, and Christ. The details were simplistic and classic, all the way down to their Coca Cola favors. The colors were beautiful pastel mint, pinks and purples. The Blue Ridge Swim and Tennis Club was the perfect setting for their event. This wedding was truly a breath of fresh air. Just see for yourself...
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks! Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph your beautiful wedding. Here's to a wonderful and long life together!
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I was in awe when I arrived at Erin's grandmother's property. The driveway in itself was gorgeous, not to mention the rest of the grounds. The ceremony site was set in the yard and there was an amazing arbor with lush flowers at the end of the grassy aisle. There was a tent set up by the house for the reception area. All the centerpieces were elegant and tastefully done. Tammie, the wedding coordinator, really had placed lovely touches everywhere.
Erin was upstairs having her makeup finished by McKenzie. She looked phenomenal! I grabbed her dress, shoes, invitation, jewelry and flowers and took them outside to photograph. Finding areas to take pictures of her details was certainly not difficult.
Erin had a first look not with her husband but also with her grandparents and her father. Every one of the first looks were completely precious. I especially loved her grandparents reaction.
Joy...
They really look amazing together.
Her flowers were beyond gorgeous.
Exquisite bride.
The ceremony was sweet and the sunlight fell perfectly on the couple during their vows.
Peek a boo!
I loved the colors in the bridal party's attire.
How incredible was it that all these lightning bugs came out at the end of their wedding night??!! I couldn't think of anything more romantic or magical for a summertime wedding night. <3
Ring of fire...
Erin and Josh's wedding will certainly be one to remember! Thank you both so much for allowing me to photograph your special day. I wish you all the happiness in the world.
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I arrived at Aska Farms in Blue Ridge and found the bride getting ready surrounded by her bridesmaids. Rachel was her lovely and carefree self. Laughter filled the bridal suite as I made my way out with all the pretty details to shoot.
I was so obsessed with her bouquet!! The bright colors mixed with succulents were just to die for! The cheerful colors she chose complimented the day perfectly.
I
Lucas and Rachel exchanged letters and gifts for each other. Lucas handmade a wooden hair straightener and dryer holder for Rachel that was just gorgeous...not to mention thoughtful.
Rachel got dressed with the help of her bridesmaids and she just glowed. Her gown was classic and elegant. I especially loved her long veil. Bridal portraits and photos with the bridesmaids and flower girl were a piece of cake. Everyone was so joyful and lovely. And again...those colors...wow.
The men were comfortable yet classy in their button ups, vests, jeans and boots. They also had just a little bit of fun during their formals.
Four generations were present.
Rachel and Lucas wanted to keep their day traditional and not see each other before the wedding, however, they still wanted to pray together beforehand. So we arranged that. <3
Rachel did have a first look with her father, and it was completely precious.
It was time for the ceremony. Aska Farms has an amazing view of the Blue Ridge mountains and the ceremony site is placed perfectly to enjoy it.
The flower girl made friends with a lady bug.
The ring bearer wasn't nearly as enthused about a photo together with the flower girl as she was.
We took a few quiet minutes before the reception for just the newly weds. The stormy skies added to the mountain backdrop. We took advantage of the dreamy sunlight coming through the clouds for a few more bridal portraits as well.
The reception was fun and sweet. The food was my personal favorite, pasta, and their cake and tower of cupcakes were delicious.
Sunset portraits are always my favorite. They are romantic and really give the couple another bit of time to breathe with each other after the rush of the day.
The newlyweds were sent off by their guests with sparklers and cheers.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kilpatrick! I wish you a lifetime of happiness together. <3
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Kathleen and Derek - Forever the Youngs
I had the pleasure of photographing Kathleen and Derek's wedding on May 14, 2016. I was so excited they chose the incredible venue, Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard. Every inch at Willow Creek is a photographer's dream.
When I arrived, Kathleen was in the bridal suite getting her hair and makeup finished. She looked exquisite and was exuding happiness and her genuine sweetness. She and the bridesmaids were all in their cute floral robes.
I photographed the details and fell in love with her colors, lavender and cream. The flowers were sweet and romantic. The cake was simplistic perfection.
We did a first look with Kat's bridesmaids and they were blown away by her beauty. We waited for the groom to see her until she walked down the aisle.
I loved capturing Kat's portraits. She is a natural in front of the camera and every detail from her hair to her dress complimented her perfectly.
The guys were carefree and having a great time. I especially liked their matching socks. Derek was not a bit nervous and just excited to see his bride and exchange vows.
