Life is always full of surprises. Just when you think the world is crashing down around you, the most unexpected surprises have a way of springing up around the corner.
Needing a weekend breather Ashley headed out to the country with her best friend. No pretenses, nothing exciting, just wide open spaces. The last thing on her mind was meeting someone but it was then, when the world was too big and life was complicated, that fate had a surprise for her. Because you see, Ashley’s best friend was taking her to her in-law’s property out in Elberton where she also knew her handsome brother-in-law, Jeremy, might be home. Fate?
What started out as spending weekends out in the county turned into a hilarious trek in the mud for Muddy Buddy and led to having a partner for life. In those same fields that brought a calmness to her life, Jeremy brought Ashley out under the stars and asked for her hand in marriage. It was fate that was acting through her best friend/future sister in law that day so long ago on her first trek to the country.
Ashley it was so fabulous to see you again!! You had such a special light about you back in our college days and I am so glad to see you again. Jeremy, it was great to meet you and I’m sorry for the impromptu mud boggin’ on your clean truck, but it was an experience 
~C
Monday, December 7, 2009 Posted in Weddings
Little back story. Randee and I were two parts of the three musketeers back in high school. Krista rounded us out and we were inseparable. The summer that we were 16 Randee and Krista were lifeguards and we spent the summer at the city pool (I stopped in for company) and we had our Movie Mondays and fun times riding in the truck or Krista’s convertible. That was probably my favorite summer. It has since been ten years since we’ve all been together and at least five since I had seen Randee when Facebook brought us together (gotta love that site). Fate had its way and Randee and Blake were in Savannah one weekend back in April, the same weekend Josh and I were down for a photo shoot. Meeting up was as if those years that separated us had never happened. It was so good to catch up and just click with your best friend that you spent long nights laughing with, eating Peanut Reese’s chips and Dr. Pepper.
Fast forward to November where Randee married the man that she met and fell in love with that shares her passion for the ocean, beach and all things on the water. With family that traveled from as far away as Ohio and as close as her next door neighbor, Randee and Blake planned a beautiful wedding celebration that spanned several days and that truly represented themselves and as a couple. I missed the first few days of celebrations but arrived at the Don Cesar in time to capture the rehearsal on the beach, spot dolphins off the dock at the rehearsal dinner and swap stories with loved ones on both sides of family.
Looking back I remember eating breakfast at the Greek diner with Josh on the wedding day. Driving back to the Don we both noted that it was indeed, the best day for a wedding. Picture perfect in every sense. The bluest of skies, a cool breeze just off the Gulf, and a brilliant sun. I met up with Randee as she headed out for a makeup appointment and later back for hair. Calm, laid back, quick with a smile followed by her laugh that I have known for so many years, it was an incredible experience to see my friend transform from beach babe to hot goddess. Ringlet curls, champagne flutes, flowy white dress, barefoot and surrounded by her best friends and family; Randee was beautiful and stunning.
Details for the day fell into place and reflected Randee and Blake as a couple like nothing else could. Walking down the sandy aisle to the sounds of the water crashing to the beach, steel drum music in the air and the palm leaves blowing in the breeze Randee arrived to stand next to Blake. Exchanging vows under the sun, in front of close family and friends, barefoot on the beach was so in tune to who they are, what brought them together and where they are headed. Later after the impromptu sunset shoot (fabulous timing!) the newest Mr and Mrs headed back to the Reception perfectly held on the outside dock/patio, entertained by the steel drum band and the love of family and friends.
It has been an absolute honor and thrill to document first Krista’s wedding and now Randee’s. Even after all of these years, friends have a way of circling back having passed the test of time.
Much love to the both of you!! Josh and I definitely will be there when you plan that trip to the Keyes
~C
Thursday, December 3, 2009 Posted in My Life
I have never made resolutions at New Years. Like most people I can’t keep a resolution for very long. Because my birthday isn’t too far from New Years I have always used it as my benchmark for my next year. This past year I set out to use my 26th year to really focus on my photography and to move forward with my passion. I would say that I have definitely exceeded my goals and learned along the way.
I’m still deciding on what to make my goal and focus for my 27th year. Photography is very much my focus and interest for this next year but as I near the beginning of my third year of marriage, I want to carve more time for my husband. I’m hoping for more movies on the couch, more homemade dinners and sitting at the dinner table, more road trips and singing out of tune to the radio, more date nights, and enjoying the teamwork with even the most mundane chores.
Life is short and though I’m only turning 27 today and it isn’t old, I have been reminded several times throughout the year to take time to notice the little things, enjoy where you are in life and stop wishing your life away and as Ellen would say, “Just Dance!”
~C
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 Posted in Weddings
Decked out in her custom 80’s tee made especially for her themed bachelorette party days prior, Heather arrived full of life. Looking gorgeous and glowing with excitement. Both Heather and Andy were so calm yet excited to see each other and start the party that they have been planning for so long.
Fun surprises were around ever corner. I slipped in through the bar and pictures of Oscar were flashing on a screen. Andy had created a slideshow documenting their time together (goofy smiles and all) and their little mini dachshund had several stage stealing shots. So cute!!! Another reason, I just love them-our love of the weiner dogs
It was so awesome to witness your unique vows and devotion to each other. Andy, I promise that is the first that I was caught off guard and tears were in my eyes from someone’s vows, so moving!! Heather, you just bring a smile to my face, you are just so fun and the nicest!
It’s been a long time coming but I do hope you enjoy this small summary of your day.
My absolute best!
~C
by Chris Young
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