Kelly Ginn Photography, LLC » | Best Memphis Wedding Photographer | Memphis, Tennessee Wedding Photographer

Once upon a time, (you know, like two years ago) I had a personal blog that I so cleverly named “aGinn and aGinn.” The blog’s purpose was to document the simple, everyday adventures of our newlywed life. I sometimes miss looking back at those sweet moments: cooking dinner, shopping on Saturdays, (what the heck is a Saturday?) and those million DIY home craft projects.

SO, with that being said, I’ve decided to check in a little more often with a personal post. Obviously not ALL the time, maybe three or four times a year. I think this time next year, I’ll like looking back at the 2014 John and Kelly (and BOY is this year PACKED with adventure.)

I decided to start with my January ‘Wish List.’ Just a couple of items I’ve had my eyes on for the last couple of months. I’ve really been wanting to do an ‘At Home’ post, but our ‘rental sweet rental’ isn’t quite ready yet. Hopefully that post will be coming up soon, so stay tuned! Until then, here are my January wishes!

1. Was this ‘Crop it like it’s Hot’ shirt made for the Ginns or what? How appropriate. I may just have to order two of these bad boys!

2. A Grave Talent by Laurie R. King- If you follow us on Instagram (and if you don’t, please do @KellyGinn22 @JohnTGinn) then you may have noticed a slight obsession of ours. San Francisco. Imagine my excitement when I walked into Barnes and Noble and gazed over the New Releases table to find not one but SIX novels either about San Francisco, or written by someone from San Francisco. Needless to say, my Good Reads wish list has grown. This particular series by Laurie R. King is so captivating. It’s a mystery thriller about a string of tragic murders that all take place in a community right outside of San Francisco, all involving small children. Dark, but sucks you right in.

3. DIY Marquee light fixture-  Although this particular marquee light fixture isn’t exactly aesthetically well done, I kinda like its quirky features. I haven’t given any thought as to what I’d want it to say, but I think it would make SUCH a statement on our floating shelves!

4. Address plaque vertical wall planter- Am I the only one who gets weak in the knees with modern metal like this? Unfortunately, this bad boy goes for a whopping $250 and that’s just a little too much for a rental home. If you need me, I’ll be over here admiring it from afar.

5. A GIANT ASS WORLD ATLAS POSTER- You’ll have to excuse my language, but I have been SO frustrated over my search for such a large atlas. I really don’t want a pull down map (don’t get me wrong, if one fell into my lap, I’d take it) because they are so vibrantly colored. I’d much prefer to have a vintage poster. It’s a tall order, so I’ll keep searching. If anyone knows of a 50 PLUS inch wide world atlas poster, help a sister out!

6. Pattern Society Union Rug- DROOLING. Luckily, my sweet sweet husband was kind enough to check this gorgeous statement rug off of my wish list. SUCH a good husband. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while! Can’t wait to get it in the mail!

7. Vintage mint melamine cafeteria tray, turned into a little side table. All I have to say is: YES.

What are some things on your wishlist?

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You might remember these cute kids from their ‘All Things Memphis’ engagement session. Although back when we paraded down Union Avenue, it was 70 and sunny. Megan and Kolby’s wedding day wasn’t quite that warm. At one point, I think it was a whopping 28 degrees, but hey, it beats rain, that’s for sure! The icy weather did not hinder the happy couple’s demeanor what so ever.

Megan and Kolby’s wedding ceremony and reception took place at TPC Southwind Golf Course. We were fortunate enough work with some AMAZING vendors (and familiar faces). Together with WED Memphis and VMWeddings Studio the day was as close to perfect as it could possibly be.

It was fascinating to see Megan’s vision of a winter wonderland wedding come to life. Between the stunning winter bouquet of Peonies, scattered with Brunia, Megan’s metallic silver Jimmy Choo’s, and her gorgeous faux-fur bolero, she totally played the part of an elegant winter bride. It was so cold that there was ice on the roads, flights were delayed, and it physically hurt to be outside. I was starting to get out my lightening equipment for indoor formal portraits when Megan said she wanted to continue on with outdoor bride and groom portraits. I could have just hugged her for agreeing to do so. John and I always come prepared for whatever elements may come our way. We have gloves, scarves, rain jackets, umbrellas for us, and an adorable clear one for our brides and grooms, just incase I can convince them that they need outdoor rain portraits. Megan, however, needed no convincing! She’s my trooper bride, and I know once she sees her portraits, she’ll be SO thankful she bared the cold for 15 minutes. (And y’all, it was COLD.)

Kolby and his family are Jewish. The happy couple told me this before just to inform me of a couple of traditions that would be going on. I was so excited I got right online to google Jewish wedding customs. I read ALL about the Horah (although the ceiling’s of Southwind were far too low to participate), the Jewish prenuptial agreement called the Ketubah, and the wedding canopy known as the Chuppah. Both a Rabbi and a minister were able to take part, symbolizing the faith of both of the families.

