You read that right!  Katherine and Vinh’s dog, Chewie was the Ring Bearer in their wedding!  He was already the star of the show in their Engagement Session at Burke Lake Park months earlier.  They found a tuxedo style harness and the rings were actually tied to him as he walked down the aisle.  The Best Man untied them from his harness during the Ceremony.

The Piedmont Club is a lovely venue that provided an outdoor ceremony overlooking the golf course and a lovely ballroom reception.  Their day was a mix of overcast, partly sunny, and then concluded with a brief rain immediately following their Family Formals.

After Kat and Vinh were dressed, they exchanged letters and gifts and the sweetest moments ensued.  Kat did her best to not let her tears ruin her makeup as her bridesmaids were looking on and telling her all the silly things to think of to make her laugh.  The light streaming in this window highlighted the sweet moment.  Meanwhile, my second photographer, Marcy, was documenting Vinh as he read his letter.  When guys get emotional it’s just so sweet. It’s such a big day and a lifetime decision.  She captured his feelings for Kat to witness later.

This couple planned on having their First Look, so that they could get all their emotions in check before the Ceremony. Vinh took a deep breath before he turned around to face her.  She glowed and they both shared a few moments of overwhelming emotion and time stood still.  These two could not stop smiling as we worked through their Couples Portraits and into the Bridal Party Portraits.

The sun came out for their Ceremony and as we finished Family Formals, the skies opened up and it began to really rain.  We were so lucky since it was time for the Ballroom Reception.  The room was filled with laughter and tears as this couple had their first dance and listened to their Best Man and Maid of Honor’s toasts.  Things really started to get fun when Groom and Groomsmen brought chairs in to do a choreographed dance for the Bride.  ‘As Long As You Love Me’ by The Backstreet Boys.  She was completely surprised and everyone was pretty impressed with their moves.  Shortly afterwards the dance floor opened and the dance battles began.

A little while later the Groom gathered his guys to go outside to share a nice bottle of whiskey and cigars.  The rain had dampened the firepit a bit, but there was still enough light streaming out of the ballroom that they were comfortable.  I was able to bounce a flash off the building and illuminate the cigar smoke, which gave a really cool effect.

Before long, the night came to an end and it was time for the Sparkler Exit. These sparklers were so long that once they were lit, Kat and Vinh were able to run through a few times and really enjoy their exit.

Cake: Girl Meets Cake | 

Gi***********@gm***.com

Florist: Farida Floral | @faridafloral

DJ: DJ Phlipz | @showpowevents

Officiant: Rev. Mary Stone | 

Re**********@gm***.com