I think we all have been speaking enough about 2020 sarcastically enough, so how about we begin this blog post by all the good things that happened in 2020? Because the fact is, a lot of wonderful things have happened this year too, hasn’t it? For us, one of the most memorable weddings has been Dede + Jason’s for many reasons. Their wedding was supposed to happen in November in Jamaica. Yea mon! As you can imagine, it got postponed to next year, but our couple decided to still get married by having an elopement in front of a beautiful waterfall. We already have so many wonderful memories with this couple in front of another waterfall in North Georgia from earlier this year during their engagement shoot, but they found one that’s even better! I love their adventurous spirit… they researched online and went to this location before deciding. But, let me back up a little. When they decided to elope this year and have their big party in Jamaica in 2021, they also asked if I could officiate their wedding for them. I clearly remember washing the dishes one evening while Craig was on the phone with them discussing the details in his office. After the convo, he came out with a huge smile on his face. He told me what they decided to do and then he said, “but guess what? They want you to marry them!” I was like, “Say whaaaaaaaaaa?! ME???? REALLY? WHY ME??!” Gosh, the overwhelming feeling of honor was indescribable. Throughout the years, Craig and I have done all sorts of things at weddings. We’ve been bridesmaids, groomsmen, singers, videographers, planners, coordinators, decorators, and of course photographers… you name it, we’ve done it all except catering and officiating! Since we’ve met which now has been 17 years, we’ve NEVER attended a wedding where we didn't have a role EXCEPT our next door neighbor’s wedding a few years ago. Let me tell you… it felt so weird and we didn't know what to do!!! And trust me, officiating is the part where I thought we would NEVER do. But, when they asked, I got SO EXCITED! So, “YES!” is what I totally said, and here we are now blogging about it.
Have you ever met folks in your life where you just “click” instantly? People whom you feel comfortable with right away? People who make you feel like they’re your brother or sister so easily? Yes, that’s the way Dede + Jason made us feel. Everything felt so easy with them… At their engagement shoot, it felt more of a “hang out” time than anything. I remember just talking to them for so long after their shoot, and I could’ve talked to them for hours longer and that wouldn’t have been enough… so yeah, my answer was, “HECK YEAH!”
They really put a lot of thought into this day, and another cool thing was that they surprised their friends with the wedding! So, here was the plan in a nutshell… They told their friends that we would be joining them for a hike all as friends, and they simply would just surprise them with their nuptials at the perfect spot. After getting to know these friends too, I could see why they were so special. They were so sweet just like our couple and you could just tell that they all went through a lot together over the years and that their friendship bond was beyond special. After the ceremony, we did portraits at the same spot, and am I glad to share these with you or what?! Helton Creek Falls is definitely our favorite waterfall for a shoot now in North Georgia thx to our couple discovering it. (Just fyi - don’t expect much of a hike though if that’s what you want because the hike is literally like 5 minutes, and it’s an easy one, but do go for the scenery and a great splash!)
Dede + Jason, you know that I could go on forever…. but, let me be quiet so you guys can see your photos. We can’t thank you enough for this wonderful day, we can’t say enough how special this was, and we can’t express enough of how happy we are for you. This was such an epic day, and you guys will mark the most special wedding for us FOREVER! We love you and can't wait to celebrate you again in the island, mon!
With much love,
Craig + Unchong
