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What Is A Light and Airy Georgia Wedding Photographer?

Choosing the right wedding photographer is essential to capturing your precious memories in a way that feels as enchanting as the day itself. As a light and airy wedding photographer in Georgia (based in the Atlanta area), I am glad to see that this timeless style has become such a favorite among Georgia brides.

If you’ve ever swooned over photos with soft pastel colors, true-to-life skin tones, glowing natural light, and romantic details, you’re likely a fan of the light and airy style of photography. Let’s explore what makes this style so captivating. I’ll also share how you can find the perfect photographer to bring your wedding vision to life.

What is a Light and Airy Wedding Photographer?

Light and airy photography is all about creating images that feel soft, romantic, and timeless. This style often emphasizes natural light, pastel or neutral colors, and emotive and flattering poses & backdrops. The hallmark of this approach is a focus on clean, bright whites and romantic imagery.

Instead of dramatic shadows or moody tones, light and airy photos feature soft highlights and a more true-to-life aesthetic. This style works beautifully for weddings, where the goal is to capture love in its purest and most joyous form. Imagine your photos bathed in soft sunlight, with delicate details and a dreamy glow that perfectly complements your big day.

Benefits of Hiring a Light and Airy Style Wedding Photographer

Why are so many brides drawn to this photographic approach? Here are some reasons light and airy photography might be your perfect match:

Timeless Appeal: The soft and elegant look of light and airy images ensures your photos will never feel outdated, even decades down the road.
Focus on Natural Beauty: This style enhances the natural elements of your wedding, from the golden sunlight streaming through a Georgia oak tree to the delicate lace details of your gown.
Emotionally Uplifting: The bright and cheerful tones naturally evoke feelings of happiness and romance, making your memories look as joyful as they felt.
Versatile Locations: Whether you’re getting married in a charming barn in North Georgia or under the sprawling oak trees in Savannah, this style complements a variety of venues.

Common Misconceptions About Light and Airy Wedding Photography

Because light and airy wedding photography rose to popularity in the last decade, there are some common misconceptions out there. Many photographers have tried to emulate this style, but with wide range of application. Therefore, not all light and airy wedding photographers are created equal, so to speak.

Some feel light and airy wedding photos lack dimension. This is not always the case! I believe high-quality light and airy photos give attention to the details, even in the shadows and contrast.

There is also a common misconception that light and airy wedding photos are “blown-out” or “washed out” – but again, this does not have to be the case for all photographers. I love clean whites – but I also know a lot of detail can be lost in highlights if not cared after in editing. For example, your wedding dress may have beading or lace features. Why would you want your wedding photos to miss that by blowing out the highlights? Look closely at a light and airy photographer’s work to see if you can spot those details.

Lastly, some believe light and airy wedding photographers do not pay attention to skin tone. On the contrary, I think true-to-life skin tones is a key ingredient to the best light and airy photos. It should make a bride and groom look lifelike, healthy and warm, while honoring their skin color (especially for people of color). This style truly can serve all people beautifully.

Examples from Recent Weddings

Want to see how light and airy photography shines in real-life weddings? The most experienced light and airy photographers know how to find the light and apply this style no matter the weather (rain or shine) or location (indoor or outdoor). Here are a few examples I’ve shot as a Georgia wedding photographer from recent celebrations:

The Garden Soiree: At a stunning botanical garden venue, the soft light filtering through the trees and pastel floral arrangements set the stage for breathtaking portraits. The bride’s flowing ivory gown and the groom’s tailored black tuxedo looked effortlessly elegant even in overcast skies.

The Southern Charm Affair: Picture a Savannah wedding under Spanish moss-draped oaks. The couple’s love story was beautifully told through luminous photos filled with natural light and soft colors that enhanced the charm of their estate venue.

A Venue Full of Historic Elegance: A farmhouse wedding came to life with light and airy photography, highlighting the couple’s joy amidst the stunning countryside backdrop, twinkling lights, and rustic decor.

How to Choose a Photographer with This Style

Finding the perfect photographer for your big day doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips to ensure you select someone who aligns with your vision:

Review Their Portfolio: Look for galleries that feature consistent light and airy images. Pay attention to how they handle different lighting situations and whether their style resonates with you.
Ask About Their Process: During your consultation, ask about how they achieve the light and airy look. Do they rely on natural light? How do they approach editing?
Consider Personality Fit: Your photographer will tag along during some of the most intimate moments of your wedding day. Choose someone whose personality puts you at ease and makes you feel excited about working together.
Read Reviews: Check testimonials from other couples to understand their experience and satisfaction with the photographer’s style and professionalism.

