ANNIE T.

Who is ready to see my second round of 2023 spring minis? Man, oh, man, the spring foliage on Coleman Hill showed out this round. This is the third year I’ve offered minis in the spring. As a Middle Georgia photographer I love embracing all the change that comes with spring. Using the blooms as backdrops for photos is a dream. Round two of spring minis 2023 came with a newly added layer of sweetness.

The Monsted Collection

You might could call it my something new.

Specifically, a new addition to my spring minis were sessions with new faces due to a program called Clicks 4 Hope through Jay’s Hope. Jay’s Hope is a middle Georgia nonprofit that strives to improve the quality of life for children in Georgia and their families fighting cancer. The initiative Clicks 4 Hope is a program that partners with professional photographers to create an opportunity for families who are battling childhood cancer. It creates a space for families to have portraits made without the financial or logistical stress.

** Disclaimer: not all families photographed during this round of minis are battling childhood cancer.**

The Grayer Collection

The Walker Collection

I know-what a sweet idea.

Clicks 4 Hope has been around for over a decade. Jay’s Hope has served countless families across Georgia. Being asked to be a part of this program was a huge honor. Big thanks to Jay’s Hope for trusting me with such a special gift they offer their families. Huge shoutout to all the sweet families I’ve met.

The Madison Collection

Get involved.

Finally, if you are interested in learning more about this organization or are a photographer looking to partner with them, you can learn more by visiting the organization’s website https://www.jayshope.org/

xoxo,

Annie T.

Be Kind + Think Creatively

#familyphotography #family #familyphotographer #photography #newbornphotography #love #photographer #familytime #portraitphotography #photooftheday #familyphotoshoot #portrait #babyphotography #familyphotos #photoshoot #maternityphotography #lifestylephotography #newborn #baby #familyportraits #kids #familygoals #kidsphotography #newbornphotographer #canon #familyfirst #familyphoto #babyboy #babygirl #lifestylephotographer

Get ready to drool over this engagement session under the Japanese Magnolias in downtown Macon. You won’t just gaze at the scenery but fall in love with the couple and gasp at the optical illusion created by a Macon photographer you know and love. 😉 😉

Fall in love in the Magnolias.

Maddie and Caleb’s Japanese Magnolia engagement session is something to obsess over. The magnolias were in full bloom. It was the perfect backdrop for this swooning couple. When I say swooning, I 100% mean these two are smitten with each other. I caught Maddie and Caleb sneaking kisses, giggling, and whispering “I love you” to each other during our entire photo shoot. 

Cuddles on Coleman Hill

Once we captured every drop of magic from the Japanese Magnolias, we headed to Coleman Hill to recreate the couple’s first day. What a fun first date it was. They watched the Goonies on top of Coleman Hill in Macon, Georgia, and the rest is history.

An Optical Illusion

We ended our session at the most peculiar place. Maddie requested a field of tall grass for some dreamy sunset pictures. Of course, I wanted to make my client’s vision come to life, like all good photographers.

However, where would I find such a field in Macon, Ga?

That’s where I had to get creative. I knew there was a patch of tall grass in the industrial area section of Macon, so off we went. With my cameras in hand and the help of my go-with-the-flow couple, we capture the most magical images! You would never guess that we weren’t actually in a large field but a patch of grass.

Maddie and Caleb, thank you for letting me be a part of your story. I adored our Japanese Magnolia engagement session. Keep shamelessly whispering you love each other-it is precious.

Xoxo,

Annie T.

Be Kind + Think Creatively

The Drury’s spring wedding was a mix of modern, chic, and traditional. Their reception was at Fall Line Station, and the ceremony took place at the lovely First Presbyterian Church in downtown Macon, Georgia. 

Katherine’s dress was simple, elegant, and classic, so it deserved its moment in the spotlight- aka a bridal portrait session. Pro tip: book a package with a bridal session. We captured it separately at her beloved grandparent’s house. The team at Carrie’s Bridal crushed this sweet scoop neck dress. The mother of the bride and I agreed that our favorite design element was the adorable bow on the back.

Let’s talk details.

I adored photographing all her wedding day details. Allison Lucas designed the spring florals. I love how she added puffs of Macon by including the iconic Cherry Blossoms in her arrangements. 

Look at those ladies; who wouldn’t want to be a part of that squad?

Katherine was surrounded by the gorgeous group of girls all day long. You could tell her bridal party was a group of lifelong friends. They did everything the best bridesmaids did to ensure it was the best day possible. My job is a dream because the bride radiates joy at every turn. 

Let’s hear it for the boys!

Like I was saying, the ladies were stunning, all dressed in the perfect blue for spring, but, of course, we had to throw the spotlight on the dapper gentlemen that made up the other half of the wedding party. These groomsmen were debonaire and respectful, which always makes for a smooth sailing!

