Some Favorites of 2008

Weddings at Oakhurst

Recent Weddings at Oakhurst

Planning for Your Photography on a Tight Budget

Even if you have budget constraints, you shouldn't have to go with a bargain basement photographer. Photography is important on your big day; these are not just pictures, they're your memories. Photography tells the story of your wedding...and you get what you pay for. You want to make sure that your photographer matches your personal style--not just your price range. Wedding photography is an investment in the memories of your big day.

Here are some things you should look at when choosing your photographer:

Hours of coverage-Do you want the photographer to capture those precious moments shared between you and your bridesmaids while getting ready? Do you want them there until the very last minute? One way to reduce cost in this area is to reduce the amount of time you need the photographer. Instead of taking pictures after the ceremony, think about seeing each other before the ceremony and doing all wedding party and family pictures then. This way, you don't spend an hour away from your guests taking pictures. Additionally, you can minimize the time you need your photographer by planning and organizing your reception activities. We have found, through experience, that once your DJ/Band introduces you, go directly into your first dances, eat & mingle with your guests, cut your cake, dance/mingle, toss the bouquet/garter, and do a "mock leave" that our clients do not typically need to book additional hours with us for their reception, essentially saving money for other important needs or wants. During a "mock leave", the photography team gathers all of your guests and lines them up with your weapon of choice (rice, birdseed, bubbles, sparklers, lavender, etc). You make your fun exit for the photographs then everyone goes right back into the party for a fun filled night. All of the important photographs are made and you save money.

Albums-Choose a photographer that offers albums that match your style. Your album isn't just a picture book...it is a family heirloom. You want to be able to pull your album out on your 50th anniversary and show it to your children, grand children and maybe even great grand children. The album should be a reflection of you and your big day. You definitely don't want to choose the photographer that offers the cheapest albums. Choose a quality photographer that offers a quality product. A possible way to reduce your cost in this area is to consider the size of your album and the number of pages. If you'd like to have more pictures in your album, think about getting a smaller size. If you don't mind fewer images, then a large album could be the way to go. There are many options to choose from.

A word on disposable cameras...it sounds like a great idea: allowing your guests to take pictures of what they're seeing on your big day. In reality, you get very little to work with. Even the most skilled photographer has a difficult time capturing an image with a throw-away camera. Your wedding photographer is highly trained and comes to your wedding with professional equipment to make your pictures look their best. If saving money is a concern, eliminate the disposables in favor of letting your photographer capture your guests having fun.

A personal note: If you're an avid reader of this blog, you know that I met Julie when I chose her to be my wedding photographer. The first time we talked was when I called her to schedule my bridal consultation. We fast became friends, but in the first year or so that I knew her, she was my wedding photographer. I chose her because my husband and I are anything but traditional. We wanted a photographer that could capture our personalities, but still get some traditional poses for our parents. My wedding day was so full of laughs, socializing and prepping that I don't remember much of it. When I look at my images, the day comes back to me.

Joel and I were definitely on a budget. Working with Julie, we found the package that fit us best, and went through all the things that I mentioned in the above paragraphs. Since photography was most important to us, we found ways to cut our costs in other areas in order to afford what we wanted. I thought this was important to share, because I know when I was planning my wedding...I would read an article like this and think, "What do these people know? They're the photographers. They're just trying to sell me stuff." I shared my personal story because you should know that I've been where you are. Planning a wedding on a budget is tough, but it can be done. I'm so glad that I made the investment in our pictures, because they are an important piece of that day.

A Birthday Adventure with a Fruity Ending!

Julie and I had to make a quick business jaunt to Richland, GA today. Let me start by saying that Julie and I can't go anywhere without getting in trouble or nearly getting into trouble!

When we made it to Richland, we noticed that it was like stepping into a time warp. The building had decorations straight out of the 1970's! It even smelled old in there!

On the way back, we narrowly avoided getting a speeding ticket! Fortunately, the vehicle in front of us just happened to be going as fast (or faster) than Julie at 92 mph! (No wonder Keith always drives!)

We stopped at Starbucks on the way home for a celebratory tasty beverage! Julie raced the car in front of us around to the drive through box and won! As if that wasn't enough icing on the cake, they accidentally upgraded the size of both of our drinks for free!

