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Three Small Details That MADE My Wedding Day as a Virginia Wedding Photographer

September feels like a lifetime ago. I’m ashamed to say it has taken me this long to share some of the details of our wedding day with you! Life definitely gets busy when you become a Mrs., that’s for sure! But the holidays are coming up. I am furiously trying to design parent albums for my mom, dad, and in-laws. And that means I get to relive our “best day ever” through the beautiful photos Katelyn James captured for us!

As I reflect back on my wedding day, there are a lot of things that went absolutely perfectly – and a lot that didn’t. Being a wedding photographer both served me well and did me a major disservice when it came to planning my own wedding. I was a well-informed bride, but also a picky one. God bless my family and bridal party for not disowning me when I sent them 12-page documents on everything they needed to do and know.

But I thought I’d share my experience with you all, so you can learn from my mistakes AND my wins. Here are the moments and details in my wedding day that I loved the most and recommend to other brides.

3 Small Details I Loved On My Wedding Day:

1. Pinning my Dad’s boutonniere during our First Look.

My Dad’s First Look was probably a top 5 memory not just for my wedding day, but in my life too. I am a total Daddy’s Little Girl, and we both balled our eyes out as soon as he walked into the room to see me in my dress. We dried most of our tears and hugged until my makeup rubbed onto his suit.

To add to this sweet moment, our amazing florist, Antonina’s Floral Design, gifted us with a surprise boutonniere to match my bouquet! I already DIY’ed bouts for Kevin and his groomsmen, so I decided to let my dad wear the fresh one so he matched my bouquet as he walked me down the aisle. Pinning the boutonniere on his jacket after we finally pulled ourselves together was a sweet moment for me. It was like I got to symbolically remind my Dad that it’ll be him and I walking that aisle together.

2. The little white chapel we had our Ceremony in.

This little white chapel on the property at our wedding venue was a God send. It was the reason we picked our wedding venue, because I thought it was the cutest spot for a ceremony. But its beauty was deeper than its appearance. Our wedding day saw pouring rain (like, cats and dogs downpour). We originally wanted to get married in front of the chapel, but inside was so white and cozy. We felt absolutely surrounded by our loved ones, and staying dry in the meantime.

And it saved the day for our portrait time! I was pretty devastated by the rain and not getting photos by the shore of Smith Mountain Lake. But Katelyn took stunning, bright photos inside this chapel after our ceremony was over. They became some of my favorite shots of the entire day.

3. Our Last Dance in the sparklers.

As a wedding photographer, I have photographed A LOT of sparkler exits. And they’re great. But they go by so fast that I always imagined it being a rushed memory for the bride and groom. So, because I am dramatic and wanted to soak up every minute of movie-magic sparklers, we decided to do our Last Dance in the middle of our guests holding sparklers. And the photos were AMAZING, but the moment was even more amazing!

It was so romantic and beautiful. We danced to Moon River (the JJ Heller cover version) and soaked in all the memories from the day as the 36 inch sparklers burned out. The rain held off just long enough to fit this moment in, but at the end it began to drizzle which only added a magical sparkly backdrop in our photos. Then it poured just as we were saying goodbye to everyone. The perfect timing and ending to our day.

All Photo Creds: Katelyn James Photography


If you are planning your wedding and want to insert beautifully-you details in every aspect of the day, you NEED two things:

  1. An amazing wedding planner who can help you infuse your personality into the wedding day. I highly recommend Completely Coordinated Events in the Northern Virginia area!
  2. A photographer with a good eye to catch these things and document them for you so no detail goes to waste. I can help with that! Inquire with me today to lock in your wedding date.

Did you enjoy this post and want to learn more about me and my work? Here are other blog posts you may like:

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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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