Taylor + Michael | Romantic Western Inspired Reception | Alpharetta Woods

I love this trend of having a smaller, more private wedding ceremony with close friends and family on one day. Then, on another day, have the party of of your dreams with a larger gang. Why break up the days?

  • You get the pleasure of wearing your wedding dress again, getting more out of the investment it is. Plus, if your all about getting glammed up, it's a second chance to feel your best beautiful.  

  • Have more time to plan the party and get everything you want. Maybe your ideal reception location isn't available the day of your ceremony, but it is a week later? Maybe you loved the  bouquet you held at the ceremony but want to go with a different color scheme the second time around to get some variety in your photos.? I know I have a hard time choosing just one look or style that I love. This way, you have a second chance to include all the details you love.

  • Get some time to feel married without all the fawning eyes. Wedding photographers do our best to give you time to breath in the moment of getting married to your best friend. That said, sometimes the day can go by so fast when there are so many people to catch up with at the reception. Separating the ceremony and reception days gives you plenty of time to ruin your makeup with happy tears before your grand entrance as husband and wife.

 

My very favorite part of this night was watching the happy couple dance together. The joy on Taylor and Michael's faces say it all. What brought it all together was the overflowing love that this couple and their families have for each other. 

 

These chic, rustic details took my mind back home to my California days of stone fireplaces and eating buttermilk pie at the family, old wood table. Such a beautiful, cozy setting. Check out all the pies Taylor's grandma made for this special day, including buttermilk! 

 

Can you get any happier, prettier people?!

Taco 'bout a night! This is what great wedding receptions are made of - great food, dancing, and of course piñatas and confetti!

 

The sweetest mother and son dance was followed by a father and daughter duet of "Suds in the Bucket! 

 

This song goes so well with the rest of the night!

 

Taylor and Michael, thank you so much for having me be a part of your beautiful wedding reception! ¡Fue muy divertito! 

Ambree + Preston | St. Simons Island Pier | Avenue of the Oaks

Connecting. I love it. Ambree and I connected after she saw my 'couple model call' post. Ya'll, she's from Alabama. How cool is that and aren't she and her beau Preston the cutest. I love how social media can bring people together.

We had to capture those signature Georgia trees. Avenue of the Oaks is one of my favorite spots. 

To avoid that hot afternoon sun, we headed under the pier for more flattering light and I could not be happier with what we got. The color of Ambree's dress really against the water and warm sun really was beautiful. 

Jessi + Luke Engagement | Athens Botanical Gardens

It was great to be back in Athens, my favorite classic city, for this engagement shoot. Jessi has such a caring and strong spirit and I'm so thrilled that she has met her other half. They are absolutely delightful together - height difference and all.

How did you meet?

We met through friends at a UGA tailgate (they were playing Auburn at home). Luke made the first move by asking me if I wanted to walk around and check out the other tailgates around Myers Quad!

What made you fall for him?

Well he sure is tall and handsome! ;) But for real, he was so kind to me even when we first met and genuinely cared to find out about me and my life. He has never stopped being the kindest person I know and constantly genuinely cares about my well-being and my happiness.

 

How and where did he propose?

I had been in full event planning mode getting ready for a birthday celebration for Luke's birthday this year! Luke had been helping the whole week getting his family farm ready for the celebration.  I was about to get off work the day before the party and I got a text from Luke asking me to please come out to the farm (about a 45 minute drive) and jump his car off because the battery died and no one else was answering. This had actually happened before so I didn't think much of it and said sure!

I drove out to the farm and pulled up, looking for Luke's truck to see where I needed to park. As I was pulling up, I saw tiki torches lining a path to the pond and bright bistro lights strung all around. It was a beautiful setup and I thought Luke did all of this for the party until he walked out from behind his truck in a collared shirt - which I thought was odd for work clothes - and told me he wanted to show me around. He had brought out our favorite dinner and prepared a campfire complete with s'mores! Once I realized this was not for the party, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. To which I replied, "Yes, of course"!

 

Do you have any advice for other couples?

Early in our relationship, we had to go through some of the hardest things couples have to go through and we couldn't have made it without absolute love and support from each other. Life is hard, but sometimes all your partner needs is just to know you care for and support them no matter what storms come your way.

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Merissa + Gavin | Engagement Session | St. Simons Island

This classic St. Simons Island engagement session is one of my favorites. We hit all the romantic spots - the Marina, the Avenue of the Oaks, and East Beach. 

Also, Merissa and Gavin's couple song is such a classic ^

 

How did you meet?

We met at Glynn Academy through mutual friends. Poor Gavin made the first move several times - I was oblivious for years!

How and where did he propose?

