Brittani + Greg: A Night at the Museum

"... Because I could watch you for a single minute and find a thousand things I love about you."

It's always exciting to capture someone I know personally. Who knew when Greg was a little boy that I would one be capturing his wedding! It's amazing how things work out. I am so blessed by the love that he and Britt share. It is truly patient and kind, honest and true just as it was intended to be. I wish you both a lifetime of smiles, good times, and love! Congratulations

Photography: The Sweetest Things Photography by Kima
Second Shooter: Kimberly Krush
Planner/Designer: Quian Pickett Huff of Prelude Events
Florals: Melanie Thomas-Carr of For Ella Florals
Chairs: Sweet Seats - Chiavari Chairs, Wedding Ceremony Chairs & Ghost Chairs
Lighting: Markeius Sanks
Cake: Ebonie Ashley Carzo of Scrumptious Cakery 
Place cards: Siobhan Hardy
Chairs: Sweet Seats - Chiavari Chairs, Wedding Ceremony Chairs

Jessica + Quinton

"I choose you, again and again. At the start and finish of every single day. No matter the season. No matter the year. I choose you to struggle and succeed with. To fight and make up with. To love and grow old with. I choose you. Knowing there are still trails we travel. Knowing there are mountains left to climb. I choose you to always be by my side. I choose you..."

I love the purity of the love between Jessica and Quinton. Her smile is infectious and I don't think I have seen a woman more excited to marry her Boaz! Congratulations you two! I'm looking so forward to you big day!

The Dancing Ladybug

"I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be, to inspire me and not to terrify me."

I can't begin to express how proud I am of my Ladybug! She had her first dance performance with her new dance company this weekend. She showed so much heart! Even though she may have been afraid she didn't let it deter her from dancing her heart out! She definitely left it all on the floor! It's amazing that she still continues to teach me lessons in bravery and strength!

Kim + Randy: Love at the Villa

 

"I always thought it would be difficult to find someone who would love me when I'm scattered into a thousand pieces. It's like trying to complete a puzzle when you don't know if you have all the right pieces. But then you showed me that every piece doesn't have to be in place to create something beautiful. That love can exist in the most unexpected people. You promised me that love would be just as beautiful, if you're in a thousand pieces or just one."

Often times we think that the love we find will be perfect. Little do we know that everything we go through grows us for the person we are meant to love. Love is patient, love is kind and it will find us at the exact time it's supposed to. Although we may not be perfect, we are all perfect for the person meant to love us. Congratulations to Randy and Kimberly Reynolds! Man it was hard choosing images to post! Such a beautiful couple with such a beautiful and resilient love! Many blessings you three!

Photography and Programs - The Sweetest Things Photography by Kima
Second Shooter - Shoccara Marcus
Coordinator - Niq Williams Events and Management
DJ - DJ Chip
Cake - Cakes by Lameeka
Floral Design - Utopian Events

Dr. Ann Hardman

“She dances to songs in her head, speaks with the rhythm of her heart, and loves from the depths to of her soul. “ When I met Dr. Hardman I felt as though she had the most amazing spirit. That feeling only intensified with each encounter. We truly never know the date or time. Pull your loved ones close and never let go. Your smile, your guidance and love will be truly missed. My sincere condolences to the Hardman family.

Little Miss Madi

“God knew my heart needed you”... I’m blessed to capture the sweetest of little ones. I was truly blessed to meet this sweet little soul. The blessing is that she has been adopted by the most loving and kind new mommy. Black children are least adopted of all ethnicities. They make up only 9% of total adoptions and are over represented among children in foster care and those living with relatives. It is especially sweet know that God made this sweet soul knowing she would have someone to love and care for her. My heart is warm and soul is filled with joy. The best of wishes to you both mom and baby..

Love is... Yvette & Robert

"Love is a meeting of two souls, fully accepting the dark and the light within each other, bound by the courage to grow through struggle into bliss... Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails."

The theme last night was Love and it was evident in every detail, and every word spoken. Wow is all I can say about Yvette and Robert's wedding last night. The fabulous decor, the attire, the love between the couple, all were amazing! 

Cooordinator - Designs By Annette Ernest Director and Florist - Decor R & D Creations Karen NeSmith
Table number - Siobhan Hardy Hardy DLG Invitations and more
Photography - Kima Sheppard Goldenard Golden - The Sweetest Thing photography by Kima
Second Shooter - Sheronda 'Pot' Sanders

Taiasha + Cleveland: Forever Love

I don't know how it is you are so familiar to me - or why it feels less like I am getting to know you and more as though I am remembering who you are. How every smile, brings me closer to the impossible conclusion that I my heart has loved you before. You are my true and forever love.

