Pearls, A Pup, and a Picturesque Wedding
Mr. & Mrs. Cooper
Pebble Hill Plantation
Thomasville, GA
Some weddings come with that extra touch of magic simply because of all the history and stories that led you there. Ashley and CJ’s November wedding at Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, GA, was definitely one of them.
Ashley and I went to undergrad together at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. However, when I met Ashley, I had already graduated, and we really didn’t know one other. Yet, there we were in Texas of all places, where she shared that she had booked me for her engagement photos! In fact, all I really knew about Ashley in the beginning was that she was “Ashley engagement pics” in my phone contacts, lol.
Since that fateful moment when we ran into one another, and two engagement photo sessions later, we finally reached the wedding day!
While Ashley and CJ were getting ready at an Airbnb, their coordinator decorated over at their venue, Pebble Hill Plantation. Since they chose to do a first look, we got to see them in one of the most emotional and touching moments before walking down the aisle.
The anticipation
A hot take, I know, but having a first look on a wedding day is magical in so many ways. For one, it allows the couples to spend more of their wedding day together and less time separated. Unlike traditional ceremonies, when the whole wedding day fits into several hours and everything needs to be done fast, first look allows for the couples to participate in so many more activities and moments throughout the day. It also gives couples the time to share those emotions and tears in private, rather than feeling forced in front of an audience.
Not surprisingly, Ashley and CJ had a few other VIPs join them for the day, including…
Their dog!
Their furry friend was the guest of honor at every single important part of their wedding day. If you know me, you know that I can’t get enough of wedding-day dog cameos (I had my pup at my wedding, too)! This one didn’t disappoint either.
Also, there was this small wedding-day problem that became one of the favorite memories for Ashley and CJ. For some reason, the fashion tape that was planned to hold the bride’s dress sleeves was not doing what was intended. Instead of stressing over the problem, we decided to use CJ’s grandmother’s pearls to tie Ashley’s dress on.
It solved the issue and made everything infinitely more meaningful and emotional!
Isn’t there something so precious about these moments at weddings? They turn out to be the most memorable stories, and I love the fact that something so trivial as getting the dress to sit in the right spot turned into an opportunity to wear an heirloom from CJ’s grandma throughout the whole day.
The ceremony
Let’s jump to chatting about the groom, CJ.
He’s the kind of person who keeps everybody smiling. Silly, yet genuine. But, CJ is very fortunate to have somebody as amazing as Ashley, who is so thoughtful, beautiful, and so, so caring.
Honestly, having spent this much time together with them, I feel like we are all be friends in real life too. Unfortunately, Ashley and CJ have since moved to Mississippi.
Which means that there is one of those unexpected perks that comes with wedding photography.
Sometimes you come to photograph a couple and leave feeling like their best friends.
Traveling for weddings has turned out to be one of my absolute favorite things about the wedding photography business. Not only do you get to work with amazing venues and people and photograph some of the most beautiful people out there, but you get to experience things you would not usually have the chance to!
Ashley and CJ, I am so grateful for you letting me be a part of your story, from “Ashley engagement pics” in my phone to two engagement sessions and your beautiful fall wedding day. Thank you for being so amazing!
The newlyweds
Wedding Day Vendors
Venue – Pebble Hill Plantation – Thomasville, GA
Photography – Created by Caitlynne – Gainesville, FL
Catering – JB Crumbs – Thomasville, GA
Dress – Tifton Bridal and Gift Gallery – Tifton, GA
Suit – Al Dixon’s Mens Wear – Thomasville, GA