Oakhurst Farm - Through the Eyes of JE Hedges

Lanie & Steven Presley

March 28th, 2009

David and Amanda

June 13th was a lucky day for Amanda Booth and David O'Brien--they tied the knot at the Callaway Gardens Discovery Center! Amanda was beautiful in her lace-bodiced dress with a keyhole back. She carried a bouquet of solid white calla lillies. Amanda chose a trendy color for her bridesmaids to wear... bright pink! They carried bouquets of roses, peonies and daisies that were pink, purple and orange. As usual, Mayumi Hashiyama did a wonderful job on the flowers!!

The groomsmen had a great time cutting up during their pictures. They chose to go the route of the poker hats for their fun pictures! The cutting up continued as they retreated to their resting area while waiting for the ceremony to start.
Perhaps the cutest member of their wedding party was their bulldog. She was an active participant in all the festivities!

The reception was also held at the Discovery Center and was beautifully decorated with Mayumi's flowers! Everyone had a lot of fun getting down on the dance floor with the bride and groom!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien! We wish you many happy days ahead!

Hassan and Kathleen

Love was in the air on June 12th at Oakhurst Farm when Kathleen Henderson wed Hassan Kamara! It was a warm, beautiful day... perfect for a wedding.

Kathleen was a vision in her halter-style gown with cathedral train. She carried pink and purple roses and peonies in her bouquet, and the bridesmaids bouquets were just like hers, but smaller. Their dresses were a great sage green color that was perfect for a summer time wedding. But, Kathleen wasn't the only one who looked great! Hassan was very handsome in his military dress blues!

Oakhurst's main hall was beautifully decorated for the reception. All the tables were candlelit, which made for a very romantic feeling. Everyone had a great time with the bride and groom. Hassan and Kathleen gave away some very cool personalized coffee mugs to their guests as favors... one of the most unique we've seen this year.

We wish you a life time of happiness and love Kathleen and Hassan!

Weddings of Georgia July Extravaganza

This year's Wedding of Georgia July Bridal Extravaganza was bigger and better than ever! We had a great time meeting the over 100 brides that stopped by our booth. Speaking of the booth...did I mention that it was the biggest booth we've ever done?! It was 4 booths long! We had plenty of space to step out and get to talk to everyone that stopped by.

If you missed the show... you missed out! Our good friends from the Green Sage Wellness Group were there giving away massages! They're so good at what they do--I had to go first! You can learn more about Green Sage at http://www.greensagewellness.com/.

We really enjoy meeting new brides at Wedding Extravaganzas! If you're stopping by the blog for the first time because you met us at the Trade Center, comment and say hello! We love making new friends!

Feelin' Hot Hot HOT!!

If you're planning your wedding in the warmer months--(and let's face it...aren't ALL Georgia months "warmer" months?!) this blog is for you! I know wedding day is for the couple, but you also have to consider your family, bridal party and your guests. Great Aunt Bertie and Grandpa Herbert may not be able to take the heat! Here are a couple of things to consider when planning a summer (or in our case, late spring/summer/fall) wedding.

First, if the wedding and reception is indoors, make sure there is a working air conditioner. Test it ahead of time to make sure its not so loud it drowns out the ceremony, and turn it on as early in the day as possible to get the room nice and cool for arriving guests!

Second, if the festivities are outdoors consider giving fans as favors. Also, think about your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Think light colored (and light-weight) fabrics such as linen or polished cotton.

Third, offer LOTS to drink. Remember, alcohol dehydrates, so make sure you have a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages... maybe even during the ceremony. I went to a beautiful outdoor wedding once where the bride and groom had an old fashioned ice bucket with sodas in glass bottles and waters for the guests to sip while waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Finally... the food. Be careful of serving dairy or anything that can spoil or is served in heavy sauces. Make sure you keep food at the appropriate serving temperatures.

Follow these few tips, and you'll wind up with a fun, beautiful summertime celebration!

Amanda Booth - Bridal Session

We're going to start trying to post more videos from our sessions. Here's a recent Bridal Session with our Bride - Amanda Booth. You looked beautiful Amanda!

Dane and Abbi

It was a beautiful summer day on May 16th when Abbi Barr and Dane Brown tied the knot at Mt. Zion Baptist Church! She looked like a goddess in her Greek-inspired wedding gown! Even Dane looked great in his tan, summer-style suit.

