This past Saturday, I had the privilege of capturing Sarah and Ryan’s wedding—a day filled with love, elegance, and heartfelt emotion. Their celebration at Athens Cotton Press was a true reflection of their shared values: family, meaningful connections, and timeless beauty.

Sarah’s father, though no longer with us, was a poignant presence throughout the day, his memory honored in subtle yet touching ways. From the start, it was clear how deeply Sarah and Ryan cherish their loved ones. The bond between Sarah and her brother Nick was especially evident during their emotional First Look, a tender moment that highlighted the strength of family ties.

The couple’s own First Look followed at UGA’s North Campus, where they exchanged private vows in the golden light of the afternoon. This intimate moment—filled with love, gratitude, and quiet anticipation—was one of the most moving parts of the day. From there, we journeyed to North Campus for portraits, where the classic architecture and romantic setting perfectly complemented their elegant style.

Their ceremony was a celebration of love in all its forms. Surrounded by family and friends, Sarah and Ryan’s joy radiated as they promised forever to each other. The reception that followed was nothing short of spectacular, with a beautifully curated space that reflected their sophisticated taste. Candid moments of laughter, dancing, and heartfelt toasts filled the evening, showcasing the deep connections they share with those closest to them.

Sarah and Ryan’s wedding was a perfect blend of heartfelt emotion and joyful celebration. Documenting their love story was a true honor, and I wish them a future as beautiful as the day they became husband and wife.

For couples planning their wedding, let Sarah and Ryan’s day be an inspiration: celebrate what matters most, honor your story, and fill your day with love and intention.

Deciding whether to share a First Look moment before your wedding ceremony is a deeply personal choice for every couple. It’s a private, intimate moment that can offer a calm and cherished connection before the whirlwind of the day truly begins. My husband and I chose to have a First Look, and it became one of the most memorable parts of our wedding. It allowed us to laugh, breathe, and just be together before the official ceremony. Whether you choose to uphold tradition or embrace a First Look, the key is to make the decision that feels right for you. After all, your wedding day is about celebrating your unique love story in the way that’s most meaningful to both of you.

Choosing the right color palette for your wedding day is more than just picking pretty shades—it’s about creating a timeless look that enhances your photos and evokes the right emotions. Neutral tones, earth colors, and less saturated shades like blush and dusty blue photograph beautifully, avoiding the harsh reflections that brighter pastels can cause. By selecting colors that complement your skin tone and convey a timeless elegance, your wedding photos will remain as stunning decades from now as they are today.

The luxurious wedding venue called The Atrium by A Devine Event hosted the Gomez wedding photographed by Tara Wilburn photography, a seasoned photographer in the Atlanta Wedding industry for over 14 years.

Hey there, fellow lovebirds! It’s Tara Wilburn here, your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer based in the heart of Athens, Georgia. Today, I want to dive into one of the most important aspects of planning your outdoor wedding ceremony – finding the perfect time to say “I do.”

Living in this beautiful Southern city, we’re blessed with some of the most stunning natural landscapes and dreamy golden hour lighting you could ever imagine. But let’s face it, not all times of the day are created equal when it comes to capturing those picture-perfect moments.

When it comes to planning your ceremony time, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, let’s talk about that magical golden hour – you know, that time of day when the sun dips low in the sky, casting everything in a warm, ethereal glow. Trust me when I say, you want to schedule your ceremony during this time if you want those dreamy, Pinterest-worthy photos.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Tara, what about the logistics?” Fear not, my friends, because I’ve got you covered. With careful planning and a little bit of creativity, we can make sure your ceremony is not only stunning but also runs smoothly from start to finish.

For those early birds among you, a sunrise ceremony can be absolutely magical. Picture this – exchanging vows as the first rays of sunlight filter through the trees, with the promise of a beautiful day ahead. It’s pure romance, y’all.

But if you’re more of a sunset kind of couple (and let’s be real, who can resist that golden hour glow?), then an evening ceremony is the way to go. Just imagine saying “I do” as the sky is painted in hues of pink and gold – it’s like something out of a fairy tale.

Of course, the timing of your ceremony will also depend on the season and the specific location of your wedding venue. That’s where I come in – as your trusty photographer, I’ll work closely with you to determine the best time for your ceremony based on factors like lighting, weather, and the overall vibe you’re going for.

So there you have it, my friends – the secret to finding the perfect time for your Athens, Georgia wedding ceremony. Whether you’re saying “I do” at sunrise or sunset, rest assured that I’ll be there to capture every magical moment. Because when it comes to love, there’s no such thing as bad lighting.

As a seasoned wedding photographer with 14 years of experience capturing countless love stories, I’ve seen it all – from picture-perfect moments to unexpected mishaps. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of compatibility between couples and their chosen photographer, effective communication to align visions, and maintaining a flexible mindset to navigate any twists and turns on the big day.

In the heart of Athens, Georgia, amidst the splendor of a luxury wedding, I had the privilege of bearing witness to a love story for the ages—a love story that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. And as I reflect on the beauty of that day, I am reminded once again of the profound privilege it is to capture moments of such unparalleled beauty and significance.

Congratulations to Courtney and Miles on their recent nuptials at the Payne-Corely House in Duluth! It was a joyful occasion shared with friends and family, and a wonderful way to end the year of 2023. This was the last wedding of the year for me to work, and it was a memorable event! Amidst beautiful […]

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