Courtney and Ryan had their destination wedding at Tybee Island Wedding Chapel to celebrate their commitment to each other. Having chosen Tybee to host their wedding, it allowed them to have both the comfort of home (renting one of the beach condos) and the relaxation of a vacation. The couple were laid back yet “on-it” as they were able to bend where their wedding schedule needed as well as attentive to time and itinerary. It was truly a blast to be able to focus on the moment without having to rush. The magic of proper planning! I have to thank Bonnie at First City Events and Courtney for that! Other amazing wedding professionals that made Courtney and Ryan’s day flawless: Catering: Lady & Sons Florist: Urban Poppy Cake: Tier Luxury Cakes Rev Schulte Makeup: Dollface of Jules Hair: Ony Salon Last but not least: Second Photographer: Derek Scearcé (Many thanks for your mad skillz! Your breathtaking shots greatly add to the beauty of this post.)
This past week the Taken team enjoyed sharing Courtney & Ryan’s destination wedding at Tybee Island, Georgia. I can’t wait to share the full blog post :)
I’m a mother of three: Alia (4), Ava (2), and Robbie (6 months). Generally I’ve always heard this statement, “I’d do anything for them” and nodded – it’s true you know; but was it true in my life? When it came down to it, would I really do anything? Then I started getting busy again; having restarted my business in the Savannah area, this took some time. I missed a funny moment here and there, missed a learning opportunity, missed hearing about that day’s ventures – my focus being on the next item I needed to do, the next client I needed to speak with, the next promotional Taken was dreaming up. I wasn’t living up to that statement: I’d do anything for them. After months of fighting it, I am now – for my family, at the moment – “doing anything for them” means putting Taken on pause. This is an indefinite pause – I will be coming back, hopefully with a daughter or two by my side helping me. But for now Taken is no longer taking new clients. If you’re a past client, no worries, Taken is still here to help. In the meantime, I’ll do doing more of this… Hugs, Alicja
A few months past, when spring was approaching and the green grass, sunny skies, and beautiful weather inspired me, I ran a contest for a complimentary child’s portrait session. Holly submitted a story that would make a great skit on Comedy Central. Apparently you guys agreed and voted her in first place. We waited to capture her son’s portraits in July for his 2nd year bday. It’s always a joy to see this little man and his Momma. I was blessed enough to capture his newborn and 1 year portraits as well. This year we went ventured into the heart of Guyton, GA. There a little caboose that just begs for a handsome little man to explore.
It was a great joy to capture one of my favorite ladies’ son’s 2-years portraits. Melinda is with me at almost every shoot making sure that all the details are taken care of and inline. It was fun to be able to serve her this way.
Sheri and I have gotten to know each other quite well after the past 5 or so months. One of my favorite things about photography is that it opens the door to meet a client that then turns into a friendship. If that wasn’t enough, I’m invited to capture memories as their family grows and blossoms. Sheri and Timothy were married at Sheri’s home, which was quite the perfect atmosphere for them. You see, Sheri and Timothy are authentic, cozy, fun-lovin’ couple. Transparent, honest, and approachable. Though I think they can pull “formal” off if need be, I deem them are more comfortable in pjs ;)
My lovely light assistant’s son turned 2. Here’s a sneak of what a little sumthin’-sumthin’ that we did.
Taken is continually blessed to find itself covering sweet couples’ wedding days! Brittany and Chris were just the same. From the first time I met them I knew they would a dream to serve – well, mostly. You see, Chris, the groom, constantly called me “ma’am.” That’s good ole’ southern charm and respect, but man, I’m only 7 or 8 years older than him – way to make me feel old Chris! ;) Anyhoo, just a little over a month ago we shot their engagement session which was featured on Style Me Pretty Georgia. I loved that extra time spent with them. Getting to know Brittany and Chris better made all the difference on their wedding day. Instead of showing up as the photographer, I came more as a friend that happened to be a photographer. I was more relaxed, felt more trusted, and was at ease directing the couple. They’ve seen me work and the result and know at when I ask them to do something seemingly dumb, they trusted me cause they’ve already experienced Taken. Brittany and Chris’s wedding took place at the Wilmington Island Golf Club. There were so many charming elements about the site, but my favorite is what Brittany brought: the reception centerpieces. Each table was different, with a quote written on burlap, topped with vases, candles, books, and a disposable camera that was costumed as an
I’m SO excited to share Brittany and Chris’s recent engagement session. Fab Layla of Simply Savannah Events helped this sista out. When I met Brittany and Chris what struck me was that they were lighthearted and fun. Typically Taken captures more night-time modern imagery, but I could tell that this style wasn’t going to fit Brittany and Chris. “We like to laugh and pick on each other,” I remember Brittany saying. I had an idea in mind, but as great as I am at directing poses and getting the shot… I knew I needed help to bring the idea to life. In comes the stylist hero, Layla. Layla was the first Savannah-area wedding professional I met when I first moved from Miami. So that means it’s going on a year of knowing her! She’s traveled to Miami with me to help cover a wedding; enjoyed scheming up ideas with, which I generally flake on… SO SORRY! But over and above she’s always… ALWAYS there and have this insane eye for details and styling. She is one of the most hardworking, sweetings ladies I’ve met, and I just knew she had to join me on this shoot. When I called her I felt like I was asking her on a date, lol! So glad she said yes! Without further ramblings, thanks for sharing in our joy in presenting Brittany and Chris’s engagement session. I look forward to your
Earlier this month the Taken team had the joy of traveling out to Hilton Head Island to cover the fun of Anna and John’s wedding! The culture was rich; the atmosphere fun; the emotion joyous. Join us in telling of the story below. Event Planners: Posh, Petals & Pearls Venue: Wexford DJ: JLK Events Makeup: Dollface by Jules The Wexford is a plantation subdivision in Hilton Head Island that has a gorgeous mini-ballroom that overlooks the water and has lush greenery. The opulence inside the estate made for amazing images. There was no lack of textures to discover. Anna is from Russia. We learned some unique Russian Wedding traditions. One of which was a toast – only the best Russian Vodka would do. Of course that lead to some energetic dancing… The apparently another Russian tradition is to steal the bride! Poor John had to empty his pockets to see what he had to buy back his Love. Chapstick was the only thing, which wasn’t cutting it. Some of his friends sought to see if President Jackson would be persuasive. It wasn’t… Mr. John had to break out some dance moves to convince the thieves to bring back his Bride. It worked and John was ecstatic. There were some mafia threats… I’m glad it didn’t come to that. The Taken team didn’t get the pleasure to shoot the sparkler exit. But I had an idea of incorporating it in a portrait so, though we