Abbi's bridesmaids all wore dark blue and carried coral colored roses. Abbi's bouquet had a special element, it was wrapped in lace made from her mother's wedding veil!

The couple took a stretch Navigator limousine to the reception at the Hilton Garden Inn. Both Abbi and Dane are Auburn fans. (The reason for their color scheme, I suspect!) The groom's cake was the Auburn University logo!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Brown! We wish you a lifetime of laughter and love!

Josh and Meagan

May 9th was a pleasant summery day out at Oakhurst Farm for the wedding of Josh Fryer and Meagan Lee. Meagan was a beautiful bride with a spunky spirit! She carried a bouquet of spring wildflowers in pinks, yellows, and purples. Her bridesmaids carried similar bouquets and wore coral-colored dresses.

At the end of the outdoor ceremony, Josh took Meagan into his arms and dipped her back for a romantic kiss! It was very unique, creative, and fun!

The reception was also held at Oakhurst and everyone had a great time. Meagan left out no details! She was the first one of our brides to decorate the fireplace with a portrait from their engagement session! Our good friend Benji of MBS Entertainment played the tunes that kept everyone dancing into the night. The cakes were made by Taylor Mack and were absolutely gorgeous!

We got wonderful pictures of Josh and Meagan in front of the beautiful Oakhurst sunset... we get to witness the most colorful sunsets at Oakhurst! At the end of the evening, Josh and Meagan had an awesome sparkler exits... running through them three times! It was a blast! Best wishes to you Josh and Meagan! We hope your life together is as fun and full of love as your big day!

HOLIDAYS ALREADY?

I know it sounds too early to be thinking about the holidays... but they're right around the corner!... As you know, our family always has Christmas on the mind. My Father and Brother will begin to hang Christmas Lights in just three short weeks so the "Ludy's Christmas Light Spectacular will be ready by Thanksgiving". (http://www.ludychristmas.com/) Crazy stuff, right?

October is Family Portrait Month. We have already filled up many time slots. We're sending you this message as a reminder if you or someone you know are considering a Professionally designed family portrait Christmas Card this year, or thinking about giving Grandma a priceless gift of the entire family in a Professional Portrait, NOW is the time to make your appointment.

The Creation Fee for Family Portraits is only $85 for small groups (nine or less) and just $140 for large groups (ten or more) within the Columbus and Phenix City area. A small travel fee may be added for other locations.

PLEASE NOTE: Our cutoff for Family Portraits delivered to you in time to gift for December 25th, 2009 is October 28th. All portrait sessions must be completed by this date in order to ensure arrival to you in time for gift giving. Call the studio today to reserve your appointment as slots are very limited - (706) 563-1761.

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Have a great weekend!!!

Thank You Everyone!

The Ledger-Enquirer just called and notified us that our studio has won and been selected as the "Favorite Photographer" in their "Readers' Choice Awards". This is our third year winning the award and we are so very grateful.

Thank you so much for voting us as your favorite photographer. Each of you mean so much to us, our business, and our families. We really can not thank you enough for your patronage and friendship. Our success is a reflection of your satisfaction and the many referrals you have given us.

All winners from all categories will be announced in a few short weeks in the Sunday issue of the newspaper... so be on the look out.

Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts!!!! We look forward to spending time with you and your families again soon!

Our Clients are the Best!

We are extremely grateful to work with so many great couples and families! We would not be the successful studio we are today if it were not for our awesome clients! Even though Julie has been in this business for years, she never gets use to the kind words our clients share with her. She appreciates and hangs on to every kind word our clients share with us for the "Raves" page on our website. It's not unusual for Julie to cry while reading them. Thank you to all of our clients for all of the great reviews you've given us!

Roger and Stephanie

May 3rd, 2009 was a special milestone for Roger Hogan and Stephanie McCown as they tied the knot at Oakhurst Farm in West Point, GA. Prior to the ceremony start time, a huge rainstorm blew in with tornado strength winds. The ceremony was moved indoors in front of the gorgeous Oakhurst stone fireplace, with the lights dimmed and candles aglow. It was a very romantic and intimate service to say the least.

Stephanie was ABSOLUTELY gorgeous in her one of a kind wedding gown designed and hand-made by her sister. Can you say talent? Stephanie and her bridesmaids carried bouquets of wild flowers and roses designed by Kimberly Nelson.

