Holly & Todd's Wedding Ceremony in The Day Chapel at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens

Holly and Todd were such a joy to work with! We started with a first look and the expression on Todd's face when he saw his bride was priceless. Holly and Todd had a small wedding party including three of Holly's closest friends and Todd's son and his daughter. They had a lovely ceremony in one of my favorite locations - The Day Chapel at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. With the fall weather and gorgeous leaves as a backdrop, there wasn't much more one could ask for!

Holly and Todd's Engagement Session at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens

Last summer I met Holly and Todd at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens for their engagement session. We had such a fun time. I can't remember the last time I've laughed so much! It was obvious to me that not only do these two have a blast together, they truly love and respect one another as well. And I believe you'll see both in the photos.

Betz & Chris' Wedding at The Taylor Grady House in Athens Georgia

I met Betz at a wedding I photographed in 2010.* She noticed me taking a candid photo of her during the reception, and sweetly made a comment to me about not liking photos of herself. Well, I thought she looked gorgeous who I showed her the photo I'd just taken on the back of my camera. She agreed that it was a great photo, and said that if she ever got married she'd hire me as her photographer. And what do you know!? She was dating the father of the groom at that wedding and five years later they did get married. I was thrilled to have the honor of capturing the amazingly sweet wedding day of Betz and Chris at The Taylor Grady House on May 9, 2015 in Athens, Georgia.*Vicki and John were married at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens on April 10, 2010.I love the koozie that they had as favors - It's Never Too Late To Live Happily Ever After!!This is Chris' son John, whose wedding I photographed in 2010.And this is Vicki, John's wife.Congratulations Betz and Chris!

Sara and Austin's Wedding Portraits on UGA's North Campus and Ceremony at Graduate Athens in Athens, GA

Sara and Austin went the less traditional route, and didn't have a wedding party. They saw each other before the ceremony (even skipping the first look since they both got ready in the same suite!) We went over to The University of Georgia's North Campus for some portraits of the bride an groom. Then we took family portraits at Graduate Athens, where they also had their ceremony and reception. Photos of the reception will be in the next post!

Valentine's Day Contest 2015

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I’ve decided to celebrate with a last minute fun giveaway for the lovebirds who got married in 2014 and invited me to photograph their big day. I’d like to thank my clients you for letting me into your lives and thank you for trusting me to tell your stories - the beginning of what will be a lifetime of love and happiness.So here’s the contest. The couple with the greatest number of comments on their photo in the facebook album “Valentine’s Day Contest 2015” will receive a beautiful 16×20 gallery wrapped canvas to hang on their wall! If they don’t get first place, there is still a chance to win. Every couple with at least 25 comments will get an 8x10 Canvas Mini.

It’s easy to vote:  First, “like” Courtney Goldman Photography, then just write something creative or caring in the “comments” section below the couple of your choice!

Here’s the link to Courtney Goldman Photography on Facebook where you can find the contest.UPDATE: Congratulations to the Winners Candice & Shawn!!And here’s a preview of each couple’s image. Click on the couple’s names under their image to see a slideshow of the highlight images of their wedding day.

Sara & Nolan's Wedding Ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in Athens, GA

Sara and Nolan's Wedding Ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in Athens, Georgia.To get some good smiles out of the group I promised this was the last photo before heading to the reception. The groomsman on the very left was clearly excited to get the party started!!The church is just a block away from Hotel Indigo, so the wedding party walked to the reception.I love this photo of Sara. It was just a quick shot before we sat down to eat dinner, but that light was just irresistible and I do love the art installation on the first floor of the hotel. (And yep, the awesome Bride and Groom invited me to eat a quick dinner with them before they were announced into the reception! How sweet.)Flowers by gardenia floral design

Sara and Nolan Getting Ready and Pre-Wedding Portraits at Hotel Indigo and First Presbyterian Church in Athens, GA

Sara and Nolan got married at First Presbyterian Church in Athens, and and held their reception at Hotel Indigo. I started off the day with the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready in the Baby Grand Suite at Hotel Indigo. The ladies all wore the cutest matching floral robes.We walked over to the church where Sara put on her dress. Her dress was just stunning! I heard her say to a few folks, and couldn't agree with her more, "It fits me to a tee!" You know the florist (Gardenia Floral Design) have done an amazing job when the bride cries upon seeing her bouquet!Sara had a special 'first look' with her father in the sanctuary, followed by a 'first look' with her groom!

