We had the privilege of working with some amazing vendors on a styled shoot, and the results are nothing short of amazing! Just goes to show that when you put talented people together and ask them to do what comes naturally, great things happen!

We hiked down Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn, Georgia to find this gorgeous little water fall. The other hikers were not real sure about what a bunch of women carrying makeup, garment and camera bags were doing in their inner sanctum, but they were very gracious in letting us share their space.

Our model, Amber, simply killed it- I mean look at that stare y’all! And can we talk about these flowers? Succulents and the most decadent flower crown I’ve ever seen. That thing was heavy, but Amber didn’t seem to mind.

Amber’s whimsical two piece wedding dress is a fav of ours here at Monica’s Bridal. It is part of the Martina Liana Together Forever Separates line (specifically the Cody Corset and Shae Skirt).

This line allows brides to mix and match pieces to make the perfect gown for them. Often, brides are scared of two piece gowns- they think that they have to show some midriff! To that we say- nah girl! Of course, if that’s in your wheelhouse, we are happy to help you show a little skin, but typically a two piece gown will fit together to look like a full gown. Usually people can’t even tell. But if you prefer, you can have the two pieces sewn together to make one whole gown.

Another plus to having a two piece dress is the ability to wear your wedding dress again in lots of different ways. We’ve had brides change into a short shirt for their reception or wedding exit, and we’ve had brides wear their top and a skirt (or even pants! gasp!) to anniversary dinners or other events. One bride even cut her skirt short and did an anniversary wedding shoot with it! Let’s not forget the ever important (ahem) bridal lingerie. And of course, you need something to wear on your honeymoon, right?? It’s a shame to put the most beautiful gown that you’ll ever wear in a closet forever, why not wear part of it again? #smartinvesting ;)

(Editors Note: We do not recommend using this to get your sweet parents to up the budget- but we won’t stop you from asking!)

Don’t ask about the hike back up- there may have been more than one Snapchat that showed us about to die (did I mention we aren’t hikers?). But we made it! And of course, there was chilled champagne waiting on us in the car- so all’s well that ends well, right??

Photography: Brittany Photographs

Gown: Martina Liana Separates by Monica’s Bridal

Hair & Makeup: Amanda Ryan Hair

Flowers: Blooming Collective TN