The Blog @ Ric Mershon Photographers

Phenomenal Evening!

2009-07-09T00:24:00.004-04:00

Tony Conway really knows how to throw a party! Tonight I was thrilled to photograph the Atlanta preview of Julie & Julia, the new Meryl Streep/Amy Adams film.

The celebration was held at Phipps Plaza in the old Niketown space. It was a VERY cool spot for a party. The decor (duh) was incredible...crystals, red velvet drapes, candles and feathers. So cool. The menu was the Tony Conway famous Kaleidoscope Menu...where guests can choose their own custom meal from a variety of choices of meats, sauces, sides and vegetables. YUM. The food was fantastic, the desserts were lovely and delicious...it was a great celebration to photograph.

I raced to read the book before tonight...and did! So, when we treked upstairs to the screening, I was extra excited, as I really enjoyed the book. The film did not disappoint. I'm no movie critic...but... Meryl Streep WAS Julia Child. She was incredible. Julia was 6'2", and to make Meryl seem that tall...she must have worn some serious platform shoes. I noticed that they never showed her feet in the film. Amy Adams was mousy and funny and likeable, and did a great job. Stanley Tucci was loveable as Julia's hubby. It was just a good, light, fun flick. And I had popcorn and Junior Mints...what could I possibly not love?

Tony and Crew...thanks for including me in a great event. To all my industry gals that I had a chance to visit with tonight...it was GREAT seeing you! ps. Pictures coming later...

Julie & Julia

2009-07-07T21:53:00.004-04:00

I am so excited for tomorrow night! It was such an honor to be asked by A Legendary Event and Tony Conway to photograph the Atlanta Premiere of this new flick with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. They only wanted women photogs, and called and asked if I'd do it. With pleasure~! The event will be at Phipps Plaza tomorrow night, and I am already halfway through the book. I wonder if I can finish it by tomorrow at 6...

Stay tuned for photos. Maybe Meryl will be there? Maybe she and I will grab a drink after...

Saren and Bram

2009-06-02T14:26:00.023-04:00

We had the amazing opportunity to shoot two of Atlanta's most beautiful spots on Saturday, the Atlanta History Center and the new, gorgeous St. Regis. It was one of the first weddings at the hotel, and we were so excited. And, it was another chance to work with our gal, Terry Saxe who is just an absolutely fantastic planner!

Saren and Bram met as counselors at summer camp, fell in love and were about to take the plunge! She had always envisioned an outdoor wedding, and the 95 degree heat was not going to get in the way of that! The crew all got ready at the hotel and Steve Moore did an incredible job on her hair and make-up. Even with the crazy humidity, the boiling temperatures...her make-up and hair stayed impeccable all day! We were so impressed. Rodica altered her gown, and Renee Cobb did the styling for her Mom's gown. Really gorgeous.

The ceremony was at the History Center, and they all came walking down the gorgeous stairs to the Swan House lawn...the sun was shining and it was beautiful. They were so incredibly lucky to have many grandparents there under the chuppah with them. I was honestly, very envious of that!

Barbara Roos along with Tony Conway and his crew at Legendary Events did the decor, the chuppah was incredible. We had such a great time working with all of them!

After the ceremony, we all headed to the St. Regis for the celebration. The ballroom looked incredible. The had transformed it into a beautiful pink and silver spectacular, the flowers were beyond gorgeous and the tables looked beautiful. This was our first time working with them, and WOW.

I loved the couple's first dance...it was their song, and then Rupert's Orchestra (who was fantastic!) launched into "Grow Old With You" from the Wedding Singer. The couple was surprised, and you couldn't help but smile!

Saren and Bram, we wish you much love and joy together--thanks for letting us share your day!

Salima and Matt

2009-05-28T22:00:00.036-04:00

Wow. Every once in a while a celebration comes along and Ric and I are so bummed that we are the photographers and not wedding guests. Salima and Matt's entire weekend was just like that. Where do I begin?

