Marla + Zach | Gin Creek Wedding

If Zach + Marla ever doubted other's love for them, they were definitely reassured on Saturday! What an exciting, intimate and BIG day it was!!! Everything was perfect - start to finish. I just adore the two of them. The way they look at and treat each other is so sweet to watch and SUCH a joy to capture. 

If I had to pick a favorite moment, it would probably be the moment Zach saw his bride get out of the car and begin her walk down the aisle. His eyes were teary and I think everyone else became mush. The love that filled Gin Creek throughout the day was so authentic and pure. It was such an honor to be apart of their day! Side note: I'm fully aware that I am completely oversharing, but can you blame me?! 

They're off to Jamaica and I'm off to rest/spend time with my family for the Holidays. Merry Christmas, friends!! :)

Photography | Madison Carter Photography

Venue | Gin Creek

Videography | Willtown Films

Cakes | Lisa Ashburn

Florals | Wisteria Southern Floral Design/Robin Vickery

Hair | Hannah Hulsey

Makeup | Raeann Strickland

Dress | White Weddings Valdosta

Jessica + Levi | South Georgia Farm Wedding

November, where did you go?!? The Boyd Wedding finished up my November 2017, and it did not disappoint. Possibly the most tears I've ever shed at a wedding. ha! 

Jessica and Levi got married on Levi's family's gorgeous farm land. Jessica has two littles, Emalyn and Maebry. It's safe to say they were the stars of the show, and that was totally deserved! While they were getting their hair done, Emalyn ever so proudly declared, "today is THE DAY. We are getting a step daddy!!!" ...MELT. They adore Levi and he loves them so fiercely. 

Jessica + Emalyn wrote a song and surprised Levi (and everyone else) during the ceremony. I honest to goodness don't think there was a single dry eye in the house. Oh, and after Jess + Levi shared their first look, the girls made SURE we knew that they were having their very own first look with Levi. SO sweet!! 

It was such a beautiful, Jesus-filled, fun day. I'm so grateful that I was able to be apart of it. Cheer's to forever, Mr. + Mrs. Boyd! :)

Angela + Drew | The Crescent Valdosta | South GA Wedding Photographer

WHAT. A. MONTH. I kicked off the first Saturday of November with the sweetest, most genuine couple. It was basically love at first sight when I got Angela + Drew's inquiry (which explains why I convinced myself that shooting their wedding despite my 7am flight to Phoenix Sunday morning was a fabulous idea). ;) Read: I REALLY love them.

If you know Angela + Drew, I think you know no matter how many words I type out on this blog, I can't do their relationship any justice. Individually, they are incredible people. And together, they are extraordinary. Their love for Jesus and each other turns me to mush!!! I am a puddle every time I leave them. 

November 4, 2017 was one of the most amazing days I've had the privilege of being apart of. It's such an honor to call Angela + Drew friends, but to be able to capture one of the most special days of their life! WHAT A GIFT. I'd do the 40 hours of no sleep a million times over for the two of them!!! <3 

Venue | The Crescent Valdosta

Coordinator | Lanie Hibbard

Cake | Leslie Van Kirk

DJ | Josh + Maya Wilson

Make Up | Morgan Gaither

Hair | Danielle Lanier

Dress | White Weddings Valdosta

Emily + Tyler | The Farm - Adel Engagement Session

Emily + Tyler have been together for nearly a decade. The way he looks at her... swoon. I don't think any words can do their cuteness justice, so I'm going to keep it real short + simple. THEY ARE SO DANG SWEET AND I AM SO DANG OBSESSED WITH THEM. The end, pretty much. 

But really, I can't WAIT to spend their wedding day with them!!!! 

Victoria + Craig | The Legacy Barn at Durham's Mill | Macon Georgia Wedding Photographer

WE. DID. IT. Three weddings, 750 travel miles, seven days and it was PERFECT. Victoria + Craig said "I do" at the beautiful Legacy Barn at Durham's Mill in Kathleen, GA. From the bridal party, amazing vendors, to the weather, it was a dream!! 

Victoria + Craig were so much fun. They seriously bring out the best in each other!!! They both light up and blossom in the other's presence. It was such a joy to be apart of their big day!

Venue || The Legacy Barn at Durham's Mill

Florist || Sharron's Flower House

DJ || Elizabeth Jones

Dress || Ingleside Bridals

Hilary + Randy | The Mackey House | Savannah GA Wedding Photographer

Where to begin?!? I loved this wedding so much that I might actually be at a loss for words, for the first time in my life. Although, Hilary + Randy would probably disagree because I raved ALL DAY LONG about how great it was. Every single detail was amazing and exactly how I envision my own wedding!!! This was my first visit to The Mackey House in Savannah, but definitely not my last. Talk about a STUNNING wedding venue. I mean!!! 

