Way Down Film Festival | Springer Opera House | Columbus, GA

Way Down Film Festival 2018

If you haven’t been to the Way Down Film Festival at the Springer Opera House in Columbus, GA then you’re truly missing out. This is the 3rd year that the film festival has been a part of the community. This is where filmmakers mingle with film lovers and artists of all kinds to showcase their short films.

The film festival takes place at these Springer Opera House in Columbus, Georgia one of the oldest theaters in the state. The theater itself is so beautiful and ornate it is truly a work of art. It’s the perfect backdrop to this unique festival.

And with the film industry in Georgia booming this festival is sure to continue for many years to come. Founders Jacey Jenkins, Stacy Cunningham and Cora King have done a tremendous amount of work bringing this festival to our city.

This is something so different for our community and it’s so important that people come out and support it so we can to continue growing and doing important events like this for our community’s future.

I was only able to attend the Friday screenings, but I was not disappointed. The quality of films that were shown made me laugh, cry and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to be a part of the event next year.

It’s fascinating how these storytellers can capture you entirely in movie that is less than 20 minutes long. These pros can tell such a engulfing story full of emotions that leaves the audience with lasting impressions.

Please enjoy these photos from the Way Down Film Festival 2018 and be sure to check out the full gallery at this here.

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When in Maui…| Boudoir | Kihei, Hawaii

I was inspired to share some photos from my Maui trip where a fellow #boudiebabe and I photographed each other in Kihei, HI.

We were in the same boudoir course and discovered that we both happened to be in Maui at the same time. So duh, we photographed each others boudoir sessions early one morning in paradise.

Enjoy!

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Eboni + Melvin | National Infantry Museum | Columbus, GA

Eboni and Melvin shared a beautiful and FUN wedding ceremony at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia. I loved every minute of being a part of this wedding.

I met these two last fall when I photographed their engagement session at a record store called Moods Music in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta. We chose that location because these two love Atlanta, they live in Atlanta and they shared their first date at this record store. They both love of music and bonded over discovering new artists.

Eboni’s vintage wedding vision came to life with every detail of the wedding day. From her beautiful dress, her hair style, the lush red roses and to the vintage Rolls Royce that whisked the couple away to their honeymoon.

I love photographing weddings at the National Infantry Museum, because the building looks is so symmetrical and makes a beautiful upscale wedding location.

The bride and her bridesmaids prepped for the big day as well as Melvin and his groomsmen. The ladies chatted and sipped champagne while the guys hung out and drank sips of whisky. Bride and groom both appear fairly calm and collected as they put themselves together for the best day ever.

Photographing each of the groups was easy peasy, because the wedding party looked like they stepped out of a magazine. The bridesmaid’s makeup was immaculate and they wore the most beautiful shade of purple dresses. They guys looked handsome in their grey suits and with matching purple accents.

The time came for the wedding ceremony. Guests gathered into their seats just inside the front doors of the museum. Melvin entered and walked just a few steps behind the pastor. He patiently waited for the bridal party to enter. A nervous smile spread across his face as Eboni appeared just outside the museum doors. The doors opened and light filled in as the bride stepped in to make her way down the aisle. She stopped mid aisle to let her father escort her the rest of the way to her groom.

These two shared their vows to love and cherish one another. It was a classic and beautiful ceremony. After the first kiss the pastor pronounced them husband and wife! Let me tell you that first reaction in their faces was EVERYTHING. These two make me so happy. They made their way back down the aisle exchanging blessings and congrats from their guests along the way.

After, the photo portion was finished it was time to kick off the reception. DJ03 had the party going all night and no one really stopped dancing. Eboni and Melvin entered from the glass elevator that lead them down to the first floor. They came in dancing and didn’t really stop until the night was over. They danced for the first time as newly weds to Who Knows by Musiq Soulchild.

There were a couple of special traditions from Melvin’s fraternity brothers, his father included, that added a personal touch to the celebrations. One of the traditions, is for the newly weds to sit in the middle of a circle while the fraternity brothers serenade the new couple. It was super cool tradish that was something I had not yet seen at a wedding.

The rest of the night was filled with partying and taking turns in the photobooth. I think all the guests had a blast. The wedding was carefully planned and was executed perfectly.

As the evening headed to a close, the couple was whisked away through a pathway of sparklers into a vintage white Rolls Royce where the honeymoon began.

Please enjoy looking through these highlights of The Matthews wedding celebration.

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The Vendors:

Venue: The National Infantry Museum

Dress: Carrie’s Bridal

Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal

Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse

Coordinators: Lauren Chambers

DJ: DJ O3 Olly Hall 5270132@gmail.com

Florist: Bloomswoods

Makeup Artist: Shon Sanks shonsanks@gmail.com

Hair: Petal Jolie Salon

Cake: Chari Pitts How Sweet It Is