Art and I are officially one year in!!! I’ve finally gotten wedding pictures hung AND now a blog with wedding pictures! They’re just too good to not have a place on MY actual blog. I will keep this short and sweet since there are SOOO many pictures for you to scroll through. What you’ll find in these photos is exactly what we wanted our wedding to be – A CELEBRATION of love and marriage with our closest family and friends! It was more than I’d ever dreamed for our big day! We can’t thank everyone enough for the love shown then and now!!!

 

Our Wedding – JUNE 9, 2017

I loved our wedding paper goods, and I’m all about the details.I had a first look with my girls.
Writing our own vows was Art’s idea. I love, love, loooove that we did this…although the initial thought caused me a great deal of stress…lol! The words were in my heart though and I actually wrote them the morning of our wedding. Art and I had a first look and I don’t regret it.

We broke tradition but I don’t think that it took away from the moment I walked down the aisle. A LOT of wedding photographers suggest first looks these days because it gives you a moment to SLOOOOW down together, and it’s an opportunity to ensure MORE photos of the bride and groom together. These are some of my favorite photos of us together! Cars honked and people yelled out “Congrats!” or “You guys look so beautiful!” the whole walk! It was pretty sweet!Right after the photo on the left, the music started and so did the ugly crying…and my papa looked at me before we walked out and said “What is you crying for?! Shut up, Farrahn. You’re supposed to be happy!” I responded with “I *sniff* Am *sniff* SO *sniff* Happppy!!!” Happiest tears everrrr!
The vows were my absolute favorite part of the day. Lots of tears and lots of laughter throughout them. Kate Spade Keds. <3 So much love for our parents and siblings! They really are the best!!!
Still bothers me that our grandparents’ (in Heaven) pictures weren’t on this table, but they were definitely in our hearts when we planned this table.The energy was pretty incredible when we walked out to get the party/reception started!
My father in law’s speech was one of my favorite parts of reception. It was the perfect mixture of funny and sentimental!The only three kids allowed to our wedding were the God kiddos. They were the first on the dance floor, but it certainly didn’t stay empty long.Yall. That’s my grandma in the middle of the dance floor! HAHA!I was SO nervous that people wouldn’t dance. Tuh! The most epic/dangerous bouquet toss. My papa is still talking about Art putting his WHOLE head under my dress. I guess he’d never seen this at a wedding before. Luckily, he thinks it’s crazy and funny! Sorry, gramps.

This was without a doubt one of the best days and nights of our lives!

Thanks for looking!!!

Love and Light,

The Thomases

Vendors:

Venue: Piedmont Room at Piedmont Park

Coordinator: Emily Faucette

Photographer: Mecca Gamble

Videographer: Cre8ive Cinema

Tux Rentals: Savvi Formalwear

Wedding Gown: Bride Beautiful

Cake and Cupakes: Cakes by Anna

Florist: Carithers Flowers

Shoes: Badgley Mischka and Kate Spade Keds

Makeup: Kimaris Jones

Robes: Yadi Mercier

All of the other details and decor, I honestly pieced together from sooo many different places, so just shoot me a message if you’re planning!

Tomorrow is THE big day so what better way to celebrate that than a wedding blog?! We decided to go this route instead of a wedding website because…why not?! Although I neglect my blog, it’s my labor of love and my own little corner of the World Wide Web. Though this is typed in first person by yours truly, Art is sitting right next to me – laughing and giving his input…as per usual.

OUR STORY

We met on New Year’s Eve of 2010. Art lived in Jacksonville, Florida at the time, and I lived in Atlanta, Georgia. We were both in Augusta, GA to spend time with family and friends for the holidays. We went to rival high schools and the same college for 3 years, but we never really spoke or hung out…until that NYE. Our friends suggested that we keep in touch since Art would be moving to Atlanta for grad school.

