DJ and Katie Callaway Gardens Proposal

DJ chose the Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Georgia as the place to ask for the hand of the lovely Katie.   Engaged?  Take a look at our wedding galleries and give us a call at 706-587-7976 or use our contact page to schedule a wedding photography consultation.  Book your wedding on the same day as our consultation and receive a complimentary 16×20 luxury canvas gallery wrap portrait!

 

 

 

Military Event Photography Fort Benning Trade Center Rangers

Just a few pics of the lovelies from last weekend’s elite Fort Benning Rangers’ Christmas Ball at the Columbus Trade and Convention Center.  So many beautiful women and drop-dead handsome gentlemen – oh, the man in uniform!  We would love to provide excellent quality photography for your event!  Visit here for sports, event, and military photography and give us a shout at 706-587-7976 or through our contact page for more information.

 

She Said Yes! Callaway Gardens Weddings Engagement Bridal

Rhett went way over the top when he proposed to Lindsay at Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights.   We were commissioned to sneak onto the trolley behind them,  with two enormous cameras in tow, and were conveniently on hand to capture the moment when he jumped out of the trolley, led her beside the the blazing, majestic “twin trees” display, and and popped the question.  What a night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Color Splash Wedding Ideas

Our fall wedding season is officially over.   We have now switched to Christmas mode, and rich reds, bright greens, glowing golds, and blue, purple, and turquoise jewel tones will begin to pass through the lenses of our cameras.  Glitter, and stars, and snowflakes – oh my!  Here is a collection of some of the most beautiful and colorful fall decorating ideas we came across in 2012.

 

Flowers by Bloomwoods, Designs by Mayumi, Mike Chapman, and Mamie Pound.  Wedding venues included Macons Place, Lake Pines Event Center, The Rothschild-Pound House, and the Fort Benning Officers’ Club.  Planning a wedding?  Click here for pricing information.

 

 

Kellan and Patrick

Kellan and Patrick were married amongst the beautiful fall scenery at Lake Pines Event Center in Midland.  And did these two know how to party!  Note Kellan’s dog on the center right – he was the most compliant ring bearer we have witnessed to date.  Loved this wedding- best of wishes to you two! Planning a wedding?  For current specials for the military, please click here.  Want to go all out and “trash the dress” after your wedding?  Click here.

 

Military Fort Benning Ranger Wedding in Downtown Columbus Rothschild Pound House

Wow! What a beautiful venue and stunning couple.  I love to photograph handsome men in uniform and this bride – what can I say?  Just look at these pictures.  The wedding was held at the beautiful Rothschild Pound House in downtown Columbus and a handful of Fort Benning’s Rangers were out in full force.  A special bonus portrait print gift certificate is on the offering for any military couple who books a wedding before December 31- see the details here.   For information on booking your wedding photography, please click here.

 

Fort Benning Military Wedding Main Infantry Chapel

I still get goosebumps when I see these pictures- most of the men in uniform from Fort Benning had just returned from being deployed and it was a great honor for us to record this blessed event for the family.  If you are engaged and looking for a wedding photographer, please see our wedding page for more information on what we can do for you.

 

Columbus Georgia Creative Senior Photography

This girl has it going on – pretty, smart, and one of the most photogenic seniors we’ve ever had the privilege to photograph.  These awesome pics were taken in Downtown Columbus and at a mansion just outside the city limits.  We still have a few more spots left on our fall calendar for senior sessions.  This month’s freebie is a set of 24 wallet portraits with any senior session booked before October 31.  See our “Seniors” page for more photos and to book your own creative session.

 

New! We Now Help you “Trash the Dress!”

After the wedding and honeymoon are over, why not have one last party in your wedding attire?  Hold a “Trash the Dress” session and see just how how much fun you can have “trashing” the gown of your dreams.  Send us a note through our contact page or give us a call at 706-587-7976 to brainstorm.  Hair styling and make up services available.

 

Trash the Dress Session

 

Family Reunion Photography Pine Mountain Columbus LaGrange Fort Benning Georgia

Tim and I recently visited the home of a Pine Mountain, Georgia couple who hosted their summer family reunion.  A stunning backdrop of horses provided outstanding pictures of the entire extended group, then each family alone.  For family photography prices, please click here.