On Thursday night, we joined the ladies only for the Mehndi ceremony at Bombay Cafe. Salima was sitting in the center of the room, dressed in a beautiful turquoise sari, sitting on pillows, surrounded by friends and family and having her henna applied...for almost 4 hours! It was truly art. And, hidden in the art were Matt's initials...his job was to find them. Salima's hands and feet were basically out of commission, if she moved too much, the henna would crack or smudge. So, there she sat, a beautiful Indian Princess, preparing for her wedding. The longer the henna stays on the skin, the deeper the stain. As the tradition goes, the deeper the stain, the deeper the love the bride has for her groom. So, she sat patiently (pretty much!) and enjoyed the night.

Friday night was the Pithi ceremony at her parent's home. The traditions were beautiful. Salima's Mom welcomed the women from Matt's family into her home with a shower of rice, a taste of a sweet candy and rose petals. There were way too many symbolic moments to mention, but they were so meaningful and beautiful. The ceremony ended with a "Bollywood" dance that Salima and Matt (both in full Indian garb) presented. It was fantastic!

The wedding on Sunday was at the Ritz Carlton at Reynolds Plantation. Even though the chance of rain was up to 70%...the rain magically held off until the minute we finished our photos after the ceremony. It was unreal. The girls all wore traditional Indian saris in Eggplant and Purple, and Salima was in a cream and gold sari with the most incredible jewelry that was her Mom's from her wedding. Amazing. Matt entered on a white horse and Salima entered on a dhali. It was beautiful. Each of them had special blessings or speeches from family members. It was incredibly personal.

The party was fantastic! We had one of our photo booths set up and the wedding guests were so much fun! And so creative with our props! The music was amazing...Platinum did their thing and there was rarely an empty dance floor. The flowers were beautiful (Wilbur, you rock!) and the guests just didn't want to leave. (there was a little afterparty dance action complete with "the roof is on fire").

But, the best part of the entire weekend, was how incredibly contented Matt and Salima are, and how perfectly meant to be they are.

Photo Booth

2009-05-06T17:03:00.011-04:00

Ok, a bunch of you have asked us if we do a photobooth ...not the "Chuck E Cheese" sit in a booth type, but the fun "white background with props and a lot of space to be crazy" booth type.

In a word...yes.

Take a peek at some fun shots from some of our wedding photo booths... and let us know if you want one at your event. SO much fun...

Interesting what happens when you "google" yourself!

2009-05-05T15:01:00.003-04:00

Kind of random...but you never know where your photos are going to show up sometimes. I "googled" us, just out of curiousity...and found these:

THE WEDDING MAIN ST.: Inspiration Board - Breakfast at Tiffany's

Chocolate Dreams

Lah Mode (apparently, we're a cute couple!)

Gone Fishin'

Verrrrry interesting...

Matthew's Bar Mitzvah

2009-05-04T09:49:00.010-04:00

We are always thrilled to work with Helene Popowski--her events are seamless, and her vision is extraordinary. And...Matthew's Bar Mitzvah was nothing short of incredible.

The Friday night Shabbat dinner at their home was so nice, and it gave us a chance to get to know the closest family members and friends. ps. To the lovely lady from NJ, did you ever figure out how you think you knew me?

Saturday night was at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, and it was unbelievable. Matthew loves surfing and the beach, and the room was breathtaking. The turquoise and sparkle was gorgeous, the flowers were gorgeous and the lighting was perfect. Wilbur from Eventscapes hit it out of the park! As expected, Helene didn't miss a beat, all the way down to the personalized Matthew beach cookies at each place setting.

DJ Romeo kept the party rocking, the video montage from Dewitt Smith (complete with Star Wars, American Idol and Slumdog Millionaire parodies) was top notch, and the party was just a blast.

I was particularly impressed with what a nice kid Matt was! He personally came up to me and thanked me and Ric for our hard work (truly a first!) and was so sweet to his young cousins and all his guests. What a nice guy!

