Dreamy Backyard Wedding in Atlanta // Hakan & Sandy

Hakan & Sandy’s wedding day was such a dream. Everything about the day was true to them, who they were, and what they valued. From holding their wedding in their beautiful backyard to the drinks reception pre-ceremony to welcome their guests, everything was directed towards playing host to their loved ones and caring for them. Honestly, their entire wedding day just felt like it was a big house party with a super tight knit community. It was the best vibe for Hakan & Sandy – and I loved being a part of the celebration. Early on in the planning process, Sandy {a fellow photographer} told me how much she valued candid moments – and it was such a nice moment to hear how our visions of wedding days aligned. I couldn’t wait for their backyard wedding in Atlanta to arrive. 

Getting Ready

Backyard Wedding Ceremony in Atlanta 

With the help of the incredible Johnnie of Johnnie & Co., Hakan & Sandy brought their wedding vision to life at home. They had beautifully arranged white chairs and couches out for everyone to lounge, whether in the trees with the wisteria blowing in the wind. Hakan & Sandy dreamed up a beautiful white flower wall ceremony backdrop and it was stunning! Placed right in the center of their lush garden, it was truly the perfect backdrop for their vows. Hakan & Sandy are lucky to have many friends in the creative industry and many brought along their own cameras to photograph and video record their wedding day. Even throughout the ceremony, it felt like we were paparazzi – in  the best way. It was such a fun vibe! 

For the ceremony itself, Hakan & Sandy wanted to include their kids. Sandy’s sons walked her down the aisle and Hakan’s daughter and son stood with them at the ceremony. It was so special and very meaningful to their families! To top it off, one of their friends officiated the ceremony – and he was hilarious. It was truly perfect! 

Most memorable moment from your wedding day?

I’d have to say when our actual officiant showed up an hour late due to a family emergency. We were officially married while I was in the chair, having my hair and makeup done! A surreal moment, for sure, but definitely in keeping with our relationship.

What did you love about your venue/wedding location?

Our wedding location was our home, and I loved having so many family and friends there to enjoy it with us. We had people fly in from all over the world to celebrate with us, and it was such an amazing experience to open our home to everyone.

Backyard Wedding Portraits

Hakan & Sandy really wanted to focus on the candid moments of their wedding day. But, we still planned for some new family portraits and posed portraits of the newlyweds. I’m here to capture what YOU want on your wedding day – and I’ll never force you into hours of photos if that’s not what you want. I’m so happy that Hakan & Sandy trusted me to capture what mattered most to them. 

What were you most anxious or nervous about regarding your wedding day and how did it turn out?

Getting my dress zipped! My amazing seamstress kept pronouncing the dress “too loose” at every fitting. When I arrived to pick it up, it was *snug.* Needless to say, the zipper held through the evening, the dress looked gorgeous, and no wardrobe malfunctions occurred.

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

Don’t drive yourself crazy on the details; they aren’t what you’ll remember from the day. Do only the things that you really love, and toss the rest aside. Make your wedding personal; it doesn’t need to look exactly like everyone else’s.

Atlanta Wedding Reception

The rest of the evening had a whiskey tasting station, with take-home bottles wrapped with ribbons and evil eyes of protection. Hakan actually barrels the whiskey himself, so he was thrilled to get to talk about it with all of their guests! They had a live singer for their ceremony and cocktail hour. I love that Hakan & Sandy wanted to spend time mingling during their cocktail hour. The celebration was definitely about them AND their community. We focused on letting them enjoy their day and their time and I was happy to sink into the background.

As I mentioned, Hakan & Sandy have long-lived in the photography world, so they had a ton of amazingly talented photographers at their wedding, all shooting for fun, which was so lovely to be amidst. I love the creative energy that comes from being surrounded by fellow artists. The entire wedding day just felt fun and full of the best kind of energy. Oh, and did I mention I got to meet a long-time photography hero Zach Arias at this wedding? My face hurt from grinning so much, it was truly an inspirational moment. 

Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for their wedding photos?

Talk to your photographer! Discuss the types of pics you want/don’t want. Let them get a sense of your personalities. An event as special and intimate as a wedding shouldn’t be cookie-cutter. Get the images you truly want and will value in years to come. The right photographer for you will be an artist who shares your vision, and is willing to toss out the standard shot list to make that happen.

Hakan & Sandy, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your community and to photograph your beautiful wedding day! 

Atlanta Wedding Vendors

Planner: Johnnie & Co. Events

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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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