What Our Top 5 2014 Wedding Moments Look Like

January 7, 2015Wes RobertsComment

From every wedding we get to be witnesses to some of the most memorable and emotional moments in life. We've seen the astonished look on a groom's face as he first views his bride and the father's tearful eye as he dances with his daughter. There have been times when we were nearly brought to tears because you feel the emotion. We wanted to relive the top 5 moments (in no particular order) that we experienced. See if you feel the same.

1. Was from Ashley and Tre's wedding. This was one of the most touching moments. Ashley had given her gift to Tre which were a pair of cufflinks that were engraved with Tre's bestfriend's initials who had passed away.

2. Our second is from Ali and Jared's wedding.

3. Excitement flows in both ways, through tears and joy. We saw both of these in Lindsay and Seth's wedding; it's so warming. We watched as Seth saw Lindsay make her way down the aisle with tears in his eyes and his excitement after the ceremony.

4. From Stacin and Cole's wedding was the parent's dance. Mother son dances are just as touching since I was in that same place as Cole. For moms, they realize that their son is not that little boy that clung to their leg.

Watching Stacin's brother both give her away and do the first dance honors was one of those tear moments.

5. The last moment was one that warmed my heart. This moment was one from Shannon and Tyler's wedding. It was a simple but impactful moment that spoke of their family. Shannon's mom and maid of honor were helping her get her dress on (which had a special meaning as well), and throughout the moment there were times of reflection, love and with this family, laughter. These are the moments that weddings are about.

Our New Beautiful Home {Wes Roberts Photography}

December 29, 2014Wes RobertsComment

On this path of being a photographer, I've tried my hand at many things. To say that I'm just a photographer would be a mistake and running a small business forces you into many rolls that you are not made to do, nor good at. I've had to try my hand at learning code (only to be confused at this insane language), web design (only to learn I know nothing about what goes into making things pretty), logo design (can I say that I compiled all the logos I've had in the past and realized how hideous they were), accounting, editing, and everything else that can get you into a mess.

Here's some previous logo work I personally did; I told you they were hot messes. Swoopies and curlies and just plain bad font. I'll hang out in the corner with my head down.

I put this out there because, I've always wanted a site that I could be proud of. I'd change something here and there and finish only to find myself unsatisfied with the look and feel. I would have invested a weeks worth of time to be sick of what I had crafted. Before I go any further with this, let me introduce you to Whitlee. This woman is one of the sweetest, loving and caring people I've known. I'd call her a magical design person, with the eye of one who can entrance the world with her design talents (yes that good). I've worked with Whit on lots of styled shoots and had the chance to see what she was capable of and loved it. So, why not entrust her to rebrand the look of Wes Roberts Photography; hey, she could say one magical code word and do far better than I could.

One thing I've learned over the years of running a business, is get out of the way. In the E Myth, Michael Gerber notes that in order for your business to succeed the way it should you need to, get yourself out of the way. If accounting is the issue, don't take it on yourself, entrust it to a professional accountant. If design is the issue, don't take it on yourself (it will look hideous, unless you're a designer), entrust it to a professional web designer. I preach this all the time, if photographer matters, don't try and do it yourself, entrust it to a professional photographer who knows what they are doing. So, I got out of the way and let Whit do her thing.

We started with the logo, which as you've seen above needed MUCH work! Then we worked on the site to bring a cohesiveness to the whole look and match what my photography work portrayed and my personality. I look at the site and can say, yep, I am satisfied with it. I love my new site. I love the way it shows off my clients and their moments. I love the way it feels. As we take our next step into 2015, what better way to start it than with a stunning new web home.

So now my doting message to my amazing designer...

Whit, you are amazing and I love you to death. Thank you for your time and talents as well as your friendship! Your willingness to harness your OCD tendencies which drives you to make sure everything is perfect. Your adeptness to your craft will lead you to your dreams and I can't wait to see it transpire. On a fun note, I am honored to get to shoot your wedding in a couple of days. I can't wait!