We really enjoyed capturing the special weekend for your family, Matt! Mazel tov!! Here are just a few room/detail shots we wanted to share:

Esther and Greg

2009-04-28T21:40:00.016-04:00

What a special celebration--bringing Esther's Russian family together with Greg's NY crew. It was a wonderful evening! We were working with Christina and Suzanne from Magnolia Events, and so we knew the event would be fantastic.

The day started in Esther's suite at the Ritz Downtown, all her girls were there and there was a ton of energy in the room! She was pretty composed until her sister started with the tears, then hers started and it was beautifully emotional! She looked just beautiful in her gown, and she was just beaming.

Greg was wearing his NY Yankees cufflinks (and in spite of that, my Red Sox loving hubby really liked him!) and gave special cufflinks to his stepfather and father-in-law to be with their favorite team or sport. Very cool touch.

Greg and Esther saw each other for the first time at this very cool area near the Ritz, complete with Faberge Egg replica chandeliers. It was apropos considering Esther's Russian background! They were so happy to see each other after all the anticipation, and just looked so contented to be together. The funniest part was that we had to clear out a field trip of students who congregated there...you can see them peeking in the windows as the couple saw each other!

The ceremony was beautiful, I loved that Esther had each of her best friends come up to the chuppah and light a candle. It was so personal. Wilbur at Eventscapes did an incredible job on the chuppah and all the floral. And the ballroom was just beautiful. I especially loved the draping crystals on the head table...Esther gave Wilbur the green light to just create something special on that table...and he did!!

Mark Lotti from Classic Cheesecakes and Cakes did the gorgeous cake...and I don't know who did the Groom's Cake of Yankee Stadium...but I do know that it was hard for Ric to not "accidentally" drop his camera right in the middle of it! ;) But hey, we're professionals, here!

Esther and Greg were so happy--so well suited for each other--and quite simply two of the nicest people we've met through this adventure.

Mazel tov to both of you, and your lovely families!!! We are so incredibly glad that you found each other!

Jen and Matt

2009-03-30T11:57:00.019-04:00

Jen and Matt laugh a lot together. As soon as we saw how much they enjoy and appreciate each other, we knew they were a great match for each other.

Although the weather looked questionable (possible hail!?!?) the rain let up and the day was fantastic. The ceremony was at the most beautiful church, The 2nd Ponce Church, and the coordinators there were some of the best we've worked with. They were lovely and gracious and accommodating. Truly one of the best experiences. Jen looked so lovely, Susan Sleeper from Bold American did her flowers and they were some of the most beautiful roses I've ever seen. Jen carried a handkerchief from her best friend late grandfather, engraved with the initials of her grandfather and her daughter. Really special.

The ceremony was warm and personal, and Jen and Matt were beaming through it all. They came up to the balcony right after the ceremony and we were able to do some really great shots up there---with the amazing crystal chandelier in the background.

On to the reception at Ecco Restaurant, what a cool place!!! They had the whole restaurant for the party, and it was lovely. Simple rose petals and candles on the tables, and incredible food (we know firsthand) and wines (I admired from afar...).

I had some highlights…I always do! I loved that Jen and the groomsmen (including Jen’s Dad!) changed into black and white Chuck Taylors for the party. I just LOVED Jen’s first dance with her Dad. It started out slow and sweet and then midway through went into a really fun twisty kind of song where they just boogied! Anyone know what song it was??? I need to add it to my ipod! Everyone danced up a storm, the toasts were warm and funny, and it was a really great night. I loved how happy Matt and Jen were, and how their day was truly about their love and marriage—and not just about the party. I loved that.

Matt and Jen, we LOVED getting to know you and your families...and wish you a long, loving, laughter-filled life together!!!!

NOLA

2009-03-23T09:46:00.010-04:00

When Lauren and Eric asked us to shoot their engagement session in New Orleans, where they met, we just jumped at the chance. What a photo rich environment--and just an incredible town.

