Wanting to be a part of a creative community of artists is something that Karen talked about in this blog after her trip to California and her visit with Jesh De Rox. This kind of artistic alliance can provide fertile ground for inspiration as well as access to new perspectives.

The wedding photographers at Simply Bloom Photography made a great step in that direction when they offered a photography workshop in Huntsville Alabama and invited many different professional photographers, including Karen, to attend. Their intent was to stage a “Not Wedding” and give wedding and portrait photographers a chance to see how Simply Bloom does what they do and also provide an opportunity for these artists to play around with set-ups, accessories and locations while trading tips and advice. “Not Weddings” are a popular photography training tool, you can see pictures of a different one here.

When she arrived in Huntsville Alabama, Karen got to photograph a simple yet romantic “Not Wedding” staged by Stephanie Drake of Proper Measures in Birmingham Alabama. Samantha Francis, a season eight contestant on America’s Top Model, and handsome professional model Steven James Stanek who acted as bride and groom. Perhaps these two took away a couple of wedding ideas since they’re actually dating each other in real life.

Samantha’s grace and swan-like beauty were showcased in two sublime lace wedding gowns contributed by Ivory and White Bridal Boutique, also of Birmingham Alabama. Karen especially loved the little 1960’s inspired mini dress that showed off Samantha’s legs and the fern hair accessory that hair and makeup artist Erin Smith chose to finish the look. As with so many things in life, the loveliness is in the details.

The heavy rain clouds and intermittent sprinkles didn’t slow anyone down and Samantha and Steven were good-natured troopers through all of it. Karen felt she got a great opportunity to mingle with other professional photographers and contribute her own photographic experience to a unique workshop.

As an added bonus, Stephanie Drake provided cupcakes to sweeten the day and we all know how Karen feels about cupcakes!

If you are interested in a beloved couples session, please contact me at karen@karennickelphotography.com or call me at 678.773.2562. I’d love to hear from you!

You heard correctly, a toilet paper wedding dress!

Meet designer Cynthia Richards, ‘Re Sike Killed’ design line who came up with this amazing wedding dress. Good willed and skilled is what she is all about.

Cynthia started designing when she was eight years old, in her Grandma’s NY attic. She knew then that, that was what she wanted to do when she got older. This rococo-era inspired design (Cynthia’s favorite) was thought up by her partner Molly Hopkins of Livi Rae Lingerie shop in Kennesaw, GA.

This wedding dress is made up of 20 rolls of Charmin toilet paper, two bottles of glue (fabric glue and Mod podge glue) and a roll of duck tape, and was entered into the annual Cheap Chic Weddings’ Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest. It came in third place and will be displayed in Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

I had the pleasure of photographing Cynthia Richards in her very own design, along with my son North. Molly Hopkin’s cousin was gracious enough to allow us the use of his land at Fleu De Coop, as well as the vintage pieces we needed. Thank you.

If you are interested in reading more about this dress, you can follow any of these links:

www.Cheap-Chic-Weddings.comshine.yahoo.com
www.perfectweddingguide.com
www.bocamag.com
fashionetc.com
www.genogenogeno.com
wildfire.gigya.com
abcnews.go.com
www.wxii12.com
www.refinery29.com
www.wpbf.com

http://marietta.11alive.com/news/style/woman-places-third-toilet-paper-wedding-dress-contest/70493

http://www.stillthelovely.com/2011/07/toilet-paper-wedding-dress-contest-winners/

http://browngirlnextdoor.com/2011/07/11/7th-annual-toilet-paper-wedding-dress-contest/

http://www.odditycentral.com/art/cheap-chic-wedding-dresses-made-of-toilet-paper.html

http://www.stylesegment.com/featured/toilet-paper-wedding-gown-contest/

http://www.bocamag.com/blog/designer-wedding-gowns-and-toilet-paper/

http://www.styleite.com/media/toilet-paper-dress/?pid=7056#image

http://fashionetc.com/news/fashion/2398-toilet-paper-wedding-dresses-winners-2011

http://www.cheap-chic-weddings.com/wedding-contest-2011.html

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20077909-1/here-comes-the-bride-all-dressed-in-toilet-paper/#ixzz1RtpS867k

http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/bridal-buzz/toilet-paper-wedding-dress-contest

http://www.lifestylesfashion.com/toilet-paper-wedding-grown/

http://www.stylelist.com/2011/07/08/toilet-paper-wedding-gown-photos/

http://marietta.11alive.com/news/style/woman-places-third-toilet-paper-wedding-dress-contest/70493?utm_source=fbp

***Contact me if you are looking for your photos to stand out! Karen@nickelweddings.com or 678.773.2562

There is nothing ordinary about this couple. I know it from the first time I spoke with Les over the phone.   What he and Cindy (his fiancee) were looking for,  was going to be right up my alley

We set a date to meet and met early one morning not too long ago (this wedding was booked about 3 weeks before their wedding date) and talked about how Les and Cindy met. They proceeded to tell me (smiling from ear to ear) that they had gone to elementary school together and were pretty much neighbors much of their lives.

