Wedding photographer in Atlanta Georgia, Ricky Baillie Photography.

My experience as a destination wedding photographer in Atlanta Georgia, USA!

One of my best men at my wedding, is the brother of the Father of the Bride, Jonny. I’ve known these guys my whole life and are like family to me, so you could say this wedding has a very special place in my heart. I was so honoured to be asked to photograph Breanne & Garrett's wedding, so I was only too happy to leave the grey skies of Scotland to fly over to the warmer climes of Atlanta, Georgia to document the celebrations! wedding photographers in Atlanta nickname it ‘Hotlanta’ for a very good reason! It was the end of May and the humidity was off the scale, but I was still raring to go!

It was a beautiful occasion. The day starts off in typical fashion at the family home. A stunning property designed by Breanne’s Father and the perfect place to host the bridal preparations. During these few hours, there were already so many emotional moments and there were many more to come throughout the day.

My favourite moments are Jonny seeing his daughter in her dress for the first time. Mother, Suzie, tearing up when Bre’s bridesmaids were putting her veil in. Garrett and his boys all praying together at the church. The speeches. Mother and son dancing also make the cut of beautiful moments. It really is a privilege to have a job where I get see the happiest times in people’s lives and to be the fly-on-the-wall documenting it all is something I will never take for granted.

Breanne & Garrett made it official at the family church surrounded by their close friends and family in a touching ceremony. Danielle did an amazing job on the cello playing her sister down the aisle and little bro, JJ, announcing her arrival.

It was then over to a beautiful country barn for the wedding meal and reception. ‘The Art of Living’ is a gorgeous venue that can host a large wedding and still feels totally relaxed. It was all hands on deck as the place was decorated the day before by friends and family members with flowers that came from their own land. Nice personal touch!

My favourite time of the day is usually about an hour before sunset when I get to whisk the couple away for some creative portraits. Weddings in Atlanta Georgia are amazing because, the light is incredible and with a place that looks as beautiful as this (and of course a great looking couple!!!) it’s all so easy to get beautiful shots!

One of my favourite photos I've ever taken, is the black-and-white one of Breanne and Garrett dancing in the middle of the road. It was a shot that nearly didn’t happen. Before I take any photo, I see the image first in my head and then I create it in the camera. Sometimes my imagination goes crazy and I don't know if the shots will work or not. But I'm always willing to try! You see, sometimes it takes a bit of work from the couple too! I asked B & G to take my hire car and drive down to a particular spot on the road and then get out where I would then communicate to them over the phone what I wanted them to do. I also had someone from the wedding stand behind me to tell me if there were any cars coming as I was lying down in a bit of the road. Well after about 10 minutes and lots of shouting down the street we got some really creative shots!

I absolutely loved this wedding. Being able to reconnect with some of my best friends and spend quality time with them the day after the wedding will live long in the memory.

The wedding was on the 25th of May 2019. Today is the 25th may 2020. Happy anniversary you guys!