Marissa + Tommy are married!

Marissa and Tommy have a unique story...  Two people seeking to make a difference in the world were joined under unusual circumstances.  They ventured outside of their homes and outside of their countries, to find their lives sharing a parallel moment in time.  Their story began in Zambia where the two met, seeking to heal and empower African youth through teaching HIV awareness by playing soccer.  By giving love to others they received each others love and decided in that place that they would become one.  

Marissa and Tommy were blessed with a beautiful wedding, amazing weather, a loving family, and incredible friends.  You could feel how much everyone loved this great couple.  Thank so much for giving the honor of documenting your beautiful day!  

With much love and gratitude, 

Olga 

A quick shoutout to my amazing husband for helping me throughout the day as I am 18 weeks pregnant and couldn't carry all of my gear alone. Also, Shannon Smith from 214 Photography. Check out her amazing work HERE


 

Barrett Thrasher

Everyone, meet Barrett..my yoga teacher and dear friend of mine. She is truly an inspiring and strong woman.
 
"As a life long student of alignment, I recognized an early age that a well organized lifestyle gives way for creativity to take hold, allowing the body and mind to align with something bigger.  After an intense knee injury I was introduced to yoga by my friend and tattoo artist, Kurt Fagerland.  After one class I found a passion and love that I never knew existed; finding union between the body and the mind. Yoga is a union between all aspects of the self: all our 'bodies' and 'centers'.  Each 'limb' can deliver hints of union.  If you consider the octopus, the tentacles on their own are not the octopus. The same way it is when the 8 limbs are combined - working together they become something greater than the sum of their parts.  They become Yoga.  They become Union.   
Kurt tattooed a gorgeous octopus on my back, as constant reminder for me to stay connected to my heart, present in the moment and to never lose sight of my path." -Barrett
 
I was always intrigued to do yoga, but was always scared that my "bad" leg or wrist would get in the way of my practice. I went to one of Barrett's classes and she asked me if I had any injuries or things she had to be careful with. I told her that I had a "Bad" leg and wrist and she instantly told me its not bad...just a "challenge". Those words gave me a different perspective of my "flaws". She instantly  gave me hope that I could do yoga. That first class was hard, something I never experienced...I was sore the next three days. But I also felt grounded, more connected to my mind and body. I was hooked from that day on. Barrett pushed me. She gave me the courage to try new poses, poses that I never thought I would ever be able to do. I found myself doing crow and handstands in my house, at the park, on vacation. I showed my husband everyday what I learned in class. Not only did yoga help with my body, but my mood changes.  I felt so alive, rejuvenated, and at peace every time I left Barrett's classes. 
 
The care and support that Barrett gives all of her students is really inspiring. She not only shows that she cares during class, but she also outside of class. When I told her I was getting married, she took the time to give me a routine to do the morning of my wedding. I am so grateful for her presence in my life. 
 
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Refreshed and Rejuvenate

Spain...

Where my family is from.

Where my roots are.

Where I found my passion for photography.

Where I gain inspiration for life.

Where I feel most at home.

Here are some of the many photographs I took while I was there.  Image

I go to Spain once a year to go visit my beautiful family. My grandmother, or Mami as I call her, is one of the most giving, sweet, gentle people I know.  Every time I spend time with her, I get inspired by her kindness. I love hearing stories of how she met my grandfather and memories with her father. She always loves to pull out all of her albums…what an elegant women she was and still is. I loved spending these moments with her as she will not be able to come to my wedding in October. These are the memories that I will always cherish. Image

After spending a week in Madrid, my parents and I went to the South of Spain in a city called Marbella. Best part about this city? There is a gorgeous blue sky every single day! After spending endless days with rain in Atlanta, I appreciate the warm sun so much more.Image

This specific pueblo is called Casares. This little white town was where I discovered my passion for photography. 

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One of my favorite parts about going to these beautiful white towns is connecting with the older people. They all gather in the "plazas" and talk for hours after hours… 

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ImageThe summers in these towns are filled with parties…this is before everyone arrived. They don't start until about 10pm. Oh, did I forget to mention that people do not go to bed before 3am?  I don't think there was one day that we went to bed before then.

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ImageAfter this wonderful time away from work, I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired!