The Preserve Welcome Dinner | Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Jena and George’s welcome dinner at the perfectly manicured The Preserve on Lake Oconee was an excellent way to kick off this wedding weekend. If you missed those photos, definitely check out my last blog! The more I am invited to these welcome dinners, the more I love the intimate view into the people who have made the bride and groom who they are today. I think welcome dinners/rehearsal dinners are a vital part of any couples’ wedding weekend and should be documented with the care they deserve.

Jena and George decided to do the majority of their speeches at this dinner so that the wedding reception could get to the party as quickly as possible. I love a great dance floor and a plan to fill it faster!

Photographer Tip: One thing that I was able to do with this particular welcome dinner, which I will try to do at every welcome dinner going forward, is tackle all of the detail flat lays before the dinner. You can only imagine how much time this saved me the next morning during the actual wedding day!

Another thing about welcome dinner and rehearsal coverage is that I continue to think it’s a vital addition to any wedding’s photography package. It helps everyone feel more comfortable around me and let’s me learn even more about what’s important to you.

Check out some of my favorites from this beautiful evening below!

Vendors:

Venue: The Preserve, Reynolds, Lake Oconee 
Florals: Designs by Kent
Hair and Make-Up Artist: Sarah Parker Beauty
Sound: Braxton Thompson Music
Catering: Reynolds

Now Booking Fall 2025 & 2026 Weddings

Hey there! If you’re in the midst of planning your dream wedding for fall 2025 or looking ahead to spring and summer 2026, I have exciting news—a few select weekends are still available for wedding photography!

Fall weddings have a special kind of magic—the golden leaves, crisp air, and cozy romance. And let’s not forget the vibrant blooms and sun-kissed evenings of spring and summer, making them the perfect backdrop for your big day. No matter the season, my goal is to capture every joyful, emotional, and unscripted moment so you can relive your wedding day for years to come.

If you’re still looking for a photographer who…
…captures natural, emotion-filled moments…
…feels more like a friend than just another vendor…
…helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera…
…then let’s chat!

My calendar is filling up fast, and I’d love to document your love story in the most authentic and beautiful way possible. Reach out to check availability and secure your date. Don’t forget, Rachel is booking her own weddings now, too!