Sunday, June 22, 2008

Amanda & Damon

I had such a great day yesterday at Amanda and Damon's wedding-- what more could you ask for?? An awesome couple with the sweetest families, a good friend as a second shooter and my absolute favorite vendors to work with. I hardly ever cry at weddings-- usually one per year-- but I teared up twice yesterday. The first time was during the super emotional mother-son dance and the second time was out of laughter during the toasts!

Amanda had really sexy heels, but I just loved her reception shoes-- they really showed her sassy personality!
The couple's baby, Riley, showed his true colors--- garnet and gold instead of orange and blue!Whenever I am asked about flowers-- I only have two words to say- Missy Gunnels. She is phenomenal each and every time I work with her and yesterday was definitely no exception!There was a bit of a disappointment yesterday as the priest informed me at the last minute that he would not allow any photographs of the ceremony. We were allowed to photograph the processional and recessional, but nothing else. All I can say is that it greatly saddened me that the couple would have no images of their ceremony for their album...
The church had absolutely beautiful pockets of light that we used every opportunity we could for portraits.After the formal portraits at the church, we saved a few minutes for portraits at Golden Eagle-- one of my favorite places to shoot. You just can't beat the great light and awesome backdrops of the Country Club!
I love sentimental touches with wedding details-- the bride and groom used the same cake knife that her parents used and had it engraved with their names and date next to that of her parents.This could definitely be called a grand entrance!
The couple was so incredibly into each other-- I don't think they noticed the hundreds of guests watching them!Damon is a musician and as part of the reception, he performed acoustically a song he wrote for Amanda.The man... the legend... the one and only Greg Tish. :) No, he didn't pay me to say that! Greg is beyond awesome-- he is the key to any great party in town. Even look at the background of the image... the window is reflecting a packed dance floor. And he kept the party rolling until 1:30 in the morning! And my super groovy second shooter, Monica. Who totally kept me sane and in giggles with her weird posing, facebook shots and general nuttiness! Thanks again for helping me out!www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Holy Cross Anglican Church
Reception Location: Golden Eagle Country Club
Florist: Missy Gunnels
DJ: Greg Tish
Dress: The Studio Bridal

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Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Golden Eagle Show

Monday was the 1st Annual Golden Eagle Country Club and Tallahassee Association of Wedding Professionals Bridal Showcase. It was honestly the best bridal show we have ever been a part of! Golden Eagle did a phenomenal job-- the food was fabulous, everything was organized and efficient and it was so great meeting the 200 brides who came in the door!

We have already received SO many phone calls for fall 2008 and spring 2009 dates! We do still have some availability for the fall, but it is getting rather limited. Spring 2009 weddings are booking rapidly as well.

If you have any questions about our packages, or you met us at the show and would like to come by the studio to chat, please just let us know!

The show really featured Tallahassee's best wedding vendors, but one booth just stood out against the rest.... :)
I was really blown away by all the decor and yummy food at the show-- it was absolutely first rate!www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

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Monday, June 09, 2008

Tiffany & Ryan

Olyn photographed Tiffany and Ryan's wedding at Bradfordville Baptist Church this Saturday. Tiffany and Ryan are such a fun, laid back couple that they are a true joy to photograph. Their beautiful ceremony was followed by dinner and dancing at Golden Eagle Golf and Country Club.

It is always fun to create a new take on an old idea. I think that this shot captures Tiffany's beautiful dress in a unique way!I love the balcony at Bradfordville Baptist. It allows a photographer to capture some great wide shots of the ceremony!Here are a few of my favorite portraits:Tiffany and Ryan had a beautiful cake created by the Cake Shop. The cake incorporated the flowers from the centerpieces, giving the room a unified feel.
Blossoms created some wonderful centerpieces and bouquets. I like how the square, structured vases give way to an overflow of exotic flowers.The dance floor stayed packed the entire night!Sometimes, bubble farewells can fall a little short in the bubble department. Not with this crowd! Tiffany and Ryan's friends went into bubble overdrive to give this couple a farewell to remember!www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Bradfordville Baptist Church
Reception Location: Golden Eagle Country Club
Florist: Blossoms Flowers
Cake: The Cake Shop

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Monday, May 05, 2008

Jenn and Sam

I was so excited on Saturday to photograph Jennifer and Sam's wedding-- I have done so many portrait sessions with them, it was really a lot like shooting a close friend's wedding!

