Last year, I photographed my way across San Francisco with a newly engaged couple of adventurers who, after an afternoon of unforgettable photos and my crash-course introduction to Persian cuisine, I am thrilled to call friends. This year, I had the pleasure of capturing their wedding day. From the very beginning, Danielle has filled a special place in my heart. Both her and her family’s positivity and infinite energy make every moment we spend together absolutely unforgettable. Danielle has become one of my biggest work cheerleaders. I can’t even begin to count the number of times her encouragement has motivated me to keep tackling the toughest parts of running my own business. Not to be outdone, Craig’s up-for-anything attitude has made for some incredible memories! I feel like I have just as many photos of Craig upside down as rightside up..  as well as photos of  Craig getting thrown into the air by his groomsmen, in a Star Wars-inspired force-chokehold, etc.

Although these two spent three years of their relationship both traveling and living around the world, Danielle and Craig decided to tie the knot in Atlanta, where Danielle’s parents live. Their Atlanta History Center wedding was filled with many unique touches, from Danielle’s stunning jeweled headband to the hilarious Star Wars groom’s cake. Ohh, the cakes. There were so. Many. Cakes! One of my favorite reception memories was watching Danielle insist on having a full slice of EVERY cake there!!

Thanks to Danielle and Craig’s planning efforts, our “getting ready” time in the morning was effortlessly stress-free. I loved the mismatched feel of the bridesmaids dresses, and how each girl’s distinctive personality was reflected in the dress style that she chose. With a single, long-stemmed rose in one hand and a sparkly clutch (gifted from the bride!) in the other, Danielle’s bridesmaids were the epitome of practical style. The best pre-ceremony moment came when the bride and groom exchanged gifts. Danielle got her husband-to-be a magnificent watch that perfectly complimented his navy suit and brown shoes, and Craig gifted his bride a print of the starry sky as it looked on the night they first met in Puerto Rico!

After the beautiful ceremony, the party kicked into high gear, and the guests flooded the reception dance floor. The combination of dining tables and lounge seating made for an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere that fit the couple perfectly, and have I mentioned the cakes on cakes on cakes? Between the jaw-dropping geode crystal wedding cake, multiple guest cakes, and dessert bar offerings galore, I can guarantee that each and every guest left the party with their sweet tooth satisfied. The parents’ dances were filled with tears and laughter, and because the bride is half Jewish, the reception simply would not have been complete without dancing the hora! As the bride and groom were hoisted into the air, I laughed and cheered alongside the wedding guests, filled with joy to see my stunningly beautiful friend so happy on the best day of her life.

Check out a few of my favorite photos from this magical Atlanta History Center wedding below!

Planning + Coordination: Terry Saxe Events | Assistant Photographer: Natalie Rebecca Jackson | Film Processing: Photovision | Hair + Makeup: The Moore Agency | Floral Design: Flowers by Yona | Rings: Reis-Nichols Jewelers | Suiting: Ted Baker | Dress Boutique: Marie Gabriel Couture | Dress Designer: Calla Blanche | Getting Ready Venue: The Westin Buckhead | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Atlanta History Center | Officiant: Rabbi Lebow | Catering: Affairs to Remember | DJ: Radial Entertainment | Band: The Rupert’s Orchestra | Audio + Visual: Magnum Co | Rentals: Peachtree Tents and Events and Collection Events Rentals | Videography: JP Framework | Photobooth: Robot Booth | Transportation: Atlantic Limo