wedding photography – Jess Jones Photos Blog

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.

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

Ryan + Caroline | The Woodlands at Sweetwater Brewing Co. | Buckhead, GA

Before the special wedding celebration at the sweetwater brewing company in Buckhead, caroline and Ryan met at CSU.

I remember the night at the Tap when she squealed because Ryan had walked into the bar with his friends. She had had a crush on him for awhile. We were hanging out after a shift together at Houlihans. This must have been before her nursing program, because she was actually out with us to have fun. 😉

Caroline and I became good friends while at Houlihans during our restaurant days. We’ve had some fun times together. We’ve listened to music together in the hot Tennessee sun at Bonnaroo. We’ve ruined through all her dresses too find the most flapper-esque styles, so we could have a 20s themed photoshoot with our other friend Gaby. We traveled to Cozumel where we went scuba diving and kissed tiny baby monkeys (which was probably a bad idea, but we survived).

Since then she’s become this incredibly determined and driven woman. She knows what she wants and shes not going to let anyone get in her way of her plans…except Ryan. 😉

Ryan and Caroline seem to have one of those relationships that makes it easy to love one another.

They lift each other up.

They cheer on the others accomplishments. They inspire one another.

I’m so happy that my friend has found that in Ryan. They are both beautiful and genuine people and their wedding day was nothing short of authentic.

The ceremony was held at the Sweetwater Brewing Company in Buckhead.

But let’s rewind a bit to the time I arrived at the wedding an hour early. I was feeling good ready for the day. Found a great parking spot. Paid for said parking spot. Only to walk into the lobby to discover there was more than one ac hotel in the atlanta area and I was NOT at the correct one…CUE THE PANIC!

Luckily, my second shooter, Jason and I, made it to the correct hotel with enough time to get all the shots we needed! Phew! But let me tell you that no wedding ever goes without some sort of panic, but it always works out in the end.

Fast forward to the ceremony. Ryan and his groomsmen were hanging out in the upstairs area of the brewery. Beers in hand. This was an amazing place for a wedding. There was a stack of sweetwater cans on the counter that were stacked like a three tiered wedding cake.

The girls were in a empty room with amazing light on the other side of the bar. They were busy helping Caroline get into her stunning dress. Her mother held her veil and helped fasten her dress. I mean, it would hard to find a more beautiful bride than Caroline.

She shared a first look with her dad who is a pretty quiet man, but full of love and pride for his daughter. She read him a sweet letter before he walked her down the aisle.

While I was going back through these photos after the wedding, I got so emotional thinking about all the authentic moments of joy that were shared throughout the day between friends, family and especially between Ryan and Caroline. I’m getting emotional now thinking back on them! The photos were beautiful but there’s an authentic emotion that was captured in them that brings me so much joy.

The ceremony was unique. They music they played was amazing. The grooms brother, Gerald, officiated the ceremony. He did a great job. He made people laughed and shared Gods word. The special part of the ceremony was where they washed each others feet. The River played during this portion and couldn’t have been a more perfect song choice. It’s a beautiful and powerful song.

The newlyweds shared their “I dos”.

I took the couple out to take their portraits before they could go in and party. They were enjoying the moment of calm in all the craziness that was about the the reception.

The wedding party lined up to enter the reception. The crowd cheered and clapped as each member was announced into the party. Last, but def not least, The Branches entered the reception. They jumped right into their first dance to a Work S

ong by one of my favorite bands, Hozier.

Instead of a cake, they had their own beer brewed by sweetwater. They tapped the keg instead of cutting the cake which was so awesome! Future reference: Stand back when kegs are being tapped!

The rest of the night was where everyone could party and let loose! This was a dancing crowd and they were awesome. Looked like everyone was really having a blast! Even the photographers. 😂

The night was coming to a close and like many couples these two had to run through a corridor of friends and family holding sparklers to bring the night to a close. This is always such a fun moment to capture. Caroline and Ryan’s exit was no different they left their wedding on cloud 9 and were whisked anyway to their honeymoon in Columbia.

