Elopements | Wedding Ceremony on Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
Midday Elopements
Sunset Elopement
Sea Island Beach Club Wedding and Retreat Reception
Kendall and Brandon celebrated their best day ever on a gorgeous September day on Sea Island.
Kendall dawned her mother’s wedding dress that was originally made by her great aunt. Bring tears to the eyes!
Fall Boho Wedding - Jekyll Island - The Westin
Wes and Paige celebrated their love with family and friends (and their puppy Winston!) on a perfectly, balmy September morning on Jekyll Island.
Summer Village Landing Creek Wedding St. Simons Island
Meghan and Jacob’s big day was celebrated on the marsh and was everything you could hope for in a sweet summer wedding. I loved Jacob’s cowboy hat and Meghan’s great-grandmother’s dress. Weddings that incorporate great personal touches are always the best.
Once the heat set in the suits came off and the Hawaiian shirts came on. (My kind of party!) Not to mention, my favorite food truck @porchssi catered! The night got even more romantic when a rainbow showed up. Wishing these two the best! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Venue @villagecreeklanding
Hair & Makeup @the.haircottage
Small Wedding Ceremony & Reception on St. Simons Island
Took a little trip to Hawaii in my own backyard. 🌺 Hannah and Matt tied the knot at this dreamy SSI home. 🌺 couldn’t help falling in love with these two 🌺
🌺 @vinegardenmarket
💄 @emmacollinsbeauty
Wedding Portraits on the Beach | St. Simons Island | Twelfth Street
Wedding Portraits at The Avenue of the Oaks
I get a ton of requests for portraits among our century old oak trees with the romantic Spanish moss. Native Americans called the plant Itla-okla, which meant “tree hair.” :)
If you’re getting married on St. Simons Island and love the Spanish moss, this is THE spot for portraits!
The Avenue of the Oaks is on Retreat Avenue and Canary Drive. Feel free to park in the grass on either side.
Feb - April FAVORITES 2019
It’s been quite a busy and blessed year so far. Here are some of my favorite shots from 2019 so far - starting with my first ever Hindu wedding ceremony on Jekyll Island with Island Sound. This couple was so excited to marry each-other twice in one day.
I got together with one of my besties to get some promotional shots for Valentine’s Day. The perfect time for boudoir!
My next wedding of the year was Lindsay and Matthew’s at Epworth by the Sea beautiful Lovely Lane Chapel on St. Simons Island.
On February 22nd Julia and Daniel came all the way from Colorado to elope under Georgia’s beautiful oak trees at Gascoigne Bluff.
Island Sound sent me down to Casa Marina to film Kate and Will’s ceremony. I fell so in love with this beachy, Spanish inspired venue! Here is a little spinet.
Blair and Blake’s March 9th wedding was my first time shooting a wedding at The Vine’s gorgeous Greenhouse. All my floral and white backdrop dreams come true.
I was SO HAPPY that the azaleas were in bloom for Megan’s maternity session! These gorgeous colors are only here for a short time in the spring and oh, doesn’t she look beautiful with them!?
Megan and her daughter Reagan were the winners of my most recent Instagram giveaway. Get these girls modeling agents!
Eveline celebrated her 60th birthday with a family trip to St. Simons Island!
Laney Jean at just two weeks in her perfectly pink nursery.
The Albuquerques celebrate their anniversary on the beach!
The bugs were terrible on the beach this day, but this happy family did not let that dampen their smiles!
This must have been the windiest day Hilton Head has ever seen, but just look at these good sports!
Can’t handle how stinking cute this family is!!
A family vacation and anniversary celebration at St. Simon’s Island Lodge!
Sometimes stormy skies can create the most beautiful backdrops!
Hope and Tesh celebrating their 10 year anniversary with their son on St. Simons Island! Love that they brought the umbrella from their wedding.
Family days in the sun…
Can’t believe Finn is already 6 months old!
What a beautiful family! All the family from Nebraska, mom and daughter came to celebrate dad’s graduation from FLETC!
After shooting Tiffany’s maternity session, I was SO excited to meet baby Joanna!
Then there’s this sweet little man who just wanted to make every stick a fishing pole!
Here’s a little peak into Stephanie and Ben’s lovely, lovely, lovely Jekyll Island wedding. The ceremony was at Faith Chapel and reception at the Westin.