Funny thing is, they both went out a couple times, but ended up going their separate ways. 30 years or so later, they bumped into each other (now single) and were getting their children ready for college. An old friend of both of theirs encouraged Les and Cindy to go out sometime. He was a very persistent man and continued bringing it up over the next several months (maybe even longer), and finally they agreed.

Well, the rest of the story is history as you probably already figured out, since I am about to share their wedding day with you, but before I do, let me tell you about their day.

It had been raining for three days here in GA and the weather had been very unpredictable, however, the morning of Les and Cindy’s wedding, at 9am, the sun peeked out. And, it did not leave us the whole day

Though it was sunny, the winds were strong and the air was frigid. That week I had scouted out where I wanted to do the pictures because they were not having a traditional wedding. They wanted something fun, laid back, and different, so that is what I gave them!

The location we decided on was an old abandoned house, that was surrounded by huge trees, and a beautiful pasture. When I first saw it, I knew this was the place. I couldn’t stop talking about it (no, seriously, ask my Honey-Guy) and you will see why. We had two full hours to spend with Les and Cindy and a very small(10 people) ceremony to follow at the Marina in Cumming GA.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story with me and allowing me to see your true selves. You have a remarkable connection and a wonderful family….blessings.

Let me introduce you to Joey and Lindsey. This couple was such a blessing to not only to get to know, but also work with. They are the perfect match for one another. You know the saying, opposites attract? I would have to agree.

Joey is the kind of guy that is the steady rock. He is a hard worker and loves to spoil Lindsey. Lindsey on the other hand, is a free spirit (LOVE!), yet sets goals and gets them done the right way. These two compliment each other so well. They are like two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. I know, cheesy, but what can I say?

The day they got married was a windy brisk day, but they both graciously faced the chilly weather, along with their wedding party and we all had a blast together!

Please contact Karen Nickel if you have a wedding coming up. karen@nickelweddings.com or 678.773.2562

You’ve chosen your wedding date, you found the guy, and you’re looking for the best wedding photographer in the world. So, you stumble on our site and say ” These kick-ass photographers are the bomb!” It happens all the time. No you’re not alone and no you don’t need a support group.

We’re available (hopefully!) and now, we can put a quote and contract together for you to look at online. Along with your electronic signatures and quote approval, you pay a retainer payment equal to half of the total quoted. After receipt of your check or online payment, you are officially booked! The next step is to set a date for your engagement shoot.

Best dang wedding photographs

For Nickel Weddings, most of our couples chose to see each other before the wedding ceremony, which in my opinion is the best way to go. Let me tell you why: Seeing each other before the wedding allows us to the time to get those vogue-chic-posh shots you’ve been drooling over. The more time you give us the more amazing your wedding photos will be.

The key we have learned is dedicated time =  the most amazing and artistic images this side of Jupiter. If the couple is rushed between the wedding and the reception they don’t have the time to relax and just be.

Wedding photograph realism

All brides and grooms need to be prepared to set time aside for those kick-ass photos. More times than not, things get moved around a little on the day of the wedding so a big buffer slot gives you wiggle room. Sometimes getting dressed takes a bit longer or Aunt Mabel is running late,  the best man left the rings 15 miles away, etc.

If you are ready for these shifts, than you will be fine. Going with the flow of things, makes for a much smoother day, and the more relaxed the couple the better the shots.

Typical wedding photo schedule:

Pre-ceremony and wedding ceremony shots are the MOST important images of the day

1) Make sure you have looked over the ‘wedding day outline’ so you are aware of what time you need to be ready for pictures.

2) Have all your details (rings, shoes, dress, any sentimental items you would like photographed) ready in one area,  so when your photographers arrive, they can get started. It may be several hours before the ceremony. Detail shots typically take 1 hour.

3) Get your wedding dress on! Be sure to allow at least 30-45 minutes for this,  just in case you need to reapply your lipstick/gloss or do any last minute preparations. If you have asked the photographers to join you for make-up and hair, that would most likely happen prior to the detail shots. At this time, the second photographer can go get a few shots of the guys getting ready, as well.

4) The most exciting part of the day for ‘the photographers’ (me) is the first meeting of the bride and groom….the couples session!!! This will last between 1 to 2 hours.

5) Next is the ‘wedding party shots’. Usually lasting an hour or so. If the bride and groom have chosen to get family pictures done prior to the wedding, this is the time to do it (30 minutes or so). Let your bridal party and family members know IN ADVANCE that formal pictures will be taken immediately after the ceremony, if it is not done before.

6) Now it’s time for the bride and groom to go freshen up, 30-45 minutes before the wedding ceremony. This is to make sure NO one sees the couple before the wedding. During this time one photographer will get detail shots of the ceremony area and the other will stay with the bride.

7) The wedding ceremony…time to get hitched!!!!

Directly after the ceremony the bride, groom, and family will meet at a previously chosen location for family pictures (30-45 minutes if not taken before the ceremony). At this time, usually there is a cocktail hour or something to keep your guests happy.

9) Party Time!!!! That’s right The bride and the groom are announced as Mr. and Mrs.

10) Dinner. Please feed your photographers! We’re working hard out here.  Cake cutting (a time I look forward to too, I love cake ), first ‘bride and groom’ dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, open dance floor for a time, personal toasts, and the finally…the bride and groom exit off to their honeymoon, or at least a hotel

So that’s a wedding day, from beginning to end. If you have more questions, please make sure to ask your photographers or if you want to talk to me…give me a call, I’d love to talk with you.

I want to be your wedding photographer and have future brides gasp “I want to be her!!”

Here’s a sneak peek of another one of my amazing couples, Josh and Lee Anne. You would never know it by looking at their images, but these two were not very fond of being the center of attention and having two photographers follow them around all day. We took our time, allowing Josh and Lee Anne  to relax and enjoy each other, while we captured their beautiful day. I hope you are mumbling to yourself, “these images are off the hook!”

Sneak Peek…Fall Wedding Photography

This last weekend we got to see an amazing couple get married in Atlanta GA.  Jason and Kila had their wedding at the Park tavern, right beside Piedmont Park.  Kila planned her day putting her heart into every part of it.

On all wedding days, myself and my second photographer (in this case, Philip) take an hour or so to scout out the surrounding area of where the wedding is going to take place. This is so we can find the best photo opportunities in the area that are fitting for our couple. We are always looking for creative, ‘out of the box’ locations, you know, not the norm.

We feel it necessary to have a few different locations and/or back drops (scenery) to complete the Bride and Groom’s day. Sometimes this means we have to travel 10-15 minutes to find ‘the location’. Yes, you heard me, we are not willing to let a little drive get in the way of making your wedding day pictures AMAZING.

Finding the perfect location for Fall Wedding Photography

On this particular wedding day, Philip and I scouted for about an hour and a half. In the last 25 minutes we were starting to wonder if we would find the ‘perfect’ location. At this point Philip began texting friends who knew the area, but forgot it was a Sunday and quickly remembered that either his friends were at church or still sleeping. Fortunately while racking his brain, he remembered a spot that he had been to once before.

So we checked it out, and concluded that it was definitely ‘the spot’ for Jason and Kila to meet for the first time on their wedding day (thanks Philip!). This location had an old, completely rusted,  framed building, a massive colorful graffiti wall (which I am a sucker for), and a rare find in a pie shaped old brick building.

Here’s a sneak peek of  their fall wedding. Congratulations Jason and Kila! We wish you the best.

For amazing Fall Wedding Photography, please call Karen Nickel Photography @ 678.773.2562 or email us @ karen@nickelweddings.com

I’m a Top Atlanta Wedding Photographer In The Knot!

Featured in the Spring/Summer Issue for The Knot‘s ‘Top Atlanta Weddings’ was a familiar couple to Karen Nickel Photography. Jessica and Dele were wed in March of 2009 and hired us on for one of the most beautiful weddings we have been a part of.

The ceremony and reception were held in the Imperial Ballroom at the grand Biltmore. This wedding was planned and designed to perfection. As a wedding planner herself, Jessica showed off her amazing talent at her own wedding. Every last elegant detail (which we will talk about and show more further down) was touched by Jessica’s special attention.

The Knot‘s featured article goes further into the overall style of Jessica and Dele’s wedding by saying ” [The couple] chose a soft color palette to represent their early spring wedding. Champagne, ivory and pale pink detail were used in everything from the invitations to the wedding party attire. They also wanted a style that would complement the reception ballroom.”

