When describing her wedding, Gazali told me there would be lots of “bling,” and she wasn’t kidding! I absolutely LOVE the details I got to photograph during this wedding, and her sparkly bridesmaids’ dresses might be my favorite to date. This was my first time photographing a part-Indian wedding, and I swooned over Gazali’s intricate henna on her hands & feet. I think you’ll notice immediately when viewing the images that I was a tad obsessed. We even took beautiful generational photos of the bride + sister + mother + grandmother… all adorned with the ceremonial henna.
Gazali & Travis’ wedding day began at the Graduate Athens Hotel where they got ready. I LOVED the rustic & eclectic lobby — a perfect backdrop for detail shots! From there, we took the Graduate’s shuttle to North Campus for their First Look at the UGA Chapel & bridal party photos. The crazy part? It was G-Day in Athens. And not only G-Day, but the biggest G-Day the University of Georgia has ever seen! They say that over 93,000 people were in attendance, and that resulted in a very crowded campus during photo time. With mobs of red & black UGA fans passing the Chapel, I asked Gazali if she wanted to move her First Look location. Normally First Looks are super private with only me & my second shooter photographing from a distance. But Gazali & Travis embraced their moment in a more public setting and laughed through the cheers & congratulations by random strangers. I always tell my couples that wedding days never go 100% according to plan, and it’s best when they take unexpected changes in stride. Gazali & Travis did just that. The traffic congestion coupled with a fender bender that occurred right in front of us delayed our travel plans to and from campus, but this couple kept a smile on their faces and never stressed!
Their ceremony was held in an upstairs ballroom at the Foundry. I love that so many of my couples STILL get emotional at the start of the ceremony even with doing a First Look… Truthfully a First Look just allows couples to have TWO really awesome moments rather than just one! Gazali’s face when walking down the aisle was a tear-jerker, and their personal vows were precious. They went with many of my vendor recommendations, and the team they compiled for their big day was AMAZING. I especially loved the bouquets by Gardenia Floral Design, and the day wouldn’t have been the same without the wonderful Georgia Grace Weddings team running the show. The incredible Derek of DStreet Entertainment provided the music for the evening, and the fun celebration with family and friends ended in a sparkler exit. Thank you to EVERYONE who helped make this day so fantastic for this sweet couple.
Ceremony Venue: The Graduate || Reception Venue: The Foundry || Hair & Makeup: Model Citizen || Bride’s Dress: Bridals by Lori || Rings: Jared || Men’s Wear: Perno’s Formal Wear || DJ: D Street Entertainment || Planner: Georgia Grace Weddings || Florist: Gardenia Floral Design || Caterer: The Foundry || Photographer: Claire Diana Photography || Henna: New Look Salon || Cakes: Cecelia Villaveces
Travis acknowledging the passersby who shouted many congratulations.
Their sweet dog, Boo Radley, joined us on campus for photos. Thanks Pawtropolis for bringing him!
Three generations.
- Natalie & Nathan
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