What A View!

This is a view from third base at Turner Field, a similar view will greet the winners of our 2010 Wedding Giveaway.  The time has come to announce the winners, and they areAlli Gates and Brad Anderson!  Alli, Brad, and fourteen of their lucky guests will attend a Braves game in their own private suite June 30th!  Congratulations Brad and Alli!

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

From a wedding at Olde Towne

One of my long time favorite wedding venues is Olde Towne Athletic Club in Eastern Cobb county.  I have been invited to participate in their January 31st bridal show.  I am excited to be in this show, it’s one you will not want to miss!  Olde Towne Athletic Club’s ballroom should be a hit.  After years of using a temperature controlled temporary structure for receptions, the new ballroom is now finished.  It’s beautiful, I can’t wait to shoot there on Sunday!  It just won’t be the ballroom I’ll be making photographs of, there’s also a fashion show.

The fashion show is being put on by Wedding Angels, if you don’t have your wedding gown yet, you won’t want to miss this.  Wedding Angels has a shop in historic Roswell.  If you can’t make the show on Sunday, stop in for a visit, you’ll be glad you did, the selection and service are second to none.

Music and entertainment will be by Todd Peavy, I have worked with Todd before, and he always puts on quite a show.  There will be other wedding service providers besides myself and the ones mentioned above.  I don’t have a list of them, I guess you will just have to attend and find out.

Speaking of attendance, this is a limited attendance show, you must RSVP to get in.  Don’t worry, it’s easy to register for the show, here’s the RSVP link.  The RSVP page also has the event times and other details as well as the location of Olde Towne Athletic Club.

I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Bridal Show Flyer

I will be an exhibiting sponsor at the upcoming Gwinnett Historic Courthouse bridal show on January 17, 2010.  I will have sample books, prints and albums on display.  Come and visit with me and the other wedding service providers.  The June show had a great attendance, this could be the best show yet!

People are surprised to learn that the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is also a wedding and wedding reception venue.  They have been doing weddings there for years.  There is plenty of parking nearby, and the upstairs ballroom is ideal for a wedding reception.  There is a very cool feature that I love, and you will see demonstrated at the show, an outdoor balcony, it’s perfect for a bouquet toss!

Even if you have your church or wedding venue already selected, come on down!  You never can tell, you just might find the right florist, wedding planner, caterer, or photographer at the show, see you there!

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

The time has come to announce the prize for our 2010 wedding giveaway.  I am a very lucky man, I have a profession that I love, I have wonderful clients who trust me with their most precious wedding day memories.  I am truly blessed to have this, so in gratitude I am holding this giveaway.  So what is it?  Here’s a hint, do you like hot dogs?  Beer?  Braves baseball??  Well, our prize this year is a suite and tickets for you and fourteen of your lucky friends at a Braves game!  That’s right, I said suite!  Not just Braves tickets, but a suite!  Can you imagine kicking back in your own private suite at a Braves game?  This is so cool!  No waiting in line for food, drinks, or anything else for that matter, it’s all in the suite!  Air conditioning, big screen TV, food, drinks, all the comforts of home, but with a Braves game right outside!  This just rocks!  I’m excited about it and I’m not even going!  You are!

Suite Image Courtesy of The 755 Club

Here’s the prize description:

• Personal Suite Attendant
• 16 Suite Tickets
• Specialty Sampler Menu

The Sampler includes:

• All Beef Ballpark Franks- served with traditional ballpark condiments, two bean chili, sauerkraut and Italian cornmeal buns.
• The Braves Burger- grilled mini sirloin burger topped with carmelized onion and served on a freshly baked bun.
• Crisp Strips of Fried Chicken Tempura- classic tempura battered chicken filets served with honey mustard and sweet chili dipping sauces.
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Cheese Pizza
• Baked Potato Salad
• Potato Chips & Dip
• Jumbo Cookies
• Bottled Water and Sodas
• Beer, Wine

Image Courtesy of the 755 Club

Catering is provided by the 755 Club at Turner Field.  I have photographed several wedding receptions at the 755 Club, and it’s always been great food and a wonderful time!  If you do not have a reception venue selected for your wedding yet, check it out, you will be glad you did.  For a Braves or baseball fan this venue rocks!

Ok, so I am sure you are wondering “How can I get in on this?” it’s easy, and if you have already had the good taste to become one of my clients for 2010, you already are.  This giveaway is for my existing 2010, future 2010, and 2011 clients who book their weddings with me in 2010.