We first arrived to scout (which for Ric meant intense observation...for me meant crawfish and a hurricane) and trekked to Tulane (my alma mater, and where the couple met) and then down to the French Quarter. How can you not do a Bourbon Street shoot while you are there?!?!

Personally, it was an incredible journey for me. I hadn't been back since graduation, a few (gulp) years ago, and therefore, since Katrina. I was comforted to see certain places were still the same, but saddened to see those that were not. (RIP Copeland's!) I did my own little trip down memory lane, everything from my sorority house and freshman dorm to my fave coffee shop and bars. It was amazing to sit on the Mississippi eating crawfish as if I was just 21 a minute ago...and not a 39 year old wife and mother of 2. But enough about me... :)

The shoot was a BLAST. We started at Tulane, zipped all over campus, shot the couple at their special spots on campus and at Audubon Park and then had to go to the Boot for a BootBurger! Afterwards, onto get our streetcar shots...and although they seemed to be quite off schedule (schedule, what's a schedule to locals?) we got the shots!

Next, onto the French Quarter and that was fun! We got great shots at Jackson Square, once we cleared out the wedding party of cigarette smoking, beer guzzlers (nothing says wedding like a Marlboro and a Heineken...). Got fun shots of them with beignets at CDM and a horse and carriage. And, by then, it was getting late and we headed to Bourbon Street to get the balcony shots and of course...Pat O's Hurricanes.

It was an amazing time. Lauren and Eric truly adore each other, that is clear. And, they truly adore NOLA...which made for a perfect photo shoot. Laissez bon temps roulez...see you at the wedding in June!

The Mansion

2009-03-10T22:31:00.006-04:00

I think I may move out of my house and move into The Mansion in Buckhead. What an absolutely incredible venue. They made a decision to make the place feel like a real mansion, and it really does. Every touch is spectacular, from the crystal details to the gorgeous custom designed iron staircase. Wow.

We did a photo shoot there, and it was amazing. Our partners for the day were some of our favorites in this industry:

J Wilbur Smith, Eventscapes: floral
The Moore Agency: hair and make-up
Anne Barge Atelier: jewelry and gowns
Gayle Skelton, The Mansion: location
Kathryn Vanzant: model

Take a look...and enjoy The Mansion. What an amazing place for celebrations...

Elizabeth and Peyton

2009-03-01T15:24:00.010-05:00

We love getting referrals from our pals in the industry, and Courtney from Anne Barge gave our name to her friends Elizabeth and Peyton. Once we met them, we felt like we had already known them. It was a great connection from the beginning. And, they were getting married on our wedding anniversary!

The wedding was held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in the Toco Hills area, and the ceremony was lovely. Elizabeth looked just beautiful in her gown, Jennifer from Formal Faces did her make-up and she was so pretty and bridal! I loved the something blue she wore...it was a ring with a blue stone that was from her late grandfather's class ring. Her grandmother had lent it to her for the day. Speaking of symbolic rings...Peyton had his wedding band made out of the bands from his late grandfather and Elizabeth's late grandfather. I loved that!

After the ceremony, we heading to the Druid Hills CC for the fun celebration! The room was so pretty, the food looked amazing and the dance floor was rarely empty. When it was time to cut the cakes, we were cracking up at the circle of kids that were waiting like little puppies for crumbs to fall when the couple fed each other the cake! The cake, by the way, was a lovely confection by Caryn Nash of Caryn's Cakes. She is fantastic...and her deerhead groom's cake looked real! That was a first for me! (at least it wasn't red velvet, Steel Magnolia's, anyone?).

We wish Peyton and Elizabeth a wonderful life together!!! Congrats!

Merrill

2009-02-16T13:04:00.010-05:00

From the minute we met Merrill, doing her photo shoot on the carousel at North Point Mall, we new she was going to be a fun kid to photograph. I don't think Merrill has ever heard the word "shy". She is so comfortable in her own skin, with quite the personality.