Hilary + Randy are so incredibly thoughtful, sweet, and genuine. I seriously adore them! Their wedding was on my birthday (BEST BIRTHDAY EVER), and they even got me a card with a golden retriever on it. Obviously they get me. ;) 

Bennie (their golden), was the ring bearer. Can we all have pause for a moment to acknowledge how cute he is?!? If you know me, you know how obsessed I am with my golden (Tucker). Needless to say, this was right up my alley. I now have approximately 1,003 pictures of Bennie. ;) 

Also, I feel like this blog post would not be complete without me mentioning how delicious the food was. AND, it was all gluten free!!! There were even donuts... on fire. 

I would relive this day a million times over!! It was a great time had by all. Cheers to the Hulls!!! <3 

Venue || The Mackey House

DJ + Coordinator || Top Shelf Entertainment / Jordon Bala

Cakes || Savannah Rum Runners

HAMU || Jessica Bassett

 

Emily + Jimmy | Horse Creek Winery Wedding | South Georgia Wedding Photographer

Emily + Jimmy tied the knot at Horse Creek Winery in South Georgia on October 7th. It was the PERFECT day for them. I couldn't have hand picked a day more suited for the two of them as a couple. <3 We braved our way through the threatening thunder + lightening and had so much fun.

They put so much thought into the smallest details. Jimmy's late grandmother loved butterflies, so Emily had a butterfly put on his mother's corsage. They love playing board games together (hence the scrabble tiles), and her brother she hasn't seen in months even flew in last minute to be there with them. Emily wore her grandmother's cross necklace, and she had florals made for the vendors. Who is sweet enough to do that?!? EMILY. Such a thoughtful bride, even on the day that should be all about them. 

Em + Jimmy, it was such an honor to be a small part of your big day. Cheers to forever - rain or shine!!! 

Brittany Anna + Mike | Engagement Session | Tifton Wedding Photographer

If you follow me on Instagram you probably already know how obsessed I am with these two. If you don't, here's a quick summary: I LOVE THEM!!!!! 

We explored BA's family farm in Tifton for their engagement session. Side note: we had to reschedule this session three times due to South Georgia's bipolar weather. But it really couldn't have been any more perfect! I am SO excited for their wedding in April. <3

 

Brooke + Kent | South Georgia Wedding Photographer |

Brooke + Kent are one of my most favorite couples in the world!!! If you've ever been around them, you know how smitten they are with each other. SO SWEET. We played in the peach orchards for a little while, and I couldn't resist sharing some. <3 

Victoria + Taylor | Sundown Farms Plantation | South Georgia Wedding Photographer

Saturday, September 9, 2017, was a day for the books. Two of the most beautiful people, with even more beautiful hearts, became one. Their love for Christ + each other shined through every aspect of their big day, and I couldn't have been more thankful to capture it all.

Hurricane Irma was brewing, but the weather was BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, I couldn't have dreamt of more perfect wedding weather. Taylor + Victoria chose to write their own vows, and Taylor's granddaddy married them... safe to say their wasn't a dry eye in the house. I had to wipe my eyes so I could see my camera!!! I mean, they are that sweet. The way he looks at her... swoon.

I can't name a more deserving couple than these two. I have no doubt that they have years + years of happiness ahead of them! <3

      

Photographer | Madison Carter Photography

Venue | Sundown Farms Plantation Moultrie, Georgia

Florist | Southern Occasions 

Dress | Anastasia's Valdosta 

Meredith + Austin | Engagement Session | Lakes Chapel and Clubhouse | South Georgia Wedding Photographer

Could Meredith + Austin be any cuter?! I really don't think so. And HER SKIRT. Can I get a hallelujah for the skirt?!

It was so hard to narrow these down for a blog post, but I did my best not to completely overdo it. ;) Their sweetness + the gorgeous Lakes Chapel and Clubhouse = perfect combination. I can't wait to spend their wedding day with them next year!!

Rutland Wedding | Harding Stables | Tifton, GA | September 2, 2017

Well, Fall wedding season is officially a go and off to a perfect start! :) I started my Fall season this past Saturday at Harding Stables in Tifton, GA. Rain was forecasted for Saturday ALL week, but a lot of prayers and finger-crosses later, it was a beautiful day. We even enjoyed a bit of a breeze!!! 

