The Bonds | 05.27.17

"The best thing about getting married is that you get to stand up in front of everyone you care about & state for the record that you believe in the best-case scenario. These two have just done that. It's very easy to be cynical about love until you're lucky enough to meet a couple like this."

I adore hearing stories about my dear couples & the speeches from Meghan & Nathan's wedding were no exception. The bride's matron of honor, Lizzie, reminded family & friends that were gathered at the reception of the couples' beginning & left the newlyweds with some encouraging advice. More from her speech later on in the blog, so for now enjoy some lovely portraits.

As a girl from a small town in Vermont, Meghan had an idea that she wanted to practice rural medicine and during college heard about this non-profit in Alabama that sparked her interest. Never having visited the South, she had no idea what to expect, but ended up falling in love in more way than one.

After a few months of nudging from family & friends, Nathan finally introduced himself to her. Full of shyness & awkwardness, these two went canoeing for their first date. It wouldn't be long before Meghan returned home & quickly discovered that long distance wasn't for them. So Nathan made a huge sacrifice to leave the comforts of home in the South to move up to frigid Vermont for the winter months.

And the rest is history!

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Months before the May wedding date, I met with Meghan over a cup of coffee. (ha no surprise here - this photographer loves her coffee dates!) We discussed everything from first dates to future job plans to wedding day details. I asked her what the feel would be for her day to which she responded,  "classic with a touch of vintage." And I can testify that her wedding day was simply so. The recently renovated Opera House in downtown Greensboro was the perfect combination of both to celebrate the newlyweds.

Meghan & Nathan's first dance was choreographed by the couple & then accompanied by music from her father. Such a special moment - of course I was in tears. Such a sucker for sweet dances at wedding receptions, mother & son dance included.

"This couple is brave, strong & make each other grow every single day," were the words spoken by Meghan's matron of honor.

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Vendors who made this small town wedding a dream come true for Meghan & Nathan:

Bride's Dress: Allure,  Divine Design

Ceremony: St. Paul's Episcopal Church -  Greensboro, Alabama

Reception: Greensboro Opera House - Greensboro, Alabama

Band: Crystal Clear

Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang, David's Bridal

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse

Couple's Accommodations: Johnston-Torbert House - Greensboro, Alabama

The O'Berrys | 05.20.17

If I could only describe this wedding with one word it would be sweet. From the baby's breath tucked into the bride's hair to the groom's disposition as the church doors opened. The entire day was laced with joy & happiness as Robert & Savannah became husband & wife.

One of my favorite parts from their wedding day was when those closest to the couple gave speeches during the reception held at Stewartfield in Mobile, Alabama. Each one told of funny stories, including the moment Robert asked Savannah's Marine Corps father for his daughter's hand in marriage. Tears abounded from all in attendance, including me. Every word spoken reminded you of why everyone loves this couple.

Their wedding day was simply sweet in every way imaginable - rain showers included.

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Ahhhhh! I simply adore this moment. Robert's dad reaching out to comfort his son the moment Savannah began her walk down the aisle towards him. So sweet!

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Moments after this photo was snapped underneath the oaks trees known as the Avenue of Oaks in Mobile, Alabama, it started pouring. I am so glad that we got these in just in time & for a couple willing to risk a few sprinkles for portraits.

Savannah & Robert - it was a delight to witness your day one! Cheers to many more years of laughter & happiness with your best friend by your side.

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Weddings take a team & here's who made this May Wedding possible:

Rings: Hayes Jewelers

Ceremony: St. Joseph's Chapel at Spring Hill College

Reception: Stewartfield at Spring Hill College

DJ: Phillip Worthy

Bride & Groom Cakes: Cakes by Judi

Pianist: Billy Kavula

Cantor: Tim Aguirre

Photographer's Assistant: Meredyth Greening

The Roberts | 05.06.17

One of the many perks to being a wedding photographer is that I have a front row seat to witness two people become husband & wife. And y'all - it brings my soul much joy!