 

 

Jill Welch Photography/Columbus River Mill Event Center Wedding/Today’s Hot Bridal Bouquets

Megan and AJ’s wedding was nothing short of heart stopping gorgeous.  From the breathtaking scenery and stylishly elegant food courtesy of the  River Mill Event Center in Columbus, to the lush florals provided by Nosegay Florist,  to the most stunning decor in the entire nuptial universe, the exquisite and radiant bride, this was certainly an affair to remember.  Megan’s blatant show of adoration for her new husband was one of the things that I remember most about the day, along with AJ”s exuberance and delight in all of the exciting things that were happening in their honor.  I have never seen a couple have as much fun as these two at a wedding.  The new Mr. and Mrs. will make their home in Warner Robbins, GA, where they are both in service to our country.

View the entire gallery of Megan and AJ’s wedding here.

Click here for Kathy and Nathan’s wedding pics featuring historic downtown Columbus, GA.

The ceremony was held on a terrace overlooking the Chattahoochee, and Shawneese Benton, of Nosegay Florist in Phenix City, designed and executed the floral decorations and bouquets with her usual amazing flair.  Please make sure you read our Q&A with Shawneese, below, and you may be surprised at what you absolutely must know before choosing your wedding flowers.

I recently spoke with Shawnesse Benton, of Nosegay Florist in Phenix City, and this designer really knows her flowers (and brides)

JWP:  How does a bride begin to choose the flowers for her wedding – does the go by color, type of flower, or the particular season when the wedding will be held?  Or are flowers chosen according to the theme of a particular wedding?

Brides are as unique as the flowers in a garden.  Helping to choose her bouquet is usually where we begin the consultation process.  Favorite flowers, dress fabric and color, and the season of the year are all factors in designing the Bridal Bouquet.  The Bride has great flexibility when it comes to her bouquet. The bride’s bouquet doesn’t  match the Bridesmaids’ bouquets.  Even though there is a tradition of flowers in shades of white to ivory for the Bridal bouquet, I have  interest in the inclusion of color – sometimes bright, exotic color – to the bouquet pallet of the Bridal bouquet.

Bridesmaids are the strength &  spirit in a garden.

The Bridesmaids’ dress color and style, and the season of the wedding are the choices made by the bride which will suggest the color scheme of the entire wedding.  Even though most any flower can be found at any time of the year now, flowers in their natural season are still a great choice not only because of availability and the corresponding price, but because they are an integral part of the time of year in which the wedding is taking place.  The winter months are in some ways easier because all flowers are shipped from warmer climates anyway and a late fall/winter theme can include other natural materials including autumn colored Oak and Maple leaves and even Christmas greens.

JWP:  What other services can Nosegay provide in addition to arrangements?  Do you have other decorative products?   How far in advance should a bride book her florist?  When a bride books an appointment to discuss her wedding, what, if anything, should she bring along to assist in the process of choosing her wedding flowers?

Assisting a bride in selecting her wedding flowers is an important part of our job.  I need to have an appointed time – uninterrupted – to spend talking with the bride, planning her special day.

I suggest the bride be on time for our appointment. Be ready!  There are several things we’d like the bride to have ready (or, as ready as can be.)

1. Dates and times of the various events during the day need to be in place so scheduling of delivery and any set-up times can be determined.

2. The color you have chosen for your bridesmaids and groomsmen is the basis when selecting flowers for the bridal party and decorations – an actual swatch of the bridesmaids’ dress fabric can be very helpful.

3.  As you have been thinking about your wedding day (probably for months) you have most likely browsed through many brides’ magazines.  Any pictures that caught your eye, that you saved, that will help our designers see your vision should be brought along – pictures of dresses, cakes, reception and ceremony decorations – bring them all.

4.  The first appointment will usually be the longest and not the last.  If you have a simple change or addition after your initial ordering session, you may stop in or call any time – for more involved alterations, we ask that you call ahead so someone can be available to talk with you.

I have assisted brides for over 25 years; I have seen styles in dresses, bouquets, even the actual wedding ceremony change drastically.   Always watching for these style and color changes, I will be able to help make your wedding day as traditional or as contemporary as you wish.

During these past years – the things I have learned is………. listen to my brides and design “what their heart desires”.

 JWP:  What is the trendiest, hottest, most popular “look” in wedding bouquets and arrangements today?

Since world events tend to be used as inspiration, Kate and William set the trends  –  it is sure to play a role in the upcoming wedding season.
AND OOOOOHHH …….another flower from Kate’s bouquet I am having requests for  – Lily of the Valley!!!
Victorian styles are an inspiration for the 2012 bridal season as seen with Kate’s dress. They will have long, full skirts paired with corsets, lace, chokers, and sweetheart necklines.

