Courtney grew up in Gainesville, living life on the lake and taking summer art classes at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center. So, when Courtney got ready at her childhood home on the lake and said, “I do” at a place where she spent a lot of time as a child, I knew how important those detail shots had to be. These were the spaces which once made up her whole world. Now, Courtney’s world has grown as she and Mathew have made a life for themselves in New Jersey. But, their story all started in Atlanta 16 years ago when some mutual friends got together one weekend. Matthew came from Alabama for that hangout as he was attending the University of Alabama at the time. That weekend, most of Courtney and Matthew’s time together was spent in a big group of friends, but they managed to sneak away and shared their first kiss under a gazebo. Courtney told me it’s a memory she will never forget. But, Matthew had to return to Alabama and dating long distance after having just met was difficult. They stayed in touch and 5 years later, Courtney moved to New York to attend NYU. Matthew went on to Savannah to get his masters and landed his first job in Atlanta four years later. As life took them different places, things became busier and the miles continued to grow between them. However, they connected on facebook and began building a strong friendship from afar. It was clear to both of them that this friendship was more than that, it was love. In 2014, they became an official couple and worked towards living in the same state. After a long hard year of searching, Matthew landed a job in New York. They were finally together! Yet after all that time, they never forgot about each other and worked hard to make it work, when the timing was right. Their story spans 14 years. That is so amazing.
Courtney’s greek background came through in the details of her day and I had so much fun capturing some of that culture! The gold “coin” used in her photographs had two sides, Athena and The Owl. Athena is the Greek Goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice and skill. Athena named her city, Athens. Her most famous attribute is the owl. Wrapped within Courtney’s bouquet was the eye of Medusa. Wearing or keeping this beautiful blue pendant near you is said to protect you against harm or anyone’s impure intentions. Courtney and Matthew’s rings are from Etsy and they are rose gold (AH, love!) and her stone in her engagement ring is a beautiful pink.
But, more than the items, there was so. much. love. surrounding these two on their wedding day from their family and friends. I photographed Courtney’s brother’s wedding a couple of years ago where Courtney was a bridesmaid and it was a joy to see their family again. My past bride, Sarah (Courtney’s sister in law) was a bridesmaid in this wedding, so I loved spending time with Sarah again! It’s truly the highest compliment that they would invite me back into such a big day and trust me to capture it all.
Wishing you so much love and happiness, Mr. and Mrs. Braddick!
Associate Photographer: Kesia Maglione
Thank you, Kesia!! You are a rockstar!
Thank you to their wonderful team of vendors:
Venue: Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Hair and Make Up: Make Me Up
Florist: Flower Design by Joan Rubenstein
DJ: Fonix Entertainment
Caterer: All Catered Events
Abby Byrd is a wedding and portrait photographer based out of Atlanta specializing in joyful film photography