Sandra and Joe: A Dahlonega Wedding

You may remember Sandra and Joe from their dreamy waterfall engagement session in July.

Their wedding was every bit as dreamy, with gorgeous mountain views, a spectacular sunset, and two of the cutest ring bearers I’ve ever seen.

The ceremony, officiated by their good friend, centered around their love story, and they exchanged the sweetest, most heartfelt vows. Happy tears flowed freely, and I was delighted to be a part of such a beautiful celebration of a love that flourished in a time of pandemic uncertainty.

I’m so excited to share this sneak peek from their day.

Congratulations, Sandra and Joe!

Today is Indigenous Peoples Day, and I thought it was important to address a recurring issue in the photography community.

In recent years, it seems that “tipi sessions” have become increasingly popular. You know the ones. A chubby-cheeked cherub seated in front of a tipi-style tent, sometimes bedecked with flowers or lace or [insert cheesy decor item here].

We’ve also seen the rise in popularity of the feather headdress, both in the photography world and in the music festival circuit.

The trouble with both these elements is that they appropriate indigenous culture.

I know my platform is small, but I felt it necessary to share this information and these resources so that my fellow photographers and our clients can educate themselves on the harm that is caused by cultural appropriation in tipi sessions and by using feather headdresses in photo shoots.

Starglass Photography will not participate in any photoshoots depicting cultural appropriation. I will, however, strive to honor all cultures and capture their unique beauty on camera when called to do so.

Barnyard Bridal: An Anne of Green Gables Inspired Session

Every once in a while, I start a project that’s just for me, something to feed my soul and keep my creative fires burning.

Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a sucker for anything vintage or antique. I am powerless to resist the nostalgic allure of a bygone era. So it should really come as no surprise that I impulsively bought a beautiful 1970s Gunne Sax gown several sizes too small for me to actually wear. I couldn’t help it! It was just so pretty, and it was practically screaming for a photoshoot.

Time passed, and the gown hung in my closet while I tried to dream up a photoshoot concept. Initially, I had grand visions of a stately Victorian home, lush peonies, and a classic cake. But the longer I waffled on the details, the more daunting the project became. Months turned into a year, life happened, and still, the gown hung unused in my closet.

One year turned into two, and I found myself deep in the throes of a creative rut. I felt stuck and uninspired. And then…then I remembered the dress. I reached out to two very talented women and asked if they could help me bring my vision to life. I decided to keep it simple, and dispensed with the grandiose ideas I had started with. A vintage ladder, some baby’s breath, and some of my very own barnyard critters and boom….we made MAGIC.

Model: Adeline Troutman

Make-up: The Vanity House

With guest appearances by Sokka the dog, Cheese the duck, Cassiopeia the goat, and Torvi the chicken.

Aaaand a bonus shot of Adeline enjoying the goats because, and I quote, “I want a shot SURROUNDED by goats!” Wish granted. =)

Sandra and Joe: A Waterfall Engagement Session

Although I’ve lived in Georgia for about 19 years, I find the state still manages to surprise me with hidden gems. Three weeks ago, I was delighted to find that this cute little waterfall is located a mere 30 minutes away from where I live now.

When Sandra and Joe mentioned they loved the waterfall shots in my portfolio, I knew this would be the perfect spot for their engagement session. The day arrived, and we all met at the falls bright and early to beat the promised rain.

Now, it’s not every couple that is willing to dirty or wet, but Sandra and Joe were totally up for it! Their photos turned out every bit as dreamy as I’d hoped. Congratulations to you both! I can’t wait to photograph your wedding in October.

Michael and Quinn: An Atlanta Engagement Session

I love engagement sessions because they offer the opportunity for me to meet my couples in person in a relaxed, casual environment, free from the restrictions of wedding day timelines. It’s also the perfect way for couples to get to know me a little bit, so I’m not some random stranger that shows up to their wedding shoving a camera in their faces.

I was delighted to spend some time with Michael and Quinn during their Atlanta engagement session a couple of weeks ago. Together, we braved the unrelenting Georgia humidity and swarms of bloodthirsty mosquitoes to get these sweet photos. They indulged my barrage of questions about wedding colors and their proposal story and their cats. What can I say? I like to get to know my couples before their big day!

I can’t wait to see them again in 2022 for their Wimbish House wedding. Congratulations on your engagement, you two!

Anna: A Marietta Graduation Session

Anna reached out to me to celebrate her hard-earned college degree with a fabulous photoshoot! I was thrilled she chose me to showcase her confidence and hard work, and we quickly decided on a date and location.

After our original date was rained out (and when I say rain, I mean TORRENTIAL RAIN), we ended up rescheduling to a much sunnier day. And what a beautiful day it was!