The Rules:

• You must be a 2010 wedding client, or booked your 2011 wedding in 2010.
• You must be booked with me by mid June, the drawing is at that time*.
• You must be a client in good standing*.
• You must attend the game and use the prize*.
• You must be totally jazzed about this and tell all your friends about this cool giveaway you might win.

So that’s it, simple, be my wedding client for 2010 or 2011, follow the above rules, and a drawing will be held in mid June.  The drawing will be done by an independent third-party, most likely a child who will have no idea what they are doing other than pulling a slip of paper out of a hat.  The odds of winning?  What do I look like?  A bookie?  It all depends on how many clients exist at the time of the drawing.  Let’s just say the odds are better than hitting it big in the lotto!  For the rules items marked with a *, see the bottom of this page.

Good Luck,

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

1. *  The suite is reserved for a Braves game in late June, so the giveaway must close and drawing made prior to that time.
2. *  A client in “good standing”, is a client in full compliance with the terms of my agreement with them.
3. *  The prize is not transferable, if you cannot attend the game and use the suite, the tickets and suite will go to an alternate whose name will be drawn as alternate the day of the drawing.

I have all the time in the world.

You are probably wondering why there is a photo of a turtle on a wedding photography blog.  No, it’s not because this is the Bride’s favorite pet and he will be in the wedding, can you imagine waiting on him to make it down the aisle?  Good guess, but that’s not it.  There is, however, a story behind Mr. Turtle’s portrait.

I was standing at my kitchen window a few weeks ago having a snack, when I noticed this turtle near my neighbor’s gate.  I don’t often see turtles where I live so I decided to grab a camera and snap a few shots.  I had made three shots when I heard the office phone ringing.  I rushed back inside and caught the call, it was a potential client inquiring about May 1st, 2010.  The call went well, we spoke about twenty minutes or so, but didn’t set an appointment, they wanted to “look around some more.”  I don’t push for appointments, so I just said, “sure, call me when you are ready to meet.”  I went back outside to resume my turtle photographs and he was just gone!  Now how far can a turtle go in twenty minutes?  Apparently pretty far!  I looked around for him everywhere and he could not be found!  I didn’t think anything else about it, uploaded the images to the computer and went back to work.

Two days later I received an inquiry from a potential client that had been referred to me, their date? May 1st, 2010.  Long story short, we made an appointment, I visited with them in their home, and they booked me that night.  Two weeks later, I get a call from the pervious potential client wanting to sit down and discuss their wedding plans.  They were disappointed to hear their date was taken!  I did give them the names of some other photographers I liked, and wished them luck.  This has happened more than once over the years I have been shooting weddings, one time I had a potential client miss her date by the space of an hour!  I don’t “hold” dates, or “pencil them in,” I try to be fair by making it “first come, first served,” it’s a common practice in the wedding industry.

It’s just not limited to photographers.  I had a client a few years ago hire me in what I would consider an unusual way, she booked me first before her church!  We were chatting about the wedding and the church she wanted for her wedding when she mentioned she had not yet confirmed with the church, or given them a deposit.  I told her she needed to call them today, confirm, and make arrangements to pay the fee.  She said, “Oh, I can do that tomorrow, I’m going shopping for a gown this afternoon.”  After some urging from me, she called, spoke with the church and found out it was being shown that afternoon for a wedding on the same date!  Needless to say, she was there within an hour with a check!  Please understand, this was not a church in downtown Atlanta, this was a small church below Newnan, you would never think it could be busy with weddings, but it was.  Had she went shopping that day, she might have lost her church!

My point with these two stories?  Let’s go back to the turtle, I thought for sure I would be able to go back out and resume making pictures of the turtle.  I was thinking that he might at best have gone a few feet, after all, he WAS a turtle, how far could he go?  Well, I for one was surprised when he was gone, gone, gone!  How does this relate to you and planning your wedding?  Some things are unique, like churches, wedding and reception venues, even more so when you are talking about a specific date and time.  It’s a similar situation with artists and artisans, like photographers, florists, cake makers, bands, etc.  The question is, do you want THE photographer, florist, or band, or do you want to settle for less than your heart’s desire?  Get the unique elements set before you go shopping for the dress, they mass produce those.  I had a client just recently select a Priscilla of Boston gown for her April wedding.  I’m sure it will be beautiful, especially on her, but they will probably make several in that size and style, not just one.

