Cindy & Jeff’s love story enchanted me immediately. It was the most 2020 story I’d ever heard, or likely will ever hear, and I REALLY need someone to make a movie out of it! Cindy was looking for a roommate to move in, Jeff was looking to move in somewhere. They met up to see if they’d be a good fit and it was instant fireworks. Jeff moved in after the initial meeting where they realized they’d make great roommates, and only a few short months later they found themselves quarantining at home together. Their feelings grew stronger and stronger until finally they admitted those feelings and the two became a couple. One year later, in front of an audience of some of their closest friends and family at a lakeside home, they married!
I loved these two pretty immediately. They said all the things couples say when I know we’re going to get along famously, like not being “a typical couple” and wanting to keep things relaxed and fun and take the stress off of their people. My couples want their loved ones to have a great time, for their day to be laidback and a hell of a good time, so this Lake Blue Ridge wedding was so up my alley.
The point of getting ready photos, for me, is way less about the pretty shots of makeup being applied. Instead, it’s way more about capturing what was going on while you were readying. About the people who were with you, the laughter or tears that came, when you see your fancy-ass self in the mirror for the first time and you’re so psyched about the look. It’s about the important pieces you chose to keep on your person that day. Maybe it’s an heirloom that’s been passed down or the completely rad shoes you picked out because they just sang to you. {Or maybe it’s your amazingly loyal and precious dog, like Cindy had in Max!}
First Look
When Cindy and Jeff were each ready, I stole them away for a first look underneath the house’s porch, and then we went exploring. This house had so many amazing spots, like the boatdock with the stunning view of the sky, lake, and mountains. Like the path up from the water and around the side, with how the light struck the beautiful plants and flowers along the walk. Like the bits of forest along the driveway and, my personal favorite, the incredibly cute and cozy little a-frame room on the top floor.
What were you most anxious or nervous about regarding your wedding day and how did it turn out?
Honestly, our anxiety was really the week of and getting everything together for our “destination” (i.e. 2 hrs north) wedding weekend. Once we were there – it just kinda flowed naturally.
Lake Blue Ridge Wedding Ceremony
Their ceremony was officiated by a friend of the couple, and the three of them stood at the bottom of the porch while the guests stood at the top. It was kind of a reversal of what you often see at weddings and it worked perfectly! Everyone had a fantastic view from the upper porch but the couple still had a sense of being in a world all their own together. {Plus Max!}
Most memorable moment from your wedding day?
Cindy: Watching our friends and family just surround us with joy, love and support.
Jeff: Knowing that I was behind him and being silly just eased the tension of the upcoming ceremony.
Low Boil & Reception
Afterwards came some really chill time while everyone hugged and congratulated the couple, and then eventually came the low boil on the back porch. I love a low boil, it’s such a fantastic and simple meal for a wedding! After everyone had toasted and eaten their fill, we closed the night by releasing memorial lanterns off the boat dock. It was a beautiful and touching ceremony, the perfect way to honor those who are no longer with us.
What did you love about your venue/wedding location?
That we were able to house/host nearly our entire wedding list of select friends and family.
Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for their wedding photos?
Be honest with your photographer. Tell her the dark truth of your insecurities (hate your double chin, etc.) so that you know that she has your back on your actual wedding day.
Lantern Release
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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.
I felt like our day was unique and special and perfect for us. Never once did I feel like this was just another wedding for you.
Caroline & Conor
As people (and queer folks) who aren't immediately comfortable with posing/having our picture taken, getting to work with Raven was such a gift.
Sarah & Tristan
Raven is a wonderful person with an energy that made us feel relaxed and okay to be ourselves; catching all of the action without making you feel that a camera is following you around.
Sarah & Tristan
Raven is a great photographer, capturing my husband and I so effortlessly and catching epic candid moments of us and our guests.
Molly & Adam
These are SO FANTASTIC and exactly what we envisioned!!! Thank you for capturing us and our family and friends so well, we are eternally grateful!!!
I’m Raven Shutley — Atlanta wedding and elopement photographer obsessed with catching the “holy shit!” magic you’ll brag about for decades. 17+ years. 250+ love-soaked, champagne-soaked, sometimes-rain-soaked weddings. Zero boring ones.
The best days are full of “did that really happen?” moments and quiet ones alike: yelling vows over a waterfall, grandma losing her mind over your shoes, strangers cheering you on in the street. A dad-turned-unofficial paparazzi, a sibling choking up mid-speech, that deep breath the moment you realize you’re married.
The goal? A full story that’s wild, real, beautiful — so anyone looking at your photos feels like they were there.