Of course all weddings are special. However, this wedding was extra special as it marked a significant milestone in Stephanie’s life. Just a few short years ago, Stephanie was involved in a near-fatal car accident that led to a long road of recovery. Roger served the phrase “for better or for worse” as he stood by her side day in and day out, encouraging her on the road to full recovery. Roger is a wonderful, caring, and loving man who exemplifies the title Prince Charming and Stephanie is a beacon of strength, beauty, and grace. Together, they are one amazing couple who have an exciting future ahead of them.

Even though Julie has photographed over 300 weddings, special couples like these still bring tears to her eyes. Julie was unable to hold back her emotions and tears when she shared a few private moments immediately after the ceremony with the couple in the bridal room. The love these two have for one another should be an example of what every marriage should be built upon.

The reception was fun for everyone! The meals were catered by the Yogurt Shoppe café (yum!!!) and beautifully decorated with chocolate browns and summer-y colors! Our pal and Benji’s sidekick, Drew, of MBS Entertainment DJ'd the festivities and everyone had a great time dancing!

The bride's cake was one of the most unique designs we've ever seen. One day while flipping through a bridal magazine, Stephanie laid her eyes on the cake of her dreams… she excitably shared the image with Mrs. Fran Papenfuss, who recreated the design exactly. You’ve got to go to the gallery and view that yummy creation!!

After the rain cleared out, the sun reappeared just in time to make a beautiful, purple, pink, and blue sunset. Julie and the couple literally RAN outside just in time to get a few pictures before the sun set completely behind the hill.

Mr. and Mrs. Hogan, We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness and your wedding is not one we’ll soon forget. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a special time in your lives! Hugs! Julie Hedges

Tate and Becca

A little bit of drizzly rain was not going to stop Becca and Tate's big day at the Rankin Gardens and Atrium on May 2nd! It lightly rained off and on all day, but it certainly was not a spolier to the fun! We had a BLAST working with Becca and Tate!!! Both are so incredibly funny and entertaining and not to mention awesomely photogenic! Becca was a vision in her strapless dress with sparkling detail on the waist. She chose an ocean blue color for her bridesmaids dresses. Becca carried a beautiful bouquet of springtime wildflowers and her girls carried bouquets of wildflowers and roses... all designed by the one... the only... Mayumi Hashiyama of Designs by Mayumi. Mayumi's floral designs are always magazine picture perfect!

This wedding had an extra special bridesmaid. Julie and Keith's cousin, Felicity Ligon, drove in from North Carolina to be a part of the wedding party and activities. We miss you already Fleecy!!!

Becca and Tate's families and friends had a great time at the reception, which was catered by the Rankin Quarter. Becca took some time out of reception mingling to boogie down with her bridesmaids. Becca has quite the moves and Tate's not too shabby either! :)

Tate entertained the guests with a mock "strip tease" dance while taking off Becca's garter! Everything was going great until while removing his jacket, he swung it around, and accidentally smacked Becca in the face with it. Umm... not a great way to start the marriage Tate. Ha! It was a cute quick moment that of course Julie captured so Tate can be reminded of it forever. Hee hee.

Congratulations Becca and Tate! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your awesome day! We hope you had an awesome honeymoon in Jamaica! Hugs! Julie Hedges

Bill and Irene

Wedding bells rang in Downtown Columbus for Bill and Irene Burkett on April 25th! It was a fantastic day for a wedding at the Rankin with picture perfect weather!

Irene wore a beautiful dress with the most unique feature... it had pockets! Why didn't they have wedding gown pockets when Julie got married??? Finding a place for your wedding lipstick can be a challenge... but not when you have pockets! Very cool. The dress was a simple and elegant design with one gorgeous Irene in it! She carried a bouquet of peonies that she designed herself. Irene's veil was Julie's favorite as it was Cathedral length and made for some beautiful photographs. Irene was a complete package with well thought out attire.

The wedding was a small and intimate affair with Bill and Irene's family and closest friends in attendance. Irene and Bill chose a beach theme for the wedding with sand, seashells, and ocean blue adorning their wedding cake and centerpiece decorations.

Here's wishing you ocean waves of happiness! Congrats Bill and Irene! Hugs! Julie Hedges