To see more of Whit's work and get in the head of knowledgeable web designer, check out her site at www.whitleemullis.com

Mallory and Drew {Featured Wedding} Columbus, GA Wedding Photographers

December 19, 2014FEATURED WEDDINGSWes RobertsComment

Mallory and Drew

Ceremony: Mountain Brook Baptist Church

Reception Venue: Regions Field

Cakes: Publix

Catering: Regions Field

Music: 3rd Generation

It was so great getting to hanging out with Mallory and Drew on their wedding day in Birmingham. From the beginning to end, the day was filled with laughter and love. It was such an honor to have joined in with their excitement.

Some Quick Marriage Thoughts After 9 Years

December 10, 2014Wes RobertsComment

As I eased into bed last night about 12:30, I tried my best to be as quiet as possible. By the low light of my phone I could catch a glimpse of my Meg sleeping and it brought such great comfort to me. For the past 9 years she has been by my side and every morning with the exception of a handful (really) I have been blessed and reminded of such a great gift that was presented to me. There have been thousands of laughs, and just as many tears, moments we have hung as our greatest and times we have fought fears, trials, acts of selfishness and so many things that could have driven us apart. Every day I try to keep in mind, “treat her as Christ treats the church”. It’s hard and I fail many times, but thankfully she is just as much filled with grace and forgiveness as Jesus.

As I type this, I’m thinking about the amazing qualities that I’ve seen in Meg over the past 9 years: grace, compassion, determination, love, hospitality, friendship, and there are so many more. Even through this marriage, I have found one who champions me and believes in me and even today it astonishes me how God matched us together. While our weaknesses are each other strengths, it propels us to not give up. I struggle in believing in myself and she speaks words that refresh me and keeps me going; Meg struggles with….well, I can’t think of one.;) Yep, and even in our irritating habits we find that we miss them and find joy in them (although I don’t think she likes that I leave crumbs in the chip bag to save for when I want the crumbs, but hey).

I will say that in the 9 years that have passed, we have had some exciting moments and it elates me even more to think of what’s ahead and to share them with you (Meg). You are my life, and I couldn’t imagine it without you. Thank you for every effort you make to enrich my life and ours as a family. I am humbled and honored to call you my wife.

This is one of my favorite pictures of us; so much it has stayed in the truck for 9 years.  It was right as we had arrived to our hotel in Atlanta from the wedding.  I was amazed at how many hair pins were packed into Meg’s hair, they jus

This was from one of Meg’s sorority (Chi Omega) formals

And one of the fun times at Disney when we could do stuff we wanted….you know, before kids ruined it.

Kristin and Taylor {Featured Wedding} Columbus, GA Wedding Photographers

December 6, 2014FEATURED WEDDINGSWes RobertsComment

We can’t say enough about this wedding! Our history with Kristin and her family goes back a couple of year when we were blessed to cover Kristin’s sister’s wedding, Erin and Jared. We have loved them ever since and when Kristin contacted us we were so excited. Taylor, you are one lucky man to join in with this family, but you probably know that already! The details that Kristin and Taylor pulled into the wedding truly speak of their style; Toms and Chucks made the bridal party feel at ease. Kristin even wore her mother’s veil that was lovingly made 43 years ago by her grandmother. At the Motes barn where the reception was held, the Ryan Alan Band provided the background music that led the night in laughter and fun. And if you like donuts, the Mr. and Mrs. provided a little bit of glazed joy for their guests to enjoy. Guys, thank you so much for allowing us to serve you again and experience your hospitality!

