Ah….”At Last” – one of my favorite songs by Etta James and particularly appropriate for this lovely couple. I say that because Connie & Mike met with me soooooo long ago – almost a year and a half before their wedding!  So, this has been a fun and wonderful journey leading up to their elegant wedding day.

And a really classy way to start off the day, hhmmm mmmm, Jimmy Choo’s!  I fell in love with Connie’s shoes the moment I laid eyes on them.  *sigh* She’s safe, her feet are much, much tinier than mine! ;o)  Connie & Mike chose to have their reception at the Ritz Carlton downtown so this is where I met her to take the getting ready shots.  I’ve been to the Ritz many times before but believe it or not, after 10+ years, this would be my first reception there!  Here’s Connie looking spectacular and being so calm on this blustery day.  We had some record low temperatures this October and she braved the chilly air for some beautiful portraits in front of their church, Peachtree Christian.

Mike is dashing here in the door way of the church.  But just before we got to snap these portraits, I spent a few minutes with the boys.

I chose to post these two based on their similar expressions! The ring bearer is so cute I could just squeeeeeze him!  This is Mike opening his wedding present from Connie – a Tag Hauer watch. NICE!

Peachtree Christian is  one of my favorite churches in Atlanta for weddings with some of the most beautiful stained glass seen in the United States.  It really reminds me of European cathedrals. Obviously the movie makers like it, too since it has been the location of at least two movies I know of.

Connie & Mike told me that they knew the moment they had found the right church to be married in:  Mike had proposed to Connie in Italy (gosh, I wish I could remember the cathedral) and one of their favorite places was the cathedral with the sky blue ceiling with stars.  The ceiling of Peachtree Christian reminded them of their trip and that sealed the deal!

At Peachtree Christian, you can put your lens right up to the tiny space between the sanctuary doors and get this “crevice shot” below.  The only way you can shoot on the floor there!

We got lucky that there was just a blush of light left to get some photos of the two of them in front of the church.  I like that twilight since the lights and the stained glass show up brilliantly!

To whisk them away back to the Ritz, Mike had arranged for a vintage Bentley!  The red carpet treatment awaits couples with this sophisticated transport.  I love a bride looking out at her new husband. ;o)

Back at the Ritz, we had planned a whirlwind tour of the common areas of the hotel.  Newly redecorated, the Ritz offered us some glitzy settings and I was dying to try out my new video lights to enhance the ambiance.  No flash used in these shots!

The Ballroom that was set for their reception was glowing with tall candle tapers and luscious red roses in silver.  So glamorous and warm, this was perfect to nestle their rings right in her bouquet.

I was told that a very special token would be at the reception on display. In fact, we even made arrangements for my mom, Bea, to shoot some images of this letter from President & Mrs. Obama!

You might say, this is Connie & Mike’s Inaugural Dance!  First dance as husband and wife, they waltzed around the dance floor like seasoned pros.  I just love the expression on Connie’s face as she glides with Mike.

And there were some funny expressions, too!  During the toasts, I think every single person had something to say to crack them up!  LOL, for sure!  Can’t you almost hear them here? ;o)

Their cake was a coconut masterpiece!  The little flower girl admired it, too.

This was the ring bearer’s tribute to Michael Jackson!  That little guy can dance, I tell ya!  RIP Michael.

As they exited the Ritz amongst flower petals thrown by their friends, the Bentley awaited them again – for another adventure!

We had made arrangements to go out for about an hour around the city after their reception to take shots in the night lights all around Atlanta. What we did not arrange for was warmer weather!  What happened to our mild October weather Atlanta?  BRRRRRRRRR.  Again!  You can’t tell from this photo, but we are ALL freezing to death!  Each shot was taken in a matter of seconds before moving on and getting warm again!  This is behind the Ritz – the back of the Wachovia building lobby.

Connie and Mike, thank you so much for letting me capture your day – and night!  Here is a slideshow to see more of their amazing wedding day!