Those same friends traveled to Atlanta later in January, and we all met up and hung out again. This became the routine until Art & I started meeting up without said friends – insert grin. For almost a year, we hung out as JUST friends. In fact, when anyone would suggest something more we’d write it off in fear of ruining such a solid friendship. We talked about everything, met each other during winter storms for breakfast, took me to my first NBA game, celebrated birthdays, etc. -ALLLL AS FRIENDS. As time went on, it became blatantly obvious that there was waaaaay more there.  In the past 7 years, we’ve been through SO many highs and lows together. We’ve both grown in all areas of our lives, and we’ve been able to do this as best friends. Common theme here? FRIENDSHIP & LOVE! Here we are 7 years later, ready to commit and celebrate the “beginning” of what we think is the greatest love story!

THE PROPOSAL

Me being the control freak   planner that likes to be in the know, I’d been trying to map out the perfect proposal for a couple of years, but one day I casually told Art that I wanted to be surprised. I wanted it to be just the two of us on a regular day because anything more would be a dead give away. Art having the photographic memory   being as attentive as he is, he decided to do just what was suggested. He planned out a romantic staycation in downtown Atlanta to celebrate my 29th birthday. We had dinner at my favorite place, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, went on a horse and carriage ride through the city, and went out dancing (no, we literally sang & DANCED all night). I just KNEW at any moment our families would pop out at every single place. I even Facetimed with my mom in hopes to see where she was..but NOPE. On the last day (October 10th, 2016) of our staycation, we walked the BeltLine around Ponce City Market.

Once the staycation was over and we were sweaty and exhausted – Art came in the room I’d passed out in and said “Man. This was a REALLLLLY good weekend! Do you know what would make this weekend even better?!” My response “Hmmm…ICE CREAM?!” We laughed and out of what felt like no where….. Art got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The proposal might have came as a shock, but I always knew that we’d be together forever. As much of a hopeless romantic as I am, I never genuinely believed in soulmates until I met Art.  Two people couldn’t be more of a match than the two of us – we’ve never been able to deny that.

DEETS

We will be getting married in the heart of downtown Atlanta at The Piedmont Room at Park Tavern at 6:30pm on Friday, June 9, 2017.

This is an adults only affair.

Semi-formal attire is suggested.

Our preference is a cash gift, but we are registered at Bed Bath & Beyond (Farrahn and Arthur)

Dinner and drinks will be served at the reception. We are suggesting that everyone Uber! 🙂

As stated above, this wedding has been anticipated by quite a few people for a while now – we are thrilled to finally “turn up” with everyone.

More than anything we want our wedding day to be one funnnn celebration! We really appreciate all of the things that SO many people have done to attend and celebrate our union. The day isn’t even here yet, and we’re already so overwhelmed with gratitude! We have SO much love for everyone that will be in attendance!!!!

 

THE NIGHT ART PROPOSED

WE MADE PROPOSAL BOXES FOR OUR GROOMSMEN AND BEST MAN – ARTHUR THOMAS SR.

WINTER ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY KATIE YORK OF DASH PHOTOGRAPHY. THE WEATHER WAS AWFUL, BUT WE WEREN’T GOING TO LET THAT GET IN THE WAY OF HAVING OUR LOVE DOCUMENTED. MISSION WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

MY BACHELORETTE PARTY WAS OVER SPRING BREAK IN MIAMI, FLORIDA. MY FRIENDS TOOK REALLY GREAT CARE OF ME AND WERE ENTERTAINING AND ATTENTIVE DESPITE WHATEVER PERSONAL THINGS THEY WERE DEALING WITH AT THE TIME- THEY SHOWERED ME WITH SO MUCH LOVE THAT I CRIED ALMOST THE ENTIRE FLIGHT HOME. THIS TRIP REALLY SHOWED ME THAT IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE WE ARE OR WHAT WE’RE GOING THROUGH – WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME AND COME TOGETHER LIKE WE’VE ALWAYS DONE! THAT’S LOVE.

SPRING PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY MECCA GAMBLE (OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER)

THESE ARE OUR PEOPLE. THEY HAVE LOVED AND CARED FOR US ENDLESSLY. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! WE LOVE YOU!

THESE ARE OUR PEOPLE. THEY HAVE LOVED AND CARED FOR US ENDLESSLY. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! WE LOVE YOU!

