Best of 2022: Ceremony

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Here are a few favorite wedding ceremony photos from this past year.

Enjoy!

Photos above from:

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur, Georgia

Backyard Garden Wedding in John’s Creek, Georgia

Family Home Wedding in Auburn, Georgia

North Georgia Winery Wedding in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Spyglass Lodge Wedding in Blue Ridge, Georgia

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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.

Arabia Mountain Engagement Session

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arabia mountain engagement

Susana and Durrey share a kiss on top of Arabia Mountain

Pretty much everybody in Georgia and a great many folks around the world know all about Stone Mountain, the largest piece of exposed granite in the world.

Not nearly as many know the granite mountain has two sisters, Arabia and Panola Mountains. They aren’t as large, but they are impressive, nonetheless.

So needless to say, I was excited when Susana and Durreyl chose Arabia Mountain as the location for their engagement session. The granite monadnock, one of three sisters on the east side of Atlanta, is one of my favorite places to hike.

What a great location for a couples portrait session. Here are few favorites from that afternoon.

Arabia Mountain engagement
Arabia Mountain Engagement Photographers
Arabia Mountain engagement
Arabia Mountain engagement
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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.

Best of 2022: Getting Ready

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Ever wondered why you’d want getting ready photos from your wedding day.

Here are a few favorites from 2022 that answer that question.

Bridesmaids clapping while bride puts on dress
Bridesmaid getting makeup done
Groom putting on tie
Bride seeing herself in her dress
Bridesmaid watching bride having makeup put on.
Groom laughing with groomsmen
Bridesmaids peaking in to see the bride
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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.

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.

Nick and Danielle's Shrimp-Themed Garden Party Wedding

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Nick’s shrimp boutineer

A shrimp-themed wedding?

You may wonder “Why?.”

Why would anyone choose shrimp as their wedding theme?

Shrimp themed wedding

shrimp bouquets

Wedding with shrimp theme

Well, here’s the love story behind the theme.

Nick and Danielle saw each other from across the bar at Little Trouble on Atlanta’s Westside. She noticed the tattoo of a shrimp on his arm and walked over to comment on it.

“I told him that shrimp are the cockroaches of the sea” Danielle says. He replied “I know.”

According to Danille, the two “pretty much just fell in love after that.”

 Shrimp, a theme throughout their relationship, became a theme for their wedding, naturally.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from their wedding

Bride getting hair done before wedding
Bridesmaids checking phones
Bridesmaid watches while bride gets makeup
Bride with makeup brush reflected in chandalier
Groom hanging out with his groomen before wedding

photo by cory henry.

Bride laughs after trying to jump in unison with her bridesmaids

danielle laughs after she and her bridesmaid tried to jump at the same time.

Bride laughing with friends and family
Bride putting on her dress
wedding ring detail shot

photo by Cory henry

Wedding dress detail
Groom reacts when he sees the shrimp boutineer his bride is about to put on him.

nick reacts upon seeing his shrimp boutineer for the first time.

presentation of the shrimp boutineer

Shrimp boutineer

Can you believe this?

Bridesmaid with shrimp bouquet

Bridesmaid (with shrimp bouquet) and groomsman.

The ring bearer rides down the aisle in a toy car.

The ring bearer.

Groom reacts to bride coming down the aisle
Bride reading vows
Groom reads his vows
Yes. I wrote that in my vows, too. Really !

Nick points out a part in his vows that danielle had included in hers. She thought he added at the last minute.

The bride can't believe both wrote about the same bizarre thing in their vows.

shrimp boutineer front and center.

Bride laughs with a friend.
Couple eating shrimp

OF course, the menu of the day included shrimp cocktail.

Couples first dance

First dance.

Couple dancing at wedding.
Bride smashes cake in groom's face

Cake in the face!

Glass shrimp

Yes, another shrimp. This one is blown glass.

The exit kiss under the light of sparklers

Morning glory sparkler exit.

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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.

Delaney and Lauren's Cascade Heights Backyard Wedding

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On a pleasant Saturday afternoon in October, Delaney and Lauren celebrated their marriage with two ceremonies.

Seeing Delaney in her dress for the first time as she walked down the aisle was important to Lauren. And taking posed portraits early in the day before guests arrived was also a priority.

The solution: an early ceremony for family, followed by a posed portrait session, and then a larger ceremony with family and friends, followed by food, drink and fun.

Couple olding hands around a corner before ceremony

Delaney and Lauren touch base before their first ceremony.

LGBTQ Wedding Photographers

Lauren sees Delaney in her dress for the first time.

lesbian wedding photograph

Lauren and her Mom share a moment during the later ceremony.

wedding rings photo by Cory Henry

The rings … as unique as the couple.

Married … two times over.

The posed portrait session.

The first dance on the driveway beside their home.

Mother daughter dance

First dances with Moms.

Guests at a wedding

A portrait with all the guests.

wedding cake
Cat wedding toppers
Couple reacts to a toast

A reaction to a toast.

LGBT Wedding Photographer in Atlanta

Lauren ready to play her bass with Delaney’s Dad.

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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.

2022 Q2 and Q3 WPJA Award Winners

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Always honored when I find out I’ve won a Wedding Photojournalist Award.

Thanks to the couples who trusted me to photograph their weddings.

The bride’s sister responds after catching the bouquet.

Trinity Episcopal Wedding

Big sister admonishes her little sister before they walk down the aisle together.

Mountain Winery Wedding

The officiant celebrates after pronouncing Patrick and Vincent legally wed.

Trinity Episcopal Wedding

The best man gives the groom a bit of advice before he walks down the aisle.

/ / Comment

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.

Renee and Jeffrey's Daytime Wedding at The Retreat at Hiawassee River

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Some of you might think a daytime wedding to be a naturally tame event.

Well, you need to think again!

Renee and Jeffrey’s midday wedding at The Retreat at Hiawassee River in North Georgia was anything but tame, partly because the bride’s energy was off the charts from start to finish. But, mostly because the wedding guests came ready to celebrate.

Friends and family alike shared the excitement of the day with smiles and hugs, cheers and laughter. A few of the older guests had to take a break, but managed to hit the dance floor with gusto later in the afternoon.

A whisky tasting bar gave everyone the opportunity to sample from several bottles of the potent beverage. After a barbeque meal and a few samples, any reluctance to dance and sing went by the wayside. Young and old alike twisted and shimmied, crooned and shouted, line danced and congaed.

After a bouquet toss (caught by the bride’s sister), the wedding concluded with a bubble exit in front of a rustic barn.

Wedding at the Retreat at the Hiawassee River
Retreat at the Hiawassee River Wedding
Wedding at the Retreat at the Hiawassee River
Hiawassee Georgia Wedding
Rest before the wedding at The Retreat
Bride resting in a cabin at The Retreat on the Hiawassee River
Groom waiting to walk down the aisle
Planner holes up blanket to hide bride as she walks to the outdoor ceremony location
Bride's Mom and brother come down the aisle before the ceremony.
North Georgia Wedding
Hiawassee, Georgia Wedding
Guests cheer as couple is married.
Towns County Georgia Wedding Photographer
The Retreat at the Hiawassee River in North Georgia
Wedding at the Retreat at the Hiawassee River
Bride leads her new hubby by the tie.
Bride's mom sings along.
Groom and guest enjoy the whisky tasting bar.
Bride singing at North Georgia Wedding
Bouquet Toss at The Retreat at the Hiawassee River
Sister of the bride reacts after catching the bouquet.
Grabbing for a vial of bubbles.
Bubble exit at North Georgia Wedding
/ / Comment

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.