Relax and Enjoy the Wedding of Two Baptist Ministers

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Lauren and Melanie Leave the Reception through a Flurry of Bubbles

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like for a wedding photographer to attend a wedding without taking photos, here’s what it was like for me.

Excrutiating!

During the ceremony, I sat with my hands wrapped around one knee while I watched two of the most delightful brides smiling and waving and just being wonderfully joyful together. I saw so many amazing photos that I could’ve taken. My feeling of distress was exacerbated by the fact that one of the brides was the MOST expressive bride I have ever witnessed.

The couple walked into the ceremony together, both beaming. The most expressive one waving and laughing all the way down the aisle. She continued to laugh and wave for an additional five minutes or so after she reached the altar. So many amazing photos … hands on my knees, camera in my bag.

Argh!

I was asked to take photos of the reception, which you see below.

A wave of relief swept over me. I picked up my camera and made plans for what I knew would be the last display of overwhelming joy … the bubble exit. Because I was not the official photographer, I chose a place in the crowd of bubble blowers. I crouched down and waited for the joyful couple to pass by.

Utter joy!

lesbian cake cutting
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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.