Your wedding photos are more than just pictures; they’re timeless keepsakes that will tell the story of your love for generations to come. Light and airy photography offers a beautiful way to capture your day with a sense of romance and elegance that never goes out of style. Whether you’re dreaming of a garden wedding, a southern mansion celebration, or a rustic countryside affair, this style perfectly complements Georgia’s charm and beauty.

Are you ready to bring your wedding vision to life with stunning light and airy photography? I’d love to help you capture every magical moment of your special day. Let’s chat about your dream wedding and how I can turn your memories into art you’ll cherish forever. Contact me today to schedule your consultation!

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A Low Country-Inspired Hilton Head Island Wedding | Hilton Head Island Wedding Photographer

When Taylor reached out about having me photograph her Hilton Head Island wedding, I could hardly believe it. Since marrying my husband, I’ve enjoyed annual trips to Hilton Head with my in-laws, who have been visiting for years. I’m not much of a beach person (love my lake life!) but the beauty of the low country made this a top bucket list place for photographing a future wedding. Kolby & Taylor made that a dream come true, as they lived their own dream day! On September 14 at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Kolby & Taylor tied the knot – and I got to be a Hilton Head Island wedding photographer.

A Hilton Head Island Engagement

Kolby and Taylor met while they were in their respective professional programs. Kolby was attending Duke University for Physical Therapy. Taylor was attending law school at UNC Chapel Hill. They connected pre-Covid, stayed in contact all throughout, and finally met in person when they each returned to campus in August of 2020.

As a couple, they made a habit of exercising together every morning, taking walks and runs to talk about life and their goals. They also love visiting Hilton Head Island, where Taylor’s family lives. The beach is their happy place, where they both enjoy the sunshine and relaxation time. Kolby will listen to a podcast, and Taylor will read her books. They also like to play Spikeball, chat about life, and enjoy the water.

Fast forward a couple years. Kolby and Taylor would travel to spend a lot of time in Hilton Head, where Taylor’s family lives. After what Taylor thought was just a normal weekend visit, they went out to dinner, and her whole family decided to take a walk through a nice park on the water. While posing for pictures, Kolby got down on one knee! That park has now become a special place on the island for the two of them.

Their Hilton Head Island Wedding Day

Their wedding day was a source of some slight anxiety that week. Kevin and I decided to take a week to visit Hilton Head. We celebrated our second anniversary on the island. But the entire week, the weather was not kind to us. It was rainy, chilly, humid, and very few hours of actual sun the entire week. The forecast threatened much of the same miserable wedding for Kolby and Taylor’s big day.

To be clear: RAIN ON A WEDDING DAY IS OK. It’s unavoidable, and you can still get GORGEOUS images on a rainy day. I have plenty of proof of that from Zach & Camille’s wedding, Mary & Joey’s wedding, Kevin & Emma’s wedding, and so many more! My own wedding day still stands as the rainiest wedding I have ever attended, and I LOVE my wedding photos.

But I knew rain would add certain challenges based on their chosen Hilton Head Island wedding venues. Their ceremony was set for the beach at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. I selfishly wished, for the sake of my photos (and for Kolby & Taylor’s experience), that the sun would peek out even if just for the ceremony.

The Lord heard our prayers, because the entire day was fantastic weather!! Our only challenge was the intense wind on the beach, but even that couldn’t affect how beautiful the ceremony was. I shot quickly and took many photos of each shot to ensure we had at least one good option despite windswept hair and dresses.

Between the glorious, glowy sunlight and the wind, their portraits on the beach turned out to be so epic! Taylor’s dress flew dramatically in many of the shots. And her hair and makeup artist deserves a round of applause. Her updo survived and looked gorgeous even as the wind took the wispy pieces left out.

Highlights of the Day

There was so much to love about this wedding. On a personal note, it was my first wedding back in the saddle after giving birth to my daughter! (Birth story soon to come!) Despite worries of feeling a little rusty with postpartum brain fog, I’m feeling bold enough to say this was my favorite/best work yet! Here are some highlights you’ll want to seek out as you scroll:

A Dreamy Tower

Shoutout to Taylor’s friend and bridesmaid Jordan for showing me the tower room at Gull Island Manor, a short-term rental house in Sea Pines! I never would’ve known to wander up there, but it ended up being the dreamiest spot for details and Taylor’s getting ready photos! That light – *chef’s kiss*!