Taylor + Dallas are so incredibly sweet together. You can literally feel the joy that radiates from them when they're together, and I LOVED spending the day with them. We laughed a LOT and I even convinced them to hop in the car and go for a joy ride with me. ;) I seriously cannot put how much I love my couples into words. <3

Cheers to forever, T + D!!!

 

Wormsloe Plantation Engagement Session | Randy + Hilary | Savannah Wedding Photographer

Ahhhh!!! I've been dying to do an engagement session at Wormsloe Plantation in Savannah, GA and my dreams came true last weekend! It rained the entire morning, but let up for *juuuuust* long enough for us to squeeze a session in. Hilary and Randy killed it. If you've followed me for any length of time, you probably know how obsessed I am with my golden. They brought theirs to their session and my heart exploded!!! 

They're getting married on my birthday this year, and I 100% anticipate it being the best birthday yet. October, come quickly!!!

Ryan + Darian | Engagement Session

AGGGHHH!!! Last week, I traveled to Ashburn for Ryan + Darian's engagement session. We explored all of Ryan's farm land and had the best time. I even learned a thing or four about cotton. ;) Eli Whitney, anyone?! 

I mean, how flipping cute are they together?! And how gorgeous is Darian!!! I can't wait for their spring 2018 wedding!!! 

Blake + Lindsey | Quail Branch Lodge | Engagement Session

I sort of skipped out on an entire month of blogging... oops. But, I'm back - WITH THE BEST COUPLES IN THE WORLD!!! 

Blake, Lindsey and I explored Quail Branch together and they were down for anything!!! These boat shots are some of my most favorite shots ever! We had so much fun, and I am SO pumped for their wedding! They're so giddy around each other. It's so obvious how happy they make one another. I know I've said this before, but March 2018 is going to be one freaking awesome month! 

Venue: Quail Branch Lodge

Photographer: Madison Carter Photography

HAPPILY EVER AFTER | Sappiest Blog Ever | South Eden Proposal

Um, so yesterday was insane!!!!! I'll *attempt* to start from the beginning, but hang with me. I'm still on cloud nine and my brain is running 90 mph. MY BEST FRIEND IS ENGAGED!!!!

Jenna and I planned a small session for her, Sam, and Elseigh. We planned it for Thursday, but we cancelled. We decided to move it to Saturday. It was totally casual and unplanned. She even texted me Saturday morning and said, "I am so unprepared." It rained all day and we nearly cancelled three times. We ended up deciding to go for it because what did we really have to lose!? Seth and I met them in Thomasville for portraits and then to grab a bite to eat. 

We were about 40 minutes into pictures. We had Elseigh in some, but let her play some also (Seth makes a great nanny). She was knee deep in a water fountain, and Jenna + Sam were snuggled up in front of my camera. When I say made for each other, I mean MADE. FOR. EACH. OTHER. Sam started to whisper sweet words into Jenna's ear. I saw his knee start to bend. I thought, "What the heck is he doing?! I didn't tell him to pose like that." HA! Jenna said, "SAM!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!?" Neither of us had ANY idea this was about to happen. Turns out, he's had the ring for months but was waiting for the perfect moment. Thankfully, I had an empty memory card and a great shutter speed. ;)

And then, it clicked. The perfect guy for my best friend was on one knee professing his love and asking for her hand in marriage. A few minutes of sweet words and a whole lot of tears later, she said YES!!! Elseigh and Seth were still playing in a water fountain, but the rest of us were in tears. I don't think we stopped crying until dinner, and I'm crying again now. We celebrated with champagne and a rainbow appeared in the sky. It was an absolutely perfect night for three (Elseigh included) absolutely perfect people. 

I've never met someone as selfless and loving as you, Jen. I had no idea what my life was missing in a friend until I met you. Sam, thank you for being the man you are to Jenna + LC. They deserve the entire world, and I think they've found the person who will give it to them. <3

NOW LET'S PLAN A WEDDING!!!!!!!!!!

PS: now you're really never getting rid of me, Sam. ;)

Katelyn James | The Workshop Experience | June 2017

I've sat down to write this blog about five times now. Truth is, it was a perfect week and I'm not perfect with words. In June, I flew to Virginia to attend a Katelyn James workshop. The workshop seats were released back in November 2016 and sold out in less than two hours. Cue: JESUS. At the time, it just wasn't in my cards. I thought, "gah, whoever goes to that is so dang lucky." Fast forward to May 2017... an attendee was selling their seat, and a friend of mine put me in contact with her. I was already going to be just 45 minutes from the ATL airport the weekend I needed to fly out and this time, IT WAS IN MY CARDS. It sort of fell into my lap, and the timing couldn't have been anymore perfect.

