Siera & James’ elopement was so true to them, which is what I think all celebrations should be. I really loved planning it together! We planned a day that centered around them tying the knot in Marietta Square while exploring and celebrating their love story. The entire day was a blast {even with the heat} and I’m so happy for Siera and James!
They met up at their apartment after dressing separately. I hung out with James and their dog while he got ready. After Siera got home and got ready herself, they had a casual first look moment while finishing getting ready. Many of my couples have been doing a less formal first look reveal and I’m here for it. It was so sweet. During that moment, James helped Siera finish getting ready with her shoes and jewelry.
Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
After bidding adieu to the doggo, we drove to the Marietta Square and the courthouse {one of my favorite spots}. They had a ceremony time picked out with the judge. We were filed in with a few other couples and everyone was married at once, such a neat experience. I’ve never been a part of that before but it was super cool: a quick ceremony, ring exchange, and a kiss. Then Siera and James were pronounced as married!
Most memorable moment from your wedding day?
The ceremony and how real it was.
Marietta Square Elopement Portraits
From there, we wandered Marietta Square, which is ALWAYS alive with new things to see and do. We hit the fountain in the middle, the Strand, any neat colors or light or textures we found, and then took a break for root beer floats at a parlor across the square. I love that this was something they love doing together, giving the experience even more meaning. Plus it gave us a super nice break from the heat this summer and allowed them to relax a bit and soak in the day. Having moments of slowing down are so important on wedding day and can be hard to come by! It’s one of the reasons I love elopements like this.
What did you love about your venue/wedding location?
We loved how intimate it was and how many great places there were to take unique pictures.
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
Do what you want, don’t worry about what other people want.
Finally, and most importantly, we wrapped by hitting the top of a nearby parking deck with a great view. It was here that Siera & James exchanged their personal vows with only myself as a witness! It’s an honor to get to experience these important and lovely moments with my couples.
Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for their wedding photos?
Find a photographer that will be understanding of how you are and give you great directions.
Congratulations again, Siera and James. I’m so happy for you both!
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.
Finally, and most importantly, we wrapped by hitting the top of a nearby parking deck with a great view. It was here that Siera & James exchanged their personal vows with only myself as a witness! It’s an honor to get to experience these important and lovely moments with my couples.
