Greek Orthodox Cathedral Wedding, Atlanta, GA | Alexia & Santiago

Wedding Photography

Sep 29, 2016

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One of my favorite things about being a photographer is the chance to meet such amazing people at all sorts of shoots. On the occasions when I have the opportunity to photograph styled shoots, we’re always looking for amazing people to “model” for us. Many of these people aren’t actually models, but often are real couples, friends of friends, and more. For our Tolemac Romance shoot with my dear friend Marilisa of Martel Event for Chancey Charm, one of Marilisa’s former Chancey Charm interns served as the most effortlessly gorgeous “bridesmaid” we could imagine for this organic shoot. It was on that day that I had the chance to meet Alexia. She shared about her sweet boyfriend and their adventures, and I saw the sparkle in her eye that day when she spoke of Santiago.

Fast forward to a Facebook post that he had popped the question (!!!), and a message quickly thereafter that Alexia was ready to begin planning for her very own day! She was trading the styled shoot bridesmaid dress for her real wedding gown – and a gorgeous one from The Sentimentalist at that! Plus, she’d be saying her vows at the very same church that her parents and so many other family members said “I do” years before. Needless to say, I was pretty darn excited that I’d have the chance to photograph her again and meet the famous Santiago!

After Alexia & Santiago’s Serenbe Farms engagement session, I knew their wedding day was going to be an absolute dream! These two are so in love and have a perfect way of “fitting” together! Seeing the tears well up in Santiago’s eyes as she walked down the aisle and her father handed her off to be wed made us all a bit misty eyed! I still can’t get over that sequence of images, all while Alexia’s mom smiles at the end of the same aisle she walked down to her sweet husband! What a special moment!

On this day, led by the fabulous Candice Lorraine for Chancey Charm, I was reminded that there is something so special about the marrying of two families and cultures into one. Alexia is Greek and Santiago is Colombian, and holy cow, these families are not only so, so kind, but they know how to throw one heck of a party! The dance floor was full the entire night with people dancing everything from traditional Greek line dances to salsa! And the dancing wasn’t the only Greek inspired detail from the day – from the olive branches in the florals designed by Stems Atlanta alongside clean white spaces (that made this photographer’s heart skip a beat!!), to the absolutely stunning traditional gold Stefana crowns, to the handmade pottery and olive oil from Alexia’s grandfather’s olive trees in Greece as the favors, influence from her Greek heritage spread throughout this romantic and heritage inspired wedding! Plus, the olive oil and pottery weren’t the only handmade things for the day. Instead of a groom’s cake, Santiago did a “groom’s brew” and brewed a keg of beer himself! How cool and what fun to share with your guests! 

This wedding is one that I will forever cherish – from it’s beauty to the warmth and family-feel of the couple and their guests, to Alexia & Santiago sneaking outside for a bit more portrait time during dinner (and it being SO worth it!), everything was a dream! I’m so excited to share some of my favorite images from the day!

Alexia & Santiago, I hope you know just how special you two are. There is something amazing in seeing how you love each other and how you just complement each other so well. You make each other smile and laugh with ease, and you share a warmth with everyone around you. I’m so honored to have captured your day and have the chance to take part in such a momentous occasion for you two and your families! So much love for you two! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

A huge thank you to the fabulous vendor team! – Venue: Greek Orthodox Church, Atlanta, GA | Wedding Coordinator & Details Styling: Candice Lorraine of Chancey Charm | Florals: Stems Atlanta | Dress: Nicole Miller gown from The Sentimentalist | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Hair + Makeup: Becca Whittinghill | Paper Goods: Paper Daisies Stationery | Sign Lettering: Confetti Press | Rentals: Goodwin Events | Second shooter: Chelsey Dellinger Photography 

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