Lean Supplies And A Broken Ring Dish

For the couple’s wedding day details, I really didn’t bring a ton with me from my usually packed styling kit. We had to travel light to fit the essentials. What’s more, my favorite ring dish snapped in half when I dropped it going up the stone steps to the manor!

It was time to get creative. I actually ended up loving the look of my broken ring dish and decided to use it! I also found some dead palm foliage on the outer landscaping to feature in the flat lay of details. Paired with a wisp of Spanish moss, what once was a lean styling kit soon became true-to-location details that made the photos sing “Hilton Head Island wedding.” This just goes to show: Less is more. The less I have to work with in preparation for styling details has sometimes led to my most creative work!

A Touching Island Wedding Ceremony at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Despite the crazy wind, we were all so grateful for beautiful sunlight during Kolby & Taylor’s wedding ceremony at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. Kolby & Taylor opted out of having a First Look, so I was dead set on getting Kolby’s reaction to seeing his beautiful bride. What I captured was one of the sweetest Groom reactions – instant happy tears as she came down from the dunes.

Another standout moment from their ceremony happened toward the end. Kolby’s dad officiated the ceremony. After a beautiful exchanging of the rings, and just before inviting the first kiss, he began choking up as he pronounced them husband and wife. It was so profound coming from a father (and now father-in-law). You could hear the soft “aww” reactions from the guests. That was such an emotional, happy moment!

Experience > Tradition

Kolby & Taylor planned a truly personal and intimate wedding reception at Gull Island Manor. It more so mimicked a dinner party than wedding reception. They hosted a warm cocktail hour with an open bar featuring their signature cocktails. Guests could explore the grounds while enjoying appetizers and getting their photo taken by the live painter commissioned to watercolor their portrait for a unique take-home gift.

When dinner was ready to start, guests descended to the lower tier of the garden overlooking the marsh. There, a long singular table was set with cheesecloth, candle sticks, place settings, and customized name plates made out of oyster shells.

The couple came down last, but there was no planned fanfare. They decided to forego the traditional dances and simply welcome guests to a laid back dinner serenaded by live musicians. This allowed the couple plenty of time to mingle with each guest and create special memories with the entire party, including a surprise visit from Keebler their dog. I absolutely loved this approach to a wedding celebration – and I could tell everyone else did too!

Final Thoughts From Kolby & Taylor’s Hilton Head Island Wedding

I’m so honored to have served as Kolby & Taylor’s wedding photographer. The entire experience was a dream for me – one that I hope opens the opportunity for even more chances to expand as an HHI wedding photographer. Their warmth and friendship was extended to me from the start, and their guests and family were a true delight to spend the day with.

I’ve begun asking couples to share what they love most about one another, and what excites them for marriage. Here’s how they answered.

What Taylor Loves Most About Kolby

“I love how devoted Kolby is to our little family. He is the most selfless person I know and would do anything to make things easier on others. He supports me emotionally and has the utmost patience when it comes to helping me navigate stressful situations, and he would do literally anything for our dog Keebler. Keebler gets to go to the dog park, walks, gets bones, pup cups, everything! He’s so spoiled because Kolby likes to take such good care of him.”

What Kolby Loves Most About Taylor

“I love how much Taylor guides and anchors me in our life. I am a very good-with-the-flow person which helps me stay optimistic and positive. However, I struggle sometimes with direction and focus because of this. Taylor has given me so much purpose in life and given me the direction for how I want my life to go. She is so ambitious and helps me make goals for ourselves that I would’ve never thought possible. Even in the few years I’ve known her, she’s helped me achieve goals and see a future I would’ve never thought possible for myself and for us.”

The Most Beautiful Thing About Marriage: According to Kolby & Taylor

“The most beautiful thing about marriage in my eyes is the commitment to stand by your partner no matter what life brings. My parents have had a long marriage and I admire the way that they’ve stuck by each other through every challenge. It’s easy to walk away from something when things become difficult but marriage is the commitment to another person to instead engage with them and work through the issues instead of walking away. In my eyes, marriage is beautiful because its permanent.”

K&T, I wish you both so much happiness in your marriage. Enjoy your honeymoon in Europe!!

If you love my work and you’re considering getting married in Hilton Head Island, or another destination in the southern East Coast, I would love to chat! I am based in the DC area but travel often for weddings. Contact me for more information!