Being a commuting wedding photographer, shooting at a venue that’s close to home is so much appreciated. While I enjoy traveling to different cities, big or small, there’s just something about being 15 minutes away from my house (and my family) that seems to put my mind to ease. So when Theresa was telling me about her wedding venue, Athens Blue Heron, I was eager to shoot there from the get-go.

This venue is a funky little place that I had never shot at before, and I became intrigued by it’s unique qualities at first sight. In Athens, Georgia I would have never expected to see a place of palm trees, which kind of gives this location a beachy-island feel. Who knew?!.. I also found a spot with red clay that I knew would be a nice backdrop when the lighting was on point. The most interesting place, though, was the signature wall decorated with heron wall art and vibrant plants. Simple little spot, but makes for great, modern photos.

Theresa and Irbin exchanged heart-wrenching vows on the rooftop of the building amongst their friends and family. One thing I enjoyed about being in this special mix of people was the love that was implemented toward one another. There was no division; Everyone was friendly toward each other. It was just a fun, happy evening celebrating these two sweethearts. And boy do they know how to party! The reception dance floor was on fire that night!

I wish you could have been there to witness the emotion during the first dances at the Reception. Especially, from the Father/Daughter dance and the Mother/Son dance. Theresa’s father beamed with happiness for his little girl. You could see it in his smile. Irbin and his mother danced to “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, which had a very special story behind it. When Irbin was a little boy, he would get overwhelmed by the emotional feel of that song and would cry crocodile tears every time he heard it. Irbin didn’t know that song was what his mother had chosen for their dance together. He wept during the entire dance. It was beautiful.