Her celebration was at the Defoors Centre, and Wilbur at Eventscapes (we adore him!) hit it out of the park!!! The theme was Circus, and the dance floor was right below a simulated big top complete with trapeze. The decor was fantastic...all hot pink and black and funky. They had cotton candy, funnel cakes and a hot pink candy table in addition to all the other food.

Merrill entered to Britney Spears' Circus song, and DJ Rhythm started the party! There were so many kids there, you could barely see the dance floor. It was a lot of fun, great music, fun people and the venue looked amazing.

On a somber note...we tell our clients that we want the photos to bring back memories and emotions 20 years from now...to remind them how they were feeling on the day. It is not often we an immediate sense of how incredibly important our photos are. Merrill's grandfather had been sick off and on for weeks before the celebration...he was somehow able to rally and travel from FL to celebrate with his girl...and then passed away days later. We are so thrilled to have taken some special photos of this lovely man, looking vibrant and joyous so that Merrill's family can have this time with him captured forever.

We thank Merrill for letting us ride the Circus ride with her!

Sydney

2009-01-30T10:56:00.007-05:00

We always love getting referrals from event planner extraordinaire, Helene Popowski...but this one was extra wonderful. Her best friend's daughter was being bat mitzvah-ed, and it was our charge to be her photographers. It was a ball!

The celebration was at Opera, down in Midtown, and Sydney wanted HOT PINK...and she got it! All the way down to her hot pink sparkly Chuck Taylors... DJ Rhythym did his thing and got the kids and adults rocking. The decor was by a florist we had not worked with before, Brett Davidson from Fine Flowers and my favorite was this fantastic tree he did with gorgeous roses stuck on it and rose petals below, and illuminated with a hot pink uplight. Just gorgeous.

Sharon Hochdorf from Button It Up was there, and the kids got their photos put on candy boxes. Very cool. It is always a riot to see the kids doing their poses on the green screen. Guaranteed to see a Charlie's Angels pose at any mitzvah celebration!

We just had a great time with Sydney, her parents and friends. It was a great celebration for a really fantastic kid and we look forward to the next simcha with the Perloe family!

Lynn and Alan

2008-12-16T22:36:00.009-05:00

We always love shooting at the Four Seasons, what an incredible hotel. The food is incredible, the service is top notch, there are so many amazing spots for photography, and we just LOVE working with Cate and Brian at the hotel. They truly are some of the best in the city.

And, when we get to work at one of our favorite spots with a lovely couple...it is a perfect day. Lynn and Alan balance each other so incredibly well, and are so obviously in love that it makes us smile. I loved seeing his reaction when he saw Lynn for the first time in her incredible!! Anne Barge gown. The flowers at The Church of the Immaculate Conception were so lovely (J Wilbur at Eventscapes just rocks!) and the ceremony was warm and lovely. Two of Alan's daughters did a reading and sang a hymn. It added such a personal touch to the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we trekked to the Four Seasons and went right into the celebration. J Wilbur outdid himself in transforming the Savannah Room into an enchanting lovely reception room. It was a wonderful celebration.

One special highlight for me was when Alan danced with his Mom...she was singing the song to him as they danced, and was singing in Italian. Later, she told me that it was the song that she and Alan's father had danced to at their wedding years ago. I was so touched by that!

Lynn and Alan, may you always be as happy and joyous and in love as you were today...it was truly beautiful to watch!

Brendan's Bar Mitzvah

2008-12-08T11:30:00.007-05:00

We had a great time with Brendan and his family on his bar mitzvah weekend. The celebration began on Saturday night at his Grandmother's beautiful home. Sandra Banks outdid herself with an incredible display of food and desserts. She is truly incredible! It was mostly family and family friends, with a small group of young cousins. Brendan was attached to his new i-touch and was the happiest camper!