Claire and Garrett's Wedding Reception at The Thompson House and Gardens in Athens, GA

Claire and Garrett's first dance, followed by the bride dancing with her father and the groom dancing with his mother.How cool is this groom's cake? Garrett is a Deputy Sheriff and his cake symbolizes the Thin Blue Line.Toasts were made by the maid of honor, father of the bride, and best man - ending in a surprise of 'snowballs' being thrown at the couple in honor of the story of how they met for the first time 5 years ago to the day - when Garrett threw a snowball at Claire!Don't worry folks - the cuffs here are in reference to Garrett's job, nothing more...This was the first time I'd seen a bride and groom taken away with blue lights flashing! Their getaway Humvee is used by the Sheriff's office to promote car seat safety. Congratulations Claire and Garrett!!! Venue: The Thompson House and GardenCaterer: Epting EventsDJ: MusicMaster DJ

Claire and Garrett's Wedding Ceremony and Portraits at The Thompson House and Gardens in Athens, GA

The perfect spring weather was ideal for Claire and Garrett's outdoor ceremony.Claire and Garrett had a big wedding party! The junior bridesmaids were adorable and so much fun!Claire and Garrett are each holding their parents' wedding photos.Venue: The Thompson House and GardensFlowers: Flowers by OnCeremony Music: MusicMasters DJDress: I Do I Do Bridal

Claire and Garrett's Pre-Ceremony Wedding Photos at The Thompson House and Gardens in Athens, GA

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Claire and Garrett's March 1st wedding at The Thompson House and Gardens was the perfect start to my very busy Spring wedding season! Venue: The Thompson House and GardensFlowers: Flowers by On

Lauren & Colby's Wedding Ceremony in The Day Chapel and Reception in The Terrace Room at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens

Here are a few of my favorite photos from Lauren and Colby's wedding. They were married on a gorgeous Sunday in November in The Day Chapel at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Carrie Scruggs played the harp for their ceremony. We took some fun portraits in the garden after the ceremony. After that we headed to The Terrace room for the reception where I photographed the first dance and the father-daughter dance. Sound Insight Productions was the DJ for the reception and  Trumps catered a tasty southern meal. Congratulations Lauren and Colby!

Christy and Andrew's Wedding Ceremony in The Day Chapel at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (13)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (13)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (14)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (14)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (15)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (15)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (12)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (12)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (11)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (11)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (10)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (10)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (9)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (9)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (8)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (8)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (7)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (7)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (6)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (6)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (5)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (5)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (4)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (4)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (3)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (3)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (2)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (2)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (1)

State Botanical Garden Athens Georgia Wedding Courtney Goldman Photography (1)

Christy and Andrew's wedding ceremony in The Day Chapel at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Megan and Brett's Wedding Ceremony at The UGA Chapel in Athens, GA

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Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (11) 03

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (16)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (16)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (14)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (14)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (13)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (13)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (12)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (12)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (11)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (11)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (10)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (10)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (9)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (9)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (8)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (8)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (7)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (7)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (6)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (6)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (5)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (5)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (4)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (4)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (3)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (3)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (2)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (2)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (1)

Wedding Ceremony UGA Chapel Athens Georgia Courtney Goldman Photography (1)

Megan and Brett were married at The UGA Chapel a few weeks ago. They had a beautiful pink and green themed wedding.  Here are some of my favorite photos from the ceremony at the Chapel. I'll post the reception photos next!