Congratulations to Rashid and Cleveland on their recent nuptials! I laughed. I cried. I rejoiced in their forever love! Many blessings to you both!!

Bride's cake - Tanya G Williams at Midtown Cakes
Groom's Cake - Shatia Mahone
Wedding Decor and Coordination - First Klass Designs and Decor
Flowers - Lisa Alexander
Video Robert Edmonds
Photography - The Sweetest Things Photography by Kima
Second Shooter - Sheronda 'Pot' Sanders
Bride and Bridesmaid Dresses - David's Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen Tux - Men's Warehouse
Music - DJ Truz
Venue Columbus, Georgia Convention & Trade Center
Hair - Norma Allen
Makeup - Alicia Mua Cooper

Tanesia + Larry: The Promise

"I see these vows not as promises but as privileges: I get to laugh with you and cry with you; care for you and share with you. I get to run with you and walk with you; build with you and live with you. I promise faithfulness and patience, respect and lightheartedness, attentiveness and self-improvement. I will celebrate your triumphs, and love you all the days of your life."

As my friend said, "Who knew you could get married at the Springer Opera House." It was a fabulous backdrop to honor the bride who hails from New Orleans. Tannie and Larry are such a sweet and divine couple! Young love can often time be so sweet! I wish them many blessed days of love... Congratulations you two!

Wedding Coordinator - Kathy Willson
Wedding Decor Designer - Wintara Harris (that chair though!)
DJ - DJ Fresh
Candy Table - Blackshears Berries
Photography - The Sweetest Things Photography by Kima
Second Shooter - Sheronda 'Pot' Sanders
Videographer - Robert Edmonds
Cake - The Cake Lady Melisa Papenfuss
Hair - Victoria Griggs
Makeup - Nichele Hardge
Bride's Dress Anya Boutique

Randy + Kim: Love at the Villa

"I always thought it would be difficult to find someone who will love me when I'm scattered into a thousand pieces. It's like trying to complete a puzzle when you don't know if you have all the right pieces. But then you showed me that every piece doesn't have to be in place to create something beautiful. That love can exist in the most unsuspecting people. You promised me that love will be just as beautiful, if you're in a thousand pieces or just one."

Often times we think that the love we find will be perfect. Little do we know that everything we go through grows us for the person we are meant to love. Although we may not be perfect, we are all perfect for the person meant to love us. Congratulations to Randy and Kimberly Reynolds! Man it was hard choosing images to post! Such a beautiful couple with such a beautiful and resilient love! Many blessings you three!

Photography and Programs - The Sweetest Things Photography by Kima

Second Shooter - Shoccara Marcus

Coordinator - Niq Williams Events and Management

DJ - DJ Chip

Cake - Cakes by Lameeka

Floral Design - Utopian Events

Chanda & Mario: My Forever Love

"In your eyes i have found my home. In your heart i have found my love. In your soul I have found my mate. With you I am whole. Full. Alive. You make me laugh. You let me cry. You are my breath my every heartbeat. I am yours. And you are mine. Forever..."

Chanda and Mario are such a beautiful couple both inside and out. Finding love is always a wonderful thing. It's so much sweeter when you find it in a friend. Best wishes and many blessings you two!

Jeremy & Shanet: Authentic Love

"Authentic love is not a matter of what happens in your life. It's a matter of what happens in your heart. Love is felt in the Heart, & driven by the Soul. Love is felt most when it's genuine. You don't have to pretend to be anyone or anything. It allows you to find a heart that will love you at your worst and arms that will hold you at your weakest. It lets the person you love see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, beautiful, magical person that you are."

Each time a capture and bride and groom like Jeremy and Shanet, I fall more in love with love and all its possibilities. Just when I think I couldn’t love another couple as much as the last one, here comes another one. It shows the authenticity of love and all the beauty it holds.

A Girl's Dance Life

"Believe in the fairies who make dreams come true. Believe in wonder, the stars and the moon. Believe in the magic, from fairies above. The dance on the flowers, and sing songs of love, and if you just believe, and always stay true. The fairies will be there, to watch over you!"

Earlier this year I told God I wanted to capture images of ballerinas. He answers prayers. When my friend (of 35+ years) asked me to capture her daughter I was elated. It's amazing how her daughter embodies her mother's spirit, and yet exudes such a beautiful spirit of her own.

Cielo + David Sneak Peek

"I love you for all that you have been and all that you are yet to be." When I met with Cece for the first time I was excited to see that David was her fiance. I've known David for as long as I can remember. I remember thinking of how perfect they seemed for each other. She brings a calm and peace to his life. He is her strength and stability. And the love they bring to each other is the most beautiful part. It was a honor to capture their wedding and to be a part of their very special day.

