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Welcome

Hello and welcome to the blog of Shawna Herring Photography. I'm currently based out of Atlanta and I love to shoot weddings, families, babies, births and just about anything else that lives and breathes. The blog is meant to give my clients, family and freinds a way to stay connected but it also serves as a personal journal for my own life and thoughts. Needless to say, this is a great way to get to know me and stay informed on all the latest 411.

Relax and have a look around. To enhance viewing, click the F11 key on your keyboard and don't be shy to leave a comment.

Thanks for stopping by. Lots of love, Shawna

Looking at the future {family}

July 24, 2010 – 10:13 pm

I haven’t blogged for a while (again) and I could name a few reasons why but instead of pouring my heart out and getting real honest and vulnerable with people who could read this while sipping hot coffee or drinking red wine and they get shocked to hear that I’m not the all-together-got-it-goin-on person that they think I am and then they spill their coffee in their lap or ruin a favorite shirt with the wine, I’ll just post some adorable pictures of some of my favorite people in the world and then you can sigh and go, “Ah, oohhh, that’s so cute,” and everyone will have a warm and fuzzy feeling and I’ll feel good too. ha!
The girls and I went to California for a week and then to Utah, where my family lives. The weather was wonderful, not once did my clothes stick to my skin because of the sweat running down my back and we actually wore hoodies and sweats in the mornings to go to the beach. *another Ah*
Every day in Utah was spent with family, hanging out, talking, laughing, holding babies, saving baby birds from stalking cats and just enjoying each other’s company. The days go by so fast and then we get on a plane and come back to Georgia with a heart full of love, memories and bittersweet partings.
Until we see each other again, I love you.









By Shawna | Posted in family | 3 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Jody   -  

    Awww, these are great! And I am sipping coffee reading your blog and did not spill a drop! I love you!

  2. K Carla Wade   -  

    Did you take the pictures off? Family and close friends are pretty special and I certainly understand how you could miss them so much! I know I’m not as far away as you, but I still miss being ‘home’! Love ya girl….

  3. K Carla Wade   -  

    Oh sorry…it took a minute for the pictures to load….I see them. Precious.

Brook + Gavin {6 thirteen 10}

June 21, 2010 – 2:13 pm

Brookend Gavin’s wedding was long anticipated ever since we got together last fall for their engagement shoot. One reason is that Gavin is absolutely and utterly, head over heels in LOVE with Brooke and he’s not afraid to show it. Another reason is that the team of vendors were top notch favorites, including Terry Saxe of SpecialTevents who was recently voted by Atlanta Occasions Magazine as one of the ten most infuential event planners in Atlanta. I simply love her and working with her is always my good fortune. The ballroom at the Grand Hyatt was simply incredible as decorator Barbara Roos held nothing back as she transformed the atmosphere with a bazillion candles, florals and gigantic mirrors.
I thought I would show you some of my favorite portrait images and you can view all of the beautiful details of the wedding below in the slideshow.


Terry Saxe with the mother of the bride and groom. I can guarantee they’ll be friends for life. She exceeded every expectation they had.

Papa Sol rocked the house! They are such an awesome band and this is the grandfather of the groom belting out a Ziggy Marley song word for word. WORD!

I think there were at least 4 different songs that were played by friends of the bride and groom as if it were somehow a wedding of rockstars. It was such great fun that even the band played 30 minutes extra.

The father of the bride is a Doctor and these are all his frat brothers from college. How cool to be able to stay in touch and have them all attend your daughters wedding, right? I would guess that over 50% of the guests flew in from out of town. I love to see that age is not a deterrent to having fun.


Rockstar friends.

My friend Alecia helped to shoot the wedding. I shot with her the day before and she just might get me back for posting this photo.

Gavin’s friends too a tablecloth off of one of the tables and used it as a launch pad for their newly married friend. The actually had him going higher that the Hora chair and I think he might have been a little more freaked out by it too.

Dewitt Smith video worked HARD all night long. I stopped complaining about my equiptment being heavy after watching him carry his stuff around.

I am always so grateful when a couple trusts me with their wedding images and it’s an added bonus to gain them as friends.

