Community-Based Pine Log United Methodist Church Wedding // Chelsea & Hunter

A lot of my couples tend to be community-based, and that’s no accident: these are some of the kinds of people I love working with. So when I say that Chelsea & Hunter’s wedding was the warmest and most community-based wedding I’ve had? Possibly ever? You know I mean it. Every minute of their Pine Log United Methodist Church wedding was a joy. Every minute you’d find people working to make sure Chelsea & Hunter were having a fantastic day, every minute you’d find a meaningful look or moment or detail. It was glorious.

Getting Ready at the Church & First Look

I love a wedding where you instantly feel comfortable, even {especially} coming in as a stranger. The day began with these two getting ready in separate rooms across the hall from each other in the little country church that Chelsea grew up going to. It was so special to be with them in a place that means a lot to Chelsea and her family.

They had their first look just outside, on a little path that leads from the sanctuary to the old cabins in the back, a path we took to shoot their portraits. It was absolutely perfect – and their reactions were amazing. I LOVE those first look moments and all of the joy on my couples’ faces.

What did you love about your venue/wedding location?

Chelsea- There’s an awesome tunnel on the road right before the church, and the church grounds themselves are so picturesque. The reception space was decorated by the people that love us the most, which made it that much more beautiful to me.

Hunter- We covered an ugly room divider with twinkle light curtains and cheap metallic gold stars, and it turned out so beautifully. Also watching our family help us pull the space together was really meaningful.

Pine Log United Methodist Church Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony for Chelsea & Hunter was full of emotion. Chelsea’s brothers all played her into the ceremony, her dad walked her in, her mom ran and {so thoughtfully} grabbed the forgotten bouquet. If that weren’t enough, her sister stood up with her, and her childhood youth pastor officiated the ceremony. I have a handful of favorite moments from this ceremony: the moment these two took to allow for all the photos in the world before asking that everyone turn off their devices and stay present with them. The “ring bear” coming down the aisle with the flower/confetti girl and heaving confetti of his own out of his jacket pockets with a flourish. And their chosen unity ceremony, which included passing out pieces of bread they had backed the night before in an act of service and bonding and welcome to their loved ones and their community. It was such a special, meaningful ceremony.

Most memorable moment from your wedding day?

Chelsea- Our vows! We wrote them separately and didn’t share them beforehand, and they ended up complementing one another so very well.

Hunter- Uhhh. Being married.

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?

Chelsea – Even though it makes a great story now, I would hire a different caterer!

Hunter- I wouldn’t change a single thing. Even the craziness allowed us to experience the love of our community.

Relaxed & Fun Wedding Reception

The reception was laidback and a blast. Full of board games, lots of silly photos in the photo booth, fancy sodas {get yourself some huckleberry soda, friends}, local Mexican food, cupcakes, and more music provided by the family. Chelsea & Hunter really focused on what they wanted their reception to be – and created just that. To me, that’s what your celebration should be about. Even with the catering mishap, the evening was a blast.

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

Chelsea- I was extremely nervous that something would go wrong- and it did! The catering didn’t show up, and when we called the restaurant they said they had no record of our order. But it turned out fine! My sister-in-law came to the rescue and rushed to a different local restaurant and begged them to make us enough food for 60 people- and they did!

Hunter- Oh, I wasn’t anxious about anything.

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

Chelsea- Spend the money on what matters the most. I wanted fun games, delicious cupcakes, and brilliant photos. That’s where we focused our money and attention, and no one cared that we didn’t buy seat covers for the folding chairs or have a fancy seated dinner. Also, if you surround yourself by people who love you, it’ll all turn out okay even if a catastrophe pops up.

Hunter- Even if the food doesn’t show up, it will end up okay.

Nighttime Portraits in the Rain in Georgia

To cap off the night, Chelsea & Hunter traipsed out into the drizzle with me for some epic portraits at the bridge tunnel. Shooting outside at night in the rain is one of my favorite things to do, and I’m so glad we got to do it! It was truly the perfect way to end my night with Chelsea & Hunter! Congratulations, you two!

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

Chelsea- Relax. I’m a naturally anxious person anyway, so I felt very frazzled and pulled in a million directions while getting ready. Then it all kind of faded away and I knew everything would be okay. Also, if you’ve hired Raven, you have nothing to worry about. She was so wonderful and supportive through the entire process. As a plus-size bride, I worked hard to make sure I wouldn’t feel the need to find a perfect pose that hid my body or made me look a certain way. Raven never once made me feel self conscious about myself or like she was posing me. When I look at the pictures she took, I see the joy and love we have for each other, and we are both beautiful.

Hunter- Hire Raven. Then relax and let her do her thing.

Rydal, GA Wedding Vendors

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Pine Log United Methodist Church
Florist: French Market Flowers
Caterer’s: Moe’s
Bakery: Heaven Scent Cupcakes
Attire: Amazon
Rings: Rob & Lean

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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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