Ashley and Jaden’s Wedding at The Garden Cottage in North Georgia


This wedding was our first travel wedding that we got the privilege to shoot. Mo and I were so excited to spend the whole weekend with them. Mo knew Ashley from high school, so when we traveled to North Georgia for the weekend, it instantly felt like a reunion instead of work. We left on Friday night, stayed at an Airbnb with one of her bridesmaids and a close friend. Saturday morning we explored Dahlonega, visited Kaya Winery, and   joined Ashley’s bridal party later that night to celebrate and make custom tote bags together. By the time Sunday arrived, we were in the perfect mindset to capture a day that already felt familiar..

Rolling hills and mountains stretch across a scenic autumn landscape with golden trees and green meadows.
Black and white photograph showing a series of small suburban ranch-style houses with similar architectural designs.
A modern outdoor patio seating area with chairs and string lights at dusk overlooking residential buildings.
Aerial view of a curved road in a suburban area with parking lots and trees during golden hour lighting.

Once we arrived at The Garden Cottage Event Company, Mo and I split up to cover the morning details. We walked the property together to grab detail shots, then Mo headed to the bridal suite to capture the bridesmaids getting ready while I met up with the groomsmen. Their energy was laid-back which made me more relaxed for the day. Before they even started getting dressed, they were in the middle of a competitive round of the card game “President” and asked me to join. We played a couple rounds, laughed, and kept the mood light before they suited up.

A person sits on a dark leather couch while using a mobile device in a modern living room setting.
Polaroid instant film box and photographs displayed on a dark wooden surface with moody lighting.
Two people sit beneath warm glowing lampshades while looking at a digital device in a cozy corner.
A white lace wedding dress hangs on a wooden hanger against rustic French doors with glass panes.
A couple shares an intimate moment outdoors while adjusting formal attire on a wooded path.
A collage of wedding preparation moments shows a bride getting ready with her veil and burgundy-clad attendants.

The ceremony took place in an open-air chapel framed with natural greenery and two floral columns in place of a traditional arch. The weather had that perfect moody feel. It sprinkled softly right as the ceremony started, and the coordinator, Shannon, stepped in with aesthetic white umbrellas that ended up making Ashley and Jaden’s first kiss shot look incredible. One of the sweetest moments was when they wheeled their baby down the aisle in a little wagon as the ring bearer (not pictured for privacy reasons). It was adorable and had everyone smiling.

Timber frame construction sequence showing wooden beams and rafters being assembled into a rustic outdoor structure.
Rustic wooden pavilion with exposed beams and white benches arranged for an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony sequence shows a couple kneeling at an elegant outdoor venue with white columns and scattered rose petals.
A sequence of wedding photos showing figures with umbrellas in a black and white outdoor setting with white columns.
A series of candid wedding moments showing the bride and groom embracing during their outdoor ceremony.

The reception was a mix of sentimental and fun. They had a live tattoo artist (Ashley's Maid of Honor) who also sang during the evening, and they swapped the traditional champagne tower for a Dr. Pepper tower that fit their personality perfectly. Ashley told us we could stop working and jump in on the dance floor, so we did. I ended up in the center teaching guests the “Flex” line dance, and Mo even got a tattoo on her wrist from the tattoo artist. It was impossible not to smile with how laid-back and joyful the whole reception felt.

A romantic first dance at a wedding reception under an elegant crystal chandelier in a white-decorated venue.
A couple shares a tender moment while dancing together at an indoor event, with the person in black wearing a suit and tie.
Black and white panoramic sequence showing a dance performance in an elegant white room with hardwood floors and chandeliers.
Hands pour champagne into glasses at an elegant wedding reception with tiered dessert displays and cake stands.
A black and white photo series showing someone enjoying a drink and smiling in formal attire.
Black and white close-up shots of hands signing documents on a white tablecloth.
Close-up sequence showing a tattoo artist applying ink to someone's arm with black gloves.
Close-up sequence showing a small sun tattoo design on a person's shoulder in black ink.
Person in formal attire holding a glass and making a toast at an elegant event.
A performer sings passionately into a microphone on stage during a live performance with dramatic lighting.
Wedding guests mingle and dance together during an evening reception celebration at an indoor venue.
A couple shares a romantic dance moment at a wedding reception in an elegant venue with guests in the background.
Couples dancing together at a formal event in a dimly lit room.
Party guests in formal attire dance together on a wooden floor at an indoor evening celebration.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a dimly lit dance floor during an evening reception.
A group of formally dressed people in black tuxedos and suits stand together laughing at an event.
People in formal attire dance and celebrate at what appears to be an elegant party or reception.
A romantic first dance at a wedding reception under an elegant crystal chandelier in a white-decorated venue.
A couple shares a tender moment while dancing together at an indoor event, with the person in black wearing a suit and tie.
Black and white panoramic sequence showing a dance performance in an elegant white room with hardwood floors and chandeliers.
Hands pour champagne into glasses at an elegant wedding reception with tiered dessert displays and cake stands.
A black and white photo series showing someone enjoying a drink and smiling in formal attire.
Black and white close-up shots of hands signing documents on a white tablecloth.
Close-up sequence showing a tattoo artist applying ink to someone's arm with black gloves.
Close-up sequence showing a small sun tattoo design on a person's shoulder in black ink.
Person in formal attire holding a glass and making a toast at an elegant event.
A performer sings passionately into a microphone on stage during a live performance with dramatic lighting.
Wedding guests mingle and dance together during an evening reception celebration at an indoor venue.
A couple shares a romantic dance moment at a wedding reception in an elegant venue with guests in the background.
Couples dancing together at a formal event in a dimly lit room.
Party guests in formal attire dance together on a wooden floor at an indoor evening celebration.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a dimly lit dance floor during an evening reception.
A group of formally dressed people in black tuxedos and suits stand together laughing at an event.
People in formal attire dance and celebrate at what appears to be an elegant party or reception.

Some of our favorite photos came from the small moments. The emotional shot of Ashley hugging her father during the ceremony. The couple surrounded by greenery during portraits. The dancing photos when the room felt alive. It was one of those rare weddings where the atmosphere felt so natural that photographing it never felt like work.

A crowd of wedding guests stands outdoors under a covered pavilion during a ceremony.
A romantic wedding couple shares an intimate moment in a garden setting during golden hour.
Close-up of a hand wearing an engagement ring while holding a bouquet wrapped in white ribbon.
Couples dance together in a ballroom during what appears to be a vintage social gathering or dance event.
A black and white photo shows people dancing under hanging paper decorations at what appears to be a party or celebration.
A couple in wedding attire shares a romantic moment in a wooded autumn setting with burgundy floral bouquet details.

We concluded the weekend by meeting Ashley, Jaden, friends, and family at a food hall for one last goodbye. The drives in between each location were beautiful with the autumn colored trees. Mo and I have never been to North Georgia and were blown away by the views! Thank  you Ashley and Jaden for this amazing opportunity!