Key Biscayne, FL - He took me to the beach July 4th weekend (my favorite holiday) and asked me in front of a light house.

Do you have any advice for other couples?

Relationships aren't a race - have fun, enjoy each other's company, and cherish the little moments

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Gina's Girls

Thanks to Gina for being a straight up awesome person and photography teacher and not too mention the coolest mom around. Her Instagram is is seriously worth following, full of healthy tips and fun things to do with the youngsters.

Gina and her husband Jim also have this amazing photography and web building business at towsoncollective.com Did I also mention she is a Strengths Finder coach? Yeah, coolest person around. She's definitely helped me better tune in to what makes me, me and how to grow from there. Check her out. 

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Katie + Ward Engagement | The Stables at Frederica

I loved shooting this engagement session at the Stables at Frederica on St. Simons Island at sunrise and then at Katie's childhood swing.

Katiebug is a ray of sunshine everywhere she goes. I was so blessed to work with her at The Gathering Place a few summers ago and see her share her sunshine with others. Now, she has found her sweet other half, Ward. Ya'll, they are so fun. 

THE CUTEST. 

 

I'm a sucker for spring colors, ponies and soft sunlight falling over the tips of the trees.

A perfect shoot.

 

You are never too old for your favorite swing. 

CAN'T WAIT for Katie and Ward's August wedding!

 
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Caitlin + Island Magic

When your creative, wonderful boss turns into your friend 💕  

Caitlin said it best: 

Yesterday was magical-- I donned a dress, put on a flower crown and bathed in the ocean 🌊 But first there was a smoke bomb 🦄

I love getting together with Rainey and just unloading all of our creative dreams in one evening! Being on the other side is just another way I grow into myself-- expanding into an even greater artist.✨ Learning to always keep an open mind and see the world in a whole new way and therefore capture it like I haven't before.💡It gets me stoked for what's to come. Dream big all you creatives 🌈 #xoxo

 

Can someone be more radiant?! ✨  Showing what's on the inside, that's what I love to do. Taking someone's good heart and inner self and bringing it to be represented in a photo. 

Caitlin is so visually striking, but her outsides only reflect what's inward- LOTS OF LIGHT, COLOR, AND LIFE.

I'm going to steal Caitlin's words one more time"

"Photography is more than just clicking the shutter-- it's about capturing truly remarkable moments. I'm not sure true talent is something taught, but more or less felt. Rainey is one who I can tell from working beside her, she feels it. And to find that, I think that's most remarkable."

Golden light and dancing with the water, uhh.. an it get any better?

Flower crowns made by yours truly.  Let me know if you are interested in one! They are so fun to make!

Thanks to Fringe in Athens for the beautiful dress. I melt over a great piece of fabric.

Ah. That bond between ocean and heart. I've always had salt water in my veins and here's that love illustrated ^. 

They are so true, all those cheesy sayings on pillows and wall hangings.

Salt water really can cure. Calm my restless mind, oh waves. Be my tranquility. 

Thanks mermaid friend, for being a beautiful and adventurous model. 

 

FREE GUIDE: How to Create Your Perfect Wedding Day Timeline

 

You've booked your venue, you have your dream dress, and now you've found the photographer for you!

But where to go from here when planning your special day? It's okay to ask the real questions. How much time do photos take? When do we cut the cake? Will I have time to pee??

Rainey Gregg Photography is here to ensure your wedding day is headache-free and filled with joy. The key is to plan ahead. A month before your wedding, I send a detailed questionnaire that helps both you and me imagine what the day will hold, giving us enough time to capture the details and to enjoy the moment. 

Here is a quick and helpful guide to creating a photography based wedding timeline.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE!

 

Kelly + Dexter Engagement

 I just love dreamy, sunset engagement sessions. It's a great way to get to know my couples better, try out different poses, learn what works for them.

To be honest, sometimes it's an awkward trial and error process.  Some of those cute poses on Pinterest don't work for everyone. That's why I'm grateful for easy-going, patient people like Kelly and Dexter. You can see the love between them and that's way more important than the pose I choose. 

 

Where did he propose? "At a place called "trapped" where you have to find clues in order to get out of a room. The last "clue" was my ring! It's cushion cut, simple, and perfect for me!"

What three things fuel their relationship? Their dog, family and good food/beer ;)

I can't wait for their Hilton Head Island wedding!

 

Mr. + Mrs. Lord - Coeur d'Alene, ID Wedding

From doing each other's nails to barely getting through the Maid of Honor toast, being a part your childhood best friend's wedding was all we pictured it would be. Thank you to Becky and Logan for bringing me to the beautiful state of Idaho to capture your lovely, lovely wedding. She's picked a strong and courageous Air Force man who also has a sweet side that I got to see as we went Martini tasting. Keep dancing and laughing together, you two, and I hope to see you soon. 

