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Ashley & Michael // Conservatory at Waterstone Wedding Day

By February 20, 2023February 21st, 2023No Comments

Conservatory at Waterstone Wedding Day // Ashley & Michael

Ashley & Michael’s wedding day was both incredibly sweet & chill and a complete blast at the same time. These two have been so kind and easy to work with throughout this whole process, which is one of the ways I knew we’d be a good match! They married at the Conservatory at Waterstone in Acworth, so this was my second trip back and it was great! I love seeing the same venue or locations through different lenses, and with each couple I see something new.

groom leans head into bride as train speeds by behind them Getting Ready

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

Ashley and Michael: Consider an all-inclusive venue and ask for help when you need it.

embroidered handkerchief hangs on dark wood chair at Conservatory at Waterstonebride has first look with bridesmaids in red dresses

First Look

We did their first look in the main room of the venue, with those gorgeous windows and all that light! Then we took a turn around the building, keeping things close. There, we took time visiting the sweets shop {these two are major dessert people}, the Coca-Cola mural, some early Christmas decoration {a bonus!} and playing with some long-exposure movement in front of the train. One of the reasons that Ashley & Michael chose the Conservatory at Waterstone was because it reminded Ashley of growing up in NOLA.

bride approaches groom by cake at Conservatory at Waterstone for first look groom turns to see bride in wedding dress groom hugs bride from behind in brick walled-room at Conservatory at Waterstonegroom hugs bride from behind holding her hips Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for their wedding photos?

Michael: Have a few poises and locations planned ahead of time.

Ashley: Do a first look and take pictures before the ceremony rather than during cocktail hour. The saved time allowed us to have some down time and rest before the reception.

newlyweds walk along the Conservatory at Waterstone on sidewalk bride and groom hug outside sweet shop in Georgia bride and groom hug on wedding day in Georgia groom walks with bride to Coca-Cola mural in Atlanta, GAgroom twirls bride by Coca-Cola mural in Atlanta GAbride and groom hug on sidewalk in Atlanta by Christmas wreathes on fence bride and groom hold hands walking on sideway in Georgia What did you love about your venue/wedding location?

Michael: The venue was very walkable. There were many great photo opportunities surrounding the venue. The venue and surrounding areas felt intimate. Ashley: The venue was all-inclusive. The convenience of having all the services under one roof was wonderful. The venue also reminded me of the architecture from my hometown New Orleans.

bride and groom hug by wooden fence outside the Conservatory at Waterstonegroom leans head into bride as train speeds by behind them groom helps bride around puddle on sidewalk in Atlanta GAbride stands on steps with wedding gown train behind her at The Conservatory at Waterstonebride and groom toast champagne by white and green display at the Conservatory at Waterstonenewlyweds pose on steps at the Conservatory at Waterstone parents clap while wedding party takes a photo at the Conservatory at Waterstonebride and groom stand leaning together on steps at the Conservatory at Waterstone with wedding party down steps bride and groom hug under red, white, and pink floral arbor at the Conservatory at Waterstonebride poses with parents who are smiling groom laughs with groomsmen under floral arbor at the Conservatory at Waterstonebridesmaids help bride with veil on the steps at the Conservatory at Waterstonegroom and groomsmen laugh under arbor at the Conservatory at WaterstoneConservatory at Waterstone Wedding Ceremony

Their ceremony was beautiful, full of mementos to those who’ve gone before, beautiful quotes, and LOTS of celebrating by loved ones. If there’s one thing that can really make a ceremony for me, it’s enthusiastic friends & family! The energy is so contagious and I get swept along even more. Ashley & Michael were so moved by it all, too.

father walks bride to ceremony in garden at the Conservatory at Waterstonemother and bridesmaids adjust bride's train during ceremony bride and groom hold hands exchanging vows on steps at the Conservatory at WaterstoneWhat were you most anxious or nervous about regarding your wedding day and how did it turn out?

Michael: I was most anxious about saying my vows. It went well, and I got a few laughs.

Ashley: I was nervous about decor and food. The food was delicious, and the decor was beautiful,

groom places ring on bride's hand during ceremony at the Conservatory at Waterstonebride and groom hand rings and bouquet of best man and maid of honor bride and groom exchange rings during ceremony on steps at the Conservatory at Waterstonebride and groom cheer leaving wedding ceremony Atlanta Wedding Reception

Reception time included a gorgeous and moving tribute to the groom’s mother, who has passed away. Ashley and Michael also had a daughter/father dance that turned into a daughter/son-in-law/bride’s parents dance {SO sweet}. But, my favorite part was definitely the Second Line lead by the couple! I mean you can FEEL that energy in these photos! There’s nothing I enjoy more than watching my couples have a GREAT time at their wedding.

custom wine glasses on sweetheart table groom kisses bride's shoulder during first dance at the Conservatory at Waterstonebride dances with husband at the Conservatory at Waterstonebride and groom hug during first dance at the Conservatory at Waterstonefirst dance with guests around dance floor and on balcony at the Conservatory at WaterstoneIf you could do it all over, would you change anything?

Michael: Reduce number of invitations.

Ashley: Spend less on florals. Etsy has great affordable options.

guests hug on dance floor during reception at the Conservatory at Waterstonebride and father dance during ATL wedding reception groom dances with mother of the bride during ATL wedding reception bride dances with parents and husband at wedding receptionbride dances with parents and husband at wedding receptionfather of the bride kisses bride's hand during toasts Most memorable moment from your wedding day?

Michael: The Second Line

Ashley: The Ceremony at Sunset with the twinkle lights

bride and groom dance at wedding reception in Acworth GAman in silver suit dances during wedding reception in Acworth GAguests twirl napkins during wedding reception in Acworth GAbride leads second line during wedding reception in Acworth GAbride and groom lead second line during wedding reception in Acworth GAbride raises white umbrella during second line at wedding reception in Acworth GAbride's white sneakers during GA wedding reception second line at wedding reception in Acworth GAguests twirl napkin during second line at wedding reception in Acworth GAbride dances with guests during Georgia wedding receptionbaby crawls on floor by bridesmaids in red gowns at Georgia wedding receptionbride and groom dance during Georgia wedding receptionThere was a great dance floor and I was so excited to be a part of this day! Thank you Ashley & Michael for an amazing day – and for asking me to be a part of it all!

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Raven is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer who captures real people on their totally unique and awesome wedding day, specializing in people who feel awkward in front of the camera. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens, North Georgia, and beyond.

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