This week’s blog is Will and Elise.  They could not have been a more thoughtful couple! They were a joy to work with.  It was such an honor being their Atlanta wedding photographer.  They contacted me last year and told me about their wedding in historic Acworth. I was so excited when the big day finally arrived. 

I  drove to Acworth on Friday. It was a beautiful day with the fall colors all around.  The air was crisp and not too hot.  A perfect day for a fall Georgia wedding.  I always tell people great weather is something you just cannot buy and as luck would have it Friday was perfect! 

Acworth is in the northern portion of Cobb County. It is at the foot of the North Georgia mountains. It is often referred to as the Lake City since it is close to Lake Allatoona.  Acworth is also one of those towns that has embraced the historic architecture of the city and revitalized the downtown area.  There are many boutique restaurants and stores along main streets, and they have expanded the parks too.  They have embraced the railroad that goes through downtown and made it a historic feature of the area. 

The wedding was held at The Cowan Historic Mill. The mill is Acworth’s oldest commercial building, built by John Cowan in the late 1870’s. It began as a flour mill and later became a tapestry mill. Since that time, it has been several restaurants before recently being remodeled and reclaimed as an event venue with space for social gatherings and parties.  

The Cowan Mill is able to host large weddings, receptions, catered affairs, and presentations, has space for a dance floor and movable stage, and exudes a “Classic Industrial Elegant” style with brickwork all around, exposed beams, and a grand chandelier hanging from the rafters. As soon as you walk in the chandelier is an elegant center point of the reception area.  They have an amazing staff!  We worked with Amanda Marcy Cowan Mill’s wedding planner/manger all day long. She could not have been more gracious and helpful! 

I got there early and took some drone footage for their highlights video, you can see here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01Y-eMHo65c 

Wil arrived and he went upstairs to the groom's room so he would not see Elise when she arrived.  The timing was perfect.  As soon as he was tucked away Elise arrived.  She went downstairs to the bridal room with her bridesmaids.  One of the things that I admired about the couple is their love for their family.  Will’s best man was his father.  A classic southern tradition.  Elise and her sisters as her bridesmaids and she brought her  90-year-old grandmother.  The wedding day was truly a family celebration! 

Once Elise had her dress on it was time for the first look.  We brought Will down and put him facing the wall in the ceremony area.  Elise came in behind him.  She tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned around.  He was stunned by the dress she picked out.  It was so perfect I even got a little weepy. 

We took a few photos with the family then took off downtown for the photos with the golf cart that Cowan Historic Mill provided and Amanda the wedding coordinator drove.  It was an immense help for everyone.  The bride and groom could get around quickly to the many wonderful backdrops that historic Acworth provided.  We could not have found so many locations so quickly if it were not for Amanda’s help.  She was zipping us around to all these locations and was so patient when we were shooting, at the same time keeping us on schedule for the wedding.  Big thank you shout out to Amanda!!! 

After the photos Amanda took us back to the venue and the guests were starting to arrive.  We snuck the bride and groom through the side door, so they were hidden from the guests.  As the guests arrived, they milled about and took in the scenery and admired the historic venue.  When the ceremony time arrived, the guests took their seats.  Will went up front with the minister.  The bridesmaids were wearing tasteful burgundy evening gowns and escorted by the groomsmen dressed in black casual suits.  Elise the bride was escorted by her mother and father.  She could not have been happier.  The couple wrote vows.  That was well balanced with heartfelt emotions and humorous playful levity.  Once the rings were exchanged, they were officially husband and wife.  They walked back down the aisle through the guests as a married couple.   

We took some more photos, and the guests enjoyed the cool autumn weather and cocktails with hors d'oeuvres. The guests came back in and had dinner while music played in the background.  Then there were some special toasts from the sisters and family members.  As they raised their glasses each time to the couple, it was a touching testament to how much these two were admired and loved.  Will even played a special song for his new bride on a guitar!  After all that it was time for some dancing!  The guests danced under the large chandelier to some great music.  Even the 90-year-old grandmother danced!  She was not going to miss out! As the evening ended, the guests went outside for the exit while the couple stayed in and had a private dance.  Once the dance was done, they came out to a roaring crowd of family and friends who cheered on the newly married couple and they sent them on to a perfect ending to a perfect day. 

Congrats to Will and Elise.  It was such an honor documenting such a special day full of love, family, and good friends.  It is a great start to the wonderful future you two have in store for each other. 

Thanks for checking out this Atlanta wedding photographers blog! I hope you enjoyed the read and found it interesting! Make sure you keep coming back to our blog to see what the Atlanta wedding photographers at Atlanta Artistic Weddings get up to! If you’d like to contact me go to the contact page and drop me a line at https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com/contact-atlanta-wedding-photographer. I would love to hear from you!

Thanks again!

David

Source: https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com

Credits:

Venue: The Cownan Mill https://thecowanmill.com/

Flowers Bethanne Chase https://www.bethannechasefloraldesign.com/

Make up Jade Jamrozy