Shanle Bowen Photography

I started photographing weddings in 2010, and if I'm honest, it wasn't really about weddings at first. It was about light. The warm, glowy kind that makes an ordinary moment feel just a little magical.

But the light isn't what made me stay. It was the people. The small, specific stories every wedding has, different every time. That's the part I fell in love with.

A few years into building this business, life had other plans. I had two daughters close together, along with some health struggles that made it hard to keep showing up the way owning a business asks you to, so I stepped back from shooting my own weddings for almost a decade.

I didn't stop working, though. I spent those years as an associate and second photographer for other photographers, quietly learning what couples actually need from the person behind the camera.

Somewhere in those years, I saw what it looks like when a photographer isn't fully there for a couple. I remember exactly how that felt to witness, and I made myself a promise because of it. No matter the size of the wedding or the budget behind it, I show up completely, every time, just as every couple deserves.

When I reopened my business in 2023, I came back different. I stopped photographing just from the couple's point of view and started photographing the whole day: the guests, the in-between moments, the things even the couple doesn't see happening around them. My job became less about hitting the highlights and more about telling the full story from my own point of view, so they could finally how special their relationships look like from the outside.

The parts of a wedding people remember most are usually the ones nobody planned. A nervous breath before the ceremony. A parent watching quietly from the side of the room. Those are the moments I go looking for.

Your wedding already holds meaning. My job isn't to manufacture that, or put on a show for an audience. It's to notice what's actually there, then hand you back photos that feel like your day.

If you're planning a wedding right now, I'd genuinely love to hear a little about your story.

(Photos 1-2 by , Photos 3-4 & 7-9 by )

Not every photographer is the right fit for every couple, and that's not a bad thing to say out loud.

I used to think my job was just to be good at this. Good light, good timing, good eye, pretty photos. But somewhere along the way I realized skill isn't actually the only thing that makes a wedding day feel easy. Trust is.

The couples I work best with aren't the ones with the most elaborate vision or the biggest budget. They're the ones who feel like themselves around me pretty quickly. Who ask a question and actually want my honest answer, and who let me see the version of them that isn't posed for anyone.

To me, a good fit looks like trust. The kind where you can tell me you're nervous about something and we actually talk it through instead of glossing over it. Where you feel safe enough to say what you really want, even the parts you're still not sure about, and trust that I'll give you an honest answer back, not just the one you were hoping for.

If that's what our first conversation feels like, I'd bet we're a good fit! If it doesn't, that's useful information too. Either way, I'd rather find that out early than figure it out on your wedding day.

So if you're choosing a photographer right now, don't just look at the portfolio. Pay attention to how the conversation feels. That part matters more than people think.

Featured Venues:
The Mackey House (Savannah)
The Cathedral of St John The Baptist (Savannah)
The Perry Hotel (Savannah)
The Chapel By The Sea (Tybee Island)

(some images in this post were photographed for River Wild Photography)



I'm a Savannah wedding photographer (based in Atlanta, GA) who cares about the small, real moments as much as the big ones, the kind that show up under live oaks, swaying spanish moss, and old brick pathways. If you're getting married in Savannah, I'd love to connect.

Have you ever been surrounded by a herd of bison at KC Bison Ranch, all waiting for you to give them treats? No? It's kind of awesome (and just a little terrifying).

Kind of like standing up in front of everyone you love to marry your best friend. Or building a wedding day that's really, truly yours. Awesome. A little scary. So full of wonder.

Nothing Lauren and Trey did on their wedding day was performative. Not their private vows, which we stepped away from so they could stay just that — private. Not their ceremony. Not the first look that brought real tears, or the first dance, or the carefree laughter that followed.

Every. Single. Moment. Was genuine.

That doesn't happen by accident. It happens when a couple feels safe enough to actually be present — when they trust the people around them enough to stop performing for a camera and just live their day.

I sat back at the end of this one in total awe. Not just of Lauren and Trey, but of what happens when a couple lets go of "what it's supposed to look like" and just lets it feel like theirs.

This is the kind of day I hope for every single time I pick up my camera. And this one? I'll remember it for a long time.

VENDOR LIST:
Photographer - Shanle Bowen Photography
Planner - Invited Events Co.
Venue - KC Bison Ranch
Bridal Dress Shop - Bel Fiore Bridal
Wedding Dress Designer - Sofia Tolli
Bridesmaids Dresses - Azazie
Mens Attire - Jos A Bank
HMUA - Make Me Up Georgia
Florist - All In Bloom
DJ - Caleb Rett
Catering - Leah K Catering
Cake Bakery - Pam at Cake Love
Stationery - Truly Engaging .engaging
Linen Rentals - Leah Kay Catering
Transport - Dehlonego







Atlanta & Costal GA Wedding Photographer, Shanle Bowen

Now booking 2027 weddings. Limited fall 2026 dates available.

We cried, we laughed, we celebrated. You couldn't have dreamed of a more perfect day for Mickala & Will!

Thank you to the amazing vendor team that helped to bring their dreams to life:

VENDORS:
Photographer: Shanle Bowen Photography
Planner: Carmen Taylor Weddings
Venue: Gardens in the Gorge
Florist: Ivy + Violets
Hair: Lux + Lumi, Sarai
Makeup: Lux + Lumi, Madilyn
Catering: Impressions Catering
Musicians: Marissa Peurnell (Harpist)
DJ: DJT3
Cake: Publix + Impressions Catering
Linens & Rentals: Chattanooga Tent
Bridal Shop: Grayce Bridal
Wedding Dress Designer: Allure Couture
Men's Attire: Belk
Bridesmaid's Attire: Birdie Grey

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Atlanta, Coastal Georgia, and Beyond | Shanle Bowen Wedding Photography | Now booking 2027

Blackberry Ridge is one of the most enchanting venues I've ever visited, feeling more like you've just stepped out into the English countryside than Trenton, Georgia. Every space feels like a dream! My favorite space? The soaring glass Conservatory at golden hour. Nothing beats the magic and romance when late evening sunlight pours through, sparkling off glassware and richening the colors. I can't wait to visit again!

