Happy!

When I think of the word "happy" I think of this picture.

Captured last night just before bedtime.

Our girls play, fight, laugh and cry constantly,

but they are truly best friends.

I can't think about them without thinking of the

"why" and the "how" they are around.

Today is Joy's birthday.

She has been my best friend for almost 14 years.

And today I see some of her biggest strengths in our girls.

Her passion.

Her stubbornness...or maybe perseverance/drive/ambition would be a better description.

Her care and concern for others less fortunate.

The way she laughs and the way she cries.

Most of all, her grace.

So happy birthday, love. There's absolutely no one that makes the girls and me happier.

Style and Sophistication, No.2

Previously I shared a few pictures from a bridal fashion session

with the lovely and talented Melissa.

Here is the second installment.

Model: Melissa Baker

Dress 1: Ysa Maniko, The Collection

Dress 2: St. Pucchi, The Collection

Accessories: The Collection

Make-up/hair: Simone at Makeover Station

Melissa & Brandon, just one

"I was born to catch dragons

in their dens

and pick flowers.

To tell tales and

laugh away the morning.

To drift and dream

like a lazy stream

and walk barefoot

across sunshine days."

James Kavanaugh

Last weekend we photographed a truly beautiful farm wedding.

Everyone's been asking for a sneak peek and I'm just not quite ready.

But here's one.

The lovely Melissa & Brandon

Regal by the sea

It was a combination of regal and relaxed.

In the midst of a couple days of relaxation and refreshment

at the exquisite Ritz Carlton Amelia Island,

Debby and Mike were married in truly spectacular fashion.

At the reception Debby's father shared the story of years ago

when they visited the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island.

Even as a young girl, Debby said to her parents,

"wouldn't this be a beautiful place for a wedding?"

Well, dreams do come true.

Debby's parents were celebrating their 37th anniversary that weekend,

so they shared a beautiful dance as well.

Venue: Ritz Carlton Ameila Island

Wedding coordinator: Lisa Stoner, E-events Design

Video: Jeffrey Stoner Video

Floral Design: Botanica

Lighting: Tommy Hart

Band: Fifth Avenue Band

June, high school senior

I love photographing high school seniors.

This is June from Collegedale Academy.

Sofia and Emma in Naples

"Sibling relationships outlast marriages,

survive the death of parents,

and resurface after quarrels that would sink any friendship.

They flourish in a thousand incarnations of

closeness and distance, warmth, loyalty and distrust."

-Erica E. Goode

I met these two beautiful young ladies last October at a wedding in Chattanooga

and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph them recently in Naples.

Karen & Jimmy's Chattanooga garden wedding

"Garrett, if people are comfortable and relaxed at our home,

then Karen Elizabeth's wedding will have been a success."

Those were the words that Mrs. Clement, Karen's mom, kept telling me

when we visited together a few days before her wedding.

After visiting their gracious and charming home on Elder Mountain,

and witnessing what a consummate hostess she is,

I assured her that everyone would be quite comfortable.

No, I obviously couldn't speak for all of the guests,

but with fantastic food, great music, and wonderful friends and family,

I honestly couldn't think of any place I'd rather be

on a such beautiful spring Chattanooga evening.

A few days ago I shared a couple pictures of Karen's parents' garden

and the view from their home.

What a beautiful location!

Here are a few images from their wedding.

Who doesn't love a fabulous pair of Kate Spade shoes?

And check out the great detail on the front!

The perfect accent to compliment her stunning Monique Lhuillier gown.

Their first dance was so charming in front of the large wall of windows.

Karen's nephew was such a ham. I loved photographing this little guy.

The newlyweds stroll through the gardens.

Congratulations Karen and Jimmy! It was truly our pleasure.

Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Clement for being such fabulously gracious hosts.

And to Morgan and her Soirees team, we love you guys!