It was pure joy to photograph this wedding. Incredible vendors make a huge difference.
Event Consultant/ Wedding Planner: Terry Saxe
Ceremony Music: Karla Tievsky
Decor Designer: Barbara Roos
Decorator: Event Design Group
Officiant: Rabbi Neil Sandler
Wedding Cake: Frosted Pumpkin
Hair: Yurl Jeon
Makeup: Wendy Role
Band: Papa Sol

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CLICK HERE FOR THE SLIDESHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Shawna | Posted in wedding | Tagged | 1 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Howard Reisman   -  

    Shawna:
    The pix and slide show are amazing, you manage to capture the essence of the wedding, and the warmth and energy of the bride and groom and all that attended. Your shoot was phenomenol and I wish I had another daughter to marry off so we could work with you again, I will definitely recommend to all we know. Thanks again, for such beautiful memories.
    H.

Cecilia Bailey

May 30, 2010 – 9:58 am

She’s about to take the world by storm.

{{{{{{{{{{{{CHECK OUT HER HAUTE SLICESHOW}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

By Shawna | Posted in models | 2 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Ebony Greene   -  

    Cecilia, these pictures are absolutely stunning and capture the essence of who you are. I loved viewing them so much, I watched it twice! Shawna, you are definitely one who captures moments that help us see what’s really there. God bless.

  2. Lynn to the Green   -  

    “Cee to the Cee” - Girllllllllllll!!!! You bet-ta do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know I call you “M.O.”(inside :). You got it goin’ on!!!!!

Jenny + Jared {5 twenty three 10}

May 28, 2010 – 10:00 am

Before the actual ceremony, a contract is signed to offically ‘engage’ the couple. Family and friends are present and then the coolest thing happens. The groom, as a sign that he is marrying his bride not only for her outward beauty but for the beauty that resides within, gently brings her veil forward before she walks down the aisle. I simply love Jewish weddings.

 

Coordinator: Weddings by Felissa

Venue: The Westin

Florist: Flower Designs by Joan

Videographer: Mike Henry

Band: Us Beat

By Shawna | Posted in wedding | no comments         No Comments | Add a Comment

Mr. + Mrs. Michael Aoko {5 fifteen ‘10}

May 20, 2010 – 10:32 am

Walking into Zandra’s room on the 10th floor of the 4 Seasons Hotel in downtown Atlanta, there was the distinct feel of determination and integrity. She knew exactly what she wanted and nothing was going to stop the year’s worth of planning from proceeding onto a flawless event.

 {{{imagine the sound of a record skipping}}}
as much as I would love to say something really amazing, the plain truth is that Zandra looked AMAZING. She was calm, focused and had a determined face that was set like flint. Like a jewel.


The team that she had hired only added spark to every minute…

Flawless Coordinating by Wedding Soiree
Jewel studded boques by Floral Matters
Hair and makeup by Scoobie West
Videography by Sterling Barley

This photo is a total Cinderella shot..I wish I would have made her leave a shoe on the stairs.


Zandra was a very fashionable bride with 3 dress changes. She suprised her new husband with the sexy little number when the DJ announced that Mrs. Aoko had a surprise for him and placed him on the dance floor as she glided her way back into the ballroom.

Many of the guests wore traditional Nigerian attire to the ceremony and as the evening progressed, more people snuck away only to return transformed. I think for some it might have been their first time in such dress. Zandra and Michael compliment each other in the same patterend fabric while her mother contrasts them in this beautiful green print.

I had asked a few of the women about the head dress, what type of fabric it was and how difficult was the process and I was pleasantly surprised when a few of the woman had to be helped in the hallway to the ballroom. The process was surprisingly quick for somone who had no doubt had plenty of practice. The material was as crisp as paper.

Just when you think you have the biggest hat….

Nigerian weddings have a fabulous tradition of a “money spray” where the couple is sprayed with crisp new bills as they dance.


Guests were treated with homemade tea in adorable little jars as the night came to a close.

A friend of mine, Julie Harnage, has been second shooting with me for the last few months and I really like these shots of hers.

