At each wedding, I learn something… sometimes, it’s what not to do or how not to be and sometimes it’s everything I want to do and everything I want to be. At Elissa + Mats’s wedding, it was definitely the latter. Even though changing plans can be disappointing or become a hassle, sometimes it becomes something that was the best for us after all. 2020 has taught me that for sure personally and in our couple’s wedding as well. Plans changed for Elissa + Mats from a big wedding in a ball room venue to a home in Atlanta, but I can genuinely say that this was the best and most intimate wedding I’ve ever witnessed and had the honor to be part of and capture. You wouldn't have known that there was any change of plans. First, the “home” wasn’t just another home… it was HUGE and STUNNING! It was so picturesquely styled and the light came through the windows beautifully. The light was just so beautiful, but not even a bit more than our gorgeous bride. I love Elissa’s style and it’s my personal favorite - “simple, elegant and classy”. With her, “less is more”, and she nailed that look. She is what you call, “a natural beauty”. With her handsome groom, Mats, by her side, they were the most picture perfect couple. But, it’s their inner beauty that completed their look. I’m truly not just saying this… they were really the most sweet and kind couple we’ve ever met.
As a mother of three, I can’t help but see weddings in a mother’s perspective. Before, it was what I wanted in a wedding, but now, I see the future as our daughters as the bride and our son as the groom. I tear up every time I think about it… I can now relate to the parents that have to give their kid away more than ever and wonder what they must be feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Elissa’s mom, the mother of the bride. I could see where our bride inherited her kindness from. Our couple, their family members and friends all displayed such authenticity that I felt right at home. Her mom especially made us feel so welcomed…
The entire day was what I call a chilax day and let me tell you… that is not usual for a wedding day. There was no rush, no stress. As wedding photographers, our number one concern is time. We feel that many think of us as magicians and think, “just take the picture!”, but that’s not the case at all. We are photographers, creators, artists - and that takes time. It’s no wonder there’s a saying, “You can’t rush art.” So, all that to say… it is so crucial that the timeline of the day is followed for us to be able to deliver what we were hired to do. And so, we can’t express how grateful we are when things are done on time and everyone involved is ready on time. But at Elissa + Mats’s wedding, everything was done EARLY! Wow! Can you imagine the stress that went down for us? We have to enter a wedding expecting the worst so that we are totally prepared to do whatever it takes and have backup plans after backups to plans to make things happen. But nope… not here. We were able to enjoy every second of it and create with such a peaceful state of mind and let the creative juices flow freely. And for that, we were so appreciative! Every click was BOOM BABY! and we just couldn’t get enough. Elissa + Mats is what we call our “ideal couple”, and we wished we could’ve traveled the entire world with them that day and just create more art pieces.
Our hearts were fulfilled to see our couple so happy… in the end, that’s our goal and what matters the most on a wedding day. It was so good to see them dance and be surrounded by ones who love them so much and celebrate their love for one another. Yes! It was a successful day! Elissa + Mats, you guys did it and you did it well! From the bottom of our hearts, congratulations. It is our prayer that you live a beautiful life that is pleasing in God’s sight and that your kindness and love continue to grow. Blessings to you!
With much love,
Craig + Unchong