I was so thrilled and honored to photograph this wedding. Happy to call these two friends. I know you guys will be just fine. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!

Check out the photos from The Branch’s day!

The Vendors:

Venue: The Woodlands at Sweetwater

Hotel: AC Hotels

Dress: Long story…

Bridesmaid dresses: Shop Revelry

Tuxes: Black Tux

Coordinators: Stella Harper Events [Erin Stapleton]

DJ: DJ Byrd Dillonb33@yahoo.com

Florist: Stems Atlanta

Hair and makeup: Candace Davis icon_stylist2012@yahoo.com

Videographer: Rusticus Films

Katelyn + Caleb | Mountain Shadows | Hamiton, GA

Katelyn and Caleb shared a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Mountain Shadows Community Church in Hamilton, GA. It was a gorgeous forest theme. The church grounds are already beautiful, but Katelyn added her special touches to make it one-of-a-kind. The Georgia weather was pleasantly mild and the sun was shining! It was the perfect Saturday.

I’ve known this family for 12 years and I love them so much! Katelyn is such a gorgeous young woman and I’ve the opportunity to watch her transform into the stunning woman that she is today. Photographing this wedding was very special to me. My last photo memory of Katelyn was when I photographed her senior portraits. She wanted a Lana Del Ray theme and we totally pulled it off. I don’t often photograph senior portraits, but those were some that I’ll never forget!

Katelyn and her bridemaids prepped and applied their make up as I arrived. Mac Steedly was busy working away with the girls hair. He did an amazing job with the flower crowns. The bridesmaids wore a gorgeous shade of lavender and they all had flowers in their hair. Katelyn wore a beautiful flower crown made of eucalyptus and white flowers. The girls had a blast sharing laughs and tears that morning. Katelyn was definitely surrounded by all the love!

Caleb and his groommen were prepping for some special photos of their own. They’re all pokemon lovers, so they each wore their favorite pokemon shirt under their suits to pose for a photo. Caleb looked handsome in his Gentry Shops suit and bowtie.

Katelyn’s dress was gorgeous and was MADE FOR HER. It oozed fairy tail forest wedding. Wasn’t super over the top, but its was lovely and she looked gorgeous. Everytime I look at the photos of Katelyn, I’m like #FLAWLESS.

After she was all dressed and ready for the ceremony, Katelyn shared an awesome first look with her dad and brother. Who were about equal in their enthusiasm. Runs in the fam fo sure!

The ceremony was lovely, the beautiful decor was provided WM Events. Lana del Rey was playing over the speakers as the guests arrived and took their seats. Caleb waited eagerly to see his bride for the first time as she made her way down the aisle. The couple shared a sweet marriage ceremony surround by their closest family and friends. Officiated by Don Butler.

The reception was getting started. Kately and Caleb entered and hopped right into their romantic first dance to Ed Sheeran’s Tenerife Sea. These two are such a sweet and fun loving couple. They seemed to enjoy every minute of their day.

The father of the bride, Jesse, couldn’t let Caleb one up him while dancing with his daughter, so Katelyn and her dad showed everyone their dance skills and boy was it awesome! They started out in a sweet and typical wedding waltz, but then quickly shifted to an AWESOME choreogrphed number to a medly of fun party songs! Check out the video of the whole dance here. That dance set the tone and everyone was out of their seat and on the dance floor! The DJ, George Cotton, did an awesome job getting the party started and demoing the dance moves!

When the time came for the ceremony to wind down the newlyweds were whisked away for their honeymoon through a sea of sparklers! Always a favorite shot for me!

I loved being a part of this special wedding! It was such a blast. I’m wishing Caleb and Katelyn and happy, fun filled, and long lasting marriage! And a fun time in their new state, Texas!

Check out these highlights from Katelyn and Caleb’s day!

