Getting Ready for the Wedding | Atlanta Wedding Photographer

February 3, 2012
It's been a busy holiday season with family sessions and newborns being welcomed into the world but now that engagement season's peak has finally settled down, it's time to start talking about wedding photos again.

I see many brides walking in and out of my office for interviews about their wedding and one of the questions asked often is about how many hours of photography coverage they will receive. My answer, you have me for the day! For full coverage to really be full coverage, it must include all the happenings on your wedding day. This usually begins at the salon/spa where the bride is getting ready and spending some last minutes bonding with their mom, sisters, bridesmaids, etc. You can almost feel the buzz of electricity in the air...that moment when you will walk down the aisle is really here. All your dreams have become a reality.

These moments are so important, why would you want to have them left out of your album and your memories. Take a look at some of the memories I've captured for my brides and see why you want me and my partner to hang with you ALL DAY LONG! Then...call me to schedule your interview at 404-384-7722.

Best Atlanta Weddings - Wedding Cakes - Atlanta Wedding Photographer

From traditional to trendy, your wedding cake will be a reflection of your style and personality, as well as the general theme and color of your day.

Being a wedding photographer in the Atlanta area, a roswell photographer to be precise, I have photographed a variety of cakes and wanted to share a few of them with you.

They are grouped by colors to make it easier for you to find ones in your wedding colors.

Pinks, Lavendars and Chocolates:

Blues, Yellow, Grooms Cakes:

Fall Colors:

The Bride and Groom of this wedding had a unique idea, since they were very involved in their church, they asked close church friends to each bring a cake in fall colors to help celebrate their big day. A cake was placed on each table to share family style.

Reds and Chocolate pair up for a very rich, classical look in these photos, or go for a neutral cream color which goes with just about any style or theme:

Another way to incorporate your style is the cake topper itself, whether it's fresh flowers to match your bouquets, a vintage bicycle built for two, or jeweled monogram...it also makes the cake as you can see in the images above.

What's your cake style? Talk to your baker and find just the right one for you!

Have you chosen your photographer yet? As you can see from the images above, we cover all types of weddings from traditional to trendy to vintage. Give us a call at 404-384-7722 or email us at margaret@photosbymal.com to arrange your consultation.

Have an amazing wedding!

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.