So, hopefully you already have your date set, church and reception venue booked.  Now it’s time for your next steps.  If you are in the process of finding a photographer, please visit my page “Three Things You Should Know“, it’s a guide to selecting the right wedding photographer for you.  And the timeframe you have for finding one?  It depends on your wedding date, to give you some examples, I have a client for November 2010, coming to meet with me Thanksgiving week, she will be in Atlanta then, she has her venue already booked.  My Spring 2010 should be fully booked by the upcoming holidays, if it’s not, Christmas engagements should finish it sometime after New Years.  This is not just me, but other full-time professional photographers as well.  Most of my current clients have booked me several months in advance of their weddings.  Please keep in mind, this is a similar situation for other wedding professionals as well.

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Photo Courtesy Kellum Valley Farm

Can you imagine a wedding in the North Georgia Mountains on a Spring day, the flowers blooming and trees green with new leaves?  Escaping the heat of Atlanta in Summer to have your wedding in the cool mountains?  Or having a wedding ceremony in Autumn with the surrounding mountains ablaze with the colors of the season, reds, yellows and golds?  Then dancing the night away under the stars within the stone walls of 90-year-old ruin?  I could imagine all of this and more on my recent visit to Kellum Valley Farm in North Georgia.  As I stood and looked out from the ceremony area past the main house below, I was captivated by the view of the mountains in the distance, what a beautiful vista!  I could see the possibility for great shots no matter where I looked.

I have been coming to the North Georgia Mountains for years, and had been invited to visit on my next trip up by DeAnne Major, owner of Kellum Valley Farm.  I am so glad she invited me!  What a great place!  As we toured the property DeAnne told me some of the history of Kellum Valley Farm and the ruins on the hill.  As it turns out, much of the valley was owned by a member of the Carnegie family in the 1920′s and the valley is named for them.  There is a complete history of the ruins and the farm on Kellum Valley Farm website, like much of Georgia history it makes for an interesting read.

The main house is only a few years old, but it was built to be similar to farmhouses of the early 1900′s.  The downstairs of the house holds the bride’s room and secondary space should more room be required.  Near the main house there is a pool with waterfall, and several out buildings, including a barn with air conditioning and bathrooms.  The ruins make a great backdrop for a wedding ceremony, and later, a perfect place to dance.  There has been lighting placed in the trees and on the ruins to enhance them, and I am sure they look fantastic at night!   Accommodations for your DJ or band has been made with a raised platform and plenty of electrical service.  If you are thinking of having your wedding in the North Georgia Mountains you should make an appointment with DeAnne for a visit, this might be the ideal place for your wedding!

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

As I drove away from my appointment Thursday afternoon, I was thinking that I could just kick myself.  Or better yet, I thought “I’ll have one of my friends stop by the shop and kick me, yes, that might be more efficient.”  Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t that the meeting didn’t go well, I was just having one of those “I could have had a V8″ moments like in the commercials.  After a few miles, and remembering I still had two other appointments to complete that day, I gave up on the idea.  So why was I wanting to kick myself after such a successful meeting?  I had missed out on the beginning of something good, a great bridal show, and all because I couldn’t find time to pick up a phone.

My friends had been telling me for months about 550 Trackside.  ”Terry, you should go see this place, it’s not finished, but give them a call” my caterer friend advised.  My publisher Linda said, “I just saw this great new venue in Lawrenceville, it’s not open yet but you should check it out.”  That’s just two examples, there were more, but in my mind I heard “not finished” “not open yet” and that combined with a busy season, I forgot to call.  The week before my meeting I had spoke with my catering friend Jet and she said “I’ve got a bridal show to do this Sunday at 550 Trackside, are you going?”  Right then I had to admit to her I had never called.  I won’t cover everything she said here, but she did suggest I call to see if I could attend the show.   As I suspected, the show was full, but the owner was nice enough to invite me over the following week for a tour of the facility.

550 Trackside was originally a cotton warehouse built in 1904.  Over the last 100 years it had been many things, warehouse, industrial office, you-name-it, then finally purchased and renovated by current owner Roger Kahn.  I started my tour with Roger in the Bride’s room.  Tastefully decorated, the Bride’s room has several mirrors, each flanked by antique sconces, can you say “no waiting”?  I found out later each lighting fixture in the building was an antique hand selected by Roger’s wife who is a professional interior designer.  The Bride’s room also has an interesting feature, a second “private bride’s room.”  Need some “quiet time” away from the bride’s maids?  just close the door!  How cool!

