Celena Riley Photography

Late summer is a tangible reminder that the earth is forever changing and settling into its next season. With its unpredictable weather, it forces us to release control and adapt, much like the flora and fauna that have learned to coexist with nature’s volatility.

Hayley & Dylan’s day was proof that everything happens for a reason. Having no backup plan, the threat of thunderstorms and torrential rain was not going to stop these two from tying the knot. After the church across the street from their venue graciously offered their space for a last-minute ceremony protected from the downpour, the sun peeked through the clouds just long enough for us to capture these.

Raindrops resting on leaves, heels sunken into the wet ground, and monarchs venturing out from their hiding spots to enjoy the brief moment of sunshine…. this is exactly how the day was meant to be.

Shots from their sneak peek. More to come!

Venues: The White Birch Inn Stack Farm
The Party Barn
Special thanks to Rabun County Church of Christ
Coordinator: Weddings by Amy (Amy Ledford Hopkins)
Photography: Georgia Wedding Photographer
Dress: LUXX NOVA BRIDAL BOUTIQUE & WEDDING DRESSES
Florals: BudsandBlossoms Florist
Catering: Henry’s Restaurant
Cake: 29:11 Bakery - Mary Ann Peck
Minister: Avery Lawerence

Southeast wedding photographer, Georgia wedding photographer, Augusta wedding photographer, 2027 wedding photographer, South Carolina wedding photographer

Simple magic. Uniquely yours.

Photography: Augusta GA Portrait Photographer
Venue: The Olde Mill Inn The Grain House Restaurant
DJ: All In Entertainment
Videography: Garrett Museau Photography & Cinematography
Dress: Castle Couture Bridal
Makeup:
Hair: Stacy Langella 💇🏼‍♀️
Florals: Roots of Love Florist

Father’s Day is a bittersweet day for me.

I lost my dad 11 years ago, and if you know anything about grief, you know that it has a profound way of making it feel like yesterday. However, the longing for someone that will never return is often overcome by gratitude, thankful that you were lucky enough to exist in the same timeline.

My dad was an amateur photographer when I was young. His hobby piqued my interest and was the spark that ignited my passion for creating images that told stories. The last photo is him and I shortly after I got that little pink point-and-shoot, my first camera.

He did not just teach me about cameras, editing, and making video scrapbooks to document our family vacations. He also taught me how to persevere and keep pushing ahead when things seemed impossible, how to turn weakness into tenacity.

My dad’s legacy has given me a unique perspective on the fleeting nature of life and capturing moments before they are gone. This one goes out to him, and the many generations of fathers who have made a difference. Happy Father’s Day 💙

My first family session since moving back to the East Coast 🥹

After 2 years in the desert, there’s something about returning to the ocean that feels a bit like returning to myself. Everything feels a little more honest here, a little bit more real. Everything is slower and softer. I forgot how much I missed this light.

These are the moments I always hope my clients carry with them years from now. Sandy feet, windblown hair, and arms wrapped around each other while the waves drown out the rest of the world for a while.

*Taps mic* …is this thing on?

Hi! It’s been a long two years. You may or may not have noticed I took a break from posting and engaging for a while. The truth is, I went through a series of major life changes in a very short period of time and I’ve spent my time reflecting as well as pushing through chronic stress.

When I moved to Arizona in 2023, I did not have a plan. I took the move as an opportunity to learn about myself, take control of my post-grad life, and start writing my own story. If you know me, you know I’ve struggled with my mental health for quite some time, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t the culprit of my hiatus. As glamorous as it sounds, starting over and navigating life alone came with a lot of challenges that pushed me into an intense depression, and I lost my lifelong passion for creating art.

I spent a couple of years stuck in survival mode, hopping from job to job in an attempt to make sense of it all. It was through pain and failure that I began to find myself again. I met my soulmate, spent a lot of time in nature, and started discovering who I really am. After getting married, we PCSed here to Augusta (crazy how the magic of the universe brought me back to Georgia)! It’s been a slow transition with a lot of adjusting, but I’m finally at a point where I can appreciate what has lit my fire since I was a child- following the light and documenting the moments that bring us joy.

For those who have read this far, I’d like to reintroduce myself! I’m Celena, I’m 25, and I’ve been photographing portraits since I was a teenager. I love nature, music, art, and all of the little things that allow us to express ourselves. I’m no stranger to burning myself out, so I’m returning with only one goal in mind: capturing and sharing the love that keeps us going in this tumultuous world we live in. Let’s run it back!!