Now onto the ceremony…

I love all venues, but there is something so tender about getting married at your childhood church  First Presbyterian Church in Macon always makes for the most intimate weddings. The classic ceremony ended with a Trolley ride to the reception. You can’t beat a trip in the Macon Trolley.

After the newlyweds stole a little moment, we snagged a few family formals, and we were off to the reception. Of course, you have to arrive in style, so the couple used a Macon Trolley to transport the wedding party from the church to the reception. A trolley ride is always a treat. 

Let’s head to the party!

Covering Fall Line Station with florals, a french fry bar, and of course, the rhythm and soul of every great wedding, a good band made it the perfect reception venue. The Grape Vine Band, a Macon favorite, created a whimsical atmosphere and a long night of moving and grooving. However, before the dance floor opened, there had to be a cake cutting. Check out that delicious cake by Mary Virginia Cakes. 

Our bride and groom spent the night dancing and mingling with the wedding guest. It was a dream to document such a special day. The couple’s grand exit took place under a shower of flower petals, and it was simply the perfect way to end a spring wedding. 

Thank you both for letting me capture such a  time.

Xoxo,

Annie T. 

Wedding Vendors are Listed Below:

Trolley: Macon Trolley
Flowers: Allison Lucas
Dress: Carries Bridals
Cake Artist: Mary Virginia Cakes
Second Photographer: @ Rachel Linder Photography

Reception Venue: Fall Line Station

Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church

Here is the thing about being a wedding photographer, you capture many people who’ve fallen in love in all the seasons-spring, fall, summer and winter. I’ve photographed couples all of over Macon, Georgia and beyond. On an average wedding day, I photograph a couple that has only been married for three hours. They are simply gushing over the idea of starting their forever. Equally important, wedding days give me the opportunity to capture long love stories -like that of grandparents celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Whenever I see a couple whose love weathered time, I ask, “What’s the secret?” Throughout my career, I got many different answers. Some are silly; others are serious. They range anywhere from taking commitment seriously to just saying yes, dear.

However, my favorite answer, which I get on rare occasions, is to marry your best friend. One time a couple at a wedding told me, “Keep it simple. Just marry your best friend.” As a hopeless romantic, you can bet my heart was swooning over the thought.

Let me tell ya’ll about two friends who got married on very special fall day.

It isn’t every day I see that advice play out; however, on November 12, 2022, was one of those rare fall weddings where my couple was keeping it simple and marrying their best friend.

Just look these two besties in love.

David and Carly met in college through a campus ministry called RUF. Carly and David married at the church that has molded their relationship in such a big way.

Let’s hear it for the girls!

Carly was the picture of sweet simplicity on her wedding day. She wore a classy off-the-shoulder mermaid dress from Vocelles The Bridal Shoppe. Her hair was a picture of perfection, thanks to Paige Horton at Blush Macon. Carly’s gal pals made bridesmaids’ pictures so fun. They were each so creative with their “fun” poses.

Say hey to the guys!

David was such a calm and collected groom, it almost made me think they weren’t the ones getting married. He was just ready to spend forever with Carly. David’s guys were a squad with a mixture of friends and family from all seasons of his life. It was an honor to capture their memories together.

The sweet couple decided not to do a first look. Instead they embraced tradition- it was so sweet.

Are worried David and Carly didn’t have time for romantics (photos of just the bride & groom) because they opted out of a first look? Keep reading to ease your worry. Keep reading.

The wedding was at North Macon Presbyterian Church, surrounded by close friends and family. Covering the sanctuary were flowers designed by Jan Belin. The wedding went off without a hitch. Despite when Carly repeated the wrong phrase, but you know that happens, and those pictures are some of my favorites.

No first look, no problem –Get ready to be impressed with me.

I told the Carters to give me forty-five minutes to capture newlywed romantics, family formals and the full bridal party. Despite the time crunch we captured everything.

Now onto my favorite part of the day…the cake and dancing!

It was a whirlwind of a reception with an excellent opportunity for the bride and groom to enjoy their guest company. Twas a night of fine dining, dancing, and live painting by Abigail Montgomery Art. The Carters had the cutest cake-cutting ever. Shout out to Mary Virginia Cakes for the backdrop.

Time for the exit.

The night ended with a dreamy sparkler exit and two best friends in love riding into their future. Y’all my job is a dream!

xoxo,

Annie T.

Vendor handles:
Florist | Jan Belin
Hair | Paige Horton
Cake | @maryvirginiacakes
Dress | @vocellesbridal
Venue | @wesleyancollegega North Macon Presbyterian Church
DJ | @moullietproductions
Wedding Photographer | @annietphotography
Second Photographer:@GunnerRobinson

Live artist: @abigail_montgomery_art

There are many tried-and-true Christmas traditions, from baking cookies, opening presents, and watching Hallmark movies. Often I forget that everyone’s Christmas season looks so different. That’s why we’ve crafted this blog to let you in on the Christmas tradition for all things Annie T. and the team.