To end our birthday adventure...we get back to the studio to find that a friend of the studio has sent Julie an "Edible Arrangements" fruit basket bouquet as a birthday treat. That thing was so big it wouldn't fit in Julie's Fridge. Fortunately, it was cold enough for us to store it in the garage...but it didn't last long seeing as it was SOOO DELICIOUS!

Happy Birthday Julie!!!

Today is our fearless leader's birthday! We wish you all the best, Julie, and hope that this year is as great as the last!

Columbus Photographer's Lunch

Julie and I attended the Columbus Photographer's monthly lunch at Caffe Amici today! This group is for photographers from the Columbus area. We get together every month to discuss business and share ideas.

The group has grown by leaps and bounds since we were invited to join. There were so many people there, we didn't get a chance to talk to them all!

These things are always fun because we get to spend time with others who share the passion for photography!

Ben and Heather, December 20th

On a cloudy winter day in LaGrange, Georgia, Ben Huddleston and Heather Buchanan were married at First Baptist Church! It was a candlelight ceremony, which we haven't seen in a very long time. There were candles all over the altar as well as in the aisle as pew markers. Each candle lit by florist Vicki Rockwell and her husband!

Heather's gown was a classic, elegant design. It was a strapless dress with sparkling detail at the waist and buttons all the way down the back of a train. She looked like a movie star! She carried beautiful red roses that matched her bridesmaid's dresses. The bridesmaids also carried roses, but theirs were peachy-orange and yellow.

Speaking of the bridesmaids...they were a fun group! The groomsmen were too. They were all happy for Ben and Heather's big day, but didn't hold back on the wisecracks and practical jokes!

The reception was held at Oakhurst Farm. The hall was beautifully decorated by the White Orchid. As usual, Kimble's catering provided an elegant selection of delicious food. The bride's cake was pretty, with a sparkling 'H' for a topper, and was designed to be a replica of the detailing on the bride's dress. Instead of a groom's cake, they had a cheesecake bar! There were several different flavors of cheesecake to choose from.

The bride and groom along with the wedding party and guests, danced the night away to DJ Benji Shephard's great music. One of our favorite parts of the night was watching Heather's mom and dad boogie! They had a great time!

The bride and groom had a unique idea for their Signature Mat portrait. Instead of a white mat, they got a black mat, and had the wedding party sign it in silver. This made it an even more special keepsake for the couple to cherish.

Best of luck to you both, Mr. and Mrs. Huddleston! Congratulations on your big day!

Oakhurst Farm Bridal Show

Julie and I had a lot of fun yesterday (January 18th) at the Oakhurst Farm Bridal Show! This show is always fun because we get to spend more time talking to brides, moms and even grooms!

Julie and I personally talked with over 30 brides at the show, and many of them were familiar with our work! There were several that we'd met the past week at the January Wedding Extravaganza!

Our booth just happened to be located right in front of our friend, DJ Benji Shephard of MBS Entertainment! His great music kept Julie and I pumped up and energetic through the whole day!

Please leave a comment and say hello if you're visiting the site because you met us at the Oakhurst Show! We'd love to hear from you and look forward to working with you!

January Wedding Extravaganza

Keith, Gracie and I had a great time at the Weddings of Georgia January Wedding Extravaganza on January 11th! Julie didn't make it to this show because she was at the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) Conference. She goes every year to learn all the new trends in wedding photography, so she can bring exciting new things to brides!

This year's show was bigger and better than ever! So much so, that it had to be moved to the Trade Center's bigger South Hall to accomodate all of the vendors and brides! Thank goodness we had a triple-sized booth again! The three of us met over 80 brides during the day! It was non-stop from the time the doors opened until the last bride said goodbye!

Every year we notice a trend that is consistant amongst the brides. This year's trend is very early planning. Last year's brides planned early (12-18 months in advance). Many of this year's brides are already looking to book for late 2010!

If you're visiting our site because you met us at the show, be sure to leave a comment and say hello! We're looking forward to a great (and very busy) year with you!

Columbus and The Valley Wedding Issue

The January/February issue of Columbus and the Valley Magazine is on stands now...and we're in it! Seventeen of our 2008 brides had their photos in the magazine this year! We're honored to have such beautiful couples representing us!

You can pick up a copy of the magazine at several locations including Books-a-Million, Barnes and Noble, Publix, Dinglewood Pharmacy and many others!

