#callanwolde

This weeks wedding is Josh and Emily. They live in California but are from Georgia. They wanted a central place for the wedding and chose Callanwolde in Atlanta.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center — a first look that feels like stepping into a timeless film. Tucked into Atlanta’s historic Druid Hills, its Gothic Revival architecture, sweeping staircases, and lush gardens create the perfect backdrop for a moment that’s equal parts intimate and cinematic.

What to expect

Quiet, architectural drama: Stone arches, leaded windows, and the grand entry hall give a moody, vintage elegance that’s beautiful in both black-and-white and color.

Lush outdoor moments: The garden terraces and mature trees provide soft, natural light and lovely secluded spots for truly candid reactions.

Versatile indoor options: If weather or timing pushes you inside, the wood-paneled rooms and art-filled interiors create warm, emotive frames for your first look.

Tips for a natural, emotional first look

Pick a private spot: The garden terrace or the back of the estate feels secluded and helps you stay present with each other.

Keep it short and sincere: A few minutes of uninterrupted time is often enough for tears, laughter, and those spontaneous embraces.

Let it unfold organically: No need for rehearsed lines — those candid reactions make the most powerful images.

Have a time cushion: Schedule 10–15 minutes extra in your timeline so we’re not rushed and can capture genuine moments from multiple angles.

Consider a short walk after: A slow walk through the grounds right after the first look gives more relaxed, storytelling images as you settle into the day.

Photographic approach

Photojournalistic and documentary: I’ll stay unobtrusive to capture real emotion — the small gestures, breathless smiles, and tears that tell your story.

Vintage black-and-white treatment: Selected frames will be rendered in classic monochrome to emphasize mood, texture, and the timeless feel of Callanwolde’s architecture.

Candid framing and natural light: I’ll use available light and the location’s architectural lines to create compositions that feel both organic and artful.

Locations at Callanwolde to consider

Front porte-cochère and stone steps — dramatic architectural entrance shots

Garden terraces — private, soft-light leafy alcoves

The grand staircase and indoor halls — warm, textured indoor portraits

Back lawn by the mature trees — airy, open-space candid moments

What I capture during a first look

The initial approach and the moment you see each other

Immediate reactions: laughter, tears, whispers, embraces

Close-up details: hands, expressions, subtle glances

Short after-walk: relaxed interactions and storytelling images that connect the first look to the rest of the day

Result Expect a mix of honest, documentary images and thoughtfully composed portraits with a timeless, vintage tone. The first look at Callanwolde will feel like a secret interlude in your wedding day — artful, intimate, and unforgettable.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center — a historic Gothic-Tudor estate nestled in Atlanta’s Druid Hills — is a timeless setting where art, architecture, and atmosphere meet. With its dramatic stone façade, sweeping terraces, intimate gardens, and richly detailed interiors, Callanwolde blends old-world elegance with creative energy, making it a favorite for weddings, portraits, and cultural events. The grounds offer cinematic backdrops for candid, photojournalistic wedding photography: textured stonework, filtered light through mature trees, hidden nooks, and sweeping staircases that lend themselves beautifully to black-and-white imagery and natural, emotive moments. Whether exchanging vows beneath the oaks or capturing quiet, stolen glances on the terrace, Callanwolde transforms every frame into something poetic and timeless.

Thank you so much for visiting this Atlanta wedding photographers blog! Leave us a comment on this blog on any of our social pages (facebook, instagram, tiktok, threads, etc.). If you’d like to contact me go to the contact page and drop me a line at https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com/contact-atlanta-wedding-photographer. I would love to hear from you!

Thanks!

Source: https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com

This week’s couple is Aaron and V.  They met a few years ago and there was an immediate connection.  The relationship grew along with their love for each other. They were together in Atlanta for four years and now because of Aaron's job they are in two different cities.  Aaron is in south Georgia and V is still in Atlanta and together they are  making it work!  They have such a wonderful partnership where they complement each other wonderfully.

They are getting ready to have their wedding in India and they wanted a few photos before the ceremony there.  They contacted me a few weeks ago.  When Aaron called me it was cold and rainy which is typical for this time of year.  I suggested an indoor location.  We agreed on Callanwolde Arts Center in Atlanta.

Callanwolde is one of my favorite places to shoot at.  It was built in 1920 and was originally the home of Charles Howard Candler.  Mr. Candler’s claim to fame was purchasing the rights to Coca-Cola from a local Atlanta pharmacist.  The mansion is considered a modern approach to the late Gothic Revival style of architecture.  Some of the coolest features of the mansion are the white oak flooring, large windows in the dance studio,  large ballroom with tall ceilings accented with european arches along the walls.   The main focus of the interior is the grand staircase that has a two-story tall stained glass window on the middle landing.

Aaron and V met me Monday afternoon at Callanwolde.  V was wearing a tasteful cocktail dress that went well with Aaron’s tuxedo.   They made for a dashing couple.  We did a few shots reenacting the proposal where Aaron gives V the ring.  They were so much fun hamming it up for the camera.  After a few portraits V changed into a long flowing gown that gave her a little more movement. 

We checked out the different locations in the house.  They practiced their first dance in the ballroom.  We even played around with the dramatic lighting from the roof lights.  We then moved to the dance studio where they played around by the windows and long curtains.  Then we could not miss the grand staircase where we did several open portraits.  They were so much fun.  I was sad when it was time to wrap up.  

They are a great couple with such a wonderful future!  Congrats to Aaron and V!

Thanks for checking out this Atlanta wedding photographers blog! I hope you enjoyed the read and found it interesting! Make sure you keep coming back to our blog to see what the Atlanta wedding photographers at Atlanta Artistic Weddings get up to! If you’d like to contact me go to the contact page and drop me a line at https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com/contact-atlanta-wedding-photographer. I would love to hear from you!

Thanks again! Source: https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com/