Adair's Bridal Session | Avenue of the Oaks
Stunning inside and out. Spending the day with this beautiful women before her wedding day was a dream! I love that she ordered prints of her favorites to have displayed at her wedding reception.
Not sure if a bridal shoot is right for you? Style Me Pretty created the perfect blog post with the top 5 Reasons Every Bride Should Do A Bridal Shoot
Merissa + Gavin | Ocean Lodge Wedding | St. Simons Island
"Old Hollywood glamour at its finest.
Our bride, Merissa, looks like something straight out of an old-time film."
Thank you to the Savannah bridal boutique Ivory & Beau for featuring Merissa + Gavin's beautiful ocean front wedding!
You can't help but feel a bit royal when walking the steps of Ocean Lodge. Merrissa picked this venue for it's classic elegance.
The prayer between the groom, bride. and her grandmother had everyone in tears.
“This [Merissa’s] dreamy look was made complete by the Sasha Veil by Couffia Couture… not to mention the sweetest bouquet of anemones and silver dollar eucalyptus. ”
This amazing reception had some of the best dancing and the best views including a beautiful, bright, full moon over and the ocean and surprise fireworks!
Congratulations Merissa + Gavin!
Merissa + Gavin's Engagement Session
Dress/ Veil : Ivory & Beau @maggiesotterodesigns
Hair/Makeup: Felicia Cammon
Groom attire: Gentleman’s Outfitters
Shoes : Ivory & Beau
Food : Ocean Lodge – Steak and Mahi Mahi
Cake : Hollaways Bakery
Florals: Edward on SSI; white flowers (peonies, garden roses, hydrangeas, anemones, babies breath, freesia) and greenery (eucalyptus, Italian ruscus)
Entertainment : Gary with Island Sound
Harpist: Kathy Braswell
Invitations : Serendipity Paperie
Videographer: Triptych Media
Jessi + Luke | Burge Plantation Wedding | Athens, Ga
Every detail of Jessi and Luke's wedding held sentimental sweetness - right down to the flower choice. This beautiful Athens celebration started with one of the most tender First Looks and ended with a magical Bubble Exit! Thank you for letting me capture such a joyful day!
What was your color scheme for the wedding?
I knew I had to have sunflowers and daisies - I've always loved both flowers and Daisy was my grandma's name. We went with navy with burlap/rustic-colored accents to go with the flowers.
What led you to choose your wedding venue?
It is simple, beautiful, and out in nature, which is where we love to be the most.
Do you have any advice for other couples?
Early in our relationship, we had to go through some of the hardest things couples have to go through and we couldn't have made it without absolute love and support from each other. Life is hard, but sometimes all your partner needs is just to know you care for and support them no matter what storms come your way.
Jessi + Luke's Engagement Session
Dress/ Veil : Dress- David's Bridal; Veil- re-crafted by my mom from her veil
Hair/Makeup: Kayla.Walters.Hair
Groom attire: Perno's Formal Wear in Athens, GA
Shoes : David's Bridal
Jewelry : My ring and wedding band from Thornton's Fine Jewelry in Athens, GA
Food : Burge Plantation
Cake : Jessicakes Bakery & Deli in Covington, GA
Invitations : David's BridalCoordinator: Dawn Genese Leonetti
Suits: Perno's Formal Wear
Flowers: Supplied by Davis Wholesale Florist, Inc, Arranged by Linda Goreand Carol Gore Gordon
Boutonnières: Town & Country Florist, Hoschton, GA
Violinist: Cortney Whiting
Music/DJ: Zach Cagle
Officiant: Jon Messarra
Doors/signs/lawn games: Made by my dad, Painted by my mom & me SarahandMark Whiting
Arielle + Lee Engagement | John Gilbert Nature Trail | St. Simons Island
Sweet and in love down to the bone, these two are. They'll be getting married next year in beautiful upstate New York where Lee's family is from. Read more of their sweet, sweet story below!
How did you two meet? Who made the first move?
Lee and I met at Brogen's right after Lee came back from the Marine Corps. It started out as a friendship but eventually, it grew stronger. Lee was picking me up every day for work and school, which eventually turned into my favorite part of my day. Lee became my best friend extremely fast. One day before he picked me up for work, I got a text message saying, "I have a crush on you." At first I was extremely shocked but I knew deep down I had feelings for him too. After that it was like our relationship jumped on the speed way and took off.
