Atlanta Wedding Photographer - I Just Got Engaged...Now What?

December 8, 2011
Photographs by Margaret A. Lemke

The number of engagement rings purchased and girlsfriends who say "yes" is at a high...now you are no longer a girlfriend but a...FIANCEE'. Wow! Your family and friends are thrilled, mom and dad love him almost as much as you do. If you think you're the only one who's been dreaming of your fairy tale wedding...think again. Mom may have dreamt of the day when you wear her wedding gown, or having a couture dress designed just for her special girl.

Now that you've spread the word, what's next? While many brides and grooms plan the entire event themselves, a large percentage opt to use the services of a wedding planner. A wedding planner not only sees to every detail to perfection, but can also recommend your other vendors by establishing personal relationships with them. Your planner will know who has the best reputation and will provide the best service to you to make sure your day is as memorable to family and guests as it will be to you.

As a wedding photographer who has been in business for several years, I've photographed weddings with and without planners. How can I tell the difference? For one thing, many of the weddings I have photographed have been pleasant, organized, on time, perfect details, a relaxed bride...guess which ones those were? Sometimes as the photographers, my staff and I have taken on the role of organizer, running errands, finding church staff, dictating when things will happen at the reception, chasing down last minute items for a ceremony that is 20 minutes late...guess which ones those are?  While many brides are fully capable of doing all of it themselves, why would you want to? Your wedding day should be stress free, a day to be pampered and lavished with special attention.

Your assignment, brides and grooms, is to decide which way to go for your wedding day...do it yourself or be pampered and relaxed knowing that everything will be taken care of.

Next stop on the engagement train...budget time. Will it be a quaint country wedding or a lavish affair at mom and dad's club?

Want to learn more about my experience with weddings? Follow my blog to continue to receive updates.
Ready to consult with a wedding photographer? Give me a call at 404-384-7722.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer, Angel and James, waiting for Lexi

October 15, 2011
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, Johns Creek
Photographs by Margaret A. Lemke, Studio
Living Social

In August I was contacted by LivingSocial.com to see if I would be interested in trying out their services. Like Groupon and other such online voucher deal services, they offer "Deals" to followers for goods and services local to the area in which they live. I thought, why not, plenty of photographers out there are giving this a try, just like restaurants, fitness centers, etc. So, on September 28, my deal starting running. I offered deals for Newborn, Maternity and Lifestyle sessions.

James and Angel bought a Maternity and Newborn session so I get to work with them twice and meet the new little girl they are expecting in October!

When James called to schedule their Maternity/Baby Bump session, Angel was already over 8 months along. Normally these sessions are done in the 7 to 8th month but Angel was still feeling great and moving around just fine.

Like most of my maternity sessions, we start by working outdoors for 1-2 hours before moving to the studio. I love working at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve not just because it's convenient, but as you can see the setting is lovely and it wasn't long before Angel and James were comfortable in front of the camera.

After about 90 minutes at Autrey Mill we headed to the studio for some indoor shots. James had gone shopping and picked up some very pretty pink fabric to drape his lovely wife in. It looked so pretty in the photos.

Lexi was born on October 31 and she's coming in with mom and dad tomorrow for her first photo session. I can't wait to meet her! I've even made a pink crochet had and tutu for her to wear.

Looking for maternity photos? Give me a call at 404-384-7722 for info or to book your session. I also offer a Baby's First Year collection that might be just right for you!

As always, comments are welcome and appreciated.

A Private Wedding in Atlanta

March 4, 2011

Not all weddings are big, lavish affairs that take months to plan. Sometimes they are just private, intimate ceremonies with your closest friend. That was the wedding of Ali and his beautiful new fiance, Hani. Ali gave me a call on March 1 for a photos of his bride and the ceremony to take place that Friday. The plan was for an outdoor ceremony at the waterfall in his condominium community and portraits of his bride in 3 or 4 different outfits at several locations around the complex. Later she will come to the studio for some more formal photos. As you can see, Hani clearly loves her bags and shoes!

They will be working hand in hand with me to design an album for themselves, and one for their parents in their home country. Ali is just crazy in love with his beautiful new bride!

Whether your celebration is large or small, we can capture all the moments in your life! Call 404-384-7722 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Lifestyle Photography - Kamryn Turns 1

Saturday, June 10, 2011
Alpharetta, Georgia

I've been photography Kammie since she was about 6 months old and since then her mom, Tricia, and I have become friends, not just client and business person. I remember when she called me to tell me that they were expecting another baby. I was so excited for their entire family.
When I told her about the Lifestyle photography I am now offering, both she and her husband were interested and we set the date for Kammie's 1st Birthday to capture all the family emotions of the day. We started out at their house to get Kammie alone with mommy and daddy, then headed to the park for the celebration with family and friends.

She really enjoyed her cupcake as you will see!

By the way...two of Tricia's friends are expecting also! Congrats to you all.



Looking for someone to capture the love in your life? Contact me for pricing and details!

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