Brittany's Bridal Shoot

Before Brittany married Shae in May, she posed for a beautiful bridal shoot with us. The shoot took place at Villa Serena and Brittany was photographed in her gorgeous gown. A mix of old Hollywood glamor meets Greek goddess, Brittany looked stunning.

Here are some of our favorite shots:

Bridal Glamour with Katie!

On a pretty day in May, Emma, Monica, and I arrived at Villa Serena to greet Katie. A cute young bride from Loganville, she is sweet as pie. Katie married Chadd in June, but this time, the day belonged to Katie, and she had fun looking glamorous in her dress without all the hustle of the wedding day. Her Maid of Honor, Taylor, and her mother came along. They were supportive and helpful; Taylor, having worked in a bridal shop, knew a lot about how to handle gowns.

Katie's dress was absolutely breath-taking. The color was a perfect champagne and the beading and decorations were very intricate. I have to ask her where she got it! That will be in another entry. :)

Monica and Emma began clicking away and took shots of Katie looking out the windows, on balconies, in a lavishly decorated bedroom, on the staircase, and by the grand piano. Villa Serena has several beautiful settings to choose from. I gathered equipment, set up lights, held the reflector, and ran around doing errands. (Important sidenote: This was of course when I first started working with Emma Steinmetz Photography, and had a learning curve and some adjusting to do. Now, I have graduated from "beginner assistant duties" to "intermediate assistant duties" and have become much more important, of course. ;)

Katie looked gorgeous in her dress and we got some amazing shots. Her family and friends were thrilled when they saw the pictures! This made us even happier!


Thanks so much Katie! Chad is a very lucky guy! :)

With Love,

Jenny-Lind, Emma, and Monica

Lindsey and Athen’s Wedding

On April 4th in the quaint little town of Madison, Georgia, Lindsey and Athen got hitched. Athen’s family has attended Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Madison for years. Built in 1808, the church is over 200 years old and still has the original stain glass windows in place. It is quite an incredible site to visit.

To add a twist on tradition, the bride and groom decided to see each other prior to the ceremony on the wedding day. To learn more about this current trend, visit our friend Carolin's blog. Before their guests arrived, the sanctuary was a quiet intimate haven. Athen stood at the alter alone with his back turned to the door. Lindsey walked in the room and came up behind her groom. He turned around and their eyes met, both instantly beginning to water. They embraced and were so happy to see each other. It was such a romantic sight to witness. Emma, who was the only one privileged to see this and capture it on camera, described it in intricate detail. “It was the perfect chick-flick moment,” she gushed.
The ceremony was a community event and every pew in the Sandy Creek Baptist Church was filled. There was not an empty seat in the house; some guests stood in the back in order to get a glimpse of this intimate ceremony. The ceremony itself was beautiful and intimate. Athen’s father, a Reverend, gave an empowering speech on the virtues of marriage.

Once the ceremony ended and everyone stepped outside, the greenness of spring was in bloom. Formals were taken in a nearby field, full of tall lush wheat grass.

The kelly green bridesmaids’ dresses glimmered in the sun as the

bridal party smiled, giggled, and posed for the camera.

Not to worry, the gentlemen had fun too. The guys had
just as good a time striking poses as the ladies did.
At the reception, the groom's cake was devoured very quickly! No wonder

everyone had been so excited about digging into the infamous family caramel cake!

When it was time for the newly weds to depart, they received hugs, kisses,
and bubbles as they ran down the receiving line.

They hopped into a black Jeep (adorned with shaving cream!) and rode off into the wild green wilderness.

Regina and Alphanso's Wedding

On May 16th at Villa Serena, Regina and Alphanso (AKA "Team Adams") tied the knot.

With the romantic feel of Villa Serena, classic wedding colors, and sweet red roses, I felt like I was in another world...



Beyond Details catered the event. I couldn't help it - I snuck over a couple of times to grab fried green tomatoes and dip them in ranch dressing! They are SO good! If you have never had one of these prepared by the guys at Beyond Details, you must try it! A true southern classic.




Regina's dress was beautiful romantic lace. This classic look complimented her red roses perfectly.


With stunning brown eyes, Regina is such a natural beauty. Yet her make-up artist, Trishunna Ayers, enhanced her beauty even more making her look absolutely gorgeous.



