Victoria & Jonah | Thomas Cotton Gin
Athens Watkinsville Georgia Wedding Photographer

August 6, 2018

Victoria & Jonah met in high school and have now been together for 5.5 years. They both attend UGA and will graduate this coming May. I love how personal every aspect of their wedding was. The guys & girls both got ready in the house where Victoria grew up. Their ceremony was at Watkinsville First Baptist Church, the church that they attend together. And their reception was at the Thomas Cotton Gin, where Victoria used to often work via Hot Thomas Barbecue.

Victoria & Jonah were so detail-oriented when planning out their day. They thought of things before I’d even advise them, such as keeping their “getting ready” spaces clean of clutter for pictures. Some of my favorite photos of the day are the bridal portraits I took of Victoria in her childhood bedroom as she got ready. Not only did they put a lot of thought into every detail of the day, but they really prioritized photos… which I obviously LOVE! I normally try to pull my couples out of the reception for a few “golden hour” photos or “night shots” if timing permits, but Victoria & Jonah made it very clear that these were a priority to them, so we got both! And I love that Victoria was willing to adventure through wheat fields and forests in order to get some beautiful photos… she wasn’t even phased when we pulled several bugs out of her dress, including a huge spider. Anything for the shot, right? :)

There were so many moments and aspects of their day that I adored, including watching Jonah & Victoria dote on each other and use “sweat rags” to dry each other’s faces between pictures (IT WAS SO HOT, Y’ALL). Jonah gifted Victoria with earrings to wear, and Victoria gifted Jonah with whiskey for the groomsmen to enjoy. I loved the rustic nature of the cotton gin, how Jonah’s wedding band was his grandfather’s for 25 years, and how Victoria’s mom teared up during the father-daughter dance. I loved that Victoria & Jonah wrote their own vows to each other, and how Jonah could barely keep it together while reading his. I loved that it never rained, even with a terrible forecast.

All in all, it was an amazing day uniting this sweet couple, and I feel so honored to have captured it. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Owens!

Ceremony: Watkinsville First Baptist Church  // Reception: Thomas Cotton Gin // Hair & Makeup: Jaclyn Pearson Artistry  // Coordinator: Marvelyn Smith // Bride’s dress: I do, I do Bridal Boutique  // Bridesmaids’ dresses: Lulu’s // Bride’s shoes: TOMS // Engagement Ring: James Allen  // Bride’s wedding band: Chandlee Jewelers // Mens’ wear: Perno’s Formal Wear // Caterer: Hot Thomas BBQ  // DJ: Judah Press Entertainment // Florist: Pannell Designs & Events // Videographer: Kaleb Clark  // Cake: Laurie Duncan

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