Let’s start with the traditions of the biz:

Golden giveaways are one of my favorite traditions in my business. I pick five killer gifts to give out to a few lucky winners. Have you ever wondered why I give away five golden giveaways each year? Is it to build biz hype? I will not lie to you all and say that isn’t part of it. However, the main reason is I love giving gifts to people is rooted in my faith. As a believer giving gifts at Christmas is a symbolic tribute to the three gifts the wise men gave to Jesus, The Christ child. It is a little thing my business does every year to recenter my focus on the reason for the season.

See if you can spy a few of 2022’s Golden Giveaways!

I love to offer sweet gifts to my clients every year during the holidays! One perfect gift to put on their Christmas trees is the Christmas ornaments I make with a picture of them on it. One of the ornaments I create is for the lovely couples I captured weddings for during the year. I love giving them a “First Christmas as Mr. & Mrs.” ornament!💚❤️

Another gift I offer to clients is Christmas cards. I offer a few designs for them to choose from to have their pictures on. It’s always the sweetest when my clients order them with pictures I have taken of them to send to their loved ones.

Who got Elaine and I’s Christmas card this year?💌

Let’s roll the ornament of tradition over to Lauren, our social media wizard.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and is my favorite holiday. I have so many annual traditions with my family that make this time of the year so special. The traditions kick off almost immediately after Thanksgiving when we put up the Christmas tree, lights, and decor around the house.🎄

The house is decorated for Christmas, usually before December starts, and we already have Christmas music playing nonstop. I love listening to Christmas music every year- I never get tired of it. I love traditional Christmas music the most. Some of the traditional Christmas songs I love listening to are Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Michael Buble, and Josh Groban’s Christmas versions. These artists sound so similar that my mom and I often play a little guessing game and ask, “Who’s singing this one?” 🎶

We always get excited about the Christmas cookies we make. We make candy cane cookies that taste so good and pepperminty with crushed peppermint bits on top. We love our classic red and green almond spritz cookies, which are so cool to make with the cookie stencils and machine we press against the cookie tray.😋🍪

We always watch our favorite classic Christmas movies: Elf, Polar Express, the Santa Clause movies, and Home Alone movies. We’ve started watching some Hallmark Christmas movies for the past two years. I got my dad a Hallmark bingo game for Christmas last year (because he likes the Hallmark channel), so we’ve been playing it while watching the movies. After Christmas shopping and thousands of online order deliveries at our front door, we wrap presents, and we love it. We love choosing the paper and bow combinations for the gifts we cover. An annual gift we give every Christmas is the Obijeski family calendar, and my mom calls it “my best work yet” every year. We always make sure we wrap all five calendars identically, so there’s no confusion that they are the calendars!🎬📬

Each year we host Christmas Eve dinner. Family from my mom and dad’s side of the family come over, and everyone always has a good time. We get pictures in front of the tree and use some Christmas props! We enjoy cocktail shrimp, cheese, and crackers for appetizers while we catch up. We have tenderloin, bacon-wrapped green beans, napa salad, and homemade mac-n-cheese for dinner and my grandpa always brings a surprise dessert!🥰📸

Once it’s Christmas morning, we start opening gifts in the stockings and family gifts. Then, we have coffee cake at my grandma’s house, and we open presents over at her house. After that, my grandpa, uncle, and aunt come over, and we give out open presents. We have buffalo chicken dip for lunch that my mom makes on Christmas. Then, my cousins and relatives on my mom’s side come over, and we give out and open presents. It’s a wonderful day.🎅🏼🎁

Picking up the Christmas tradition next is me, Annie T.!

I love all the Christmas traditions, from white elephant gift exchanges to candlelight services at my Church. There is something so magical about the world’s focus during the holiday season.

One simple Christmas tradition I love is drinking my coffee in a Christmas mug. Coffee tastes better out of a mug. Therefore your Christmas mug of joe hits differently.

My family and I go to the Farmers Market to pick out our Christmas tree. Typically we all go after Thanksgiving. My parents get a tree for their house, and I get one for mine. It is a jolly good time. One year, I did a photoshoot of my sister and brother-in-law there. How cool is that?

Going to see Christmas lights is another trend I hold near and dear. It is a fun way to all be together and be surrounded by the Christmas spirit. In fact-Macon is known for its Christmas Lights Extravaganza! Y’all should check it out.

Those are a few of our favorite things during the Christmas season! We would love to know any of ya’ll’s traditions, so drop them in the comments below. Merry Christmas to all!

Xoxo,

Annie T., Lauren O. ,and Elaine B.

#MerryChristmas #MaconChristmas #ChristmasTraditions