I believe in so many things. But one of those things is smiling so much that your cheeks are physically sore from being genuinely so happy. Embracing those laugh lines found around your eyes instead of covering them up. They tell stories. Happy stories & stories spent smiling through the tears knowing the best is yet to come. The way your cheeks overtake your face drawing your teary eyes together as the doors open at the back of the church revealing your bride dressed in white. And the sweet sigh of relief as you spin around the dance floor bare foot in your husband's embrace underneath the stars. Whatever you do my dear, don't stop smiling.

Tracy is hands down one of the most joyful brides I've ever had the pleasure of working with. And her groom, Jonathan? Just as smitten as she is. From the moment I entered the bridal suite where the girls were getting ready to the moment rose petals fell from above at the end of the night, you could not wipe the smile off of this bride's face.

Surrounded by their families & dearest friends, Tracy became Mrs. Jonathan Roberts during a sweet ceremony held at Luke: 4:18 in Mobile, Alabama, on the most perfect Saturday in May. *I am not even kidding. The day before their wedding a rain shower came through that cooled off the area which was complete opposite for Mobile's usual humidity so thick that you can get stuck in it. No lie. **Everyone in the South sighs in agreement.

The celebration continued with dancing & cake (my favorite!) at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, Alabama. I love this venue especially during sunset when I can steal the couple away for a few "Just Married" portraits. ***Keep scrolling, trust me - they're so great. I mean my couples have been voted unanimously the most adorable. Ever.

I have too many favorites from this lovely wedding day, so for now I will let you take a peak inside Tracy & Jonathan's wedding day. May their smiles be contagious as you peruse their beginning.

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I always ask my couples, brides especially, which side is their side. So when it came time for Jonathan's portraits, I asked him "What's your favorite side?" And his response was hands down the best I've ever heard. He responded with "mac 'n cheese". Yes. Needless to say, the groom & his men kept me laughing all day.

The guys certainly set the bar high for the day but Tracy's first look with her girls couldn't be topped. Such excitement & delight in each one of their faces. Ah! What an honor it is to see your best friend as a bride. (Side note: I met Tracy in college but felt more like a friend throughout this whole wedding planning process, so yeah I may or may not have cried too.)

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Jonathan & Tracy chose to forgo a first look & see each other the moment she walked down the aisle. *Cue more tears* 

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The mix of blues, white, blush pinks, & grays chosen by Tracy was perfect. Just perfect.

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Huge shout out to several wonderful vendors who made this wedding day the best for the Roberts:

Bride's Dress: Allure Bridals, Designer | Purchased at I Do Bridal & Formal in Mobile, Alabama

*Click here for the link to Tracy's stunning bridal portraits taken at Springhill College.

Bridesmaid Dresses: I Do Bridal & Formal

Caterer: Mama's on Dauphin

DJ: Jason with DJs by the Bay

Florist: Belle Bouquet

Bride & Groom Cakes: Cakes by Judi

Rings: Gold Art

Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitiations

Photographer's Assistant: Hannah Holland

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Embrace those laugh lines. For they will be treasures when you celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary. Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Roberts! May you never stop making each other laugh from this day forward.

The Mynards | 04.29.17

Clouds rolled in as the music began & everyone took their places on top of a bluff overlooking a part of Alabama I never knew existed. The moment Nathan's bride would make her journey down the aisle to become his wife. Big inhale, huge exhale as that moment covered in prayers is finally here.

One look at you; my whole life falls in line.
I prayed for you; before I called you mine.
I can’t believe it’s true, sometimes.
I can’t believe it’s true.

I get to love you, it’s the best thing that I’ll ever do.
I get to love you, it’s a promise I’m making to you.
Whatever may come; your heart I will choose.
Forever I’m yours, forever I do.
I get to love you, I get to love you.

The way you love, it changes who I am.
I am undone and I thank God once again.
I can’t believe it’s true, sometimes. | I Get To Love You, Ruelle

*Hands down my favorite wedding song to date. But I'm getting ahead of myself, let's journey back to the beginning of the day & then we will get to more of the ceremony pictures! Ok fine, here's a sneak...