Daniel and Anna

On an unseasonably warm day in December, Daniel Faulk and Anna Anderson were married at the Garrett Bullock House. It was like a beautiful, late summer day...only on December 13th!

Anna looked like a princess in her dress. She's one of the few brides we've photographed that wore a full-length veil. It was a very classic, pretty look. The bridesmaids were beautiful in basic black. Each bridesmaid's dress was a different design, allowing them to show off their individual style. Both the bride and bridesmaids carried bouquets of white lilies and roses designed by Mayumi Hashiyama.

Anna was so nervous before the ceremony. All of that went away the moment she saw her groom. Both she and Daniel relaxed once they saw one another.

The ceremony took place after sundown. It was an intimate candle light ceremony that took place at the Garrett Bullock House's fountain. MJ Stephens, the house's owner, hung white lights on the fence and in the trees at outside, which added to the romantic feeling.

Our good friend, Benji Shepherd, provided the music at the reception. He kept the mood light but romantic to go along with the ceremony. The decorations at the reception echoed the ceremony, with a black and white candy buffet. Additionally, the bride's cake was adorned with sparkling rhinestone initials, black ribbon and their proper names in black icing.

Best wishes to you Daniel and Anna! We hope your marriage is as intimate and romantic as your big day!

Wedding Extravaganza- January 11, 2009

We'll be at the Weddings of Georgia 2009 Wedding Extravaganza at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center on January 11th from 12:30 to 4:30. This show includes vendors from all over the area and a fashion show! You can't miss us, we'll be the biggest booth there! We'll have some goodie bags to give away to our brides and future brides, so be sure you stop by to say hello!

We will also be at the Oakhurst Farm Bridal Show on January 18th from 1:00 to 5:00! We'd love to see you, so come out and visit!

Cody and Melissa

We were seeing red in a good way at the Garret Bullock House early on December 6th as Cody Scrimpshire and Melissa Shelton tied the knot!

It was a chilly winter day, but because of the recent warm weather the trees were still full with red and orange leaves that coordinated with Melissa's color scheme! Melissa's dress had bright red details on the front and down the train, and the bridesmaids wore bright red dresses! Melissa carried red roses and the bridesmaids carried white and peach roses all designed by Mayumi Hashiyama. Cody was nearly swept off his feet when seeing his bride for the first time!

Cody's groomsmen were also "hockey buddies" so they pulled out their hockey gear for some pictures. As a secret nod to her fun side, Melissa and the bridesmaids wore fishnets with their dresses and Melissa wore bright red mary janes! They were certainly a fun wedding party!

One interesting side note: Julie's cousin, Wes Carroll, officiated the wedding...talk about weddings being a family business!

The reception was also held at the Garrett Bullock House, with Dave Arwood as the DJ. Everyone had a great time dancing along with the bride and groom!

Congratulations Cody and Melissa! May your marriage be as fun and romantic as your big day!

John and Amanda

On a pretty November day, John LaJoye and Amanda Holland said "I Do" at First Baptist Church. The weather was cool and VERY windy. So much so that at one point, the wind whipped Amanda's veil right off her head--but it was still a beautiful day!

Amanda was gorgeous in a strapless dress with elegant detailing. She chose the perfect colors for a November wedding; chocolatey brown, cream, peachy oranges and reds. Amanda showcased her unique style by adding floral jewelry and feathers to her bouquet! Her bridesmaids were in classic chocolate brown strapless dresses and carried red, peach and orange roses. The entire bridal party was fun to work with and excited for John and Amanda's big day!

After the ceremony, the bride and groom took a horse and carriage ride to their reception at the Trade Center. Setting the fun tone for the reception, John entered wearing his sunglasses! As he and Amanda shared their first dance, you could see the love on their faces.

The rest of the evening was fun as all the guests boogied with the bride and groom on the dance floor. DJ Dave Arwood kept the party going so everyone had a great time! The Groom, Best Man and a Groomsmen offered the guests a fun spin on the traditional wedding "Dollar Dance". They did a G-rated "strip tease" while the female guests watched from the sidelines. It was definitely a funny take on tradition!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. LaJoye! We wish you years of fun and happiness!

Happy New Year!

From all of us at JE Hedges Photography...thank you for your support in 2008, we could not be successful without it! We're looking forward to a wonderful and prosperous 2009, and wish the same for all of you!