The actual wedding was intimate and heartfelt. Derek even teared up as he saw his bride coming down the aisle. I had never seen the love letter and wine box ceremony. It was unique and I love the idea behind it. It's a great idea for newly weds!
After photos we headed for the reception. Candles were lit on every table. Kat and Derek shared their first dance followed by dances with their parents. We snuck out for a few minutes to capture some sunset photos. The grounds are beautiful during the day but truly come alive at sunset.
When we came back in the dance party started. Everyone was in high spirits and having a wonderful time. After the garter and bouquet toss it was time for their departure surrounded by sparklers.
This couple is the sweetest and their wedding was just lovely...see for yourself in the photos.
Thank you so much for allowing me to capture your wedding day. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.
Photography: Amber Cather Herendon
Venue: Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard
Dress: Casablanca
Florals: Kim Walden, Blooms to Remember
Cake: Sherry Moriarty, Cakelady and Company
Hair and Makeup: Julia Berger
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Venue: Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard Blue Ridge, GA
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
Wedding dress: Bravura Fashion
Caterer: Main Street Catering
Cake: Dough Boys Cakes and Catering
Flowers: Hometown Florist
DJ: Tune Up DJ
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Vendors:
Venue: Sanctuary Plantation Cleveland, GA
Photography: Amber Cather Photography
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Hair and Makeup: J. Thomas Salon
Tuxedo: Mens Warehouse
Caterer: GG Events
Wedding Cake: Cakes with a Heart
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Venue: Hills Creek at Thousand Acre Farm
Dress: Oleg Cassini
Florist: Festive Creations
Cake Designer: Cake Queen Sam
I was so in love with her something blue table. Guests picked their very own something blue to take home with them.
I love the addition of family heirlooms in the bride's bouquet.
I loved this sweet first look with her father.
And her brothers...
Gorgeous chandelier in the arbor at the ceremony.
Horse and carriage love.
The tear when he saw her...sigh. <3 <3 <3
I was completely in love with her getaway dress!!
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When I arrived, I was in awe of how beautiful Nikki's house was and then my jaw dropped when I saw the kitchen. I couldn't have dreamed up a more beautiful and perfect one.
They had everything out for a quaint and delicious photo shoot.
Nikki and Susan looked stunning and relaxed in a perfect environment. And, of course, they whipped up a little something. :)
These vibrant, intelligent women love to have fun and are completely down to earth!
I always enjoy their photo shoots and am truly looking forward to seeing what Nikki and Susan have up their sleeves next for all their fans. Check out The Sweet Shoppe of the South in two awesome locations, historic downtown Blue Ridge, GA and Pigeon Forge, TN!
Our Back to School Apple Orchard Mini Sessions are back for a second year! We had such a great time last year, we are doing it again! Bring your little kids, bigger kids or the whole family! Or come by yourself! Sessions are 20 min slots and are $85. You will get 25-30 high res and edited digitals with a personal print release. The session cost is for up to 4 people, additional people are $15 each. A $25 deposit is require upon booking and is nonrefundable, but transferable. The remaining balance is due at the time of the session. The sessions will be Sunday, September 7th.
These will be set in the apple orchard and I will have some props this year including an old fashion school desk (that is really super cool!), a quilt to sit on and an apple bucket that you get to take home with you! Message me at [email protected], message me via my facebook business page or comment below if you are interested in booking a spot.
Looking forward to it!
I had my speech written and had loaded up on snacks and drinks. Some Dunkin' Donuts coffee and donuts, Oreos, Ritz and some other goodies were all ready to go in my car. The day of the shoot came and what do you know? It was raining. I decided why not...let's just go with it! So, my brave girls came out in the rain to listen and support the message of I Love My Body and I was just absolutely thrilled.
My friend, Cherie, was there and also spoke and offered free 10 min laser coaching sessions. She is a life coach at Growth, Inc in Blue Ridge and I was so thankful for her donating her time and talent at my event. I spoke for about fifteen to thirty minutes about my story. My struggles with my weight, body image, self esteem and how I found my way through them. How I learned through God how to be ok with myself...most of the time anyway. ;) Then it was time for the photos. First just a few simple group shots.
Empowering and positive words help remind us that we are beautiful. We all deserve to feel beautiful. I've struggled with a negative inner dialogue and I wanted everyone to try and replace that negativity with something different. Something that can actually change how we feel about ourselves.
We showed our sparkle with glitter...a LOT of glitter. :)
And we became a team. Team Sparkle. I was really impressed with how fearless these women were. How quickly they stepped out of their comfort zones and celebrated themselves and became fast friends with each other.