Sunday was a great party at Andretti's. They rented out the entire place, and it was incredible for the kids. Imagine being 13 and walking into a huge game room where you did not need a single token...all the games were turned onto FREE. The kids had a ball playing and racing. Khalil from Vibe Entertainment did a great job keeping the 100 kids! all in order and they didn't stop dancing.

Brendan had a ball. He didn't stop smiling all day and you could tell that his Mom and Dad were just thrilled to host this fun celebration for him! Mazel tov on this wonderful milestone, Brendan!

Courtney and Jon

2008-11-24T13:10:00.012-05:00

Courtney and Jon got married at one of my very favorite spots in Atlanta...the Fox Theater. We were thrilled that their planner, Nikki Graham recommended us for this beautiful event! The girls got ready at the Georgian Terrace and trekked across Peachtree (always a traffic stopper!) to get to the ceremony at the Fox. The ceremony was officiated by an Irish priest who added such a warmth and charm to the day! Jon's son was one of the ring bearers, along with Courtney's niece and nephew. It was adorable.

The Egyptian Ballroom was beyond amazing! Steve Bales at Bold American did an extraordinary job transforming the room into a breathtaking atmosphere. I was really blown away. They had palm trees and lights and amazing flowers everywhere...really unreal.

It was fun taking Courtney and Jon into the theater after the ceremony--that is always so cool to me since I just LOVE being in the theater. And, doing the outside shot in front of their personalized marquee sign is always fun, and it always cracks me up when we have a police escort to cross the street.

We wish Courtney and Jon and their lovely families all the best. Courtney's parents have been married for over 30 years...and we wish that for Courtney and Jon! Congrats!!

Maxine and Arash

2008-11-03T21:19:00.011-05:00

It was an amazing experience working with Maxine and Arash and we so enjoyed every minute of the day. This was our first Persian wedding, and the traditions and details were fascinating to us.

The sofreh was set up with such beautiful details...the honey they would feed to each other, the sugar blocks that the mothers would rub together over the canopy that they sat under...and all the sweets that the guests would be offered as a sign of a sweet life for the couple. Maxine was given gifts all throughout the ceremony...jewelry from her parents and and mother-in-law, the ring from Arash. Most of the ceremony was in Farsi and was confusing to us, but the love between Maxine and Arash was crystal clear.

The celebration moved to the Country Club where Maxine's parents live. Lee from Summerfield Florals did all the beautiful flowers...her shop is next to Maxine's aunt and uncle's restaurant, Altobelli's in Roswell. The music was a good mix of music we knew and music we didn't...there was great Persian dancing and it was so fantastic to watch! They even had a ceremonial dance surrounding the cake cutting and giving the knife to Arash.

Maxine and Arash, thanks for letting us experience the beauty and love of your wedding! We truly enjoyed it! Tabrik migoyam!!!

The most amazing weekend ever.

2008-10-28T23:09:00.004-04:00

I am trying to put together the words to tell about the most incredible time I just spent doing the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. I am going to sum it up in two words. Thank you. These are two words used so often for the smallest things in our day that they often become insignificant… thanks when we are getting our coffee at the drive thru, thanks to a friend who calls to check in, thanks to the bagger at the market. This weekend I heard those two words so often and used so emphatically and with such genuine warmth and appreciation…I will never hear the words “thank you” the same again.

Day One we walked the first 20 miles in the rain, frigid cold and heavy winds. We were grateful for the 3-day crew, sweep vans and motorcycle guides, with their costumes and spirit that was overflowing, who were right by our side in the rain. Their energy was incredible and we couldn’t thank them enough. There was the quiet woman at the counter at Waffle House who saw our little group of six friends, walking in drenched and freezing…and bought us coffee. We were amazed at her gesture, and thanked her profusely. The hundreds of people along the way all day who gave us candy, coffee, donuts, stickers, and high fives--all screaming and cheering and bolstering our spirits. Each of them there because they were touched by this horrible disease in one way or another. All there to say “thank you” to us.

