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When A Wedding Photographer Becomes the Bride: Our Engagement Session Experience

Hi friends,

I am writing a more personal note to you all this week because I just wanted to share some encouragement as well as explain a little bit about my heart behind my work. In May, Kevin and I met with our wedding photographers Katelyn and Michael (Katelyn James Photography) for our engagement session! Those of you who are new may not know that I am also a bride, counting down the days until I get to marry my love and business partner, Kevin. September 10 is coming FAST you guys.

New friends may also be hearing this for the first time: My love for Katelyn James’ work is unmatched. I have followed her for more than four years, and she is the one who introduced me to running a wedding photography business. I took many of her courses, and now I get to be a #KJBride!

Showing up to our engagement session was a surreal experience for many reasons. First, it was so strange to be the one dressed up meeting with a photographer. My mind didn’t know what to do. I didn’t have to scope out the location or the light. I didn’t have to fiddle with my camera settings on the way to the first spot. Second, when we spotted Katelyn and Michael, my nerves kicked in. Stuff just got real. I’m the bride… Kevin is a groom… a wedding photographer is getting hyped about US getting married! What?!

I’ll leave some of the details of our session out. Part of me wants to keep the deeply personal, sweet experiences and memories in Kevin’s and my heart. Honestly, all you guys need to know is that Katelyn and Michael are truly SO GOOD at their job. My nervousness surprised me. But the “20 minute” rule is so true. Within that first 20 minutes of posing, I was feeling much better. And Kevin and I had an AMAZING time.

What I really want to say is that the engagement session MATTERS. If you didn’t believe me before when I shared why you should schedule an engagement session with your wedding photographer, believe me now that I’ve had my own.

If you’re a bride, you might understand this. Wedding planning is not as easy as I thought it would be. And that’s coming from someone who, for the most part, knows how weddings get planned and pan out on the day-of. There’s a lot of decisions to make, and on top of that, a lot of emotions felt. It is sometimes hard to feel like a bride when you’re fighting off the feeling of being a people-pleaser or peace-keeper. So, trust me… I get it. As your wedding photographer, I am immensely empathetic to the ups and downs this season brings.

But our engagement session was a mile marker for me. I not only felt like a bride, I felt like a “future wife” for the first time. I could look at Kevin and think “oh shoot… I’m marrying this man!” And those feelings amplified after the session ended and we enjoyed a date night at the same restaurant that we had our first date and celebrated our engagement after the proposal.

By the way, KJ posted our first sneak peek before we even paid for dinner… how amazing is she!? I shamelessly cried on the way home telling Kevin how much I appreciated him helping me become a Katelyn James Bride and how much our engagement session meant to me in celebrating our season. You’d think this photographer would get numb to those moments. But no way. This one was ours.

Now I get to share these amazing images!! Enjoy and go check out @katelynjames on Instagram or head over to her website to see more photos of us on her blog (and stay tuned for our wedding images after September)!

Of COURSE I had to get a photo with my rockstar photographer! Can’t wait to have her capture our day in September!! AHHH!

**Disclaimer: If you didn’t gather from my blog post above, these images were NOT taken by me. They are all credit to @KatelynJames**

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Every detail of the Madelyn Tenney Events Spring Design Showcase 2025 was pure magic. As an Atlanta wedding photographer, I had the joy of being invited to capture not only the beautifully curated spaces but also the intimate behind-the-scenes moments that made this spring showcase possible. From lush florals to elegant table settings, the event was a treasure trove of spring wedding inspiration for brides dreaming up their perfect day.

Hosted at Nova Studio in the heart of Atlanta, this carefully crafted experience was designed to set the tone for the upcoming wedding season—and it did not disappoint.

Spring Wedding Inspiration for Modern Southern Brides

The design vision for the showcase–Prima Flora–embraced soft pastels, delicate textures, and fresh seasonal styling. Think romantic blush tones, textured linens, and floral-forward installations. Madelyn and her talented team created a setting that felt simultaneously elevated and welcoming. It was truly a perfect exhibition of what sophisticated spring weddings can be in Georgia.

As I arrived early to document the event setup, I was able to photograph the team in their element: adjusting linens, styling stationery, and rehearsing the layout one last time. These behind-the-scenes moments revealed just how much heart went into this event. It’s easy to see why so many brides trust Madelyn Tenney Events to bring their dream weddings to life.

Behind the Scenes with Madelyn Tenney Events

Before the doors opened, I had the privilege of capturing team headshots for the women behind Madelyn Tenney Events. Their energy, collaboration, and vision made it clear this wasn’t just a design showcase—it was a heartfelt celebration of creativity and community.

The environment was buzzing with excitement as florists arranged final stems and vendors fluffed the final cushions. The team’s chemistry was undeniable, and it translated directly into the seamless flow of the event itself.

The Madelyn Tenney Events Spring Design Showcase

At the heart of the showcase were the intentional design vignettes. Each space told a story, offering spring wedding inspiration tailored for modern Southern brides. One standout element was a centerpiece floral installation by Marigo Flowers, assisted by Pollen Floral Company. It floated above a table layered with blush-toned linens from BBJ La Tavola, catching the light beautifully throughout the afternoon.

An eye-catching ice sculpture by Ice Sculpture Inc. ATL added a playful, elevated touch to the scene, while live entertainment from Jewel the Ballerina captivated attendees with ethereal movement, bringing life to the experience. Glasswing Rentals curated tableware that sparkled under the natural light of Nova Studio, and JC Rental Collective and Party Bound contributed pieces that gave each setup personality and polish.

Why This Event Matters for Atlanta Brides

If you’re a bride planning a wedding in Atlanta, Savannah, or North Georgia looking for fresh spring wedding inspiration, events like this one are invaluable. They don’t just showcase trends—they display the talent of local, trustworthy vendors who are passionate about what they do.

Every vendor at this showcase brought their A-game. Seeing each one’s work in person—and getting to document it as a film-inspired wedding photographer—was such an honor.

What I Loved Most as an Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Photographing this spring wedding inspiration at Nova Studio was a dream. The soft filtered light made the colors pop in a way that felt timeless and true-to-color. My goal is always to deliver film-inspired wedding photos that feel both editorial and authentic. The setting created by Madelyn Tenney Events was ideal for that.

Being trusted to document the designs and the passion behind them—team portraits, set-up, genuine laughter—reminds me why I love this work. These are the moments that couples don’t always see. These are the images that reveal the effort, energy, and heart poured into a couple’s day long before they say I do.

Want more from this amazing showcase? The full gallery is available for your viewing and inspiration!

If you’re planning a spring wedding in Georgia, take this as your sign: romantic color palettes, thoughtful texture layering, intentional florals, and a dream team of vendors are always a winning combination. And if you’re looking for a light and airy wedding photographer, I’d be honored to capture it all.

Let’s create something beautiful together. Contact me to inquire for more information about pricing and packages!

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