The Fab Vendors:
Venue: Mountain Shadows Community Church
Coordinator: Linda Butler
Minister- Don Butler
Event Design: Leigh Clemmings with WM Events
Hair Styling: Mac Steedly
Make up: The Bride!
Dress: An Affair to Remember
Bridesmaids dresses: An Affair To Remember
Tuxes: Gentry Shops Formalwear
Cake: Columbus Corner Bakery
Florist: Sarah with WM Events
DJ: George Cotton

Lance + Kristi | Flint River home | Thomaston, GA

Kristi and Lance shared a fairy tale wedding at a secluded home of a family friend along the Flint River in Thomaston, GA. It was one of those places deep in the Georgia woods where you’re not sure if you’re at the right place. The wood cabin was nestled in the trees on the bank of the Flint River.

The yard was beautifully decorated with big light strands that criss crossed over the farm house style tables that were decorated with beautiful green garland and long wooden candle holders. The decor created the perfect forest wedding vibe.

The bride, her mother, sister and daughter, Talley and friend Dayna were upstairs getting their hair and make-up ready for the day. Family and friends gathered at the home helping with final prepping of food and finishing touches on the ceremony area.

Lance, his father, and Lance’s two sons, Rhett and Wyatt, were getting dressed down stairs. Lance and his dad helped the boys get their little suits and ties on. And upstairs, Lance showed me a couple of his best tips for fabulous wedding day hair. I believe the key is “low and slow” ie. Low heat, slow power. I could be wrong. Ask Lance. He has great hair.

The first look was approaching. I took the groom out to the river bank to wait for his bride to come down. I could see his nervous excitement waiting to see Kristi for the first time in her beautiful lace wedding gown. Kristi walked down the hill towards Lance who was facing the river. She tapped him on the shoulder and the look on their faces was pure joy. It was so sweet to see how happy they make each other.

Then the fire ants happened! We had a little WTF moment when Kristi had stepped into some ants. But her groom helped her dust them off and no brides were harmed during the photoshoot. We continued to take the rest of their wedding portraits as the rain clouds started rolling in. We all sprinted back up to the house at the first sign of rain drops.

It was still raining as guests were arriving. The bride was visibly bummed. I was so hoping the rain would let up in time for the ceremony. Miraculously, about ten minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start, the clouds started parting. This is not the first time this has happened at a wedding I’ve photographed, and it always seems like a miracle to me. It gives me chills thinking about the perfect timing and the perfect lighting that followed.

There was still fog hanging in the air throughout the trees. When the clouds parted this amazing warm glow enveloped the ceremony. Lance walked down the aisle with Rhett and Wyatt in each hand. The flower girl, Talley, left a trail of petals for her mother. They all waited for the beautiful bride to make her way down to the ceremony escorted by both her step-father from the house and then father who walked her the rest of the way down the aisle to meet her groom.

The short and sweet ceremony was officiated by a family friend. The couple read each other their vows through tears and laughs. They exchanged rings and shared that sweet first kiss after being pronounced man and wife.

The guests gathered round the homemade beer taps, cheese and charcuterie table. The string lights overhead made the wedding seem like a magical forest wedding. Guests mingled and chatted over dinner. The bride’s sister, gave a really sweet toast to the newlyweds and then read their father’s speech as he looked on. A couple of the groom’s friends said a few words and cracked some jokes to the new couple. Everyone could agree on how happy the two of them were together and were all thrilled to have them together.

Kristi and Lance shared their first dance as husband and wife to Chris Stapleton’s “More of You”. Then both shared a special dance with each other’s children. The band played to get the party kicked off and everyone was on the dance floor having a blast. The new siblings had run off to play some music of their own as they hijacked the drums from the band during their break.

It was time to cut the cake and as all the kids gathered round trying to get the first piece. The couple exchanges bites…nicely.

One of the bride’s friends, Katilynn, had a little fun on stage as she sang an amazing version of “Me and Bobby Mcghee” while everyone danced and sang along.

The full moon emerged from the trees and it was time to take their final exit of the night. Instead of sparklers the guests tossed lavender as they ran through the hall of people. And it smelled ahhh-mazing!

Kristi and Lance dance the night away with their closest friends and family. I’m so happy to have shared the day with these two. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness!

Here’s a peek inside their special day!