I know over half of you reading this aren't photographers (hi, mom), so I'll spare you all the details of what we learned, etc. and make it simple: Katelyn James is the God of wedding photographers. She started her business in college (familiar) and never looked back. She is a world famous educator and has a heart of gold. Pure gold. Needless to say, this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

She and her husband Michael, opened their home to the 16 of us and treated us like family the entire time. Emy, her sister made homemade meals and snacks everyday. Her mama made sure we had everything we needed, and Bokeh boy even snuggled with us. 16 strangers quickly became lifelong friends. We shared our hearts with each other, and even cried in the living room floor. ha! We photographed a styled shoot (shouts to the most amazing vendors ever!!), and had headshots taken. We ate WAY too many chocolate chip cookies and ended our time with a tearful prayer in their living room. 

Never in a million years did I think that little 21 year old me would fly to Virginia to learn from one of the best in the industry. I could write about how grateful I am for the opportunities I've been given all day long. I'll try to paraphrase though...  To every single one of you who has trusted me to be apart of your wedding day, capture your sweet family or a moment in life, thought of me, prayed for me or encouraged me along the way, THANK YOU. I won't ever be able to adequately express my gratitude for you. The last year and a half has been an insane journey, and it's only just begun. <3

Jeremy + Lindsey | Lakes Chapel & Clubhouse Wedding Photographer

I've been thinking about what I would say here for three days, and I still don't have the right words. Lindsey + Jeremy share something most don't. Their love for each other and their family is so evident in everything they do and their wedding day was no exception. It was quaint, sweet and so much fun. Their bridal party? Their precious kids, Kyli and Ellis. 

I get teary during first looks and small moments of wedding days all the time. I'm a sucker. Typically, ceremony equals game time for me though. I don't have a moment to even think about being teary. Y'all!!! On Saturday, I found myself wiping tears so I could see through my view finder. They both wrote emails to their pastor, without knowing what the other wrote. THE. SWEETEST.

I was so thankful for a front row seat to the best day of their lives. In my heart, I know they have a lifetime of happiness that awaits them... as soon as they win all the monies in Vegas. ;)

 

Photographer | Madison Carter Photography

Venue | Lakes Chapel and Clubhouse

Florist | Wisteria Southern Floral Designs

Place Settings | The Market Collective in Milledgeville, GA

Cake | Becky's Cakes

Entertainment | Syber Entertainment - Dennis Vasenin

Hair Artist | Brittany Rhodes

Dress | Michelle's Formal Wear

Tux | Only Options- RL Martin Co.

Hannah, Harrison, and a Princess | Thomasville Engagement Session

Ahhh! I've been waiting to share this session!!! Harrison and Hannah brought a real life PRINCESS to their engagement session! 

When Harrison proposed, he did so twice. He gave Hannah and Noa both a ring. Noa's is a little big, so she wears it on a necklace for now. Am I the only one who thinks that is the sweetest thing in the world?!

We met in downtown Thomasville, GA for their engagement session. Hannah said they were nervous (normal) that they wouldn't do well for pictures. She said they'd never done this before (also normal... I don't usually photograph models). Y'all, she LIED TO ME. SHE FLAT OUT FOOLED ME. They killed it. I could've stuck around for days taking their pictures!!! Next time Hannah, Harrison, and Princess Noa tell you that they don't know how to take good pictures, DO. NOT. BELIEVE. THEM.

Rachel + Christopher | Macon, GA Wedding | Emerson Ballroom

I'm apologizing in advance for the overload of detail shots, buuut.... GIVE ME ALL OF THE GLITTER KEDS. Seriously!!! 

Fun fact: Rachel and Christopher tied the knot on June 17, 2017 in Macon, Georgia. My parents got married in Macon, on June 17, 1989!!! It's a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, but it was so much fun for me!! They chose the perfect date, in my opinion. ;) 

After their gorgeous ceremony at Highland Hills Baptist Church, we danced the night away at The Emerson Ballroom in downtown Macon. I didn't climb into bed at my grandparents until close to 3am, and I woke up at 6am to head to the airport for Virginia. It was SO worth it though. We had a blast, and I was so honored to be a small part of their big day. Congrats, Mr. + Mrs. Maddox!!!