Sarah and Jeff’s wedding at the Georgian Hall and First United Methodist Church in Athens, Georgia was such a joyful celebration! Sarah first reached out to me on Instagram after seeing Mary Beth & Culby’s classic Athens wedding on the blog almost a year ago! I was immediately struck by Sarah’s joyful spirit and love for the Lord, and I’m so happy we’ve been able to get to know each other and work together over this past year!

The Lord has been in Sarah and Jeff’s relationship from the start! From meeting to dating long distance to the proposal, God has continued to guide these two! They were engaged in the beautiful gardens of The Crescent, an old historic house in Sarah’s home town, last May, and I love that they took time then and there to dedicate their new season to the Lord! I had so much fun capturing their engagement session at the Cator Woolford Gardens in Atlanta last August, and their wedding was even more fun!

All day, despite the intermittent rain, Sarah and Jeff were filled with a beautiful peace and joy. It was amazing to see them really focus on the Lord and the start of married life in Him, rather than get bogged down in the little things! Their joy was evident all day, and it was such an honor to capture it!

The day began with Sarah & her girls getting ready at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Athens. I had so much fun styling and capturing Sarah’s bridal details while Sarah’s hair and makeup were being done! Once she was ready, Sarah slipped into her gown before sharing a sweet moment with her Mom, Kellie, and a first look with her Dad! Then, it was off to the church for photos with the bridesmaids while my second photographer, Kaitie, captured Jeff and the guys! Then, it was time for Sarah & Jeff’s First Look. Sheltered from the rain in one corner of the church’s porch, Jeff saw Sarah as his bride for the first time! Y’all, it was one of the sweetest first look’s I’ve witnessed, and Jeff’s face really said it all! You’ll have to scroll down to see what I mean!

From there, we transitioned into Bride and Groom portraits! We were so blessed to have the rain stop in time to take some couple’s portraits in the garden before transitioning into family portraits! Then, it was time for the ceremony. In addition to the tradition vows, Sarah and Jeff also took time to light the unity candle and had two scripture readings by Jeff’s sisters. After the ceremony, we finished family portraits before moving the celebration over to the Georgian Hall for dinner and dancing! Anita and the Party Life band really brought the party, and the dance floor was packed well into the night!

Sarah and Jeff – I’m so, so incredibly excited for the two of you! Your wedding day joy was such a privilege to capture, but I’m even more excited for this next season in your lives. It’s obvious that God has had a hand in your relationship from the very beginning, and I know that He’ll continue to use you in even greater ways as a married couple! I’m so excited for all the lives you’re going to touch, and I wish you continued joy and peace as you transition into this new season! Continue to rely on Him, and I hope the photos will always be a sweet reminder not only of your wedding day joy but of God’s presence on Day One of your marriage as well!! Much love and appreciation – Carrie Joy

Oh y’all, how absolutely gorgeous is Sarah’s bouquet?!! I’m in love with the gorgeous texture & those bright coral peonies!

Isn’t Sarah’s gown beautiful?! I love the gorgeous lace overlay and beautiful buttons down the back!

Now this is excitement and happiness! The perfect response to seeing Sarah in her gown! 🙂

And Father-Daughter First Looks continue to be my favorite! I loved capturing this sweet moment between Sarah & her Dad!

Oh y’all, can we pause for just a second to take in Jeff’s face when he saw Sarah as his bride?! His eyes say it all!

This film photo of the happy couple is one of my favorites! So much joy! 🙂

I’m so glad the rain stopped long enough for us to take some couple’s portraits in the garden! These film photos under the gazebo ended up being some of my favorites!

Isn’t the back of Sarah’s gown stunning?! This gown detail shot is another of my favorites!

I just adore this film photo of Sarah giggling with her bridesmaids! The colors are absolutely stunning!

Low floral arrangements with pops of bright color greeted guests at the reception at Georgian Hall!

There’s nothing quite like slipping out of the reception at sunset or dusk for a few more portraits when the lights of downtown Athens sparkle like diamonds!

Anita and Party Life band brought incredible fun and energy to the reception!

Congratulations, Sarah & Jeff! I’m so happy for you & all the exciting adventures God has for you in the future!

Big Thank You to Kaitie Bryant for capturing this wedding with me, and for my assistant Kristina as well as the following vendors:

Planner: Katherine Webster – No Regrets Events
Ceremony Venue: Athens First United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: Georgian Hall
Florals: European Floral Design
Hair & Makeup: Melissa Whelan
Band: Anita & Party Life
Bride’s Gown: White Magnolia Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: White Magnolia Bridal
Tuxes: White Weddings Valdosta
Ceremony Music: Athens Wedding Music
Cake: Classic City Confections
Video: Mark Taylor Wedding Films
Film Developing: Richard Photo Lab