The fabulous vendors:
Venue: Family friend’s home
Hair and Make up: Katherine Benson
Dress: BHLDN
Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal
Cake: Sent From Heaven Sweets
Florist: Branches
Band: Loose Change

Chad + Lindsay | Oakhurst Farms | West Point, GA

Chad and Lindsay shared a wonderful wedding at the gorgeous Oakhurst Farms in West Point, GA. The venue is surrounded by rolling green hills dotted with cows that meander the property. There are flowing willow trees on the edges of the pond and yellow sunflower fields. The venue is privately secluded in the Georgia country side.

I found the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready upstairs in the bridal suite. The bride’s dress, shoes and jewelry sparkled. Downstairs the reception room at Oakhurst was decorated with gorgeous fall flowers and crystal vases on the round tables waiting for guests to arrive.

The groom and his groomsmen were found watching football as they put their suits on. They may or may not have been prepping with some Crown apple shots. I was instructed not to tell the bride. So, Lindsay, the guys were totally sober pre-wedding. 😉

Lindsay’s mother and bridesmaids helped her get into her stunning Winnie Coutour dress. It fit her like a glove. (but not like an OJ glove!) The bride looked perfect. The couple’s son, Brantley, ran into the room and greeted his mom with a big hug after Chad had helped get his little suit on! (a regular suit, not his Iron man suit unfortunately) Swoon!

The bride and groom opted to share a first look before the ceremony to get the nerves out and relax the rest of the day. So, after the group photos Lindsay made her way out to see Chad for the first time on their wedding day. They were both so eager to see one another. I loved seeing their excitement. Chad walked up behind Lindsay and tapped her on the shoulder and as she slowly turned around their reactions were priceless.

Even more priceless, was watching them read their letters to one another. I was crying!

After most of the initial butterflies had flown away. It was time for the ceremony to get underway. Chad and Brantley waited at the altar as Lindsay’s father escorted her down the stone aisle as their loved ones looked on.

They shared a lovely ceremony as their favorite people stood beside them and sat before them. They were pronounced husband and wife and shared that sweet first kiss. The couple cheered and practically skipped back down the aisle.

The DJ and the Chris Collins band were setting the mood as the guests arrived into the reception. The wedding party and the newlyweds waited upstairs to be announced into the party. The guests cheered and clapped as Lindsay and Chad made their way down the staircase and into their first dance.

After a delicious dinner was served the bride danced with her father and then Lindsay, Chad and their son Brantley shared a sweet and tearful family dance together.

The bride’s cousin gave a beautiful toast and made mention of their late aunt who clearly was missed by a lot of people on that special day.

Lindsay and Chad cut the cake and sweetly fed each the cake. Smart man! When it came time to toss the bouquet and garter the singles gathered round and were ready to pounce! One of the groomsmen made a valiant slide effort to make his catch.

At this point the bride had already changed into her party dress that showed off her ahhh-mazing legs! And fun story about this party dress…it was borrowed from one of my previous brides, Amanda Cooper! The strapless dress with fluffy white feathers for a skirt is the ideal wedding party dress and I love that it had a previous story. Amanda danced the night away in it and so did Lindsay. One more borrow and it could become the Sisterhood of the traveling Party Dress!

It was time to party! The Chris Collins Band got the party started and everyone was on their feet dancing. The DJ had all the ladies doing the Wobble and having a blast.

Once the party was winding down the couple made their final exit through their guests holding the dazzling sparklers.

The Edenfields had a gorgeous wedding and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this special day! Wishing these two the best of what life has to offer them in their new chapter!

#edenfieldpartyofthree

The fabulous vendors:
Venue: Oakhurst Farms
Event Coordinator: Kristin Gallatin (Gagallatin@gmail.com)
Hair and Make up: Robyn Cook at Jean Eve Salon
Dress: Winnie Coutour
Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Sue Anne Rathel
Florist: Denhams Florist
Band: Chris Collins’s band
Minister- Frank Macon
Videographer: Brett Wink 7th Wink productions

Amy + Anthony | Macedonia Hills | Newnan, GA

Amy and Anthony shared a sweet, but rainy wedding day at the beautiful Macedonia Hills wedding venue in Newnan, GA. They say that rain brings good luck and a cleansing start to a new chapter in life. I don’t think this couple will need luck, but they had plenty of it either way!

