The first thing people ask me when they learn I’m a wedding photographer is, “Do you work with a lot of bridezillas?” They’re always surprised and a little disappointed (from that voyeuristic point of view) when I tell them the couples I work with have all been pretty wonderful. Valerie and Chris were particularly so. Their wedding at Atlanta Botanical Gardens hit on that day in October when we woke to really cold weather (at least by Atlanta fall standards). I dug out my long sleeve wedding shirt and packed my sweater and Matt (my husband, who is my current assistant for those who don’t know) did the same. The wedding was supposed to be outside in one of the smaller gardens as they had a nicely intimate group of participants (22 people). Unfortunately, the weather just was not cooperating. My lens kept fogging over as I went in and out of the Orchid Conservatory and the violinist was very worried about making dulcet tones on 40 degree strings. As a result, they moved inside to a tropical climate and it was just lovely. The reception was in the lower space at 103 West – a really nice room for a small group. The reception culminated with the announcement, by Chris, of the honeymoon destination. Check out one of the photos below to see his last clue sent to Valerie the morning of the wedding along with a long stem red rose. All the days participants worked at some point on the riddle and Chris – who is way clever – announced Belize to the waiting group over dinner. A couple of people had guessed that, but they hadn’t put all the clues together, which was a big part of the fun.