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"I want my wedding day to be filled with laughter and love with all of our amazing family and friends. Low on stress and high on memories," remarked Mrs. Mynard a few months prior to her April wedding date.

And I can confirm that it was all of those things mentioned above.

Chandler spent the morning getting ready with her best girls by her side. Katie Hodges helped bring forth the girls' natural beauty (seriously she's the best, check her out). And Nathan calmed his nerves by playing ping-pong with his guys.

Chandler & Nathan's bridal party was so much fun as you can probably tell. They kept me laughing & were there to lend a hand if needed.

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Y'all, their first look was breath-taking.

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I believe in marriages that reflect the church. Love built upon the truth that Christ died for us, so that we may have ever lasting life. For better or for worse. In sickness & in health. A union of two selfish people, choosing to seek God first above themselves & one another.

Chandler & Nathan's ceremony was performed by one of his spiritual leaders. Surrounded by God's beauty, they stood hand in hand & exchanged their vows.

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Ephesians Farm was the perfect venue from the large getting ready lofts to the stunning bluff to the intimate barn for a night full of dancing. It was just the right fit for Chandler & Nathan's wedding day.

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All the wonderful vendors who made this an absolute dream for the bride & groom:

Hair & Makeup: Katie Hodges

Bride's Dress: Bella's Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff, Bella's Bridal

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse

Band: Z and the Party Faktory

Coordinator, Caterer & Florist: Sherri Shaw, Ephesians Farm

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*Ah! I've got one more surprise for ya. After their bridal party portraits & family formal time, we had a little break before the ceremony & I asked Chandler & Nathan if they'd be up for an adventure. Much to my surprise they agreed & ventured out on top of a rock in the middle of a creek bed for these awesome bride & groom portraits.

The Johns | March 25th, 2017

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On Saturday, March 25th, Olivia & Hunter became Mr. & Mrs. Johns. Their closet friends & family gathered as witnesses to the union & stayed to celebrate with cake & dancing.

Tuscaloosa has a special place in my heart, so I was looking forward to visiting the sweet college town to photograph their wedding since she booked me last year!

Since they met while attending the University of Alabama (Roll Tide), they decided to get married on campus at Smith Hall. Despite the 80% chance of severe weather on their wedding day, we worked with the occasional break in the rain clouds & utilized the grand staircase within the venue. 

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Normally the guys get a bad wrap on wedding days but confession their portrait time is often a fun part to my day. They follow instructions, most times, because they're ready to get back in to the AC - I don't blame them. And more times than not they are more giggly than the girls. Hunter & his guys were on their game.

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Who says you can't have great portraits on a rainy wedding day? Not true. Simply add a few fun clear umbrellas.

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Vendors who made this wedding dream a reality:

Florist: Fete & Fleur

Cater: Robertson's BBQ

Cakes: Edgar's Bakery

DJ: Feel the Beat Entertainment

Venue - Getting Ready: The Jack Warner at North River

Venue - Ceremony & Reception: Smith Hall, University of Alabama

The Hills | November 19th, 2016

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"Where you go I will go, & where you stay I will stay." Ruth 1:16

Only God could make two souls so perfect for one another. Sarah Margaret is just as sweet as that smile of hers. And Chance is smitten by her in every way. I've known Chance & his family for some time & to be a part of such a special union was an honor for me. 

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SM & Chance share a love for horses & being outside. (Remember their proposal where Chance road up on a horse & got down on one knee?!) Well Chance just so happens to build barns for a living. So of course he built a barn to get married in! How stunning is Tachee Farms?!

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Ah! That just married feeling - can't wipe that smile off their faces! 

Congrats Mr & Mrs Hill! Excited to see how God uses your marriage for His glory!

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Vendors:

Bride's Dress: Bliss Bridal - Fairhope, Alabama 

Florist: The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts - Chickasaw, Alabama

Cake: Cakes by Judi

Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: JC Penny

Invitations: Kristen Laraway with Fairhope Fine Paper 

Rings: Lou's Jewelry