Before I continue the rest of the blog let me get this cheesy joke out of the way. Their wedding was ‘PRICE’less. (Get it?! Their last name is Price.) I know. Don’t care. And one more thing, I’m hoping Anthony, the writer, doesn’t judge my writing skills too much!

Back to the blog. The wedding venue was beautifully and thoughtfully decorated with the bride’s vision. Pink peonies dotted her bouquet. Eucalyptus was abundant and filled the empty wine bottles that decorated the farmhouse tables and vintage furniture provided places for guests to lounge.

Amy and her beautiful bridesmaids spent the morning getting ready and doing last minute final touches. The groom’s daughter, Isabella, spent the morning with the ladies as well. Amy’s sister and Maid of Honor, Kathleen, helped Amy get into her gorgeous-curve-hugging wedding dress. She applied a gaurdian angel pin near her heart. Their parents were certainly there in spirit.

I found Anthony and the rest of the groomsmen in basement of the main house. They were watching football and relaxing before the big day. Anthony had awesome cigar boxes for the guys that held special gifts like a tobacco pipe, aviators and bracelets made by his future bride. He handed them out to each groomsman and let each one know how much he appreciated them and was grateful that they could make the trip to celebrate.

The rain still hadn’t let up and I needed to find a covered spot for the first look. The rustic barn on the property fit the bill. Anthony faced towards the open barn door looking out over the field. Eager to see his bride that he loves so much. You can just tell from the way he talks about her.

Amy entered the barn to find her groom waiting. She crept behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. Their reactions were priceless. They both have so much love for one another. It’s refreshing to see their connection. They admired each other. Anthony gave Amy a twirl to get the 360 view.

They took turns reading their vows to each other. I photographed their genuine emotions and it filled my heart to witness.

Before the ceremony, Anthony shared a first look with his daughter. Cue the water works! His reaction to his daughter pulls my heart strings. It was definitely one of the best moments from the whole day. What a great dad. As they shared a moment together on the front porch, Isabella gave her dad a special token that had ‘always your little girl’ inscribed.

Guests were beginning to arrive and take their seats as the rain was still coming down. The wedding party lined up with their super cool clear umbrellas and made their way down the hill. One by one, the bridal party took their places next to Anthony as they waited for the bride to enter. I kid you not, as soon at the ceremony was beginning, the rained paused and the sun peeked through the clouds long enough to complete the quick ceremony.

Amy looked stunning in her fitted lace wedding dress as she walked down the aisle surrounded by family and friends. She met her groom at the altar where they shared a sweet union officiated by one of the groomsmen, Jared Engel. They cheered as the ceremony completed. It was official…#PromotedtoPrice!

The newlyweds entered the tent to share their first dance as husband and wife. They swayed to the music in each other’s arms. Smiling from ear to ear.

Guests dined on some delicious treats from the ‘Good Food’ food truck. Amy’s sister, Kathleen, and the best man, Luke, gave a special toasts and well wishes to the bride and groom. Meanwhile, Kids slipped and slid around the dance floor. They were having a blast. The DJ had everyone on their feet at some point in the celebration.

As the sun was setting and creating a beautiful pink and purple sky through the rainy mist, guests lined up with sparklers and the newlyweds charged through pausing to share a kiss.

When the sun sank behind the pine trees, the guests turned their attention to a really sweet slideshow showing Amy and Anthony’s lives before and after they met. Following the slide show, Anthony, Amy and Isabella shared a family dance. Isabella totally stole the show with her tie-dyed shirt and sick dance moves!

This was such a fun and thoughtful wedding down to every little detail. I’m so happy that the talented Amy chose me to be her photographer.

Remember, if it rains on your wedding day its good luck. Fortunately, these two were good sports about the weather. There’s not much you can do about it except embrace it and be in the moment!

Cheers to The Price’s!

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