Mr and Mrs Bryant | June 2024 Wedding - Harlem, GA
Every wedding that I shoot is an honor for me, but to be chosen as the photographer for a friends wedding is even more special.
I have known Carmen for quite a few years now, through the self defense class that I teach at Absolute Self Defense. It has become a joke that she could be my daughter because she has blonde hair and blue eyes like me, but is tall like my husband. 😂 All of that to say that it was so special to be chosen as her engagement and wedding photographer after she got engaged in February.
In sitting with Carmen and hearing her wedding plans in the months leading up to their big day, I knew this day would be perfectly designed to fit their laid-back, family-oriented, minimalistic style.
The day started early. With the ceremony scheduled for 10:00am, I arrived at Red Oak Manor in Harlem, GA at 7:30 to begin capturing the tiny details and intimate moments that occur in the hours before a wedding.
The bride and groom spent time with their families and took their time getting ready. Carmen’s sister-in-law styled her hair before helping her into her dress, and Kameron enjoyed a cup of coffee and some quiet time while he was locked in his suite during Carmen’s bridal Portraits.
Their wedding party was small, but composed of those closest to them. Carmen had her sister and sister-in-law as bridesmaids, and Kameron has his brother and his brother-in-law-to-be as his groomsmen.
The gazebo space and lawn at Red Oak Manor were decorated for the intimate ceremony. The ceremony time arrived quickly, and fans were set out to help guests stay cool in the hot June sun. Carmen and Kameron’s closest family and friends gathered on the lawn on this quiet summer Saturday to watch their sweet friends so “I do” to spending forever together.
The moment finally came. Kameron and walked his mother down the aisle and shared a hug before stepping up to wait for his bride. The bridal party entered in pairs, followed by the “flower-grandma’s” who scattered fresh white rose petals around. And then, the moment Kameron had been waiting for…
Carmen was walked down the aisle by both her father and her mother. She carried a basket filled with flowers instead of a traditional bouquet, and entered to Turning Page (instrumental) by Sleeping At Last. When she reached the end of the aisle, Carmen steps forward to join her future husband on the platform of the gazebo. Their officiant read scripture, lead a prayer, and then the two exchanged their personally written vows, and rings. At last, the two became one and were announced as Mr. & Mrs. Bryant, which was then sealed with a kiss.
You could see the joy on their faces, and feel it in the air as soon as they said “I do.” After the nuptials came family photos, bride and groom portraits, and then a delicious brunch for the family.
The middle of the day brought some down time, allowing for rest and an escape from the heat before everyone gathered for dinner with all of Carmen & Kameron’s friends. The bride and groom snuck away for a mid-day ice cream date in downtown Harlem, and to discuss the exciting moments of this long-awaited day.
Decorations were put out to create the most beautiful garden party aesthetic. Guests began to arrive around 3pm to mingle with the new Mr. & Mrs. over a grazing table and yard games. Later in the afternoon dinner was served; a taco and nacho bar!
Friends and loved ones stepped up to give speeches in honor of the bride and groom. Carmen and Kameron sat hand in hand as they listened to the sweet words and stories being told. Once the speeches were done, the couple gathered around for the pie-cutting. Their guests were then able to select from a variety from homemade pies made by the bride and groom’s grandmother’s.
The bride and groom surprised everyone by riding off into the sunset on a horse drawn carriage. They waved goodbye to their friends and family and they waved ribbons and bells in celebration of the new Mr. & Mrs. Bryant.
It was truly a beautiful day that was totally perfect for this sweet couple. I loved being able to capture this day for them while also celebrating the sweet gift of marriage.
I cannot complete this post without saying thank you to my assistant photographer and friend, Niyomi. She worked along side me to capture additional shots and behind the scenes content that will be shared on social media.
To quote Carmen’s instagram captions, “spoiler alert: they lived happily ever after.”
Thanks for reading!
xo,
Sami Laughlin