Wedding venue: Columbus Convention & Trade Center
Wedding Planner: Annette Ernest
DJ: Djmaurice Bell
Wedding Programs: Siobhan Hardy
Videography: Kareem Moore
Makeup: Sumika Phillips-Wilson

Shanet & Jeremy: Celebrating Love in the City

HOT does not even begin to describe the E-session with Shanet and Jeremy both literally and figuratively!  The 100 degree only added to the intensity of the session. This was my second E-session with them and they did not disappoint. Their chemistry and love leap off the screen.  I hope you enjoy their session as much as I did. I can't wait until the wedding! Best wishes and many blessings you two! 

"Tell me the things you want me to do to you."

"Be with someone that will take care of you. Not materialistically, but take care of your soul, your well being, your heart, and everything that's you."

"Thank you for reminding me what butterflies feel like."

Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. Love still stands when all else has fallen."

Preparing for Your Engagement Shoot

When you’re prepping for your engagement session, there are a few things to keep in mind. This is supposed to be FUN! This is the shoot with no pressure. On the wedding day we’ll be crunched for time, your dress won’t be able to get dirty and there won’t be time to chat and get to know one another.  Your engagement session is your chance to get to know me, get comfortable with how I work and have FUN in front of the camera. Now don’t get me wrong, your wedding day will be a BLAST! But it’s so helpful to have a great engagement session before the big day so that you know what to expect! My couples that have an engagement session are PROS by the wedding day and it shows!

After you book with your photographer, whether it’s me or someone else, you’ll need to start thinking about when you want your engagement session to be done. Some couples prefer to have their portraits done in the season opposite of the season of their wedding. So if you’re having a spring wedding, it may be nice to have a fall engagement session. Now, you also have to take your photographer’s availability into consideration. We book sessions about 2 months in advance and we only shoot engagements on weekday evenings. This will vary with every photographer and every season.

Ok, so here are some steps to take to make sure that you’re 100% prepared for your engagement session! :

1. Outfits : Most couples have two outfits, one casual and one that is dressier. The BEST advice I can give about outfit selection would be to try to COORDINATE instead of matching. Try to stay away from really tiny patterns, they won’t show up in your images.  Also, bold jewelry, scarves, and colored shoes photograph really well! Make sure you look like YOU and feel comfortable!

2. Preparing your Groom: This is the part that all of you brides need to pay attention to! You know your groom better than anyone else and so only you can help prepare him for this shoot. If your fiance’ is completely unaware of this style of photography, he is going to think it’s really strange when I tell you two to “Nuzzle” or get “Nose to nose”.  He’s expecting a few pictures smiling at the camera, showing off the ring and that’s it! So it’s your job to explain to him why you love this style of photography and help him know what to expect! I suggest sitting down with him and showing him 3 of your favorite engagement sessions that I’ve shot to give him an idea of what he’s about to experience! :)

3. Relax & Trust Your Photographer : As you’re preparing for your engagement session,  remember that your photographer doesn’t expect you to be a pro at this. I work with normal, everyday couples ALL the time. I hardly ever work with models! I can’t speak for all photographers but I tell my couples that it takes a good 20 minutes to warm up at the beginning of their shoot. So relax and don’t be nervous! You’re going to be great at this! Trust your photographer, allow them to be creative and you’ll have an amazing shoot!

4. Be on Time: This is really important. What most couples don’t realize is that natural light photographers are 100% dependent on the sun and if their couples show up late, they will lose that amount of time during their session due to the lack of light. Now I realize that things happen beyond out control like massive amounts of traffic and accidents.  If at all possible, try to be on time so that you don’t lose any of your shooting time and pretty sunlight!

5. Location and Time: The best time to shoot any portraits is normally 2 hours after sunrise or 2 hours before sunset. This rule of thumb can be applied to any time of the year. When it comes to picking the location for your portraits, I love shooting engagements in locations that mean something to my clients! I understand that this isn’t always possible but I like to throw it out there just in case!

6. Hair, Makeup & Ring Cleaner: Some brides opt to have their makeup trial done right before their engagement session so that they can see what their makeup will look like in pictures before the wedding day! I highly recommend this! It’s always fun when a bride gets her hair and makeup done for her shoot! If you want to do your own makeup, make sure you apply your eye makeup a little heavier than normal for your pictures. Last but not least, I will be taking a ring shot! So if your diamond could use a little cleaning, that would make it really SHINE!

I hope those tips were helpful! And now, just because it’s super fun to look at, here are some of my amazing couples showing off their posing skills during both their engagement session and their wedding day!!

Venita & Steven: Villa Christina