#fallingforphillips
Alyson & Eric met as student leaders for an organization called IMPACT (Alternative Spring Break) at UGA. They became really close friends over the year leading up to graduation and were practically inseparable during their last few days in the same city. However, it wasn’t until they left Athens and moved to different cities that they finally started dating (talk about bad timing!). Fortunately, their long-distance relationship was only a short distance away (Nashville to Memphis), and they were able to travel across the state of Tennessee almost every weekend to spend time together. Adjusting to post-grad life, being first year teachers, and starting a long-distance relationship all at the same time was a lot to handle, but it proved that their love for each other was strong & deep from the very beginning.
I actually knew Alyson before booking her wedding. We met at UGA through mutual friends in her co-ed fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi. We then went on the same study abroad trip to South Africa. She even modeled for one of my first-ever photo shoots as I started my journey in photography. Needless to say, I was over the moon when she contacted me about her wedding. The past year of taking engagement photos & bridal portraits & planning their big day has been such a joy (major props to the BEST planner/coordinator: Georgia Grace Weddings who helped make all our dreams come true!).
Alyson & Eric’s wedding ceremony was held at the Cecil B. Day Chapel in the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and their reception was in a ballroom at the Foundry Building behind the Classic Center. As the girls were getting ready, I vividly remember Alyson repeating “I just want to see Eric.” They then shared an adorable First Look and enjoyed each other’s company during some relaxing photos around the gardens. Even though they took photos before the ceremony, I loved that they set aside time between the ceremony & reception for more photos… This allowed us to get some gorgeous images while the sun was lower in the sky (that yummy golden light that I love!) and also swing by the UGA Arch & downtown Athens for a few iconic shots. Their reception was full of touching moments, hilarious speeches, feeding each other honey (a Persian tradition!), and dancing the night away with the help of DJ David Osborne of Sound Insight Productions . Thank you to the dream team of vendors that helped put this day together!
Ceremony Venue: Cecil B. Day Chapel at State Botanical Garden of Georgia || Reception Venue: The Classic Center (Foundry Building) || Planner/Coordinator: Georgia Grace Wedding || Hair: Republic Salon || Makeup: Jenny Sue Makeup || Bride’s Dress: Stella York || Bridal Party Dresses: Bill Levkoff || Bride’s Shoes: BHLDN || Men’s Wear: Men’s Wearhouse || DJ: Sound Insight Productions (David Osborne) || Florist: Greg Hall and Company || Videographer: Hammond Video Productions || Transportation: Georgia Trolley Services || Photographer: Claire Diana Photography || Rings: Kings Jewelers in Nashville, Robert Irwin Jewelers in Memphis || Cake / Caterer: Levy Restaurants
Pawtropolis brought their sweet pup, Sanford, for a visit!
I didn’t know you could create your own Snapchat filter!!
The moment below was priceless… when the Officiant pronounced “Amanda & Eric” husband and wife, confusing Alyson with her sister!
The wedding party rode the trolley to the Classic Center, but first we stopped downtown where Alyson & Eric walked under the Arch for the first time as husband and wife!
Alyson & Eric requested the below photo as a recreation of one of their engagement photos. Last time we used random passersby. This time we used the wedding party. :)
It’s a Persian tradition that the bride & groom feed each other honey!
- Bailey & Drew
Athens Georgia Engagement - December 3, 2024 - Lyla & Pez
Archer High School Senior - November 22, 2024 - Annalise | UGA Masters
Georgia Senior Photographer - November 21, 2024