She was a very good sport and allowed me to drag her all over Marietta in the muggy Georgia summer heat. When I asked her for a power stance, she gave me all the Gal Gadot Wonder Woman vibes, and a well-timed breeze added to the super-heroine look. I’m so excited to share some of my favorite shots from her session!

Con-GRAD-ulations, Anna!

I wish you all the best in your career!

Chase the Light: A 48 Hour Photography Celebration

Every year, the Photographic Center Northwest hosts a 48 hour celebration of photography that culminates in a pop-up gallery. While I’m no longer in Seattle, I still wanted to participate because it’s the perfect opportunity to go stretch those creative muscles and photograph something just for me.

Ever my willing model and muse, my friend Soyun (you’ll recognize her from many a previous blog post) joined in the fun. Together, we wandered around Atlanta, Cedartown, and Rome to capture funky, creative photos. I think she knocked it out of the park, and that dancer’s background certainly came in handy.

I hope you enjoy this little exercise in creativity! I know I did.

Alpharetta Pet Photo Session

Mondays, amiright?

If you think you might need a little serotonin to make it to Friday, have I got a treat for you!

Crystal and Scott’s furry and scaly babies are just what the doctor ordered to get you through another week. I thoroughly enjoyed photographing their kitties, bunny, and gecko. Who wouldn’t??? Their little personalities absolutely shine through in the photos, and I left that session with fur on my clothes and a full heart.

Madeleine and Ralph: Atlanta Lifestyle Engagement

Madeleine and Ralph invited me to their home in Atlanta for the sweetest lifestyle engagement session. I have to say, while I don’t photograph them often, I love lifestyle sessions because they’re so cozy and cuddly.

Photographing couples in their own home brings out a side of them that maybe you wouldn’t necessarily see in public. I mean where do you feel most comfortable and relaxed? At home, right? So it figures that this would translate on camera.

Of course, Queso had to get in on the action and very nearly stole the show, as cats do. His siblings were a little less inclined to pose for me, but I did catch them indulging their curiosity once or twice.

Congratulations on your engagement, you two! I can’t wait to capture your wedding day!

Natalie: Atlanta Branding Session

Meet Natalie!

This vibrant soul just published her first book and celebrated with a colorful, quirky photoshoot.

As we walked around from mural to mural, I had the pleasure of getting to know more about her. We all chose different coping mechanisms to get through the pandemic. Some of us found solace in sourdough. Others tried their hands at nurturing house plants. But Natalie has us all beat; she decided to crank out a whole book reflecting on her own life and encouraging readers to fan the flames of their curiosity to effect change in their own lives.

It was an honor to capture her message and brand in photos, and I look forward to watching her meteoric rise to fame and fortune.

Stay awesome, Natalie!

Lilith: One Year Cake Smash

This post is embarrassingly late; Miss Lilith turned 1 and celebrated with this cake smash back in January!

Still, better late than never!

In light of COVID and in lieu of a birthday party, we decided to have a cake smash session with a cake from Robyn’s Killer Cakes. Even though winter was pretty mild, we opted for an indoor session in Woodstock.

Lilith wasn’t entirely sure what to think about having a cake all to herself, but she did eventually take a tentative fistful of icing.

And of course, we had to get some shots with big sister! Look at that grin! I swear she’s losing teeth almost as fast as the other is growing new ones. The tooth fairy is going broke.

Alesia and Josh: A Georgia Wedding

With vaccines rolling out pretty quickly, it seems wedding season is back in full swing!

Alesia and Josh tied the knot near Macon, Georgia last month, and I was honored to be part of their big day. Better yet, one of my college friends was maid of honor. We hadn’t seen each other in person since we were bridesmaids at another wedding in 2018, so it was especially nice to see her again!

After getting all dolled up, Alesia met Josh by the wisteria for the sweetest first look reveal; then it was off to a ceremony full of laughter, happy tears, and Star Trek references.

The evening was a delightful blur of tacos, cake, awesome friends, and even a tiny photographer in the making. In fact, it’s safe to say that he took my favorite shot of the evening (it’s the very last photo in this little sneak peek, if you’re wondering). Keep it up, little man!

Congratulations again, Alesia and Josh!

Captured by the young man in the photo above this one. Future photographer for sure!

Claire and Andrés: An Atlanta Engagement Session

I never dreamed I’d one day photograph my baby brother’s engagement session, but here we are! It feels like just yesterday we were fighting like cats and dogs in the backseat of the family Volvo on a 6 hour road trip to Florida, and now…now he’s engaged to one of the loveliest souls I’ve had the fortune to meet.

Andrés and his lovely fiancée Claire came down from DC and let me drag them all over the state of Georgia to take their engagement photos. We checked out some iconic street art, showed off for the Ministry of Silly Walks, and explored hiking trails in the rain. I’ve never seen a better suited pair of goofballs, and I can’t wait to ugly cry when they tie the knot in September next year.