 

BACK TO THE PAST:   The past is back and all vintage ideas as well. Incorporating modern elements that have a historical past will be the growing trend. Presenting your guests with party favors from historical brands, building the wedding theme around this concept, recycling and wearing your mother or grandmother’s wedding dress, incorporating your parents’ or grandparents’ wedding pictures into the décor, creating an atmosphere of nostalgic romance is always nice and very, very trendy.

 

Couples will scale back over-the-top decor in favor of a more restrained style aesthetic. Luxurious textures– from the dress to the tablescape.  Luxurious textured fabrics will bring a sumptuous, opulent vibe to 2012 weddings.  Textured linens will be layered to dress up reception tables, chair covers may be embroidered or beaded, and branchy centerpieces and flower arrangements showcasing classic flower choices. Treating guests to a luxury experience. A step back to a timeless wedding that focuses on quality over quantity.

Ninety five percent of wedding bouquets are hand-tied, where the flowers are gathered together and the stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon.

Brides wanting more glamorous bouquets choose beads, brooches, jewel pins, pearls, crystal/rhinestone picks, and monogrammed ribbon to dress up plain ribbon-wrapped stems and blooms. With the continuing popularity of the beach and garden themes, brides wanting a more rustic and natural look to their bouquet add elements such as shells/starfish, feathers, berries and pinecones.

The rose continues to be the most popular and elegant bouquet flower. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids represent the trendier choices. Arrangements with a just-picked and looser casual look have replaced the more tightly-bound bouquet shapes of previous seasons. Vivid flower colors will continue in popularity.  More and more mothers are carrying small posies instead of wearing the traditional corsage. Silk flowers are also popular for their versatility and life-like appearance.

Brides are choosing centerpieces that are in the same color tones, but of different sizes. They are also changing the shape of the tables, mixing round with square. These trends give the reception tables a more interesting look and a less “coordinated” feel. Unique vase fillers include glass marbles, sea glass shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals/beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes.
Faux rose petals, diamond confetti and shells/starfish remain the most popular confetti. Also, flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens. Reception chairs are decorated with either tulle, fabric overlays, floral swags and/or ribbons. Other popular decorating items include Chinese lanterns, garlands and balloons. Disposable cameras, placed on each table, allow guests to capture candid moments.

An increasingly popular trend is the candy buffet or confection bar. This consists of a variety of candies or treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers and grouped on a table. Pretty silver spoons or scoops in each container allows guests to fill small boxes or bags as take-home favors.
Bolts of economical tulle fabric are typically combined with white lights and/or floral garlands for draping between pews and decorating banisters and ceilings. Click for more tulle decorating ideas.
Candles, always a popular choice for centerpieces, lend a romantic feel to any room.

Choices include pillars, tea lights, tapers and floaters. Since some facilities do not allow candles, alternatives include faux tea light candles, battery operated LED lights, and fiber optic lights.
Head tables are replaced with a small table for just the bride and groom. Many couples plan weekend weddings that start on Friday and go for the entire weekend. Dove releases and add drama and excitement to the event. Butterfly releases, despite the environmental issues, also remain popular.

Jill Welch Photography – 2013 Harris County Senior Rep Susannah Kindrick Sports Pictures

Susannah is a ghost from my past.  A very sweet, intelligent, talented ghost with a heart as beautiful as her stunning features.   About a hundred years ago her mom and I were besties and shared countless hours pouring over the JC Penny’s Catalog (i.e. the “fashion magazine” of the 70s,) hanging out at the Double Churches Pool, cruising the bowling alley, chasing boys, and even dressing barbie dolls and constructing mudpies in the empty garden in their yard.  When I met Susannah I was momentarily stunned because she is literally the image of her mom as I remember her back in those days.  Susannah is an exceptional honors student, on the HCHS track team, and very active in her church in Hamilton.  Susannah’s gorgeous make up by Brittany Nicole .

 

 

 

Jill Welch Photography Wedding Military Style- Fort Benning GA Wedding Photography

There’s just something about a man in uniform…. and a drop-dead gorgeous bride on his arm.  We love our military, and could have photographed this couple all night if the memory cards had held out (see more of Chuck and  Jessica’s wedding here.)  The spectacular wedding was held at the Fort Benning GA Main Infantry Chapel and the reception was at the newly renovated Officers Club.  The bride wore a gown from Davids Bridal in Columbus GA.