Bethany and Garrett's Rock & Roll Wedding at 42 West

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Wedding at 43 West Entertainment

If you’re a Stevie Nicks super fan, like I am, you might have thought everything at Bethany and Garrett’s Wedding on September 1st — the concert tickets telling you where to sit; the VIP all access pass to the event; the signature guitar picks — led up to the moment when the Emerald Empire Band took the stage and the lead singer cut loose belting out the Fleetwood Mac classic “Dreams”:

Now here you go again
You say you want your freedom
Well, who am I to keep you down?

The wedding at 42 West was well underway by that point in time. The bride and groom had donned their wedding attire. Family had arrived early for posed photos, games and a flower arranging team project.

During cocktail hour guests had gathered for conversation, a jazz ensemble, and drinks — including their signature mocktail, a Moscow Mule.

Flower girls had given out roses to guests. Bethany and Garrett had walked down the aisle and professed their love for each other. They had danced with their parents and with each other. Speeches and toasts brought laughter and tears.

So what could top all of that and the Emerald Empire’s rendition of “Dreams”?

THE GROOM AND THEN THE BRIDE SINGING WITH THE BAND.

Yes, both of them sang their hearts out to broad smiles and loud applause.

And my second shooter, Tyrae, and I got to witness it all. Check out our photos below.

DAY-OF COORDINATOR-SYDNEY WOODS

VENUE-42 WEST ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

FLORAL/DÉCOR-42 WEST ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CATERING-MILES CATERING

CAKE-LUSH CAKERY

BAR-MARK BROWN, THE WINE SHOPPE

ENTERTAINMENT (BAND)-EMERALD EMPIRE BAND

PHOTOGRAPHY-C BROWN PHOTO

TRANSPORTATION-GREENE TRANSPORTATION

LODGING-THE BELLYARD HOTEL

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.

Marnye and Marc's Magnolia Hall Piedmont Park Wedding

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Interabled couple wedding at Piedmont Park

When the groom is one of the founders of a comedy improv theater, you better believe that wedding will be funny. And any bride who chooses to marry an improv master is bound to bring her own special sense of humor to the party

Marnye and Marc’s Magnolia Hall wedding was by far the funniest wedding I’ve ever attended. By far!

From the surprisingly cheeky officiant to the rip-roaringly hilarious toasts, this event was over the top delightful.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day.

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.

Emily and Sarah's Hotel Indigo Wedding in Athens

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Hotel Indigo Athens wedding photography

I’m so excited to share photos from Sarah and Emily’s Hotel Indigo wedding that took place in Athens, Georgia earlier this year.

Everything about the wedding was soooo much fun, from Sarah and Emily getting ready in the same suite with friends and family to them dancing with friends during the reception.

One of my favorite photos of the day was taken during the champagne toast. Another favorite was taken as Sarah was approaching Emily for the first look. Check out the expression on Emily’s face … priceless.

My protege’ and associate photographer took an awesome photo of Emily showing Sarah the car lining in her coat. He also created a video of their ceremony.

The highlight of their ceremony was the choir serenade that Emily organized as a surprise for Sarah. Boy was she surprised. :)

Gilly Francis and her crew made sure the day unfolded without a hitch. They were great to work with, as were the folks at the Hotel Indigo in Athens.

Click on a photo below to make it bigger. You’ll be happy you did. :)

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.

Lealinda and Nathaniel's First Baptist Church of Decatur Wedding

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Prayer warriors from Alabama to Georgia celebrated on Saturday when their prayers were answered in a small chapel in Decatur, Georgia. Lealinda and Nathaniel were united as husband and wife before a joyful crowd of friends and family.

Lealinda had been a bridesmaid in 28 weddings before stepping into the role of bride. So, it was not surprising that her bridal party included 16 bridesmaids.

Nathaniel showed up with a good sized crew of his own and then wowed the crowd with his sense of humor.

Tear of joy were shed by quite a few friends and family. Thankfully, the tears were spread out over the day and not shed by all at the same time. :)

Here are a few favorite photos from the day.

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.

WPJA's New Spotlight Awards

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The Wedding Photojournalists Association initiated a new award category this year called the Spotlight Awards.

During the early part of the year, before photographers have had time to shoot very many weddings, the WPJA asks for entries into the Spotlight Awards. Unlike the usual WPJA awards, where photos must be taken in the current year, the photos entered into the Spotlight Awards can come from any year.

I’m honored to have four photos from previous years chosen for the inaugural Spotlight Awards.

Check out more award-winning photos on the Wedding Photojournalist Assocation.

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.

Kelly and Frank's Galactic Glam Wedding at the Dekalb History Center

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Woah! I just found this blogpost sitting in my drafts folder. Sometimes life takes over and posts don’t get posted.

Well, now that I know, I must remedy the situation.

Kelly and Frank’s Galactic Glam wedding at the Dekalb History Center was over the top amazing. From the bride’s purple hair and rainbow umbrella to the band under the bandstand and the guest’s costumes, this wedding rocked.

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,

Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.

Sean and Snow's Orthodox Wedding at St. Elias Antiochan Orthodox Church

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Snow made it clear from the day we first spoke that the religious ceremony uniting she and Sean in holy matrimony would be the most important part of her wedding day. Father Gabriel, loyal to the past, brought solemnity to the ceremony, along with joy for the couple. Snow brought tears.

The rest of the day was full of laughter, but it could not overshadow the sacredness of the church wedding.

Congrats, Sean and Snow. Here’s to a life of wedded bliss blessed by God.

Church: St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church

Venue: Houston Mill House

Photos by Cindy Brown and Cory Henry

We photograph corporate events, and mitzvahs, too.

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.

Heather and John's Brewpub Wedding

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Heather and John tied the knot at The Lost Druid Brewery in Avondale Estates.

Before the ceremony Cory and I headed to the lake in Avondale for a few posed photos. I call Cory the king of posed couples photos. He loves taking them.

Here are a few favorites from the rest of the day.

Special note: Heather decided to share the amazing cupcakes from The Sweet Spot Bakery in Duluth. She saw photos and my recommendation on a blogpost about a wedding I photographed in the spring. See the blogpost from Anne and Trevor’s wedding for more info about these amazing cupcakes.

All photos by Cindy Brown and Cory Henry.

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.