Grace Methodist Church / The Solarium, Atlanta, Georgia Elopement Photo Story Award

Decatur Wedding Photography at The Solarium showing guests at the reception gathered around the dancing bride and groom

The bride and groom's guests watched their first dance - the couple opted for a budget-friendly celebration in line with their values

The guests at the reception gather around to watch the couple's first dance.

I've had the distinct pleasure of documenting the weddings of several friends I made while working on a Master's of Divinity at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. 

Many of those weddings had one thing in common—a majority of the members of the wedding party were already ministers or on the path to becoming one. Candace and J’s wedding was no exception. More than 75 percent of their wedding party had theological degrees.

The bride and groom, both Candler grads, chose one of Candace’s closest seminary friends, Kate, to be the officiant for their wedding. Their wedding ceremony took place in the expansive sanctuary of Grace United Methodist, a beautiful old church where Kate was pastor.

The couple made a conscious decision based on their values to celebrate their nuptials in a budget-friendly manner. So, they limited the number of guests by inviting only closest friends and family. And they created an intimate DIY reception in a local historic event venue called The Solarium. No fancy caterer, band or DJ, or wedding planner ... just lots of joy and laughter, dancing, fun, and s'mores.

Grace United Methodist Church, GA Wedding Photo of bride surrounded by praying bridesmaids

Grace United Methodist Church, GA Wedding Photos | The bride is surrounded by her bridesmaids

The bride, Candace, is surrounded by her bridesmaids while they pray for her and her upcoming marriage.

Grace UMC Atlanta Wedding Photo of The bride sharing a moment with her father

Grace UMC Atlanta Wedding Photographer | The bride shares a moment with her father

Candace shares a moment with her father before they head down the aisle together.

Grace United Methodist Church Atlanta Wedding Picture in BW of bride and groom at homily during the ceremony

Grace United Methodist Church - Atlanta Wedding Picture in BW | The brides best friend from seminary gives the homily during the ceremony

An intimate wedding ceremony in the Grace United Methodist sanctuary.  Candace's best friend from seminary gives the homily during the ceremony.

The Solarium Wedding Photo from Decatur Atlanta of Brides father giving a toast during the reception

The Solarium Wedding Photos, Decatur Atlanta | Brides father gives a toast during the reception

Candace's father gives a toast during the reception at The Solarium.

Solarium Historic Wedding Venue image from Decatur, GA of the final dance of the evening

Solarium - Historic Wedding Venue - Decatur, GA Photos | the final dances of the evening,

One of the final dances of the evening, Candace with her Dad.