Congratulations, you two! And welcome to the family, Claire! <3

Carson and Liz: A Georgia Wedding

Weddings may look a little different these days. COVID precautions are becoming commonplace as we all do our part to protect our friends and family.

But love isn’t cancelled. Love endures through anything you can throw at it.

Carson and Liz tied the knot at The Farm at Silver Creek, and it was an honor to capture their beautiful day. The hand sanitizer was plentiful, the masks were required, and we all maintained as much distance as possible while still celebrating their love. Even the weather wanted to join in the fun, and we were treated to a rumbly summer thunderstorm and spectacular lightning show. Eat your heart out, Alanis Morissette. Because rain on your wedding day is actually dreamy.

Congratulations, you two! I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Dark Fae: A Fantasy Cosplay Session

Before 2020 decided to hurtle headlong into unchecked chaos, I stumbled upon a fairy ring as I wandered the nearby woods. Fairy lore is quite clear on the subject, warning mortals against stepping inside, but curiosity got the better of me. After all, curiosity may have killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back.

And that’s how I ended up in the Unseelie Court, face to face with the faerie queen and her subjects. Pixies and pucks and brownies and gnomes. All gathered around their queen in a surreal blur of horns, wings, and feathers.

Had I known what 2020 had in store, perhaps I would have remained among the fae. But alas, I did not. I’m not saying I’m actively seeking out fairy rings to flee this timeline and disappear among the fair folk…but if I chance upon another one, you can bet I’ll enthusiastically leap into it without a second thought.

Chelsea and Tony: A (Socially Distanced) Wedding

When Chelsea and Tony booked me to photograph their Atlanta wedding, none of us could have imagined what the future had in store. COVID-19 arrived and with it, a slew of CDC guidelines to minimize risk of exposure. Chelsea and Tony took it in stride, adapting their wedding plans to fit the new requirements. A new outdoor venue, a smaller guest list, and we were all set to celebrate their big day.

Honestly, in spite of all the last minute changes, their day could not have been more perfect. The setting was magical and intimate, and they exchanged heartfelt vows in front of (socially distanced) friends and family. The love and joy was palpable, and I am thrilled to have been a part of it.

Congratulations to you both!

Alice: Florida Beach Session

This is it.

The last photo session before you ceded your place as baby of the family.

I’m simultaneously elated and heartbroken. You’ve been my one and only for so long. You made me a mother. From the months you spent molding and stretching me from the inside out, to the five beautiful years that followed. You pushed my boundaries, stretched the limits of my patience, showed me what love really is, and taught me so many lessons about motherhood while I watched you grow and change by leaps and bounds.

It’s been the most wonderful roller coaster ride, and I know you’re more than ready to step into your new role as the older sister.

Here’s to new beginnings.

Kinzie + Cliff: Glamorous Georgia Wedding

I’m so excited to share a sneak peek from Kinzie and Cliff’s glamorous Tate House wedding in North Georgia! In spite of unrelenting rain, these two self-proclaimed geeks created a magical wedding day with touches of geekery including Harry Potter and Star Trek references and a good old fashioned Storm Trooper battle.

When they weren’t showing off their sweet moves on the dance floor, guests had no shortage of entertainment and enjoyed a s’mores station in addition to King of Pops and a psychic reading. I honestly couldn’t imagine a more fun group.

Congratulations again, you two! I’m honored to have been part of your wedding day.

Venue: Tate House

Planner: Weddings by Epic

Video: Enjoy Wedding Films

Daisy + Antonio: Rustic Georgia Wedding

After weeks of unbearable temperatures, it seems Georgia decided to take a chill pill just in time for Daisy and Antonio’s wedding. The sky was gloriously overcast, and we were graced with the most amazing breeze from start to finish.

This wedding was absolutely gorgeous. From the bride’s first look with her bridesmaids to the couple’s private moment of prayer before the ceremony, every shot brimmed with emotion and love.

Congratulations to you both! I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.

Alice: A Magical Birthday

I don’t often write about my personal life or the wonderful people in it, but…

Happy birthday, my darling. It’s hard to believe five years have just flown by. Wasn’t it just yesterday we were blearily stumbling through your newborn days, exhausted, elated, and woefully underprepared?

Your only-child status is coming to an end, and I just want to savor these last few months before that transition. Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited, and I can’t wait to see you blossom into an amazing big sister, but for now you’re still my baby, and I will cling to that for as long as I can.

I love our early morning cuddles before you get ready for school. You say and do things that will be stamped into my heart and mind forever. I love how you’re constantly kissing my pregnant belly, unprompted, so excited for the baby that you can’t help yourself. I love that you share my love of horses and Harry Potter. You’re a quick learner, bursting with a natural curiosity that I hope you’ll never lose.

It has been such a joy to watch you grow and change over the years.

You bring magic to my life every day, and I hope you know how much I love you.