Alphanso, our Groom was very handsome as well...sorry ladies, he's taken now!



The beautiful couple right after the ceremony.



As a fitting end to an elegant and wonderful day, the couple left in a glamorous ride: a vintage Rolls Royce. Their friends and family showered them with bubbles as they made their getaway, set against the illuminated silhouette of Villa Serena.



They make such a lovely couple! Best wishes Regina & Alphanso!

~ Emma Steinmetz Photography

Team Adams...Regina and Alphanso

Regina and Alphanso's Love Story...
As told to us by Regina:

How Team Adams became “Team Adams”

There are a couple of variations to this story…it depends on who’s telling it!
Round I
Back in 2003 after completing my sophomore year in college, I went to field training in San Antonio, TX. When I arrived CTA Alphanso Adams was the first person I saw. However, over the course of the next month we never had an opportunity to say one word to each other. We were both going to be officers in the United States Air Force and that summer we just happened to be at the same place at the same time…pure coincidence.
Round II
Three years later I received my first assignment: to Robins AFB. Since I was new to the area, I was invited to a luncheon to meet some of the other young officers on base. After filling my plate up with fried chicken and macaroni and cheese I sat down. Guess who was sitting in front of me? Alphanso Adams! Was this a sign? This time we took the opportunity to engage in small talk.
Round III
A couple of months later, we saw each other again at lunch. When I arrived back at the office, I had an e-mail from Alphanso. That was the beginning! We started talking on the phone, hanging out, and developing a strong friendship. As time went on, our relationship blossomed. We realized how well we complement each other, and how we make a great team…Team Adams!

In the spring, Emma Steinmetz Photography shot beautiful engagement portraits of Regina and Alphanso. (I mean how could we not; they are one hot couple!) We had a great time with them at Atlantic Station in Midtown. Here are some of our favorite shots.

Kara and Ben's Wedding

On June 13, Kara and Ben were married at Buck Creek Farm in Gainesville, GA. When Emma and I arrived, the girls were in the Guest House getting ready. The boys were across the farm prepping for the wedding in "the barn" (which was more like another guest house) with one of the coordinators, Terri Winans.

The property was so large, there were two wedding coordinators just to make sure everyone got ready on time. The other wedding coordinator (and florist) Despy Foley of Joyce Merck Florists, was near the Guest House as Kara’s seven bridesmaids munched on hors d’oeuvres and drank champagne while getting their hair and make-up done.

Prior to the ceremony, Ben sent a messenger to the Guest House with a gift for Kara. What a sweetheart. :)

Kara was a calm and collected Bride; when asked how she felt, she said her only worry was if it was going to rain or not. I liked her sereneness.

A current trend we’ve noticed with modern weddings is that the Bride and Groom decide to see each other before the ceremony. Kara and Ben did this and gave Emma another chick-flick moment to capture on film. Emma and the parents’ of the happy couple designed what we like to call, “A Reveal”. Handsome Ben waited for Kara on the wooden porch outside the Guest House. Looking out on the grassy pastures, his back was turned toward us. (Yes, this romantic moment had quite an audience- bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, and, of course, our photography team!) We peered around the side of the house and watched Kara, in her gorgeous dress, slowly walk towards him. When he turned around, his eyes lit up and he smiled, stunned at how lovely his Bride-to-be looked. They embraced and we all laughed and cheered.

To read more about the current trend of the Bride and Groom having "A Reveal" before the wedding, see our friend Carolin's blog post on the subject.

The sun smiled on Kara and Ben that day and no rain fell. The natural feel and setting of the wedding was enchanting. The flowers and bouquets were simple white and champagne tones, and combined with the abundant greenery created an earthy elegance. Kara, clad in a delightful Jasmine Couture gown, truly looked amazing.



One of our highlights as photographers was how incredibly adorable the Ring Bearer and the Flower Girl were. Emma’s friend, Carolin,who helped us photograph the event, got a thrill out of photographing these precious children.



After formals and family portraits, everyone made their way up the hill to the ceremony site in golf carts. The property was quite large and it would have been a long walk in formal wear. Thank goodness for the boys with the golf carts!

