Spring and summer are lovely in North Georgia, and there are so many amazing vineyards to choose from if your wedding design is leaning towards a romantic outdoor affair. We do most of our vineyard weddings quite honestly in the fall, however, due to the brilliant foliage that abounds in that area as well. In any case, looking out over rows of promising fruit, wandering down through the soft greens and twisted vines, makes for timeless wedding images. This particular location for one of our fall weddings last year is actually between Sylva and Dillsboro, NC, at a place called The Cellars at Betty’s Creek. Great location for family reunions as well. The view at night, with a full moon rising over the Blue Ridge Mountains off the front porch is breathtaking. Click here to see more.
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Vineyards as Venues
Love in the Dominican Republic
Thinking about a destination wedding or looking for an amazing place to escape the rush of life? We were fortunate enough to travel to Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic this year to photograph a lovely wedding and it is the perfect spot to relax, celebrate and be amazed by the beauty of nature with top-notch service to top it off.
When we met Leah and Axel last year, we were smitten with their laid back attitude and love of all things horse. Both are excellent riders, and large animal vets. We scheduled their engagement session to be with, and around, horses which seemed logical, and immediately put them both at ease.
They talked about their upcoming wedding out of the country, and we were so excited for them. Originally they planned to use a photographer provided by the venue in the Dominican Republic. But when the engagement session photos came back, they made the decision to take us with them on their wedding day adventure, and off we went. Travel to the Dominican Republic is not terribly taxing. You can fly commercially into either Santo Domingo, the main airport, or into smaller venues, like the airport at La Romana, which is where we elected to fly due to the amount of equipment we were carrying. Tiffany at Global Escapes in Athens made all our arrangements and it all went off without a hitch.
The villa we stayed in was so very lovely, with birds and blooms everywhere that were visible through wrap around windows. Our cook, Josie, was precious, and after telling her we wanted to eat ‘local’ she plied us with the most amazing meals every day. The water was clear and cool – a welcome change from the heat of the day. You had your choice of the luxurious pool with swim-up bar service or the cabana’s by the ocean. And the staff was so accommodating. We got quite spoiled! The main mode of transportation in Casa de Campo, which is where the wedding was held, is by golf cart. Suited us just fine (except the day when we went exploring and it decided to rain on us like crazy!). We got to see the world at a cart’s pace which was great because the homes as well as the natural environment were amazing.
It was a very multicultural group, so we listened to conversations all night in French, Spanish, Portuguese and of course English. Delightful! It was a perfect setting for the wedding as the bride’s family is in Miami, while the groom is from Argentina.
The food was spot on, as the chef for the rehearsal dinner dining spot was trained at the renowned Le Cirque restaurant in New York. The wedding stage was built especially for the wedding, and dismantled the very next day. Talented carpenters to be sure.
Leah and Axel made to incorporate local traditions by including local performers, a hand rolled cigar station at the wedding and mojitos made with delicious Dominican rum. Both of which are readily available on the island.
At the eastern point of Case de Campo sits Altos de Chavon, a liberal arts school and village overlooking the Chavon River.
Fashioned after a 16th century European city, its winding steps and cobble stoned footpaths were magical at night under the stars. What a fabulous place to study the arts! We will miss Casa de Campo, hope to go back and highly recommend it to anyone looking to stage the perfect Destination Wedding! And thank you again, Global Escapes for making our trip smooth and safe.
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To All the Women in Our Lives
We wanted to say ‘thank you’ from the bottom of our hearts to all the women no matter the age, that we have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with over the years. It has brought us so much joy, laughter and a few happy tears. But we wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. Relationships are so very important, and we hope that in some small way we have enabled people we photograph an opportunity to hang on to special moments and stages of their lives. It is returned ten fold.
ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS AND WE HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION
Mothers Day is this Sunday, and you’re running out of time for thoughtful gift giving. Not to worry – you can call (706.227.3777) or email (info@zoom-works.com) the studio, we’ll issue you a ZBucks certificate* in any denomination good towards a portrait session of her choice that you can print out or pick up by Friday. Bonus….you get $50 of ZBucks FREE added to any ZBucks purchase of $50 or more. So if you buy $50, you really get $100, buy $75 and you really get $125. This is a GREAT deal, and it’s only good for the first 20 to write or call, so don’t wait. You know she’d love it!
*Certificates may be redeemed for up to one year from date of purchase. May not be combined with any other special. Sessions are for studio and local Athens locations. Travel fees may apply if other locations are desired.
ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS AND WE HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION
Mothers Day is this Sunday, and you’re running out of time for thoughtful gift giving. Not to worry – you can call (706.227.3777) or email (info@zoom-works.com) the studio, we’ll issue you a ZBucks certificate* in any denomination good towards a portrait session of her choice that you can print out or pick up by Friday. Bonus….you get $50 of ZBucks FREE added to any ZBucks purchase of $50 or more. So if you buy $50, you really get $100, buy $75 and you really get $125. This is a GREAT deal, and it’s only good for the first 20 to write or call, so don’t wait. You know she’d love it!
*Certificates may be redeemed for up to one year from date of purchase. May not be combined with any other special. Sessions are for studio and local Athens locations. Travel fees may apply if other locations are desired.
My Trip to Colorado
Recently I was lucky enough to travel with a dear friend, Chip Coffey, to Colorado. Estes, Colorado to be exact and we stayed at the Stanley Hotel of The Shining (Stephen King) fame. I learned a few things on this trip, like The Stanley Hotel was named after Mr. F.O. Stanley, the man who built it, and who designed the Stanley Steamer automobile. Had no idea. And that The Shining, the movie, directed by Stanley Kubrick, did NOT please Mr. King, so there was a mini series of the same name done subsequently. The Shining was filmed at a hotel in Washington State, with interiors shot in London, England, and the series was actually filmed on location at this hotel.
It is very haunted. And there is a pet cemetery on property (see photo) that gave Stephen King the idea for the book/movie of the same name. The trip was so much fun, and best of all, it snowed for a day which was awesome since we didn’t have a winter in Georgia. The big elk leisurely grazing through the front lawn was pretty neat, too. All in all, glad I went, and would love to go back.
Oh, and the new owner of the hotel is going for a Guinness Book of Records for the largest selection of whiskey in the world. Anyone with a passion for this brown liquid should take note!!! You might even get a glimpse of Mr. Stanley’s ghost bellying up to the bar late in the evening seeing that everyone is having a grand time!
Beach Photo Sessions Are Back!
Every year we try to get away to one of our favorite places in Georgia, St Simons Island, to photograph families, brides and couples in the most relaxed and beautiful surroundings. We go to the beach early morning or late afternoon, down to the docks, the marsh, local parks or even to your vacation home if you prefer – or a combination of any of the above!
The dates for this year have been set and spots are booking quickly. Available bookings: July 1st (pm) and July 2nd (am and pm) – in advance of the 4th of July crowds. Contact the studio directly and join us for some sand, sea and smiling memories! 706.227.3777 or email us at info@zoom-works.com.
10 Days Left to Make This Mother’s Day the Most Special EVER!
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and to really make her day you need to act now! This year, give her a meaningful gift that she will truly treasure and it’s super easy for you! Our loyal clients have galleries full of favorite images through the years. And though you may have some framed around the house, or an album or two displayed on the coffee table, how wonderful would it be to present her with ‘wearable art’ of her favorite moments! We are offering two exclusive Kotori designs: beautiful sterling silver charm bracelets with sterling silver photo charms, hand-made and waterproof. And the best part is that you can add charms/images to it every year from new sessions, making it her most favorite piece of jewelry and a special heirloom to pass on!
Orders placed by April 23rd will be guaranteed for delivery by Mothers Day (after April 23 rush charges apply). We can ship to any address. We can help you decide which images will look best and handle the design and ordering for you all online. Call today or send us an email and we’ll take care of the rest. 706-227-3777 or info@zoom-works.com
Jewelry not her thing, but pictures are? We have Z bucks in any denomination good towards any style portrait session (family, haute shots, corporate, pets, et al) and with the purchase of any Z-buck (no minimum purchase) by May 10th for Mother’s Day the recipient will also receive $50 off their art package. Win brownie points with all the special “moms” in your life.
Just call us and we’ll handle getting the certificate printed and mailed to you or to them, whichever you prefer. Credit cards accepted. 706.227.3777 info@zoom-works.com. We look forward to helping you make this the most special Mother’s Day ever.
Deep Gene Pool
What do all these gals have in common? If you said ‘beauty’, you’d be right. If you said ‘being sweet and considerate’, you’d also be right. But if you said ‘they’re sisters’, you’d win the prize!!!!!!
We have had the pleasure of photographing this gorgeous family for years – and we look forward to many, many more opportunities for them to shine!
Dark Nite
From the heat of the fire we spin in space like embers – sparks of life swirling above the flames
Touching
Floating apart
Lifting upward
Drawn like moths to the Moon
-msw
