Lartz Wedding Photography at Daughter's Barn in Folkston, GA
Lartz Wedding Photography at Daughter’s Barn in Folkston, GA
Name: Jennifer and William (Billy) Lartz
Date: 12/15/2018
Ceremony and Reception: Daughter’s Barn
Cake Maker: Sam’s Bakery
DJ: Under Pressure Sound & Productions - Brian Rauls
Florist: Jennifer Lartz
Caterer: Callahan BBQ
Photographer: Dez Merrow Photography
Nestled in Folkston, GA, not far from the Okeefenokee Swamp, lies a beautiful barn, hand built by a couple for their daughter’s wedding. This was the venue that Jennifer and Billy chose to exchange wedding vows. The weather in Folkston, GA can be unpredictable to say the least. It started out overcast (my favorite kind of photography day) but the skies parted and sun beamed in at just the right times. This wedding day was one-of-a-kind. Jennifer and Billy did an incredible job of incorporating details from their life together before the big day. There was a Polar Express train set to commemorate where they got engaged, and even a firetruck because they both work in EMS.
To say that the guests at this wedding were a blast would be an understatement. The bridal party consisted of the bride and groom’s children - so sweet. The bride’s friends came correct - several were dressed as the bride’s personal security detachment and we had a blast getting photos that would make any VIP green with envy!
Once again, my favorite part of this job is the relationships I get to make and I will cherish these friendships forever.
Best wishes to William and Jennifer!
~Dez
Scroll all the way down to learn more about the Lartz Wedding in Jennifer’s own words.
Ceremony and Reception: Daughter’s Barn
Cake Maker: Sam’s Bakery
DJ: Under Pressure Sound & Productions - Brian Rauls
Florist: Jennifer Lartz
Caterer: Callahan BBQ
1.) How did you two meet? We meet and became friends at Charlton memorial in 1994, where our parents worked on the ambulance together. We lost touch for many years then 2015 I started working at an ambulance service with him and our friendship started again. About a year later we decided to go an a date and soon we both realized how much we were in love with each other and that’s where it all started.
2.) How long have the two of you been together? 2 and half years when we got married.
3.) How did your partner pop the question? In the most amazing unique way. Billy and our kids along with his parent and my parents planned a surprise family trip to ride the Polar express in North Carolina. He even surprised me by having my parents meet us there. At the end of the ride everyone was getting off and he wanted to wait. When I turned to leave he had all the kids in shirts that said “Will You Marry Us?” and he stood there with the ring.
4.) What was your favorite moment from the wedding? His face when he saw me being brought up in a fire truck., that was my surprise for him. He has been a firefighter for 25 years and I had to include something and why not have a fire truck. LOL
5.) How would you describe your overall wedding experience? It was amazing, exciting and yes some what nerve racking. But it was a day that I would do over again and again.
6.) What advice would you offer to other couples planning a wedding? Timing is everything. Holidays are a busy time and can be more hectic than you think especially having a wedding the week before Christmas. But at the end of the day just relax and make it the best day ever. We did! Let your family and friends help. If you don’t like their ideas talk to them and explain why, don’t be a bridezilla.
7.) What photography-related advice would you offer to a couple? Choose someone that takes your ideas and turns them into reality.
8.) Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one? Me, my daughters (Madison, Abigail and Erin), my mom, Billy’s sister and my two cousins (Marie and Nicole) went to David’s Bridal to dress shop. I tried on 50 dresses and nothing felt right. Abigail picked a dress that I knew I would never wear and if put it in the NO pile. After trying on the last dress Abigail asked me to please just try the one she picked out on. I agreed and once I did and walked out of the dressing room I knew it was the one. It just felt right and it was the only one I get comfortable in.
9.)How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day? It was stress free. My pictures were one of the most important part of my wedding. And with Dez I did not worry one bit. We met a few times before the wedding and I pretty much told her things I wanted and I trusted her to capture those shots. I have a hectic crazy family and she was able to get it done.
10.) Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not! No. I have always wanted the first look to be when I walked down the isle, because I wanted everyone to see our faces when we saw each other. Mainly when he saw me. Hehe
11.) Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos? Talk talk talk to your photographer on what you want and envision. Do as many as you can before the wedding. And just have fun!!!!! Even do those crazy I can’t bellieve we are doing this picture photos. Have a go to person, someone that knows the everyone but is not involved with the weddding that the photographer can question.
12.) Any tips that you have about preparing your wedding party for the photos? What did you tell them, how did you get them to cooperate, what did you do or what would you have done differently? In my case it was easy because my wedding party was our children. So I told them what to do and they listened. Lol. Seriously just talk to your bridal party, let them know what you and your photographer and talk about and what you want. They are there for you and will do what you are wanting. I would have allowed more time for pictures, before the wedding and after the ceremony.
13.) Any tips on what to bring? Just things you want to include. But not too much, because your wedding day is going to be hectic and you don't want a lot of things to try to remember and keep up with.
14.) We love to hear about vendors you love. Feel free to share your experience with the vendors you loved the most. Daughter’s Barn is the most amazing venue. The owner Ms Wendy is the absolute best. She helps with any and everything and is always just a phone call or text away. Callahan BBQ has the best food and best prices. They work with you so much. Dez Photography is amazing and very open to how you want your pictures. And the way she makes sure she captures those moments is astonishing. Under Pressure Entertainment is a great DJ, he works with you very well and treats you like family.
15.) Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for? My dress and the bridesmaids/grooms maid dresses came from David’s Bridal. Most decor came from hobby lobby, Micheal’s and Etsy. I made my own guest book, with pics of us for people to sign. I went theough Shutterfly. David’s Bridal has a great selection of dresses.
16.) What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome? The weather. Living is South Georgia you NEVER know what the day holds. In December it can go from 80 degrees one day to absolutely freezing with possible snow the next. My day started out with clouds and possible rain, but it cleared up and was absolutely beautiful. My mom has been battling breast cancer since August 2018 and has had a really hard time with the chemo. She stays sick and has been in and out of the hospital since starting chemo. We even had thought about canceling or postponing the wedding just to make sure she would be able to attend. This was my biggest fear of my wedding day was my mom not being able to be there. But she was able to make it and felt great the whole day. And she looked amazing.