To make their way to the ceremony, Kara and her Father climbed into a horse drawn carriage provided by Sunburst Stables. This was such a nice touch- as well as a picture-perfect entrance! Emma and I got a workout as we raced up the hill just before the carriage did, so we could snap some shots of the bride and her father in the buggy. Also during the reception, Sunburst Stables gave carriage rides to wedding guests in a nearby field. How romantic!

Catered by Beyond Details, the food at the reception was absolutely wonderful. The lavish selection was mouth-watering and salads were even served in martini glasses!

Created by Kristin Brousseau of Memorable Creations Cake Shop, a four tiered French Vanilla cake with butter cream frosting proved to be a big hit. Underneath this delicious treat, was something quite sentimental. The table cloth was made out of lace from Kara's Mother's wedding dress. Futhermore, to keep with sentimental tradition, Kara's garter was created out of her grandfather's handkerchief.



When it came time to dance, the band, Platinum, got everyone going. Everyone loved them! They were so much fun and kept the party going all night. With classics like “Shout”, “Soul Man”, and “Respect”, guests of all generations were up and groovin'.

At the end of the day, everyone was tired but had a great time celebrating with Kara and Ben. Congratulations you two! You are truly beautiful!

For more on Kara and Ben's story, click here. And check out their wedding blog.


~ Jenny-Lind

Stacey and Cardale's Wedding April 18th

On a sunny day in April, E.S. Photography visited the Cherokee Run Golf Club in Conyers, GA for Stacey and Cardale’s wedding. The scene was lovely: green rolling hills, tall elegant trees, and a beautiful southern mansion.

The ceremony, held on the charming clubhouse porch, felt more like a private party, which we were privileged to view.



As Stacey walked down the aisle accompanied by her father, family and friends began to feel the significance of the moment. A few happy tears were shed as onlookers watched their two families become one through the bride and groom’s vows.

When the happy couple was announced husband and wife, Cardale went in for the kiss. While kissing, he passionately dipped his new bride and the crowd erupted into applause.

Immediately after the ceremony, many hugs and congratulations were given. Guests beamed with happiness during this touching interlude of mingling and well wishes. As an outsider looking in, one knew that these were close-knit and loving families.

After a bit of fun racing around in golf carts, the bridal party met at the 9th hole for formal portraits. But as soon as everyone arrived, polo-clad golfers kicked us off the course so they could have their playing time. It was actually a blessing because we soon found a place better suited for picture-taking. This breath-taking spot was on top of a hill which overlooked the entire course.

The reception was a lot of fun, and everyone had a great time eating, laughing,

dancing and enjoying themselves.

Stacey and Cardale had a wonderful wedding day with the their friends and family.

Lisa and Tommy's Engagement Shoot

In April, E.S. Photography joined Lisa and Tommy for an Engagement Shoot in Piedmont Park. One of the most beautiful and popular places to hang out in Atlanta, the park is beloved by Atlanta locals and tourists. Complete with lush tree-lined paths, a huge lake, abundant greenery, and Midtown skyscrapers framing the background, Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s own version of New York’s Central Park: an oasis in the middle of an urban jungle.

This particular day, the weather was absolutely perfect. The ideal spring day to be outdoors.

Both from Winder, Georgia, our young couple was adorable. Lisa wore a trendy black and white dress and cute flats. Clad in jeans, sneakers, and a blazer, Tommy pulled off the “sexy yet casual” look perfectly. As a side note for future clients… we at E.S. Photography love it when a guy pairs casual clothes with a formal touch. It’s hip, fun and shows personality.


As Lisa and Tommy explored the park, their love for each other was apparent. While meandering around the lake, Tommy held Lisa’s hand gently and kissed her often. We paused at the water’s edge and watched the happy couple feed bread crumbs to the ducks.

While posing for us on docks and beneath trees, Lisa and Tommy held each other delicately. Their love was both young and old; they had the giddiness of young lovers, but the comfort of old companions.

Our Make-Over

Hello and welcome to our recently revamped blog! Emma Steinmetz Photography has under gone a lot of changes in 2009. We are very excited to introduce you to our fresh new look! A few bits are still undergoing renovations, but be sure to check us out and visit our website. www.emmasteinmetz.com