The rehearsal dinner was at Cedars Floating Restaurant. Mountains, lakes and prime rib. A delightful recipe. 

 
 

After a fun night at Crafted Tap House and turtle racing (yeah, it's a thing in downtown Coeur d'Alene), the girls slept over and got ready at The Roosevelt Inn. 

My second shooter was none other than MY DAD. We made an awesome team, handing off cameras back and forth. It was an awesome experience being able to spend time with him and be able to learn from him while on the job. He hung out with the groom and his boys while they got ready for the big day.

Time for my favorite photos. The formals.

It was cold and rainy all week, but the day of the wedding, God was good and the weather was gorgeous! The outside ceremony in the fall breeze was perfect. And thank you to Kaycee for picking up the extra camera and getting some grrreeat shots! 

The big surprise was when Logan swooped his blushing bride into his arms and carried her away. 

 
 

Hoping that your love stands as strong and tall as those Idaho mountains. Love you two.

Thank you Becky and Logan for letting me be a part of this beautiful day!

Wedding venue: Roosevelt Inn

Gown: Affordable Elegance Bridal

Hair: Maid or Honor (me!) Makeup: Groom's sisters

Florals: designed by bride

Cake: Pastry and More

Summer in January - East Beach Portrait Session

World traveling flight attendant, fitness instructor, UGA student, and all around great person to be around - this girl has got her ish together.

She's been living in the very cold city of New York but is about to make her away back down to our dear Hot-lanta...to be closer to her man :) ..do I hear wedding bells nearby?

Summer grew up in the Golden Isles but, it's going to be awhile before she gets to visit again so she was happy to get together and shoot at the beach with me. It did indeed feel like summertime in January. Couldn't ask for more gorgeous weather, landscape, or company. 

Good luck with your big move, Summer. You're gonna have to get used to that five-hour drive up to Atlanta, like I have. I can suggest some good podcasts.

 

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We thought we were going to lose our light before we moved further down the beach, but WOW were we totally surprised with the most gorgeous color show! 

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Ya'll come back now, ya hear?

Emily + the pink wall

You have to go check out Emily at emilyfendig.com and her blog Label Me Ginge - giving affordable fashion advice but with an authentic look into the person under the clothes. 

In this shoot, Emily sported a T-shirt from Liza Anne Music (who has also been killing it lately). 

I don't know how many times I've walked by this pretty pink wall and never noticed it until my dad said "hey, look at that pretty pink wall." I guess my resolution is to keep my eyes open. 👀 There's beauty everywhere.

Lauren + John Bridals - Crane Cottage, Jekyll Island

Hurricane Matthew rolled into the Golden Isles during Lauren and John's wedding day. Fortunately, they were still able to have a great ceremony elsewhere.

They still wanted to celebrate their marriage on the beautiful island where they had originally planned to. Crane Cottage is also where her parents got married! Oh, I love sweet family traditions. I was so glad to recreate their day and in such beautiful weather.

Every detail down to the groom's boutonniere was beautifully recreated thanks to The Vine. I can't get over those sassy flower girls. 

The only day that both the bride and groom's families were all together to retake photos was THANKSGIVING! It's not the first time I've worked on a holiday and it will certainly not be the last because I love being there for my clients. I am so happy to do what I can to make their photo experience easy and wonderful. And it's not work when you love what you do, right? <3

Mr. + Mrs. Tindol - St. Simons Island Wedding

Katie and Luke are the most lovely and humble people. It was an honor to document their love story. The settings they chose only enhanced just how delightful they are. 

The bridal party got ready at St. Simons Community Church. It's always a fun time hiding the bride and groom from each other. I love when they each have love letters for each other. 

 What a powerful scene to see the parents get up and pray with their children under this handmade cross. You also can't beat that the marshy backdrop. 

The live oaks of this island never disappoint for some beautiful formals. At the Avenue of the Oaks we were able to recreate images that Katie's m\mom at taken on her wedding day. 

Good home cookin' was on the menu at one of the island's best restaurants. After carving into the personalized cake, the couple danced the night away. 

Thank you Katie + Luke for letting me be a part of this beautiful day!

Second Shooter: Hannah Kicklighter

Wedding planning: Callie Fendig

Reception venue: Bennie's Red Barn

Gown: Bride Beautiful

Hair & Makeup: Devyn Miller

Florals: Cottage Flowers

Cake: Cathy Dart

Invitations & Paper goods: Taylor Weldon

Cross: Jimmy Kay