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Engagements

Vince & Tess’ Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden Engagement Session | Arlington Wedding Photographer

The day of their Bon Air Rose Garden engagement session, the air was thick with smoke. Canadian wildfires had caused pretty intense air pollution in the DC/Northern Virginia area that week. I wondered how an engagement session might be impacted. Would the light fade? Would my clients breathe comfortably? But as the day went on and the session approached, the air seemed to clear just enough. We went for it.

I met Tess and Vince at Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden in Arlington, VA. Before meeting them in the parking lot, I already knew part of their stories. I had met on Zoom with Tess’ mom, Martha, just the day before. She gave me all the swoon-worthy details about their love story, nearly 10 years in the making.

Tess and Vince each live with high-functioning intellectual disabilities, and they met through a job skills training program they both attended. After hearing their story and learning more about their interests and personalities, I just knew I wanted to make this session extra special for them. Martha so kindly shared her tips on how best to work with Tess and Vince to get natural, glowing photos of them. All of which proved helpful in the end, but honestly, these two were just cute as buttons without much coaching.

Every couple I work with learns how to pose in front of a camera. It’s new to most people, so I gladly take my time showing flattering poses before we dive headlong into a session. But Tess and Vince caught on so quickly and easily. It was all because their adorable love was impossible to miss. The two were just so sweet with one another, and so kind toward me. Also, their patience as we walked through the garden from spot to spot, pose to pose, was truly key in making this smoky evening a success.

I truly enjoyed learning more about them as I photographed their connection. Like me, Tess and Vince are cat people! They have three cats, Donut, Grits, and Bacon! And Vince was absolutely tickled that my husband loved shopping at the Italian Store in Clarendon. Vince’s dad is the kitchen manager there, and we bonded over our shared Italian family heritage (though mine is through marriage alone haha). Tess was especially excited to share all about her wedding plans. She lit up as she told me about her bridesmaids, her dress shopping experience, and her venue.

As we wrapped up their Bon Air Rose Garden engagement session, we met back in the parking lot with Martha. The three of us were nearly skipping with happiness. I was thrilled at the photos we produced and the friendships made. And Tess and Vince seemed relieved that the session went so easily. Since delivering the photos, they have not stopped saying the sweetest things about our time together, and the resulting images.

I cannot wait for their wedding day next year, June 2024. It will feel like reconnecting with old friends again, I just know it. I will be photographing their wedding as an associate photographer for Compass Studios.

A Summertime Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden engagement session | Arlington VA Wedding Photographer
A Summertime Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden engagement session | Arlington VA Wedding Photographer
A Summertime Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden engagement session | Arlington VA Wedding Photographer
A Summertime Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden engagement session | Arlington VA Wedding Photographer
A Summertime Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden engagement session | Arlington VA Wedding Photographer
A Summertime Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden engagement session | Arlington VA Wedding Photographer
A Summertime Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden engagement session | Arlington VA Wedding Photographer
A Summertime Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden engagement session | Arlington VA Wedding Photographer

Did you love Tess & Vince’s engagement session? See more of my work below!

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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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wedding Inspiration, Photo Prep tips, & exclusive offers only for the enp insiders

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