Ceremony: Hephzibah Baptist Church

Reception: Motes Barn

Floral Designer: June Flowers

Cake Artist: Becky Linguiti

Catering: Jeff Grosenbach

Music: Ryan Alan Band

INSTAGRAM FEED:

This group right here has been nothing but 🔥🔥🔥! They just claimed the area championship and now heading to burn a trail to the title! Congrats Team 26!!! @chsreddevilsb

We’ve had a few slots open up for Sunday’s Mother’s Day Mini session. If you’d like join us you can use the link below to schedule a slot. https://square.site/book/2WVRFVYVD808R/wes-roberts-photography-smiths-station-al

I’m teaming up with Robin’s Nest Boutique to offer Mother’s Day mini session on Sunday, May 7th. Come join us! $100: up to 10 digital photos & $50 RNB gift card *one immediate family per time slot https://square.site/book/2WVRFVYVD808R/wes-roberts-photography-smiths-station-al

Continuing on with the “Life to Space” AI series here are a few of the ordinary moments in the extraordinary. You still have to have coffee. I’m loving the ability to create the imaginable with a “pen to paper” (used very loosely) technology. Ideas just fly into my head and as quickly I’m trying to see what it might look like. Im finding that I’m having to use my photography and art director skills the same for the concept, look and emotional feel to achieve the look I want. Again this is all AI generated by me telling it what I wanted. More to come from this series #AIart #midjourney #space #spaceexploration #thefuture #lifeinspace

I don’t really know what to do with this yet, meaning if it stays on this account or not, but I wanted to share anyway. Watching yesterday’s rocket launch made me think about the possibility of what it’s like to live in space. While it would be extraordinary years down the road to have a completely different lifestyle. Yet in the extraordinary there are the ordinary moments. I wanted to play around with a new technology to see what these extraordinary and ordinary moments might look like together. So, here is a look at life in space brought to us by AI. The emotions of what it’s like to prepare to leave to the actual departure. Could you imagine? #aiart #midjourney #space #spaceexploration #thefuture #lifeinspace To be upfront, everything that you see here was created by artificial intelligence and the platform Midjourney. Most everything you see was typed in as a description to the way that I wanted it. This has to be one of the most amazing and powerful technologies in the art world right now and will possibly change the landscape of art as we know it. I believe the future as a photographer/artist will be finding a way to unite traditional art with this new technology. I don’t believe fighting against it will do any good but learning how to embrace it and evolve will unlock the creativity of our minds in a way that we could never imagine.

Just some of the seniors I’ve been able to photograph over the years. These images tell their story and who they are and were. It’s the power of our stories that allow us to relate and connect. I am so thankful that I’ve been blessed with providing images like these to seniors and parents to cherish and look back on, remembering their senior year. 2024, let’s tell your story!

Here is another fun product shot that is surprising once you see the behind the scene. Sometimes simplifying the shot is the best so that the product is the main focus. The fun part about this is that the checkered background isn’t a backsplash but is the inside cover of one of my son’s nascar books. If you are a small biz owner with products that need some life in your pictures, reach out to me and let’s see how I can help. Btw, what’s your favorite hot sauce? Cholula Hot Sauce

So here is my behind the scenes on my setup for the Perfectly Posh lotion shot. Just as simple as a Pyrex dish, some blue printer paper and lifting the dish to move the water. I’ve always loved the challenge of trying to capture a wide range of subjects. I feel like if I can get the lighting concept down, add the creative touch, and keep the end use of the shot in mind, I’ll be able to photograph whatever my client's needs and be a more well-rounded photographer. Would you have guessed the setup would have looked like this? Wait till you see the next product shot I share and the BTS.

It’s always fun to play around and photograph different things. This came in one of my Meg’s (my wife) order boxes, so i decided to see what I could do with it. Just a fun beachy vibe. Btw, check out @innov8tive_posh, Meg raves about their products. Check back for a behind the scenes shot on the next post, you might be surprised how I photographed this.

I love it when I’m blessed with opportunities to photograph people/families over the years. Tabitha and CW are one of those blessings. Since Tab was in high school I’ve been able to photograph her senior pictures. Then I was able to photograph her and CW’s engagement session and wedding, and now as they are expecting their firstborn. We were able to meet up for some beautiful shots around Callaway and Pine Mountain. I am so excited for them and this next stage of life! Give them a congratulations! Btw, If you haven’t seen the work @callawaygardens has put in on the daffodils and tulips, you really need to check it out! Their hard work has really paid off. #wesphotography #alabamaphotography #georgiaphotography #couplesphotography #maternityshoot