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Elegant Spring Wedding at the Graduate Athens – Katie and Nathan

Weddings

June 7, 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

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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Katie and Nathan’s wedding at the Graduate in Athens, Georgia was such special day! Katie and Nathan’s love story began in Athens, so it was only appropriate that their friends and family from near and far gather in the place where it all began!  I have loved Katie’s excited & magnetic personality from when we first chatted on the phone last spring, and I absolutely loved capturing her as a joyful bride! Together, Nathan and Katie are such a perfect pair! Nathan is the rock – sweet and steady while Katie is energetic and enthusiastic. I love the way they compliment each other! It’s always so much fun capturing a pair that really embodies wedding day JOY — and that’s these two to a T! We had so much fun during their engagement session last summer where they showed me their favorite spots around Athens, and the wedding day was even better!

The day started with Katie and the girls getting ready in a suite at the Graduate. I loved seeing Katie’s sweet relationship with her adorable Mom and sister who helped her get into her gorgeous gown once hair and makeup were finished. The beautiful lace detailing, gorgeous buttons and stunning veil suited Katie perfectly! Then, I think we all got a little emotional when Katie’s Dad came in for the Daddy-Daughter First Look! Next, Katie and Nathan exchanged letters and gifts before going into their First Look together. Nathan gave Katie a beautiful art print of the stars on the day that they met called “our lucky stars,” and Katie gave Nathan cufflinks and a tie clip engraved with coordinates that tie to their relationship! How cool is that?!

Once ready, it was time for the First Look. I love how excited Katie got right before she tapped Nathan on the shoulder and the sweet emotion in Nathan’s eyes when he saw her for the first time in her gown! We were so fortunate to be able to take pictures at the beautiful Lyndon House Arts Center near the Graduate! The stunning porch and beautiful garden were absolutely perfect for their portraits, and we had the entire wedding party join us there as well!

The ceremony took place inside Galleria II at the Graduate. Katie’s brothers escorted her to the beginning of the aisle before she took her father’s arm for the remaining processional! I love the way she incorporated all the sweet men in her life! The stunning floral garland by Gardenia Floral Design perfectly framed Katie and Nathan as they said their vows and exchanged rings.

After the ceremony, we finished family photos and then headed back outside for some beautiful “Just Married” photos of the couple together before heading into the Foundry for a quick toast before dinner! In the Ballroom, family and friends enjoyed dinner and the very entertaining toasts from both sets of parents as well as Katie’s sister & Nathan’s brother! Then, while guests transitioned over to the Foundry for dancing, we snuck out for a few more photos in the last of the sunset glow! It was absolutely stunning! Then, everyone partied at the Foundry into the night!

Katie and Nathan – capturing your wedding day was such an honor and a joy! You two are so perfect for each other, and it’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you! Katie, your love & enthusiasm for life is contagious, and Nathan, you are one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met. I’m so excited that I got to capture the beginning of your next big adventure! I hope that it just keeps getting better and better! Enjoy the photos from Day 1 of your marriage, and I hope they always bring you back to the joy you felt on your wedding day! Much love and appreciation – Carrie Joy

Modern and elegant, I love how Katie & Nathan’s invitation really set the tone for their wedding!

Isn’t Katie’s gown stunning?!! I love this sweet moment with her Mom & sister!

I’m obsessed with the lace texture and detailing of Katie’s gown and veil, and I adore how film captures all the pretty highlights in these bridal detail portraits of Katie!

It was really hard holding back the tears during Katie’s emotional First Look with her Dad!

Isn’t this beautiful?!! I love Nathan’s sweet reaction to seeing his bride! 🙂

This is one of my favorites! I just love elegant Katie & Nathan look in front of the beautiful Lyndon House!

From soft and romantic to full of joy, Katie and Nathan’s portraits were so much fun to take!

Another one of my favorites! Isn’t this porch stunning?!

From Katie’s bouquet to the ceremony garland, I loved all the stunning florals from Gardenia Floral Design!

Can we just pause for a second and acknowledge how sweet this moment is?!! OMG – Love!

We experienced the full range of weather on Katie & Nathan’s day, and I’m so grateful that the sun came out for these portraits after the ceremony! I love the glow & those pretty shadows!

I love this sweet, emotional moment during toasts! And during the transition over to the Foundry, we snuck out for a few photos with that sunset glow!

And after the sunset glow started to fade, it was time to head to the Foundry to party!

I just LOVE this sweet capture of Nathan & his Mom during the Mother-Son dance!

Congrats, Katie and Nathan! So excited for you guys!

And one more treat! We have the teaser trailer from A Lewis Films for you guys to check out below:

A big Thank You to Cristina Elena for capturing this day with me as well as the following team of amazing vendors:

Planning: Whitewood Events

Coordinator: Erica Cleary

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Graduate Athens

Florist: Laura Shain, Gardenia Floral Design

Wedding Cake: Cecilia Villaveces Cakes

DJ: Jeremiah Flockhart, Nice Entertainment

Guitarist: Rod Harris Jr, Nice Entertainment

Videographer: Alex Lewis, A Lewis Films

Bride’s Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal

Hair Stylist: Jana Vlaciky, Elijana Cosmetics

Makeup Artist: Jana Vlaciky, Elijana Cosmetics

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff from I Do, I Do Bridal Boutique Athens

Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse

Officiant: Evan Wilberg

Film Developing: Richard Photo Lab


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  1. Cristina Elena says:

    Beautiful Work!!

  2. Alexander Lewis says:

    Incredible!! It was so much fun working together Carrie! Thank you again for sharing the Teaser Film 🙂

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