CONGRATULATIONS TO ANNALIZA AND CHARLES!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I couldn’t be more excited to announce the finalists for our 2012 Wedding Photography Giveaway. Choosing the finalists couldn’t have been more difficult. Every one of the submissions truly touched me in one way or another.

To all who entered, thank you for sharing your beautiful stories.

Below are the three finalist couples. Please vote below.

Annaliza and Charles:

Charles and I have been so patient and not many people can say they were in a long distance relationship for over 3 years and haven’t even spent half of it together. Since we began talking, we have to schedule when we are going to talk because there is a 16-18 hour time difference, depending upon daylight savings time. When he is working we do instant message each other, but it’s very minimal. He has to concentrate for work and I have my own work I need to do for school. Money is always a concern because what money is saved up in 6 months time, a good chunk of it is spent on a ticket to see each other. And if that’s not already frustrating — we are planing two weddings. I wanted just one but the more we thought about it, it would be unfair to leave out his side or my side and that we want everyone  to share this moment with us. The first wedding will be in Georgia and then I will move to New Zealand and we will have the other wedding at the end of the year. I decided to cut my budget in half so my family could afford tickets to visit me in New Zealand for Christmas and New Years. I’m so grateful for my family and cutting my budget is something I insisted on doing because having them visit my new home is more important to me than having a flashy wedding.

I just find it funny that Charles and I are what you could say the “contemporary” pen pals. Since we began talking in 2008, we have only seen each other a total of 4 times (length wise in total, 5 1/2 months). Each visit lasts for about 1 month but I had the privilege to stay for the whole summer this year, which is when we got engaged.

Tina and James:

I met my fiancé who is a honored military man with 2 bronze stars, which few even know about because he is very humble.
We met while he was being set up on a blind date by my best friend ( who I set up with her current husband). That date did not go over but while at the same party… We met and just clicked … At the time we met I had a boyfriend of 7 years that was breaking up with me via email which I did not know until the next day). After reading my email and exhausted from a relationship that was going no where, I decided to give this James a second look.

My best friend had spoke of him months before and tried to convince me to just go to dinner with him, I said no because I was in a relationship.   After we met by chance at this going away party and his blind date did not go over well, we just connected.

Two days later I found out he lost a very good friend that he served in the Military with ( an unfortunate suicide .. Which many Veteran’s have taken their lives, from stress and life changes that make it hard for them to cope) I called James to console and we talked for hours while he drove to collect belongings for the friends family.

James is my true love and best friend…we instantly became friends than in a relationship… Things were perfect and then he had orders for  Afghanistan. I was  devastated but he left his job as a federal officer and obtained yet his second bronze star.  I kept his two beautiful daughters as much as allowed by their mother while he was away Eli was 5 & Lydia was 7, they are now 7 & 9 and beautiful.  They can’t wait for us to marry!

Gabby and Brad:

Gabby will be getting married following her graduation from nursing school. Brad will be preparing to go back to school for his MBA after the wedding. Thus, it is not surprising that the couple is working hard to obtain enough funds for the wedding. This includes money to hire a photographer. One might say that they could easily wait until they are both into their careers with enough money to have the ‘perfect’ wedding. The reality is Brad and Gabby represent two brave individuals that understand that tomorrow is not ours. How many times is love delayed because of fear? Fear of the unknown, fear of financial instability, fear that “we have our whole lives ahead of us” so why should we rush. While these are all valid concerns, there is something to be said for people who understand that maybe, just maybe, waiting won’t change anything. Perhaps getting older and getting setting into their careers won’t guarantee financial stability. So, today, they choose love.

Winning this contest will mean the world for Gabby, her family, and Brad. As one knows, the family of the bride pays for the wedding. Gabby’s family is from Haiti. This tradition is a serious one for the parents. Gabby comes from a family of nine children- two boys and SEVEN girls! Only 1 out of the 7 is married. After Gabby walks down the aisle, that leaves FIVE beautiful girls to give away. Anything that will make it easier on
the parents in this journey is much needed.

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VOTING IS NOW CLOSED!

Please be respectful/honest with votes.

From all of us to all of you… We wish you a warm, healthy, and safe Holiday season!

-Allison -Rich -Megan

The holidays are once again upon us, so what better time to give back and hold a contest for FREE wedding photography!!

