The Odoms | 10.14.17

Often times you hear of two high school sweethearts falling in love & getting married. And I am lucky enough to have witnessed one of those sweet stories with my own eyes. It was the most perfect October day when these two began their journey as husband & wife.

The bride dreamed of being like Cinderella on her wedding day, after all their proposal happened at Disney! Her vision came to life that day as she tiptoed to her prince charming for the first time & then later as he twirled her around the dance floor.

Catherine & Ocean couldn't stop smiling the entire day & neither could I! What a treat it was to celebrate their wedding day with family & friends.

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I believe in traditions. Keeping them & making new ones too. Each one brings forth memories much like a sixpence carried by your mother & grandmother on their wedding days. Now it's your turn to carry on the sweet tradition. I loved incoorparting these family heirlooms into Catherine's bridal details.

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I have said it before but I will say it again. Make time, even if it's just 15 minutes, for "Just Married" portraits. They always turn out to be some of my favorites portraits of the entire wedding day.

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All the wonderful vendors who made Catherine & Ocean's wedding dreams come true:

Bride's Dress: Bliss Bridal - Fairhope, Alabama

Ceremony & Reception: Baldwin County Coliseum & Fairgrounds

Cake: Cakes by Vickie

Catering: Guido's

DJ: DJ Que Events

Florist: Hub City Florist

Catharine & Kevin | Engaged

Early morning sessions normally aren't my thing but between these two & that light, I might schedule them more often.

Catharine & Kevin met in college during an anatomy class & have been dating for nearly 3 years. Now they are planning a small & intimate Spring wedding. I have photographed them both individually but never together. And what a treat that was to finally have that opportunity.

We met up for their engagement session at Springhill College & walked along the avenue of grand oaks with their precious pup, Ava. Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session!

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Christy & Tyler | Engaged

I knew the moment that I met Christy (over coffee of course) & we started talking about our boys that we'd have so much fun together.

Christy is finishing up her degree in Physical Therapy & Tyler is working on his PhD in cancer research, both at the University of South Alabama. She grew up in Louisiana & completed her undergrad at LSU, while he chose one of her rival schools in Alabama - ahem, Roll Tide! Which actually brings us to how they met! These two met at a tailgate party for the LSU/Bama game a few years ago & agreed to look beyond each other's flaws. ;) Tyler's best advice to surviving football season in a house divided? Watch the game separately.

We met for their engagement session at the Avenue of Oaks on Springhill College's campus. And they brought their pup, Scout, along too! Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session as you & I both eagerly await their spring wedding. 

Fun fact: Christy & Tyler share their wedding date with one of Britain's royal couples, Meghan Markle & Prince Harry. May 19th, 2018 will certainly be one for the books & I cannot wait!

A Year in Review | 2017

As 2017 draws to a close, I will remember this one as a building year & one where things got personal. Two years ago this little photography business was officially formed & I decided to dive head first into the world of weddings. I set a goal to become more intentional with my couples. And just this spring I walked into the bridal suite & the bride exclaimed, "Debby is here! It's really real. Today is my wedding day!" That simple statement meant the world to me. In that moment, all the hard work, all the hours spent behind the computer & camera, & all the struggles as a small business owner became worth it.

You see because I believe in cheering you on throughout your journey. Not just the day my brides step into their dress of white.

So today I celebrate another year of being able to pursue my passion. Another year where I was invited to capture over a dozen love stories. Another year of tickle fights & puppy kisses. Another year of heart to hearts shared over cups of coffee. And y'all that is a reason to celebrate.

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Highlights of 2017

• Photographed 12 DMP weddings & second shot with Jennie Tewell Photography, Elizabeth Gelineau Photography & Ashley Brooke Photography to bring my year total to 17 weddings!

• Discovered 17hats & began a workflow sequence that saves me from hours of bookkeeping. #notabusinessmajor

• RISING TIDES SOCIETY - One of my goals this year was to network with other vendors & other creatives in the area. And what an answer to prayer this group was. Once a month we gather on Tuesdays to discuss a topic as small business owners. We encourage one another & support each others' dreams.