CONGRATULATIONS MR. AND MRS. AOKO!
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{here’s your slideshow}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

By Shawna | Posted in wedding | Tagged , , | 19 comments         Hide Comments | Add a Comment
  1. Terry & Dee Dixon   -  

    We were so honored to be a part of the special day of this awesome couple! The photographer, Shawna, did an excellent job capturing the most beautiful moments! Blessings,
    The Dixons

  2. Mia   -  

    Beautiful!! I was honored to be invited to such a magnificent wedding, “Platinum”. The pictures are lovely and captured much happiness. God Bless,
    Mia

  3. Mrs. Janetra   -  

    The pictures allowed me to relive the WEDDING all over again, I wish
    you JOY and HAPPINES the rest of your days. I was overjoyed to be a
    guest for this special ocasion in your life. Four Seasons COOOOL. Ms. Janetra

  4. Dr. Beavers   -  

    Congratulation Zandra and Michael!!! Zandra you’re such a beautiful and bright bride. Your story is truly an inspiration to me. May the love, favor and blessings of God continue to guide the both of you.

    He who finds Zandra (a wife) finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the Lord. —Proverbs 18:22

  5. Hallie Markham   -  

    My dearest first born niece,

    It was truly an honor, privilege, and cultural experience to witness and be a part of your and Michael’s special day. I couldn’t help but remember that perfect little girl who always said “Dabba dabba dabba doo!” Now you and Michael embark on the incredible adventure of the rest of your lives! Remember, Saturday you married your best friend.

    With all of my love,
    “Aunt” Hallie

  6. Edward Lawrence   -  

    Mazel Tov! I am very happy for you. L’chaim!

  7. Zandra & Michael   -  

    To Our Friends & Loved Ones,
    We are so grateful to each of you for sharing in our day. Your being there, whether in person or in spirit, has touched us in profound ways. The genuine and generous outpouring of love, joy, and support is forever engraved on our hearts. We love and cherish you all.

    Shawna, there’s only one word that can describe you…PHENOMENAL. We knew we struck gold from the start. Working with you and Julie was a fun, authentic, and painless experience. We love your care-free spirit, laid back style, and artistic eye. Thank you for being such a phenomenal photographer. You are truly awewome.

    With Much Love,
    Michael & Zandra Aoko

  8. Wendy Perry   -  

    Zandra and Michael,
    The wedding was absolutely beautiful. I wish you both many blessings. Thanks for including me in this memorable occasion.
    Sincerely,
    Wendy

  9. gail   -  

    What a fab wedding; three dress changes by the bride - great food and our favorite photog! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Aoko!

  10. Dionna Evans   -  

    Zandra and Michael,

    I hate I missed the ceremony, but Makiyah had her 2nd year dance recital. I know I missed a remarkable experience after I saw the slide show and pictures. I am truly happy for the both of you. Zandra, I guess it’s just something about the name “Michael” for our family. May God continue to pour his blessings on your marriage.

    Love Always,
    your little cousin, Dionna

  11. Nikky and Abbey   -  

    What a remarkable wedding,we love everything, our beautiful African attire was so gorgeous, the beautiful bride looks like cinderella so lovely and we enjoyed every moment that we spent there, Happy married life, love from Nikky and Abbey.

  12. Kemi Aoko-Ajayi   -  

    It was indeed the day set aside by God wherein two people are joined together to become one, I saw LOVE, JOY and HAPPINESS radiating on everybody. I pray that God will bless the union and the family grow from glory to glory. Shawna, keep the good work up

  13. Mona Gerren   -  

    Oh My God!!! Zandra you look simply beautiful. My you look like an ANGEL. I am so excited for you and I wish you well.

  14. Barbara White   -  

    Beautiful prensentation of your blessed day. You are a handsome couple.
    Thank you for sharing pictures of your special day.
    Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!!!!
    Barbara White

  15. Dyani Robinson   -  

    Simply BREATHTAKING!! May GOD bless this union!! Best wishes! Love, The Robinsons

  16. Marcus&Jennifer Tyus   -  

    To my cousin Zandra and my new cousin Michael,

    Your wedding was beautiful. I am glad to have been apart of your special day.

  17. Pat Woodard   -  

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your pictures have given new meaning to the phrase. Stay and walk in beauty. You two are really blessed.

  18. Mary   -  

    Gods blessings, Gods good, Gods speed to your love, and to your life.
    My husband Emmanuel and I truly enjoyed and consider it an honour to have been a part of such an extordinary beautiful wedding. Excellently planned produced and directed. Such sweet memories for us and of course for you. It was simply the best. Love and many blessings Mary

  19. Kunle Fajana   -  

    Wishing you only the best.
    Have a happy and prosperous life together.
    Sincere Regards.