 

 

 

 

I feel like Prince has been unofficially on a “watch me grow” plan with me. I actually went back and looked at our previous sessions, and I must say that I LOVE seeing the growth. They change so much in the first year, and it’s been interesting to see how different he is with each session. I actually think in the near future I will add a “watch me grow” plan to my services. Anywhooo, we had a photo session when he was 3 months, 7 months, and last weekend I did the pictures for his first birthday. I have to say that this kid never disappoints. He always makes me work hard for smiles, but when I’m home editing the pics I’m “Ekkk’ing” with excitement and envisioning him up in my future studio. I know I always say this, but he’s truly a beautiful child!

Anyway, his parents made sure that his party was one for the books. There was face painting, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, trampoline, jumping inflatable, and Mickey was even there! You would have thought there was a party planner involved, but it was all them. While editing these pics I kept thinking “This child is so blessed.” Have a look for yourself!

Just gorgeous, I tell ya!

This lady was pretty awesome with the face painting, & I can’t believe Prince sat still to get his face painted. 

Family Shots

Prince brought the babygirls out, literally! LOL!

& yes, that’s my god baby, Pey, posing with the balloons. She kept following me around so I snatched her up for a pic! 😉

Thanks for looking! 

There are certain moments in life when you stop and think “Is this happening? Yep. It is. I am getting OLD!” My dear friend’s “little” sister is having a baby. We’ve been banking on this baby being a girl since the moment we found out. I’ve been thinking of the awesome shoots we’ll have, and Ciera’s been thinking of the awesome girly tutu’s and cute outfits that will adorn her. Anywho, Casey came down for her babyshower and although we weren’t working with much time we were able to get some beautiful shots that I hope she’ll treasure forever.

I can’t wait to meet Baby Chloe’ this summer!

Chloe’s parents! We were just missing her little brother.

I also went to Casey’s baby shower & I can no longer go to events of friend’s without toting my camera and capturing the awesomeness! 😉

The “Beer-ritas” were a HUUUGE hit!

Casey’s mom, Mrs. Sally, made the cupcakes, cake, food, and gift baskets for the shower. I’m pretty sure she could make a living planning events! I was amazed at how GREAT of a job she did.

SO excited to share something a tad different for me. I’ve been second shooting weddings for Craig and taking a few nice pictures while attending weddings of close friends and family, but I’ve recently started getting inquiries to do weddings as the lead photographer! I must say that I respect that area of photography sooooo much. It is TOUGH TOUGH work, but I was fortunate to work with a bride that believed in me 100%. Porscha was the opposite of a Bride-zilla!!! Since the first time we met over coffee she was as sweet as can be. We talked about her wedding details and everything in between for about TWO hours! It’s no wonder that she had about 17 honorary bridesmaids. When a person is as kind and genuine as Porscha you have to expect her to have a lot of friends. Not only is Porscha awesome, but so is her new husband, Marlon. He was easy going, and I absolutely loooooved watching their connection on their special day…so much so that I cried that day… A LOT. There was SOOO much love and emotion, and I just hope I captured that. I pray that you two live happily ever after…I believe in that kind of stuff. 😉

It has been sooo hard sitting on these bridal pictures! Porscha looked SO beautiful!!!

…and now for the wedding day! She isn’t really into make-up…and lucky for her she was gorgeous and glowing before she even put her make-up on.“Today starts forever.”

“Yep. & I can’t wait!”

I LOOVE LOVE LOVE this shot. It looks like Porscha was happy and possessed all of the confidence in the world…as every bride should on this special day.

One of the first and only things that Porscha felt was imperative for me to capture on this day was something symbolizing how much she loved her late aunt. She wanted her presence to be a part of the ceremony in some type of way. There was a candle lit in her memory before the ceremony began. I’m sure her aunt was looking down on this day and crying happy tears with the rest of us.

Marlon waiting anxiously to see his leading lady for their “first look”…

Marlon’s boys!

& now for the reception…

Porscha’s brother gave the most heartfelt toast.

& Marlon’s friend and co-worker gave the funniest toast.

One of my favorite moments of the day/evening was Porscha and her brother’s surprise first dance. They danced to all of the classics. It was definitely something to see!

Their relationship is simply AMAZING.

& a special thanks to Shawnell Pollock for suggesting me to Porscha and my second shooter, Jacque…aka my mom. This wouldn’t have happened without you two.

Thanks for looking!!!