Kaitlyn and Ryan - Wedding

As many times as I've driven past it, I had never actually been inside the Roswell Historic Cottage. It is such an unassuming wedding venue, but so completely perfect for Kaitlyn and Ryan's intimate wedding. It's located just off of Roswell Road, right in the middle of Historic Downtown Roswell. It has a bit of an urban loft feel with the red brick walls and black beams. I love the stage, which is a perfect place for the ceremony, or in the case of Kaitlyn and Ryan, where their band, "The Retreat," set up.

Historic Downtown Roswell has such a great vibe. It's essentially one little strip with yummy venues ranging from a cute bistro (Roswell Provisions) to an amazing steakhouse (Little Alley Steakhouse). We chose 1920 Tavern as the location for shots of Ryan and his groomsmen at a bar. You need to go sometime. I recommend the shrimp and grits. And make sure you meet the owner, Jenna. She takes time to carry on a real conversation. 

Kaitlyn and Ryan had their first look at the Roswell Square, just down the street from Historic Roswell. If you're considering whether or not to do a first look, do it. Carve out some time during the day - before the ceremony and before you're tired from all the energy of the day - to spend some time with the person who you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with. Your wedding day will be amazing, and it will be a blur. Create time and space away from the hustle and bustle - away from your bridal party, away from your parents, away from all of your out of town guests - and simply exist with that amazing person. There's a sense of peace and calm that comes about with that first look. I think that it brings clarity to the day. It helps to bring you back to understanding why you're putting up with everything, why you planned for so long, and why everything has to be so perfect. Remember that your wedding day is not about the wedding, really. It's about your marriage.

How extra is the Best Dog, Reggie, with his collar and bow tie?

After the ceremony, The Retreat created an awesome atmosphere for the reception. I just love live music, don't you? Sometimes, at a reception, I'll have the challenge of trying to take pictures that make it look like a great party, choosing creative angles to make it look like the dance floor was filled. Not the case with this wedding. I had the opposite problem. I had to get creative trying to get pictures of people's faces because the dance floor was filled the entire time. It was an awesome time.

Bridal Gown: Pronovias
Bridal and Brides Maid Dress Shop: Bride Beautiful
Brides Maid Dresses: Bill Levkoff
Tux Designer: Pronto Umo
Tux Shop : Men's Wearhouse
Wedding Coordinator and Florals: Ligia Perry
Event Design/Decor: Ligia Perry and Aryn Olivia Designs
Wedding/Engagement Ring Designer or store: Shane Co (hers) and WedgeWood Rings (his)
Other jewelry and wedding accessories: Mariell
Band: The Retreat
Caterer: Gotta Have It
Cake: Publix