I loved Jenn's jewelry and dress- - they were so classically elegant.Randi Buchanan did the makeup and as always, she blew me away!
I love unusual flowers, and Bella Flora created some of the most unique bouquets, bouts and arrangements I have ever seen!The weather decided not to cooperate during our portrait time before the ceremony, but as always, you can find beautiful light anywhere-- you just have to look!
Thankfully, the skies cleared a few minutes before the ceremony and we were able to move out to the Golden Eagle lawn.I love Jenn's smile as she came down the aisle-- she was so excited to see Sam!
After the ceremony, the light was fading quickly, but we had some fun with the bridal party...
And then sent everyone inside so Jenn and Sam could have some quiet time. The storms had brought some wind with them and it cooled everything off-- it was so wonderful outside, I hated to finish the portraits and go inside!The reception decor was phenomenal-- these are some of my absolute favorite centerpieces!Jenn and Sam's first dance was not without drama!
I don't think Sam looked anywhere but at Jenn the entire day.The band, NightBreeze, kicked things up a notch and kept the dance floor packed the entire evening!Tasty Pastry created a stunning cake-- the piping on the cake is actually the same pattern that is in the lace of Jenn's dress!They finished the night off with a sparkler farewell!www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Golden Eagle Country Club
Florist: Bella Flora
Cake: Tasty Pastry Bakery
Band: Night Breeze
Makeup: Randi Buchanan
Videography: First Sight Pictures
Ceremony Music: Atlantic Chamber Players

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Sunday, April 27, 2008

Julie & Jonathan

Olyn was out at Golden Eagle Country Club this weekend, photographing Julie and Jon's wedding. The weather looked gloomy, but at the last minute, the sky cleared and Julie and Jon were able to have their beautiful ceremony as planned!With all the bridesmaids and flowergirls getting ready at once, the room got a little warm. Fortunately, Julie is a gal that knows how to stay cool under pressure!

Julie and Jon had a beautiful ceremony with a path of roses leading to the edge of the lake. About half way through the ceremony, the sun even started to peak through the clouds!

The setting sun provided wonderful light for the formal portraits.
Julie and Jon had a really interesting cake. It was really modern, with three free-standing tiers.
The garter and bouquet tosses can be the toughest events of the whole day for a photographer, but Olyn caught some great images!

Near the end of the reception, Olyn spent a few minutes with Julie for some additional portraits. I think these two are awesome!

www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Golden Eagle Country Club
Florist: Flowers By Vince
Cake: Myra Jean's Cakes
DJ: Greg Tish

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Sunday, July 08, 2007

Rachel & Justin

7/7/7 was probably the most popular wedding date this year! Both Olyn and I had separate weddings booked, but unfortunately my couple was not able to go forward with their plans. Instead of taking a day off, I decided to work as Olyn's second shooter at Rachel and Justin's wedding.
Rachel and Justin's wedding was a celebration from start to finish! I don't think I have ever seen so many people on the dance floor at Golden Eagle!

Trinity Reformed Church here in Tallahassee has to be one of our most favorite churches to shoot in. Not only is the church beautiful with detailed woodwork and natural light, but everyone there is so wonderful!
There are so many details that go into telling the story of the wedding-- its not just the cake or the flowers, but the small details of the way a hand is held that really completes the story. I don't think Justin took his eyes off Rachel all day!Rachel and Justin's ceremony was really personal and tailored to suit them. They took communion from the same goblet that Rachel's parents had used at their wedding.Throughout the day, Rachel grinned from ear to ear!I think this is my favorite portrait of Justin, but I think it was the least comfortable pose!Just when Justin thought we weren't looking, he gave his new bride a kiss.The whole theme really came together with the lemon and lime centerpieces.Justin and Rachel had the sweetest first dance to Etta James' "At Last". The father-daughter dance was so emotional! I don't think there was a dry eye in the house!Another beautiful (and yummy!) creation by Myra Jeans!Of all the portraits we did of Rachel and Justin, this is my absolute favorite. We ran outside for a few shots during the reception and this really stands out to me as loving, relaxed and natural. A wedding this close to the 4th of July has to have fireworks!
Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Trinity Reformed Church, Tallahassee http://www.trinityreformed.com/
Reception Location: Golden Eagle Country Club http://www.goldeneaglecc.org/
Florist: Leah Jones
Cake: Myra Jean's Cake Shop http://www.myrajeanscakes.com/
DJ:Bill Kelly & Starflight Music Systems
Bride's Dress: The Studio Bridal Couture Gallery http://www.thestudiobridal.com/

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Monday, February 26, 2007

Serena and Tim

I really don't cry at weddings... whether it is because I have done so many or because I am concentrating so much on my work... I don't know why, I just don't cry. Yesterday, while photographing Serena and Tim's wedding, I teared up not once, but TWICE! They had an incredibly moving ceremony and then Tim's dad gave an incredibly moving toast to the newlyweds.