How and where did he propose?
Lee proposed on the upper stairs deck at Brogen's where we met. He had candles and rose petals on every stair leading up to the balcony. Once I looked up and saw him, he had the big gold balloons behind him that said, "Marry Me." Once I got up to him he got down on one knee and rose petals fell off the ceiling fan. I screamed yes before he could even get the ring out.
The three things that fuel our relationship I would say is laughter, the "little things," (ex: notes left on the white board on our refrigerator), and our favorite TV shows. (Law and Order: SVU and The Fosters)
My engagement ring is an oval shaped solitaire with a rose gold band. It's even more special because Lee had it made for me.
Katie + Ward | St. Simons Island Wedding | McKinnon Airport Reception
My prayer is that my business presence and images reflect the personality of the couple I am working with and the joy of their wedding day - giving attention to all the hard work and detail that went into making their day memorable - to make sure that the bride and groom's story is told like the grand romance it is. My job is made pretty easy and fun when I have couple's like Katie and Ward whose love for each other, God, their families, and St. Simons Island is so evident. Show them so love below and enjoy their wedding story.
The prayers of these women are strong, true and representative the Father's heart, bringing peace on what could be a jittery time. Only joy was present.
There's a photo album from the bride to the groom on the swing? The swing she played on as a kid? And she's gonna sneak up behind him as he's reading it. Oh, that's ROMANTIC as ALL GET OUT. And just when you thought it couldn't get any more romantic...Ward surprised her with a live painter for their reception. Ahhhwwww.
Some of the cutest shots from Katie and Ward's engagement session was also on a swing!
Katie's vision for the wedding was everything enchanting, exciting and southern with muted neutrals. Pretty sure she pulled it off.
Amongst the marshes of Glynn, Katie and Ward married. Big, beautiful storm clouds rolled in just before the ceremony. Katie was patient, waited out the rain, and after all of the sweet guests pitched in drying the chairs, married her soul mate under the storm clouds. It couldn't have been more lovely.
I about jumped out of my car when I pulled up to the reception. Look at that sunset. Every photographers' golden dream.
Katie grew up around the McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport and what a beautiful backdrop it made for their sunset portraits!
This was the first event held in this hanger and boy, did they do a fabulous job. My favorite parts were probably the hanging greenery and the working SWING!
Katie and I got to reconnect and recreate some photos with our GP girls that we mentored the summer we worked together. I even jumped in for a photo!
The night ended with a grand sparkler exit where the couple boarded a plane and flew off to their happy ever after.
Katie and Ward, thank you a million times over for being so incredible. I hope this
new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy is contagious and I
absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day.
Hair : Alana Becky at Uberzoot Hair Co.
Makeup : Judy Crouch
Dress: Bridals by Lori and mother's veil
Shoes : The Pampered Foot
Florals : The Vine and Randy Cribb
Ceremony Program: Bess Ratsimbaharison
Ceremony Music : Charlie Judd
Violinist: Morgan Stokes
Entertainment : Loose Chain
Live Painter: Elaine Burge Art
Food : Tasteful Temptations
Cake : Erin Scoggins
Invitations : Home made by Aimee Otte
Tables : Amelia Events
Coordinator : Allyson Moline
Videographer : Joshua Gellerstedt
Second Photographer : Laura Angela Photography
Taylor + Michael | Romantic Western Inspired Reception | Alpharetta Woods
I love this trend of having a smaller, more private wedding ceremony with close friends and family on one day. Then, on another day, have the party of of your dreams with a larger gang. Why break up the days?
You get the pleasure of wearing your wedding dress again, getting more out of the investment it is. Plus, if your all about getting glammed up, it's a second chance to feel your best beautiful.
Have more time to plan the party and get everything you want. Maybe your ideal reception location isn't available the day of your ceremony, but it is a week later? Maybe you loved the bouquet you held at the ceremony but want to go with a different color scheme the second time around to get some variety in your photos.? I know I have a hard time choosing just one look or style that I love. This way, you have a second chance to include all the details you love.
Get some time to feel married without all the fawning eyes. Wedding photographers do our best to give you time to breath in the moment of getting married to your best friend. That said, sometimes the day can go by so fast when there are so many people to catch up with at the reception. Separating the ceremony and reception days gives you plenty of time to ruin your makeup with happy tears before your grand entrance as husband and wife.