Photos by , taken at the Spring Open House.

Open House Vendors:
Venues, Food & Beverage -
Filmmaker -
Florals -
Linens -
Rentals - &
Content -
Event Photographer - Emily Prada Photo
China & Glassware -
Transportation - .shuttles
Signage:
DJ (Blackberry Village) -
Dueling Pianos (Villa) -
Harp & Violin (Conservatory) -
Coffee Cart (Blackberry Village) -
Dancefloor Wrap (Blackberry Village)-
Tent & Dance subfloor (Blackberry Village):
Valet: .valet







Atlanta Wedding Photographer Shanle Bowen | Serving Atlanta, Coastal Georgia, and the SouthEast | Now booking 2027

The most delicious rainbow of flowers from M&C's deeply romantic garden wedding. The rain had no chance at dampening our spirits! I might be just a liiiitle obsessed. Just a smidge. What flowers are your favorite? Drop it in the comments and see if you can guess mine!

Vendor Team:

Photographer: Shanle Bowen Photography
Content Creator: The Pink Social
Florals: Marigold & Moss
Venue: Lillian Gardens
Bridal Boutique: Sure Bride
Dress Designer: Lillian West
Men's Attire: D & K
HMUA: Beauty Babes
Entertainment & DJ: Doug Gazlay
Bakery: The Cake House
Stationary: Minted
Coffee Cart: Cornerstone Coffee
Transportation: WC Limousine & Transportation Services







Atlanta and Coastal Georgia Wedding Photographer, Shanle Bowen. Serving Georgia and the SouthEast. Now booking 2027.

Your reception takes up nearly a third of your wedding day photo coverage...so why should you just receive a couple dozen dancing photos? Here's to including all the in-betweens, the messy moments, and capturing the vibe.

Venues: Wimbish House and The Chapel Athens







Atlanta & Costal GA Wedding Photographer, Shanle Bowen

Now booking 2027 weddings. Limited fall 2026 dates available.

Warm breezes and cool grass? Or soaring cityscapes and crisp architecture? What would you choose for your engagement session? (Or what DID you choose!) Lauren and Trey leaned into the winding trails, golden light, and lush greens of this Carrolton GA park. To me, it reflected their personalities perfectly: natural, warm, and full of wonder.

Their wedding is in just a week and I find myself filled with excitement to see how those qualities are reflected in their day!







Atlanta & Coastal Georgia Wedding Photographer | Shanle Bowen Photography | Serving Georgia & the South East | Now booking 2027

Just a few more frames from Casey & Shane's wedding day at The Chapel Athens. 10 slides isn't nearly enough to showcase the warmth and joy of this day. If you were there, what were some of your favorite memories? And if not, tell me a favorite moment from a wedding you attended. Did it make you laugh? Cry happy tears?

Thank you to the amazing vendor team who helped bring all of Casey & Shane's dreams to life.

VENDORS:
Photographer: Shanle Bowen Photography
Venue: The Chapel Athens
Coordinator: Maddie McCullough
Bridal Shop: Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique
Wedding Dress Designer: Essense of Australia
Bridesmaids Attire: Shop Revelry
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Hair Artist: Christine Holmes - Make Me Up GA
Makeup Artist: Deeonna Sharnay - Make Me Up GA
Florist: Laura Shain with Athens Events
Band: Emerald Empire Band
Bakery: Classic City Confections
Stationery: Minted
Linens: Over The Top
Trolley Service - Athens Trolley Tours
Koozeis - CB Drink Holders
Matches - Ivory Keepsake
Bridal Shoes - Dolce Vita
Guest Book - Rifle Paper







Atlanta and Coastal Georgia Wedding & Engagement Photographer, Shanle Bowen. Serving Georgia & the Southeast. Now booking 2027.

I almost couldn't believe the night was over. The lights raised, laughing guests collected discarded shoes and bags, and I stood in the middle of Chapel Athens with my heart full. Maybe just a little sad too, that it was time to say goodbye. Casey and Shane's wedding was, in three words, warm, joyful, and so authentic. As a wedding photographer, I'm often looking for the next moment, composing shots in my head, and mentally checking off the timeline. (My head is a busy place on a wedding day!) But this day, I felt like I lived it, from the tearful first look with Casey & Shane, to the mad dash through the sparklers. And it was glorious.

Thank you to the amazing vendor team who helped bring all of Casey & Shane's dreams to life.

VENDORS:
Photographer: Shanle Bowen Photography
Venue: The Chapel Athens
Coordinator: Maddie McCullough
Bridal Shop: Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique
Wedding Dress Designer: Essense of Australia
Bridesmaids Attire: Shop Revelry
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Hair Artist: Christine Holmes - Make Me Up GA
Makeup Artist: Deeonna Sharnay - Make Me Up GA
Florist: Laura Shain with Athens Events
Band: Emerald Empire Band
Bakery: Classic City Confections
Stationery: Minted
Linens: Over The Top
Trolley Service - Athens Trolley Tours
Koozeis - CB Drink Holders
Matches - Ivory Keepsake
Bridal Shoes - Dolce Vita
Guest Book - Rifle Paper







Atlanta and Coastal Georgia Wedding & Engagement Photographer, Shanle Bowen. Serving Georgia & the Southeast. Now booking 2027.