Megan and Kolby are very loved, and rightfully so. This is such an amazing couple, you can’t help but want to know them. On top of being so in love with each other, so loved by all, they also have loving generous hearts. In lieu of giving away wedding favors, a donation was made to their favorite charity. I love that about them!

Before I write a novel, I’ll get to the good part.

Mr. and Mrs. Young, congrats to you both! We hope you enjoy these!

Even the flag was frozen!

Megan has the best taste in shoes. She switched between Jimmy Choo’s and Kate Spade sparkle flats

Megan is stunning! Kasey Acuff did her makeup, and she does not disappoint! She always leaves my bride’s glowing!

GASP!

d.r.e.a.m.y

Oh, this one left me with chills!

I just could not help myself when I saw this adorable red headed angel crying. It was just SO cold he couldn’t stand it. I loved this beautiful moment, even if he is crying. His sweet mom was there to comfort him!

At one point, my memory card was completely full, so I had to change it, and my camera was frozen shut. I couldn’t open it. I heard a groomsmen yell “who uses film anymore?” I had to laugh, little did he know I wasn’t changing film!

John captured a wedding guest capturing a first dance photo!

Before Kolby got in the car, he yelled “MAZEL TOV” and everyone cheered!

Mazel Tov Mr. and Mrs. Young!

Love from every inch of our hearts!

Vendor Credit:

Photographer: Kelly Ginn Photography (John and Kelly Ginn)

Videography: VMWeddings Studio

Event Coordinator/ Planner: WED Memphis

Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Shoes: Jimmy Choo & Kate Spade

Bridesmaid’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Venue: TPC Southwind

Wedding Cake/ Groom’s Cake: Frost Bake Shop

Hair: Prescay Parlour

Makeup: Kasey Acuff

Florsit: Deedra Stone Designs

Invitations: Happi Store Memphis

Ceremony Programs: RSVP Memphis

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You may be thinking to yourself, “Hey, these guys look familiar!” If so, it’s because this is the third time they have been featured on KGP. (Lucky us)

Remember Loye and Brian? I basically owe them my life. Loye gave me the biggest honor of shooting her wedding in November of 2012. She and Brian were the wedding I needed to really get my show on the road. Every time I get the opportunity, I thank both of these amazing people for trusting John and I to shoot their special day. It is because of them, that others trusted us, and we are blessed to have made a career out of making memories with lovely people like Loye and Brian.

Here we are, a little over a year later, and Loye and Brian are STILL some of our favorite people, like ever.

I’ll try not to talk TOO much, and let their one year anniversary session speak for itself, but you know me, I just can’t NOT just say anything.

1. If I could wake up each morning looking like Loye, that would be a dream. I actually asked her if I could borrow her legs (holy crap they are amazing) sometime, and she said “sure.” Love her.

2. Brian makes John laugh so hard he cries. It’s true, Brian is as witty as he is charming, and he is quite the charmer. I wore a sweatshirt to this session (it was freezing, folks) that said “Haters” and when we left, Brian said “See ya, Hater.” We can ALWAYS count on this power couple to make us laugh.

I love Loye and Brian. I love the example they set for all newlyweds. They are still so much fun, so in love, so adventurous, and so exciting. They remind me a lot of John and I because they are ALWAYS together, which is totally how it should be. Together, they are complete, happy, and whole.

Lots of love, from the Ginns. Happy Anniversary, Loye and Brian, and here’s to MANY many more!

Enjoy!

This is so Loye, stunning, and adorable.

I was a tad obsessed with Loye’s dress!

s.w.o.o.n

Love this matching, not too matchey plaid!

In Ke$ha’s voice “Wake up in the morning feelin’ like Loye Ellsworth.”

AND the best thing about L+B is that they let me give them weird direction, and they just do it.

Happy One Year, guys!

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  • January 8, 2014 - 3:40 pm

    Emily - So good! The tones are beautiful and they’re an adorable couple!ReplyCancel

Could it really be 2014? It feels like just yesterday I was cooking coconut chicken for the first time, spending NYE with John and my best friend Emily, and got the news that one of my dear friends was engaged. I was hopeful that she’d ask ME to shoot her wedding, and lucky enough for both John and I, she did.

When I think back on this entire year, I nearly cry. (What else is new, right?)

