Frances & Tim The Ridges Resort Wedding
Frances and Tim are one of those amazing couples where the love they have for each other is immediately felt, by everyone around them. The first time I spoke with Frances and Tim, I knew that they had a clear vision of what they wanted their wedding day to be like, and I was so excited to help them bring it to life. They were married at The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge, which is one of my favorite North Georgia venues.
Frances chose a gorgeous wedding dress. The blush color under such beautiful lace detail, was just breath taking. As soon as I saw this amazing fireplace at the Ridges Resort, I knew I had to hang the dress here. When you get married next to a lake, what a better place to hang the dress than on a boat. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, wedding day details are my favorite! This is where you can really see the personality of each couple come out. From the beautiful custom hanger, to the simply elegant invitations, and the antique jewelry box, these details were stunning!
The anticipation and excitement of the “getting ready” part of the wedding day, is always palpable. Tim and Frances both spent this time surrounded by their family and friends, and all of the love that brings. One of the things that was special about Tim and Frances, is that they had their children stand in as their wedding party. Watching them both adjust their son’s ties, to get them picture ready was so sweet!
Frances and Tim decided to keep to tradition, and not see each other before the wedding, so i took some time with each of them to do a some beautiful wedding portraits out by the lake. The weather on this day was very back and forth. We all watched the forecast like hawks the days leading up to the actual wedding day, and it did not look promising. This seems to be a large part of my job as a wedding photographer and I have learned not to panic! Rain or shine the wedding is happening and it will be beautiful! The sun decided to show its face right as we were taking portraits, and it really made the landscape shine.
Frances made such a beautiful bride, and Tim was such a handsome groom. I think sometimes even wedding photographers forget to give grooms the attention they deserve, and really can you blame us, with veils, lace, and bouquets stealing the show.
It was very important to Frances and Tim, that not only their children be a part of their wedding but that their fur babies were present too. For this couple, family is so important and Cooper and Ivy are a part of their family! I’m a huge dog lover, so I was thrilled when they told me their dogs would be a part of the ceremony! Please bring your dogs to any and all photoshoots with me!
The rain may have held off for our portraits, but unfortunately, It did not hold off for the ceremony. Luckily The Ridges Resort is well equipped to handle this. The ceremony was moved under a lovely covered pavilion, which allowed us to be outside without getting drenched. Frances and Tim’s wedding ceremony was full of tears and joy. There were beautiful readings given by loved ones. This couple stood together with their children beside them not just becoming man and wife, but becoming a family. I’d be lying if i said, I wasn’t moved to bare witness to such a union.
On every wedding day, one of my favorite times to spend with my couples, is right after the ceremony. I like to call this the just married bliss portrait time. In this time, I steal my couple away from all of their family and friends, and let them have a minute to breathe and let it all sink in, they are married!!! The rain gave us another break, but it kept the sky very moody, and I was not mad about it! Give me a gorgeous lake with a mountain view, some dark clouds, and beautifully in love couple, any day! This is really what makes the Ridges Resort such a special venue. Have you ever seen a happier couple?
Tim and Frances decided to have a tower of cupcakes as their wedding cake. All of the details on the individual cupcakes were stunning and they were delicious. I love to see how couples get creative on their wedding days.
Receptions are always so fun. I love stepping back from all of the directing and just being an observer. This is always the point in the day, where as the wedding photographer, the hardest part is over. No more giving directions, just capturing all the best candid moments as they happen. Frances and Tim, really let loose and enjoyed all of their family and friends who came out to celebrate them and their union.
Getting to know Frances and Tim through this process, was so special to me. Watching not just two people but two families become one bigger family, was a privilege. Even with the weather going back and forth on us, I cannot imagine a more beautiful day to celebrate this amazing couple.
Venue: The Ridges Resort
Floral: Amanda Jewel Floral & Design
Cake: Poplar + Pine