Cultural Spring Wedding at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta – Melody & Anand

June 29, 2018

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A child of the ocean, always seeking coastline. Film-obsessed. Organized to the Nth degree.

Hi, I'm CARRIE JOY

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Bride on the steps of the Swan House at the Atlanta History Center

Swan House Bridal Portraits at the Atlanta History Center – Katie M

Katie’s Bridal Session at the Swan House at the Atlanta History Center in Atlanta, GA was the perfect way to end 2020. We met on what was one of the nicest December days I’ve ever experienced – with temperatures in the high sixties, it was incredibly warm & pleasant, even for a city that has […]

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Melody & Anand’s wedding at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia was a joy from start to finish. Melody & Anand met as urology residents and have been planning their wedding from afar while in residency! I’ve been so impressed with them from the beginning, and it’s been such a joy getting to know them during this season! Melody and Anand are so adorable together. They’re sweet and kind, and Anand’s calm and steady nature is a perfect balance for Melody’s joy and enthusiasm! They’re both very family-focused, and I loved that their wedding day included elements of both their cultures!

The day started at the Sonesta Hotel with hair and makeup. Light poured through the windows as I photographed all the stunning details, including Melody’s Mom’s red Tea Ceremony dress – the same one she had worn years ago. Once hair and makeup was completed, Melody took a moment to explain the meaning behind the beautiful henna she had done for her wedding weekend, and then, with the help of her Mom, she slipped into the Tea Ceremony dress! I love all the texture and detailing of the gown! Then, in a courtyard, Anand and Melody shared a darling First Look and a few sweet moments together before heading inside for the Tea Ceremony.

This was my first time capturing a Tea Ceremony, and I loved seeing all the intention and tradition that tied into it! Melody’s sister Emily brought two cups of tea at a time, and after bowing, Melody & Anand served tea to their families. Then, after drinking the tea, family members presented the couple with a gift, often inside a red envelop before the next family members came up and the moment was repeated. It was beautiful, sweet and emotional for everyone involved, and it was one of my favorite moments of the entire day!

After the Tea Ceremony, Melody changed into her stunning lace wedding gown with the help of her Mom & sister. Following a First Look in dress number two, we were off to Callanwolde Fine Arts Center! One of my favorite Atlanta venues, Callanwolde is always a joy to photograph. While sometimes rain can be such a damper to photography on the wedding day, the mid afternoon shower provided the perfect opportunity to photograph Melody & Anand in the gorgeous architecture inside of Callanwolde. The ceiling, the arches, the windows – it’s all stunning, and we had such a blast around the house! And then, the rain stopped just in time to take wedding party and family photos outside. I loved capturing the sweet moments between family, and it was so fun that Melody & Anand kept their wedding party small & sweet!

The ceremony took place in front of the gorgeous staircase leading into the foyer at Callanwolde. Candles lit the edge of the staircase and nestled into a garland of greenery along the aisle. Melody was absolutely radiant as she came down the aisle with her parents. After exchanging rings, Melody and Anand recessed down the aisle with huge smiles on their faces! After the ceremony, we took a few more photos just in front of Callanwolde as well as in the gorgeous garden on the property. The light and flowers were absolutely beautiful! It really couldn’t have been more perfect for their “Officially Married” photos! After cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner curtesy of Zest and an adorable dessert bar that included donuts from Sarah Donuts and pie from Pie Hole! Toasts and a beautiful First Dance kicked the party off and the Jay Page with ONE Night Entertainment kept the dance floor hopping!

Melody and Anand – Thank you both so much for the privilege of capturing your day! It was beautiful and lovely, and I adore that I was able to experience and capture your Tea Ceremony and the other cultural elements of your wedding! I adore the way you each love and respect your families which was evident from start to finish. I’m so excited for you guys and the lives you’re going to touch! I hope the photos will always bring you back to the joy of this day! Much love and appreciation – Carrie Joy

I loved Melody’s henna! The design included the Double Happiness sign which is good luck and important for Chinese weddings as well as two love birds with the letters M and A for Melody & Anand!

Isn’t Melody’s Mom’s Tea Ceremony gown amazing?! The beadwork was absolutely incredible!

I love this film photo of Melody holding the tea set used for their Tea Ceremony!

Melody & Anand shared the sweetest First Look together before their Tea Ceremony!

The Tea Ceremony was one of my favorite moments of the entire day! I loved capturing this beautiful tradition!

One of the most emotional moments of the entire day, I loved seeing the bond between Melody, Anand & their families during the Tea Ceremony!

Once at Callanwolde, we started with portraits of Anand & Melody inside! I love the beautiful artictecture and detailing!

A dance spin in front of these windows = perfection!!

I loved capturing these joyful moments between Melody & her sister Emily!

One of my favorites of the couple from the entire day! Isn’t this sweet?!!

Melody & Anand exchanged rings against the beautiful staircase adorned with candles!

This film photos is one of my favorites! The light in the garden was absolutely stunning! I’m so glad we were able to capture these photos of the newlyweds before their reception!