So many amazing, incredible things happened that molded US into the people that we are becoming. John and I had the most incredible opportunities this year, and I know that none of them would have been possible without sweet friends and family of ours supporting us, pushing us, praying for us, encouraging us, loving us, and never giving up on us. Last year, in 2012, we shot 3 weddings. This year we shot 35 weddings. We say our prayers and count our blessings every single day. We both love what we do, and can’t imagine life without all of you beautiful people. We don’t like to call the people we work with clients, (although sometimes it slips out, accidentally) because that word sounds so stale and uninvolved. We fall in love with our couples, they become part of us, as we so carefully paint their story in images that they can have for the rest of their days to come. Maybe we’re ‘too’ involved, so be it. If we’re not invested with our whole hearts, then we’re not doing our job correctly. John and I talk about our couples daily . You are all now so beautifully woven into our story, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We believe that everyone is a storyteller, everyone, we just feel so thankful that storytelling is our job.

We were able to travel to several new places this year, outside of Memphis. Some of those include: Arkansas, Nashville, Natchez-Mississippi, Brandon-Mississippi, and the Tropical Dominican Republic. We learned SO much with every couple we spent time with, and we grow in life and love with every wedding we document. We were also given one of the most honorable task in 2013. I was able to document a dear friend of mine’s live birth. It was such an honor it had to be included in this recap of 2013, after all it was a once in a life time moment, it was beautiful and I’ll never be able to properly explain how it left a mark on my heart.

We made friends with new photographers and learned that people throw rocks at things that shine (thanks Taylor.)

I know I should stop with the elaborating, and move forward with the golden goods, but before I do I want to say a couple of things.

1. To all 35 of our amazing couples, God bless you, and thank you for allowing US to spend those incredible moments with you. We cherished each and EVERY one of you, and love seeing your newlywed adventures!

2. I want to write a novel about ALL of you, so I can so accurately describe how amazing you all are to anyone who may look at this post, but to avoid ALL of that typing, I will leave you with a song lyric, or quote that reminds both John and I of you! (You all know I had TOO much fun with this.)

2013 treated us SO well, we can’t wait to share 2014 with you!

Enjoy!

Jessica and AndrewMarch 2nd, 2013

I’ll tell you one thing it’s always better when we’re together.” -Jack Johnson

Janet and BradApril 6th, 2013

Oh it’s such a perfect day, I’m glad I spent it with you.” -Lou Reed

Krissa and NickApril 13th, 2013

I keep you on my mind both day and night, and this happiness I’ve known proves that it’s right.” -Johnny Cash

Lauren and MaverickApril 20th, 2013

He watched her spin around in her highest heels you are the best one, of the best ones.” -Dashboard Confessional

Juliann and JohnApril 27th, 2013

With your heart my soul is bound, and as we dance I know that Heaven can be found.” -The Avett Brothers

Emily and Kyle May 10th, 2013

Souls do not have calendars or clocks, nor do they understand the notion of time or distance. They only know it feels right to be with one another.” -Unknown

Lauryn and ScottMay 17th, 2013

What is done in love, is done well.” Vincent van Gogh

Jade and Boo – May 18th, 2013

Home is whenever I’m with you.” Edward Sharpe

Tori and PhillipMay 24th, 2013

The day we met, frozen I held my breath, right from the start I knew that I’d found a place for my heart.” – Christina Perri

Caitlyn and Zach – May 25th, 2013

Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.” Ruth 1:16

Amy and GregJune 1st, 2013

“Love, it will not betray you, dismay, or enslave you, it will set you free.” Mumford and Sons

Sydney and Chris – June 7th, 2013 

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” -Jackie DeShannon

Katey and JustinJune 8th, 2013

I think of you in colors that do not exist.” -Unknown

Lauren and JosephJune 15th, 2013

I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.” – Mr. Darcy

Diane and Lance July 20th, 2013

You are the song of every bird, you are the poets every word, every artist’s picture, and every writer’s play.” -Dolly Parton

Julia and Michael – August 3rd, 2013

Your kiss, your kiss is on my list.” – Hall and Oates

Joslyn and JosephAugust 9th, 2013

Say you, say me, say it for always, that’s the way it should be.” -Lionel Richie

Alannah and JohnAugust 17th, 2013

I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart.” – The Lumineers

Rachel and WhitAugust 24th, 2013

Life is ever changing, but I will find a constant and a comfort in your love.” – The Avett Brothers

Christina and StephenSeptember 7th, 2013

All this time, always.” – Severus Snape

Katie and Alan – September 14th, 2013

She is the days I can’t get over, she is the nights that I call home, endlessly.” – Green River Ordinance

Jamie and Gary – September 20th, 2013

It’s like rain on your wedding day.” -Alanis Morissette

Brittany and BrandonSeptember 21st, 2013

You make it so easy to fall so hard.” -Phillip Phillips

Kelly and Dusty – September 28th, 2013

I’m doing things that I don’t normally do and though I try I can’t deny I gotta crush on you.” -Dizzy D (Dusty Warren)

This experience forever changed me. 