Some brave souls got in the water for me for some gorgeous shots and even played in the water for some fun ones!
And we literally showed our sparkle with sparklers!
We had a blast. The message is to love yourself. Be genuine. Don't let anyone dull your sparkle and make you feel less than. Stand up and be somebody and don't believe the lies about how we have to be physically "beautiful" to be happy. Our happiness is ours on the inside and it's ours to keep.
I Love My Body 2014
Beauty is an object of such desire. Everyone wants to be beautiful. So much so that women are starving themselves, going through horrific procedures, purchasing countless expensive items that promise instant beautification. Appearance in today's society is the end all be all of everything. That's a lie. We know it is. However, as much as it is ok to be not beautiful and embrace other qualities, the beautiful girls should be allowed to exist, too. They are here and among us. We all just need to put our big girl panties on and deal with it. Some people are better looking than me. Is that pill really that hard to swallow? I don't see why it's socially acceptable to rob them of their God given gift. It's truly a gift and it should be used wisely and should be appreciated...not stripped away because other people are so jealous they can't stand the thought of someone actually looking like a "model" in real life.
It's a simple message. Stop hating. On everyone. You think the girl next to you is overweight? Keep your mouth shut. You think the girl in the corner has on a ridiculous outfit? How is is affecting you? And you think the girl down the street is prettier than you? Guess what, you still don't have the right to put her down either. We are all daughters of a King. He has graciously blessed us all with different gifts and talents. The "pretty" girl shouldn't have to suffer because she is a rarity and her beauty so coveted that everyone feels justified in tearing her down.
Love on each other today. Let your own unique quality shine and don't try to dim anybody else's.
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I have been beyond excited and overwhelmed and touched with all the entries I've received for the "I LOVE
MY BODY...IT'S BEAUTIFUL" contest. I'm very excited to see who our 3 winners will be and don't forget I
will also be casting several other people for my shoot, as well. After seeing all the entries and all these
touching stories, I've decided to do a large group photo of EVERYONE that has entered!! I think it will be a
GREAT and POWERFUL and BEAUTIFUL message to girls and women everywhere to love themselves! So,
there will be 1 group photo of EVERYONE that has entered. I'm soooo excited and thank you all very, very
much! AND don't forget to keep voting! Voting ends June 14. :)
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Everyone should have received directions to the private location of the photo shoot. If you have not, please contact me!
We WILL have a live bunny to be our Easter Bunny/White Rabbit on set. Please, please, please be very gentle and respectful of our little bunny! His name is Rio and he is actually our family pet! He is super sweet and friendly and I'm sure he is going to have a great time with all the kids on Saturday! We will have carrots and treats for everyone to feed him, as well. :)
We will also have white roses and red paint for everyone to help paint our roses red! This should be super cute for photos and a lot of fun for the kids!
There will be a Mad Hatter hat and several mini hatter hats for everyone, as well.
Our set up is pretty elaborate and I can't wait for everyone to see it! The colors are pastels and creams and our props mix together vintage, modern, classic and fantasy. Wear anything you like and bring different outfits to change if you would like to do so! Try to stay away from bright reds or distracting prints, writing or patterns on clothing. Make sure your nails are clean and pretty, too!
Super duper excited and can't wait to see all of you! If you have any questions just message or call me!!
<3!!
Amber
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I'm soooo excited about our upcoming Easter Mad Hatter Tea Party Mini Sessions this Saturday, March 17!
Everyone should have received directions to the private location of the photo shoot. If you have not, please contact me!
We WILL have a live bunny to be our Easter Bunny/White Rabbit on set. Please, please, please be very gentle and respectful of our little bunny! His name is Rio and he is actually our family pet! He is super sweet and friendly and I'm sure he is going to have a great time with all the kids on Saturday! We will have carrots and treats for everyone to feed him, as well. :)
We will also have white roses and red paint for everyone to help paint our roses red! This should be super cute for photos and a lot of fun for the kids!
There will be a Mad Hatter hat and several mini hatter hats for everyone, as well.
Our set up is pretty elaborate and I can't wait for everyone to see it! The colors are pastels and creams and our props mix together vintage, modern, classic and fantasy. Wear anything you like and bring different outfits to change if you would like to do so! Try to stay away from bright reds or distracting prints, writing or patterns on clothing. Make sure your nails are clean and pretty, too!
Super duper excited and can't wait to see all of you! If you have any questions just message or call me!!
<3!!
Amber
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