Day Two was a bit easier…sort of. No rain, just sore muscles. But… those amazing crew members and others were there dancing and stopping traffic for us. Our “thank you” to them seemed so insufficient to the time and energy and adrenaline rushes they gave us at every turn. But we meant every single thank you we said to each of them. The weather was perfect, and so we saw a TON more people out cheering for us. Women, some with their hairstyle showing the battle wounds of chemo, kids there for their Mommies and all Mommies, husbands out to thank us for helping fund research that saved their wives… they all said and many screamed “thank you”.

Day Three…we knew we were almost done. I was wearing my shirt with the names of the Survivors, Fighters and Angels that my supporters all gave to me. The thank you’s were flowing and still as genuinely as on rainy Day One. We were overwhelmed by the support and appreciation. For me, however, the most incredible defining moment came at the very end. We were walking into the final area—the end of our 60-mile journey. We were surrounded by screaming, cheering people of all ages, high-fiving us and yelling ‘THANK YOU!” It was overwhelming. Of all the people there, I happened to lock eyes with one woman… just a few years older than I am, and she was clearly fighting her way through her chemo. Amidst all the yelling and cheering, we locked eyes, and she silently mouthed to me “thank you”…

I can’t say it any clearer. I couldn’t have done this without my family and friends' support and I truly, from the bottom of my really exhausted little heart say…
thank you…

The Mitzvah Marathon

2008-10-21T18:04:00.001-04:00

We were all about the Mitzvahs today...

Our day started with Kayla and her fun luncheon at Ravinia Club at the Perimeter. The theme was candy and the placecards were huge lollipops with each guests' name on them. Very cute. The tables had candy in the center and custom mylar confetti with Kayla's name on them. Pink and purple, of course! It was a fun celebration and everyone had a ball.

That night, we trekked over to Andretti Speed Lab for Matthew's shindig. Matthew, his brother (who has grown about 3 feet since we saw him at HIS bar mitzvah) and parents all wore very cool custom racetrack shirts. The kids danced and raced and had a blast at this big kid Chuck E Cheese! It was very cool that the folks at Andretti's opened up the claw machine (it was a big one) and let Matthew go inside for a super cool photo op.

Mazel tov to Kayla and Matthew and their families!

Stefanie and Matt

2008-10-06T09:34:00.004-04:00

Stefanie and Matt had a beautiful ceremony and celebration to start their life together. Stefanie looked just beautiful and was wearing a veil that her Grandmother wore at her own wedding and then that her Mom wore, and now Stefanie was wearing it on her own wedding day. I just love meaningful touches like that!

After the ceremony, we headed over to Puritan Mill where J Wilbur from Eventscapes did his magic. There were candles everywhere, and the flowers were beautiful. They separated the cocktail hour from the reception with beautiful sheers. It was so pretty!

The party was a fun celebration of a lovely couple and their families were truly happy about their union! That always is the icing on the cake. Stefanie and Matt...congratulations to you both!

Blake's Bar Mitzvah

2008-09-29T13:29:00.003-04:00

Blake is one cool kid. He plays the drums, he wrestles, he is a great dancer, and is just a good guy. We did his photo shoot at his home and he played the drums while Ric shot away. It was phenomenal.

Friday night, the family hosted a Shabbat Dinner at the Cherokee CC to start the celebration with a bang. They showed a video montage off all the family highlights of Blake's 13 years and it was a great kick off for a fun weekend for their friends and family.

Saturday night, the party moved to Opera in Midtown. The party started with a very cool dance number on stage, with a slew of dancers in black suits, white ties, and white masks. The middle dancer pulled off his mask to reveal his face...it was Blake! He left the stage and ran backstage to get on his drumset which was rolled out the the front for all of his screaming fans to see! It was very cool and definitely different from anything we've seen.