Crew William Kassner, born October 3rd, 2013

Your first breath took ours away.” -Unknown

Jessica and DanielOctober 5th, 2013

I took the stars from my eyes and then I made a map and knew that somehow I could find my way back.” -Florence and the Machine

Megan and Cody – October 19th, 2013

Sun is shining, weather is sweet, makes you wanna move your dancing feet.” -Bob Marley

Kristine and Ken – October 25th, 2013

I like the way you’re everything I ever wanted.” -Taylor Swift

Lauren and AnthonyOctober 26th, 2013

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you.” -The Beetles

Bri and Chris – November 2nd, 2013

I love you more than college football Saturday” -Unknown

Amanda and MichaelNovember 9th, 2013

It’s got to be that can’t eat, can’t sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence kinds of stuff, right?” -Mary Kate Olsen

Casey and Dustin – November 16th, 2013

There is no fear in love.” -1 John 4:18

Megan and Kolby – December 7th, 2013

Love is the bridge between you and everything.” –Rumi

Kelsey and Nick – December 14th, 2013

“For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let them swim in the deepest ocean or glide over the highest cloud.” -Dumbledore

Jenna and Nathan – December 21st, 2013

Just always be waiting for me.” -Peter Pan

Ivey and Cam – December 28th, 2013

They’ll name a city after us.” -Regina Spektor

You all mean so much to us. You’ve filled every ounce of our hearts with overflowing joy.

Happy New Year!

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  • January 2, 2014 - 4:44 pm

    Meg Baytos Young - We love y’all so much!!! This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing our special day. You both are incredibly talented. Cheers to the start of a wonderful New Year!
    Xoxo
    Meg and KolbyReplyCancel

  • January 2, 2014 - 5:34 pm

    Bri - What a year! Y’all are awesome. Love this post.ReplyCancel

It has been a bit since I’ve last blogged anything. I hope EVERYONE had such an amazing Holiday. The Ginns surely did, we feel extremely blessed to have been able to spend Christmas with our families. Time is so precious to John and I, and that is something we’ve only learned with age.

I have been so anxious to post this wedding. I am beyond excited to FINALLY be able to share it!

Meet Amanda and Michael. Two love birds who completely stole our hearts. We met them a year ago to discuss potentially shooting their wedding. We said our prayers, and they hired us! Wahooooo! When Amanda and Michael sat down at the busy Barnes and Noble with us, they had the sweetest most delightful little girl with them. She was playing with a paper doll sticker book, and being an absolute saint. Kaylee, Michael and Amanda’s daughter was impeccably perfect the entire wedding day, and I mean that (and that’s coming from someone who is certain they don’t want children). When I was shooting detail shots early in the morning, Kaylee trotted down the spiral staircase at the stunning Cedar Hall, and followed me. She was so intelligent, I figured she would be in the first or second grade. Nope, Kindergarten. I was stunned because I taught art to kindergarteners, and my mentor teacher and I referred to them as ‘aliens’ not yet done cooking. Not Kaylee, she is wise beyond her years.

Like I earlier mentioned, Amanda and Michael’s ceremony and reception was held at Cedar Hall in Bartlett, Tennessee. It’s no secret at all that this venue is by far the Ginn’s favorite. Every inch is just flawless. If you are looking for a wedding venue in 2014, look no further. Cedar Hall has you covered.

Sweet Michael lives for Amanda. You could tell by just watching him that he is absolutely dazzled by Amanda, and Amanda by Michael. It’s not shocking at how lovely their bride and groom portraits turned out, because their love is just easy, natural, and real. They glow when they are together, and John and I loved seeing them like that. They were calm, laid back, and said “do what you do, we trust you.” I cannot even describe how good it feels when brides hand John and I the reins. That’s what we’re there for.

Well, let’s cut to the chase, after all, we all want to see the love.

Amanda and Michael, your love is beautiful, and we love the way you love each other. You made our job easy.

Enjoy!

You know your florist has done their job when your flowers STILL look like perfection even in a black and white photo! This is John’s work!

As if I needed one more reason to love Amanda. I caught her snapping away in her wedding dress with her Canon! My kinda bride!

Kasey Acuff is such a talented makeup artist!

Absolutely not posed. She is just THAT perfect!

This sweet little girl was sitting in a corner pouting. I tried to sneak over to her to snag a pic of her adorable red lips, and when I did, she let the cutest grin out. “Sometimes, you have to put your red lipstick on, and live a little.”

This angle is perfection!

Love this shot by John!

Tried a long exposure shot with the bridal party. This is without a tripod!

This was the first image I took of Amanda and Michael. I saw the tree and flipped!

I love these so SO much!

Amanda is stunning!

This is straight out of a fairytale!

THAT LIGHT!

It’s always wonderful working with Mark from Jordabella entertainment!

This particular groomsmen deserved his own little collage for being so entertaining!

The cutest grandma in the world!

Bubbles are even dreamy at night!

The last image of the night! Amanda kissing Kaylee, that’s love!

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins!

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