This wedding at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia was insanely perfect. Somehow, La’Keyla found me in the abyss of Instagram last year in the middle of the pandemic and she mentioned to me that she was nervous. Planning a wedding while the entire United States is shut down can be a bit… less than encouraging..!?? Despite the challenges, she stayed optimistic and both she and Phil were excited to get married.

What La’Keyla didn’t know is I’d recently seen a wedding at TPC Sugarloaf and was OBSESSED with the venue. Couple that with the fact that these two are pretty much the chillest couple on earth– like, inside, y’all– I was DYING for her to book me.

Okay, maybe not dying. But seriously anxious. And the moment she said we were making it official I was on FIRE!! READY to go.

Getting Ready – TPC Sugarloaf Wedding

I don’t know if you missed their engagement session, but it rained the ENTIRE time. And not like drizzle… It basically drenched us. We spent some of the time on a covered bridge, some time under the bridge itself, and finally ventured into the rain for a second before high-fiving and taking cover in our cars. I knew their wedding was going to be amazing because during that engagement session, neither of them complained a bit; they were down for the adventure.

Although these two are surrounded by friends, they chose to keep their wedding intimate. The guest list was small and they didn’t have a wedding party, but they sure had folks loving on them all day!! In fact, La’Keyla’s niece was silently behind us, watching every move her aunt made, seemingly dreaming of her own wedding.

In the begging of the day, before La’Kayla got dressed, we got probably an hour behind schedule. The coolest part?? You wouldn’t have known! The incredible vendor team (HUGE shout out to the coordinator!!!) kept plans fluid and worked together seamlessly. It was awesome!

Best of all: these two stayed relaxed, obviously basking in the beautiful day God had gifted them

Once their First Look rolled around, everything fell into place.

First Look – TPC Sugarloaf Wedding

They spent some private time reading vows to each other, and quietly talked about how excited they were to be getting married. I remember them both asking about the schedule, and then giggling a little… Just happy to be together, secretly, while their guests arrived on the other side of the venue.

Private. Intimate. Secret. Special. THAT’S what I love about First Looks.

After these two laughed and giggled and played their way through their First Look, we tucked them away in their own private quarters, to prepare for their ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony at TPC Sugarloaf

At the beginning of their ceremony, their Officiant had a moment of silence for La’Keyla’s grandma and it was at that moment I realized how special Grandma Martha was. La’Keyla held pushed back tears while Phil held her hand and their friends and family prayed. It was beautiful.

Wedding Reception at TPC Sugarloaf

((Pssst… THIS is what every bride wants from her friends when her photographer blasts a Sneak Peek for everyone at the reception!!!))

La’Keyla and Phil: Thank you SO much for trusting me to capture this absolutely precious season of your life. I wish you two blessings and cannot wait to follow your story. I’ll see you two shortly, when your full gallery is ready!!!

love,
Rocheal

(P.S. Brides, if you’re still looking for *any* vendors- this ENTIRE list is full of STELLAR options. I’ve never recommended every single person on a list before, but this time?? GOLD.)

Bride’s Wedding Dress	David’s Bridal- Buford
Officiant	Melinda Guess
Hair stylist	Lindsey Lou
Makeup Artist	B. Gandy
Florist	Flower Talk
Ceremony & Reception venue + Catering	TPC Sugarloaf
DJ/Band	DJ Connection
Cake	Bohemian Bakery
Invitations	Etsy: PenelopesPaperPantry
Second Shooter	Stephen Armstrong