The party was a fun celebration, and Blake and his family seemed to have an absolute ball. Congrats Blake and family on this special milestone in your family!

Fontaine and Paul

2008-09-28T17:17:00.002-04:00

It was a lovely celebration for Fontaine and Paul as they started their new life together. The ceremony was held outside at their beautiful home, and they were surrounded by their dearest friends and family. The ceremony was lovely, and was held under the gazebo where Paul had first proposed to Fontaine.

After they were pronounced husband and wife, and offered Communion to their guests, the party moved inside for dinner. The food looked beautiful and delicious. Fontaine's Mom did all the beautiful flowers for the event, and they were perfect for a fall wedding!

Congratulations Fontaine and Paul. And to quote the cocktail napkins at the reception...Eat, Drink and Be Married!

Elissa and Greg

2008-09-25T16:23:00.014-04:00

It was a beautiful sunny day in Atlanta, the perfect day for Elissa and Greg's celebration. These are two of the warmest people who clearly ADORE each other. Made our job oh so easy.

We started at Ahavath Achim Synagogue and got some beautiful prep shots of Elissa (who by the way could be Renee Zellweger's twin sister!). Stewart & Company Salon did her hair and make-up and she looked just fabulous in her Vera Wang creation. What a gorgeous gown...with the fabulous pink Louboutins' to finish it off.

The ceremony was warm and personal and romantic...Elissa's Mom had placed ribbons on the chuppah with the wedding anniversaries of both Elissa and Greg's parents and their grandparents. And, they were married at the same synagogue where Elissa's parents were married, and where she was named, and bat mitzvah'ed. It was very meaningful.

The celebration at Puritan Mill was phenomenal. We have never seen that place look so incredible! Catherine Walther did the decor, and it was unreal. Elissa wanted an enchanting garden feel, and boy did Catherine deliver! Christina and Suzanne from Magnolia Events ran the show, and it was a pleasure. Any time anyone said, oh, we have a question, can someone find Christina...poof...you turned around and there she was to help and fix anything in a blink.

US Beat did their usual fabulous job, and the party was a blast. Elissa and Greg didn't stop smiling at each other for one single minute and that made us smile a ton.

Their bright sparkler exit was a fantastic ending to a really special night. And we wish Renee...I mean...Elissa... and Greg a beautiful lifetime together. Thanks for letting us be a small piece of your celebration! Mazel tov!

Randi and Brian

2008-09-15T16:31:00.007-04:00

We want Randi and Brian to move here so we can hang out with them. Seriously! We loved getting to know them during the engagement session and during the wedding weekend. During the engagement pics, they couldn’t stop smiling at each other. Made our job really hard.

The rehearsal dinner was warm and fun and light at the Grand Hyatt Library. Terry Saxe was the planner and didn't miss a beat. Joan Rubenstein did the floral and it was so lovely. The toasts were so warm--my favorite was Randi maid-of-honor who showed pics of Randi all through adolescence. I felt her pain when she showed the 80's bad hair and shirt with knit tie. (yes, I had both of those and the pic is still on my parent's wall).

The day of the wedding was Randi and Brian's 3 year anniversary of meeting...how romantic and meaningful! The guys hung out at the pool while the girls got ready...and it was so much fun in that suite. They were dancing and hanging out during hair and make-up. Such a relaxed room, such great girls. When Randi was getting ready to go to see Brian for the first time and everyone was moving too slowly for her, she said, “ok, let’s move I need to see my Brian!”

The ceremony was lovely, the celebration was fun and warm and quite simply a great party! Ric especially loved when the US Beat played Dirty Water, a shout out to Randi and Brian (and Ric's) town Boston. The band, by the way, was phenomenal!

We left that party feeling so great, it always warms our hearts when we get to work with two lovely people who are so clearly meant to be together. Randi and Brian, thanks for letting us share the weekend with you! As I told you, we'll photograph your 50th wedding anniversary party. Gladly!!