From there we moved on to the bathrooms, yes, the tour included those, just wait, it gets good.  The ladies room was first, decorated in a feminine style, it, like the Bride’s room featured beautiful finishes on the walls and antique fixtures.  One thing that did shock me was the impressionist art piece hanging in the ladies room.  I thought it was a reproduction, but no, according to Roger, it’s over 100 years old!  Roger said that they wanted to keep the feel of that period in time for Trackside.  To accomplish this, all fixtures and art where possible are from that period, or mimic the style of that time.  To be honest, I didn’t see many reproductions, and if they were, I couldn’t tell between them and the antiques, the detail was that good!  On to the men’s room!  Same attention to detail, only masculine in style.  There were leaded opaque glass stall doors with transoms, antique light fixtures, and an interesting feature, a harvest table holds the wash basins.  Both bathrooms have too many creative details to list here, you’ll just have to take a tour and see for yourself.

Moving out into the main space, Roger told me about the building and the work that had been done.  The building originally had a second floor level.  That was completely removed to open up the space and let the light in from the existing windows at the top of the structure.  It works well, the space is flooded with light.  This is all clear span space, with plenty of room for tables and guests, it will even accommodate a good sized band.  The walls are made of granite and about two feet thick, in the original parts of the building nothing is done to disguise this.  In the new sections the walls are finely faux finished and trimmed with rich dark wood.  It’s a welcome change from what is seen in most warehouse or industrial conversions where everything is finished to look, well, industrial.  The contrast of fine finish against the stone is an elegant look.  The openings that were once filled with heavy freight doors, now hold custom wood and glass doors, beautiful!  Everywhere I looked there was a detail, a finishing touch, it was easy to see time and attention went into everything.

Planning even went into the caterers serving kitchen.  Roger said, “We interviewed twenty caterers and asked them what they would like to see in a kitchen.”  Apparently the interviews paid off, there is plenty of room, prep sinks, easy load in access, and even a walk-in cooler!  I figure this is a dream to serve from for caterers, getting food out quickly should not be a problem with this kitchen.

This is a beautiful space for a wedding, or wedding reception, it’s well thought out, has plenty of parking, and it’s easy to get to.  If you are getting married in a church near Lawrenceville and need a reception site, or are looking for a place to hold both your wedding and reception, look at 550 Trackside.  The pictures on the web site, as good as they are don’t do the place justice, it’s a in-person must see, make an appointment for a tour today!

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Mr. and Mrs Claus

Christmas came early this year to The Georgian Terrace Hotel.  I became involved last month when I received a call from my friend Walter Nemeth who is director of catering at the hotel.  “Terry I’m wondering if you would like to shoot a Christmas party for us this month.”  Usually Christmas parties are in November or December, but I’m pretty much game for anything that sounds like a good time.  ”Sure Walt, just say when.”  It had been a while since I had worked at The Georgian Terrace and I was anxious to check out recent upgrades to the hotel made by the new owners.

As a wedding photographer I had been coming to The Georgian Terrace for years, but I hadn’t been back since 2005 when the Grand Ballroom was used as a pre-function area for the Allie Awards.  The restored Grand Ballroom is nothing like what I remember from 2005!  It has been completely made over with new carpet, paint and other improvements, it truly is a “Grand Ballroom” now!  Not just the ballroom was remade, the entire hotel has been beautified, it’s easy to see no expense was spared, nice!  If I were a Bride, The Georgian Terrace would be on my list to consider for a wedding!  Given it’s proximity to many of Atlanta’s big Churches, it just makes sense as a reception venue.

Santa's new ride.

The hotel had set Santa up with a totally sweet ride for the event, he and Mrs. Claus seemed to be quite pleased with it.  In addition to Santa’s sled, the Grand Ballroom was fully decked out in Holiday decor by Eventscapes.  I have worked with them before, J. Wilbur and his crew always do a great job.

As I was photographing the decor, The Georgian Terrace catering staff was preparing the buffet stations for the evening’s festivities, it all looked so good!

Love chocolate!

More chocolate, great desert table!

Desert Table Ice Sculpture

Snowman ice sculpture by Ice Caters.

In addition to the buffet tables, The Georgian Terrace had carving stations and passed hors d’oeuvres being circulated by the friendly catering staff.

Friendly Catering Staff

Such a great face, food looks good too!

Maybe I should have taken a picture BEFORE eating two!

These were SO good!