My very favorite part of this night was watching the happy couple dance together. The joy on Taylor and Michael's faces say it all. What brought it all together was the overflowing love that this couple and their families have for each other.
These chic, rustic details took my mind back home to my California days of stone fireplaces and eating buttermilk pie at the family, old wood table. Such a beautiful, cozy setting. Check out all the pies Taylor's grandma made for this special day, including buttermilk!
Can you get any happier, prettier people?!
Taco 'bout a night! This is what great wedding receptions are made of - great food, dancing, and of course piñatas and confetti!
The sweetest mother and son dance was followed by a father and daughter duet of "Suds in the Bucket!
This song goes so well with the rest of the night!
Taylor and Michael, thank you so much for having me be a part of your beautiful wedding reception! ¡Fue muy divertito!
Katie + Ward Engagement | The Stables at Frederica
I loved shooting this engagement session at the Stables at Frederica on St. Simons Island at sunrise and then at Katie's childhood swing.
Katiebug is a ray of sunshine everywhere she goes. I was so blessed to work with her at The Gathering Place a few summers ago and see her share her sunshine with others. Now, she has found her sweet other half, Ward. Ya'll, they are so fun.
THE CUTEST.
I'm a sucker for spring colors, ponies and soft sunlight falling over the tips of the trees.
A perfect shoot.
You are never too old for your favorite swing.
CAN'T WAIT for Katie and Ward's August wedding!
Shoot & Share Photo Contest 2017
This is an annual, world-wide photo contest. In 2017, 332,768 photos were submitted, and over 49 MILLION votes were cast by 104,378 people from 141 different countries!
8 of Rainey Gregg Photography's photos received badges in 2017 in these categories: People Portraits, Just the Bride, Details: Ring Shots and the Dress, and Personal Work.
Lauren + John Bridals - Crane Cottage, Jekyll Island
Hurricane Matthew rolled into the Golden Isles during Lauren and John's wedding day. Fortunately, they were still able to have a great ceremony elsewhere.
They still wanted to celebrate their marriage on the beautiful island where they had originally planned to. Crane Cottage is also where her parents got married! Oh, I love sweet family traditions. I was so glad to recreate their day and in such beautiful weather.
Every detail down to the groom's boutonniere was beautifully recreated thanks to The Vine. I can't get over those sassy flower girls.
The only day that both the bride and groom's families were all together to retake photos was THANKSGIVING! It's not the first time I've worked on a holiday and it will certainly not be the last because I love being there for my clients. I am so happy to do what I can to make their photo experience easy and wonderful. And it's not work when you love what you do, right? <3
Mr. + Mrs. Tindol - St. Simons Island Wedding
Katie and Luke are the most lovely and humble people. It was an honor to document their love story. The settings they chose only enhanced just how delightful they are.
The bridal party got ready at St. Simons Community Church. It's always a fun time hiding the bride and groom from each other. I love when they each have love letters for each other.
What a powerful scene to see the parents get up and pray with their children under this handmade cross. You also can't beat that the marshy backdrop.
The live oaks of this island never disappoint for some beautiful formals. At the Avenue of the Oaks we were able to recreate images that Katie's m\mom at taken on her wedding day.
Good home cookin' was on the menu at one of the island's best restaurants. After carving into the personalized cake, the couple danced the night away.
Thank you Katie + Luke for letting me be a part of this beautiful day!
Second Shooter: Hannah Kicklighter
Wedding planning: Callie Fendig
Reception venue: Bennie's Red Barn
Gown: Bride Beautiful
Hair & Makeup: Devyn Miller
Florals: Cottage Flowers
Cake: Cathy Dart
Invitations & Paper goods: Taylor Weldon
Cross: Jimmy Kay
Hannah + Alex - Driftwood Beach Wedding
These two have so much love to give. Hannah and Alex, continue to pour light into this world. So happy for you. Your good hearts will only grow stronger in marriage. Congratulations!
Getting ready...
...in a shared room with five sisters and a mama is one big accomplishment. Good thing the Westin Hotel has those relaxing views of the ocean.
The Ceremony on Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
What a beautiful sight Hannah was riding in on a Clydesdale horse.
The beautiful couple...