Serena's beautiful champagne colored gown:

Although it had rained all morning, the skies cleared and there was a beautiful sunset for their outdoor ceremony.
During the ceremony, it really struck me how Serena and Tim entertwined their hands. Throughout the ceremony, they both looked so serene and at peace. I see so many couples who are completely stressed out, it was really nice to see Serena and Tim enjoy their ceremony.
Everyone kept hugging Serena and yanking on her veil, so she kept telling everyone to put their arms, "under my veil, UNDER my veil!" So... I decided to take her literally... Missy Gunnels did an absolutely amazing job with all of the flowers! From the chuppa to the bouquets and centerpieces, everything was so gorgeous!At the reception, Serena and Tim not only shared a first dance, but they each danced with Gabi and Averie as a new family. Towards the end of the night, Serena commented on how much she was enjoying her wedding. I think it shows through all of the dancing and party photos!Teaking a break from tradition, instead of tossing the bouquet and garter, Serena's idea of a teddy bear toss was a huge hit with all the kids! Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception: Golden Eagle Country Club www.goldeneaglecc.org
Florist: Missy Gunnels www.MissyGunnelsFlowers.com
Cake: Katie's Cakes http://www.katiescakesandcatering.com/
DJ: Greg Tish www.gtentertainment.com
Limo: Classic Limos http://www.classic-limos.com/

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Thursday, October 05, 2006

Mike Raynor's Retirement

I went over to Golden Eagle last night to photograph a retirement party for Mike Raynor. It was really inspiring to hear about Mike's achievements over the last 32 years with Bellsouth.

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Monday, August 14, 2006

Website down!?

Some of you may have noticed that LongsPhotography.com and the blog have gone down recently. We were having some trouble with the web host (ARGH!), but it should all be resolved now.

In the meantime, two weddings did not make it up on the blog!

I photographed Shelley and Josh's wedding at First Methodist in downtown Cairo. The historic church really played into this southern wedding. The high school sweethearts put a lot of their personalities into the wedding, complete with University of Georgia baseball hats and groomscake!


Vendors:
Ceremony Location: First Methodist Church, Cairo
Reception Location: Cairo Country Club
DJ: DJ Porkchop
Flowers and Decor: Brenda Darsey, DaySTAR

Cat and Brad had a mixed marriage this last Saturday-- she is a Seminole and he is a Gator. Despite a bit of heat and rain, Cat was one of the most laid back brides I have ever worked with. She and Brad had a really fun loving group, which made the heat a lot more bearable!


Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Golden Eagle Country Club
Flowers and Decor: Blossoms Florist
DJ: GT Entertainment
Cakes: The Cake Shop

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Saturday, July 15, 2006

Kelli and Yancie

Yesterday we photographed the wedding of Kelli and Yancie. They booked us more than a year ago and in the course of doing their engagement and bridal portraits, we have really developed a friendship with them. It was so much fun to share in their day!

Despite some chaotic moments, Kelli and Yancie really kept everything in perspective and enjoyed their day to the fullest.



Vendors:
Ceremony: First Baptist Church
Reception: Golden Eagle
Flowers: Artistic Flowers
Cake: Publix
Band: Tom & the Cats

www.LongsPhotography.com

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Monday, May 01, 2006

Cody and Amy

The culmination of an exciting weekend that included Cody's college graduation, Cody and Amy exchanged personal vows yesterday at Golden Eagle Country Club. I don't think I have ever been to a wedding that was such a celebration of family-- from lifelong friends to newly united families, the celebration really made everyone feel as though they were part of one big family!

Here are a few shots I liked:





Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception: Golden Eagle Country Club
Flowers: Blossoms Florist
DJ: Pro Disc Jockeys
Cake: Publix

www.LongsPhotography.com

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