There are so many couples out there that have overcome obstacles together.
There are so many couples out there who struggle financially and could use a break.
There are so many couples out there that give their all for others and never ask for anything in return.

It is for those couples, that we want to give back by offering free wedding photography to one deserving couple!
We are so excited to see what the outcome will be and meet the lucky winners!

The Selected Deserving Couple Will Receive

•A Full Day Wedding Photography Coverage
•High Resolution Wedding Day Photos on Disc
•Custom Photo Toning and Processing
•Online Proofing/Private Gallery

How To Enter

Email the following to: info@allisonreisz.com
•The couple’s first and last names.
•Contact info for the both of them.
•Wedding date and planned location
•Their story (How they met, got engaged, and why they deserve this free wedding coverage)
•A picture or two of the couple

(DEADLINE: December 18, 2011 11:59pm EST)

The top 3 deserving couples will be announced here on the blog with their photos and stories on December 25th, 2011 after which readers will have until December 31, 2011 11:59pm EST to vote for their favorite deserving couple. The winning couple will be announced on the blog on January 3, 2012.

The Technicalities (please read):

Your submission must be TRUE. This contest is for couples who have overcome great odds, hardships, or are otherwise deserving of free wedding photography. Weddings must take place during the 2012 year and can be anywhere in the world. If we are already booked for your wedding date, and you are not able to change it, then the winning couple must forfeit the prize and the next qualifying couple will receive the prize. For weddings over 150 miles from Savannah, Georgia, travel fees for two photographers is required to be paid by the winning couple.This giveaway has no cash value. Entries must be submitted no later then December 18, 2011 in order to qualify. Couples may enter themselves or be nominated by another party. However in order to qualify, the nominated couple must be aware of the entry. Past clients, or currently booked clients do not qualify for this giveaway. An email will be sent to the winning couple and if multiple unsuccessful attempts have been made to reach the couple, or for some reason the couple is unable to claim the prize, they will forfeit the prize, and it will be given to the next qualifying couple.

Ryan and Jordan came down from North Carolina to wed on a beautiful Savannah fall evening!

Jordan and Ryan wanted their day to be intimate and about their close friends and family.  They chose the Avia Hotel, in downtown Savannah for this touching affair! The two held their ceremony on The Avia’s rooftop terrace at twilight followed by a charming dinner reception. It was such a romantic location and setup, adorned with so many rustic fall details…

The day came together perfectly, and had every bit of the beautiful and unique touches that represented the love and life of Jordan and Ryan!

Congratulations Guys!

Meet Ryan and Jordan!

Honey Horn Plantation was truly the perfect location for you two.

Congrats Guys!

Teresa and Todd knew they wanted an intimate destination wedding. Their wish list included a beach ceremony, followed by a private reception at a venue that could be unique to them. Well, they found that place, in a private home on Hilton Head Island!

Teresa slipped into her beautiful JCrew gown, as Todd put on his custom suit, both anxiously awaiting their first glimpse of one another… At the moment they saw one another, it was like a weight had been lifted. After their much anticipated first look, both of their nerves were now calmed by each others presence.

Tucked up on their private beach and under the bright sun and big blue skies, Todd and Teresa exchanged their heartfelt vows to one another.

As the ceremony commenced, guests made their way to the beautifully set home’s backyard.  The backyard was lit with hanging lights and lanterns from the large oak tree. The details were organic and whimsical, all accented with the bright colors of orange, blue, and pink… It was such a romantic setting and the perfect way to celebrate into the night the love of Teresa and Todd!

Have an amazing time in Puerto Rico!

Meet Teresa and Todd!

So grateful to work with so many wonderful vendors!

A few from the day…

Event Design: Embellished Events
Event Planning: Embellished Events
Flowers: Garden on the Square
Cake: Kerri O’Conner Cake Design
Invitations / Wedding Paper Styling: EmmaJ Designs
Wedding Dress:  Vera Wang | via Bleu Belle Bridal
Hair: Lyndsay Nix
Makeup: Dollface by Jules
Flatware and Furniture: Paris Market
Chargers and Linens: BBJ Linen
Gold Chiavari Chairs: Classic Party Rentals
Event Lighting: Destination One Entertainment

Caitlin is such a beautiful bride (inside and out), and she looked absolutely stunning in her amazing gown!

Meet Caitlin!