Carving Station

This is an overhead view of one of the carving stations.  I made the shot from a balcony that is on a upper level in the room.  The balcony would be a great place for a bouquet toss at a wedding reception.  Check out the floor covering, it’s part of the room renovation, beautiful!

And let’s not forget something to drink with all that great food.

The Atlanta Ballet had a display promoting “The Nutcracker” a holiday classic.

Atlanta Ballet

The Fox Theatre also had a display promoting their holiday show featuring the Radio City Rockettes Christmas spectacular.

Radio City Rockettes

Pretty soon the room began to fill and get that “cocktail party” buzz.  There were many attendees I knew and some new ones I didn’t, I had a lot of fun shooting and chatting.  I found some really great faces.

More friendly Georgian Terrace staff. Check out the balcony in the background.

Beautiful place, great food and people, I had a wonderful time!

Sponsors for this event were:

Button it Up

Spectrum Entertainment (DJ)

Quantum Events & Entertainment (Santa & Mrs. Claus)

Eventscapes

Total Plant and Floral

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Atlanta Occasions Magazine Cover Image Courtesy Atlanta Occasions Magazine

Last night I attended what may well be the party of the year!  I had been invited to the premiere edition release party for my good friend Heather Vreeland’s new magazine, Atlanta Occasions.  The premiere was held at The Foundry at Puritan Mill, a popular event space just off Marietta street near downtown Atlanta.

Atlanta Occasions Magazine is not just another “Bridal Magazine” it is one of the highest quality magazines on the shelves today!  I had seen a preview of the magazine online, but I was not ready for the absolute quality when I held the book for the first time.  Did I just say book??  Yes, I guess I just did, to be honest, it FEELS like a book!  The cover is made of a heavier paper as are the magazine’s pages, much heavier than most magazines out today.  The layout is clean, text crisp, pages glossy, and the color pops!  This is first quality printing!  In all, Atlanta Occasions is well worth the cover price just for the quality alone.

Atlanta Occasions cover quote is “metro atlanta’s luxe guide to planning weddings, corporate and social events”.  I would say that’s right, the list of advertisers read like a Who’s Who of the event planning world.  This is just the short list of  the “well known” in the magazine, Tony Brewer, Tony Brewer & Company, “Doc” Waldrop of Full Circle Lighting, Chef Drew, Endive, Eliana Baucicault, By Your Side Events, BB Webb, Carl House, and others, too numerous to list here.  There is no shortage of event venues either, Carl House, Georgia Aquarium, Chateau Élan, The Foundry at Puritan Mill, The Biltmore Ballroom, Twelve Atlantic Station, just to name a few.

The party, what can I say??  I came early and stayed late, right up to the end at 11:00 P.M., I had a great time celebrating Heather’s success!  I saw many old friends and introduced them to some of my new friends, lots of fun!  I don’t know if the venue was at maximum capacity, but it sure felt like it, there were guests everywhere, chatting and having a good time!  Entertainment was provided by Lethal Rhythms,  Joel had everybody dancing!  Decor was provided by Tony Brewer & Company, event lighting by Full Circle, catering by Endive.  Planning and event coordination, By Your Side Events, I think Eliana never slowed down for a second the whole night!  There were two photo booths provided, WOW Photobooth and Smilebooth, I’m sure many crazy pictures were taken!  I actually participated in a few myself!

I could not have had a better time last night, good food, music, great friends, and celebrating the success of Heather’s new magazine, life is good!

Post Addition: I received an email asking what the interior of  The Foundry at Puritan Mill looked like, I never thought to include a link!  Here is a client’s wedding at The Foundry at Puritan Mill, shot at almost the the same time of day and year.

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

It’s finally out!   My new ad in the Atlanta Bride and Groom Planner is in the latest issue!  I picked up the latest copy at a luncheon last week by The Atlanta B&G Planner and Atlanta Occasions.  The lunch was at the  new Hotel Palomar, a luxury midtown hotel.  The Palomar would be a great place for a reception if your wedding was in Atlanta.  I will be adding Hotel Palomar to my referral list soon.

The image I used for the ad is one of my favorites.  The client was wanting more of a fashion look for her bridal portrait session on her wedding day, I’m so glad she did!  Her hair and makeup was perfect, and the wedding gown fit like a glove.  Best of all, she had fun with the session!  She went from pose to pose, smiling and laughing playing with being “model” for the day, we had a great time!  No matter the angle I photographed her from, she was so beautiful!  You can find more from her session in my “Portraits” gallery on the main site.

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer