Photography by Santy Martinez will be celebrating being in business for a decade this year!  I (Annie) joined the team back in 2013 and have since had the privilege of capturing countless weddings alongside my other half.  We love our role as wedding photographers.  So when my niece, Samantha, asked me to be a bridesmaid at her wedding, I figured I got this!

After all, I have seen this done countless times before...

This time, I would be on the other side of the lens as Santy shot this one solo.  I thought my background as a wedding photographer would prepare me but, it didn't!  I got emotional from the moment I put on those cute matching PJs!  I could hardly contain myself as I witnessed that sweet, little blue-eyed girl transformed into a gorgeous bride.  As I assisted my big sister to place the final touches on her baby, I remember feeling so much gratitude for having these women in my life.  And then, just when emotions were high, I witnessed my own babies walk down the aisle as a jr. groomsmen and flower girl (who, by the way, nailed it throwing those flower petals!)  Looking back at the images now gives me a whole new appreciation for what I do.  I am so thankful to be able to relive all of these moments!  

We are excited to present the following highlights from Samantha and Patrick's wedding day in Atlanta, GA.  We began the day at the Loews Atlanta Hotel, where the party started with the girls getting glammed up by the talented ladies from Bombshell Creations. The mood was fun and festive as we posed for pics in our PJs and things got real as Samantha slipped into her wedding dress.  Down the hall, Patrick was finalizing the details of his look.  Santy was there to capture all these special moments that they did not get to see of each other that day.  From his reaction to opening his gift from his soon-to-be wife to Sammie reading a special message from her future-husband - these moments are fun to look back on!

A little rain switched plans for their first look, but that didn't dampen the mood one bit.  With a bit of quick thinking and a lot of trust, Samantha and Patrick had a very special first look at the rooftop of their apartment building.  These pics will forever be meaningful as a reminder of their first home -  and we are thrilled with how the images came out!

Samantha and Patrick tied the knot in Atlanta at the beautiful Magnolia Hall at Piedmont Park.  This historic building, with its exposed rafters and beautifully executed polished concrete floors, creating a warm and unforgettable ambiance.  Their ceremony, led by Rev. Rodney Hunt from Sensational Ceremonies, was simply perfect.  Samantha and Patrick wrote and read their vows to each other before they sealed it with a kiss - and what a kiss! 

The sun decided to shine for Patrick and Samantha just in time for family photos and portraits by the beautiful magnolia tree.  I want to thank Lauren and her team at Just About Love Weddings for bringing their vision to life as the reception space looked like a dream!  The lanterns glistened, and the flowers from a Delicate Petal by Melissa added just the right pop of color... and her bouquet- it was stunning! 

The rest of the evening was one big celebration - from the first dance to the speeches to the photo booth by Robot Booth to the hora loca!  We had a party for Samantha and Patrick!  Dinner by the Talk of the Town Catering was delicious!  The newlyweds were so cute as they cut their wedding cake from Confection Perfection.  It was almost too pretty to eat - almost, as it was scrumptious! The traditional cutting of the cake was followed by a surprise cake for our Tata who celebrated her 91st birthday coinciding on the same day! Meanwhile, from the moment The TC Show started playing dance music, the party did not stop.  Boas, glow sticks, and conga lines dominated the dance floor.  We all had a blast!

Samantha and Patrick, we love you both and can't express how happy we are that you have found each other.  You two are the definition of soul mates!  We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!