If you love what our bride did for her wedding, click on over to her wedding planning site so she can help make your own wedding as breath-taking as hers.

Photo Captions (Above): The bridal bouquet – For a touching tribute to her late father, Jessica pinned a vintage locket, holding his photograph, to her bouquet of roses, orchids and ranunculus. The Ceremony – The couple used The Biltmore’s grand space for both their ceremony and reception. Neither Jessica, or Dele is Jewish, but they love the significance of the huppah, and how it represents the couples’ new home together. The ceremony programs – Jessica made the ceremony programs herself, mirroring the same scroll design used in the reserved seating and scripture cards. – The Knot

Photo Captions (Above): The cake – An opulent combination of fresh and sugar flowers encircled the bottom tier of the couple’s beautiful cake. The confection was etched with an elegant pattern on two of the tiers. The reception decor – Tall trumpet vases filled with blooming branches and cuffs of ivory and blush blooms added to the drama of the space, while not distracting guests from dinner conversations. The bridesmaid looks – All four bridesmaids wore elegant ruched A-line dresses in a a soft champagne color. They individualized their looks with their own accessories. The desserts – The bride and groom treated guests to a lavish dessert bar filled with their favorite childhood treats. – The Knot

Top Atlanta Wedding Photographer Featured Wedding Detail Shots

What is it that makes a wedding special or stand out from all the rest?

The statement “It’s the little things” rings true when it comes to wedding details. As photographers, we find this is really where the bride and groom makes their statement, show their personality, and truly set the mood for the entire event.

We love how weddings are becoming less traditional and more friendly to those who love to express themselves in their own wedding. Details do just that for the entire celebration and it also offers the guests beautiful eye candy as well. Wedding details are what separate ‘just an event’ from a ‘special event.’

The beautiful hand picked bouquet draped over each table, the miniature wedding cake desserts and handwritten name cards at each guests seat; these things are what allow you to stand out from the rest of the weddings.

Our couple featured in The Knot were truly a joy to photograph because they paid attention and invested in the details and we had a blast capturing their detail filled wedding.

Below is the highlight of Jessica and Dele’s wedding details. Be inspired!

Click below to see a short video of Karen Nickel Photography taking pictures of a bride and groom on their wedding day. This photo-shoot was taken south of Atlanta GA in a old half torn down peanut warehouse.

Wedding Photographer video of bride and groom.

Wedding photographer ~ Karen Nickel

Wedding photographers usually find that their work is very relationally based. The photography is just better and richer when the relationship between clients and photographer is strong.

Most people know, and brides know so very well, that on the wedding day a bride’s mind is going everywhere. The day speeds by at a ridiculous rate and asking for this relational connection is challenging, which is why we always suggest a couples session with only the bride and groom. 

There are few times when there is a great connection with a couple that just comes naturally. Mike and Brenna, our wedding couple this past weekend, were one such couple.

It truly was a top wedding for us. From the couples session all the way to the reception speeches that had us in tears! It was a day full of real love and excitement for Mike and Brenna.

Our New York city couple sported style flawlessly.  Brenna glowed in her elegant yet simplistic J.Crew dress and Mike was handsome  down to the details like his great-granddad’s cuff links.

We were so thrilled with the session and the entire experience. Overall we can’t hold on to these photos any longer without showing you a sneak peek of Mike and Brenna’s wedding.

Congrats Mike and Brenna. You two rock!!!!

I’m sure all the Wedding Photographers in Georgia would have loved to be this couple’s photographer.

Pakistani Wedding Photography

We were enchanted by the most recent wedding we photographed. The bride and groom were right out of a fairy tale with their beautiful Pakistan attire. And Warda, our bride, was a breathtaking princess.

When Warda contacted us, we were delighted to be a part of their wedding and were equally intrigued by their Pakistan wedding traditions.  This wedding marked our very first Pakistan wedding.

We quickly learned it isn’t just one day but three days of celebrations. Thankfully we got to be a part of all these events. We were blown away by the detail and richly layered traditions that filled the three days.

The sparkling jewelry, the rings, and the intricate henna designs that traced across the brides hands, arms, and feet. To say the least, we loved every minute of the detail shots.

But of course our favorite time was the couples session. This is where we get the bride and groom all to ourselves and have fun with being creative and getting the couple to interact.

We skipped on over to historic Norcross and got to use some great backdrops. Our couple was unbelievably amazing in the hot summer sun and their heavy layers (Warda in her high heels too!) But we dare say it was quite worth it with the shots we got…

Check out this stunning Pakistani wedding photography!

Congratulations Warda and Asad!