Auntie Debs + The Faught Family | A Personal Post

Alabama Wedding Photographer, Pure Barre Instructor and Chick-fil-A Team Member are just some of the titles that I have held in my lifetime, but out of all my titles Auntie Debs is certainly one of my favorites. (*Wife recently taking the lead! Love you husband!)

I grew up with a camera in my face, thanks Dad, so I feel it’s only natural to do the same to my brother and his family. Randle gave me the title of Auntie Debs almost six years ago and I never knew how I could love a brown eyed boy so much. He keeps me laughing and my knowledge of all things Thomas the Train has never been greater. Ryan is the second brown eyed boy to steal my heart. He is one of the sweetest baby boys, yet keeps everyone on their toes. I love spending summers with this beach babe and his older brother.

Thankful to have a job that allows me to visit them and spoil them as an aunt should. Family portraits have become a yearly tradition for the Faught Family with Deborah Michelle Photography - tickle fights included. Today I am blogging a few of my favorites from their latest Mississippi family portrait session, while also looking back at some of my favorite moments with them over the years.

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Randle and Ryan, I have loved every minute of watching you grow up. Thanks for the endless belly laughter and I cannot wait to see the young men that you will become. I just hope you’re never too cool to hang out with your Auntie Debs!

Looking for a family portrait photographer? I’d love to connect with you and your family. Contact me!

Shelby & Bryan | Springhill College Mobile Alabama Engagement Session

The love story of two athletes was revealed to an audience of one Alabama Wedding Photographer and several of Mobile’s grand oak trees that line a drive on Springhill College’s campus in south Alabama. Shelby a softball player. Bryan a baseball player. These two met in high school and Bryan recalls the moment he first saw Shelby, “She was the prettiest girl I’d ever seen.” To which she now smirks and holds his hand a little tighter. He would later sneak a kiss in the hallway and take her to a school dance.

A couple years later, Bryan planned the perfect proposal with two diamonds in mind. One made of dirt and grass and the other sparkled. That’s right, he proposed to Shelby before one of her softball games that she helped coach. He completely surprised her by involving players and former teammates. Talk about the perfect proposal for these two! Getting to know them throughout their session, I can tell they balance each other out well. She holds the quiet, nurturing spirit while he is the most outgoing gent who brings a smile to anyone who will look his way.

I am delighted that they chose me to capture their love story that is four years in the making and look forward to having a front row seat at their June wedding day.

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Ah! Forehead kisses are my favorite. So gentle, so kind.

Bryan picked out the prettiest ring for his girl. Wouldn’t you agree?!

Natalie | Springhill College Mobile Alabama Maternity Portraits

Watching a Deborah Michelle Bride take on the role of motherhood with much grace is one of my most favorite things about being a Gulf Coast photographer. Not only do I get to watch them marry their best friend, but a few years later I witness them kiss boo-boos and create belly laughter with their little ones.

If you read my last blog you know last year was sprinkled with doubts. Am I even supposed to be a photographer? Well those lies were silenced by numerous clients turned friends, including Natalie.

I met Natalie two years ago when she asked me to be her wedding photographer for her October day. Now she’s a mommy and has given the sweet opportunity to capture her first and now second maternity session. Plus I met her first born, Justin. And he is absolutely precious. I loved catching up with a past DMP Bride and look forward to meeting Baby #2!

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I am telling you - this little boy is full of personality! And loves exploring new places, Stewartfield at Springhill College included.

#tbt to Natalie’s wedding day | Apalachicola, Florida. 

AND #tbt to Natalie’s first maternity session as she awaited her first baby boy!

*Thanks for asking me to be a part of your different seasons of life; I have enjoyed cheering you on!

Ashley & Weston | Auburn Alabama Anniversary Session

Photographing a fellow photographer is always a lot of pressure BUT these two made my afternoon with their adorable smiles and perfectly paired outfits. I remember receiving the text from Ashley saying she'd like for me to capture her anniversary session this year and being ecstatic that her husband who adorns crimson and white on Saturdays would actually come to Auburn, Alabama for their portrait session.

We decided upon exploring Kiesel Park for their Auburn anniversary portrait session and golden hour did not disappoint. Being the recent newlywed that I am, I asked them for their best marriage advice to which they responded "communication is key." And I agree completely. Together these two have made waves in their careers back in Selma, Alabama. Weston is an accountant and Ashley a photographer. I have had the honor of working alongside her as a second shooter and love watching her develop her style and interact with her clients.

I’ve known Ashley and Weston since college and have enjoyed watching them travel the world as husband and wife for the last five years. Most recently they went to Paris and London. ✈️ How cool is that?! I cannot wait to see what all adventures they go on this year.

Is there anything more romantic than dancing barefoot in a field with your husband?! Love!

Thank you for allowing me to capture this sweet season of life for you. I loved the opportunity to explore one of my favorite parks in my new town of Auburn, Alabama. Cheers to another year of marriage!

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Interested in seeing more of Ashley & her incredible work as the girl boss behind, Ashley Brooke Photography? Visit her blog!

Shelbie & Craig | Greensboro Alabama Engagement Session

"Where's your hometown?" It's a question you are always asked, no matter where you go.

Greensboro, Alabama, is hometown to me. The land of catfish ponds & pastures. The place where everyone knows your name or at least who your momma is. A frequent stop for pie if you are a passerby. And a community willing to lend a hand to it's neighbor in times of need.

As with any small town (or Nicolas Sparks book), chances of falling for a handsome boy on the football team are very likely & that's just what happened with Shelbie & Craig. These two met in the ninth grade & have been together ever since. All credit goes to Craig for making that first move eight years ago. He loves her for her strong sense of independence & she adores his personality that keeps her laughing.

Rain clouds threaten our entire afternoon but my prayers were answered when I arrived in Greensboro. These high school sweethearts were up for anything & I loved exploring our little town together rain-free. We even got to incorporate the newest addition to downtown, a mural painted by Donald Walker of Arab, Alabama. Enjoy scrolling through some of my many favorites from Shelbie & Craig's hometown engagement session!

Craig adores his girl & it shows! <3

Shelbie, girl! You are goregous!

Congrats you two! Thanks for allowing me to return home for your portrait session. I am so excited to see y'all walk through this exciting new season of life. Happy Wedding Planning!

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Shelbie's Hair & Makeup done by the fabulous Jordan of The Best Little Hair House in Greensboro, Alabama.

Tracy & Jonathan | Dauphin Island Portraits

Funny story: this sweet girl right here was once my bride & is now my sister-in-law. I doubt she meant to be a matchmaker at her own wedding but she was. Now I’m excited to watch her become a mommy & welcome a niece into the family.

Tracy & Jonathan’s maternity session took place at one of my favorite Gulf Coast locations, Dauphin Island. From the mighty oaks in Cadillac Square to the seashore near Fort Gaines, this little island creates a magical place for portrait sessions.

Congrats to this DMP couple! I cannot wait to cheer you on in this new little adventure of yours!