"We believe that when creatives rise, the world is changed for the better. Together, we are empowering the creative economy to pursue their passion with the support of a community."

• Shot my first editorial magazine cover for ACCESS magazine's Swim & Fitness Issue. Discover more & see some behind the scenes here on the blog. And then joined up with the ACCESS team again later on this year to photograph a group of Mobile's outstanding teens.

• Started 12 tickle fights between parents & children that induced good ol' belly laughter.

• Got featured in Premier Wedding of Mobile Bay ! The Nelsons graced their Spring 2017 magazine, along with the Horne Wedding, too. Check it out here!

• Played dress up with five of my Deborah Michelle Brides as we awaited their wedding days.

• Traveled nearly 9,000 miles all while consuming more than 400 cups of coffee & many Chickfila cookies.

• Celebrated 10 seniors. Some with confetti, one with a proposal & another with a baby announcement!

• Reconnected with DMP couples as they embarked on a new adventure known as parenthood!

• Enjoyed many puppy kisses. *Pups are always welcomed as long as I am a photographer!

• Smiled so much my cheeks hurt after meeting new couples who will get married in the new year!

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To everyone who had a part in making 2017 memorable, thank you. You taught me more about myself & how to be a successful girl boss. You encouraged me & challenged me. You brought my heart much joy when you asked me to capture this season of life for you & your family. I will treasure all the friendships made & the lessons learned.

2018 has some big shoes to fill, but I have a feeling it will be extra special for this photographer who will now become a bride!

The Taylors | 07.15.17

Sydni became Colton's wife in the church where he grew up. These two met in college & on this very warm day in July they decided to embark on a new journey as husband & wife. Family & friends traveled to a small town on the outskirts of Birmingham to share in the joy of their wedding day.

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Goodness - I LOVE a first look with the girls. One of my favorite moments from the day!

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Sydni & Taylor agreed to travel to downtown Jasper after leaving their reception for a few "Just Married" bride & groom portraits. And yall taking these few moments to let the events of the day soak in were something special.

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Many don't realize the number of people that work behind the scenes to make a wedding day, here are a few of the unsung heroes from the Taylor Wedding.

Bride's Dress: David's Bridal

Ceremony & Reception: Parrish First Baptist Church

Cake: Deb Deason

Catering: Michelle's Bakery

Invitations: Shutterfly

Ariel | Bridals

Bridal portrait sessions are some of my favorites, hands down. But they are so hard to keep to myself sometimes. I won't forget the day Ariel stepped out in her wedding gown. It took my breath away. I had not seen anything like it before. The fit & flair style (yes, I watch way to much Say Yes to the Dress) paired with her simple veil & long red curls were every photographer's dream!

Now that Ariel is Mrs. Smiley I can finally share a few of my favorites from her day of dress up. *Plus I am sharing a few tips on how to prepare for your very own bridal session...just keep reading.

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Goodness, this bride is goregous!

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It's like Ariel stepped into a magical secret garden for these shots. Ah so in LOVE!

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And now can we just discuss the back of her dress from I Do Bridal & Formal? It is stunning. Absolutely stunning.

...and if these are her bridals just wait until you see the photos from her wedding day! She knocked that one out of the park, too! Stay tuned :)

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Just a few friendly tips from your photographer if you are planning to book a bridal session during the fall in Mobile, Alabama:

1. Bring a portable fan. It doesn't matter if it's the end of September, it will still be a thousand degrees outside. That mixed with 10 layers of fabric...trust me, you'll want a fan.
2. Stay hydrated & bring a little something to eat beforehand. You will fit into your dress, I promise. Plus I don't need you passing out on me.
3. Bring your sweet momma (or best friend). Having an extra set of hands is soooo helpful. They will be there to help you laugh, to wipe away the sweat, to fluff out your train, to hold your veil...and the list goes on.
4. But most of all remember to have fun! This is your time to play dress up before the big day. Schedule a trial run with hair & makeup. Walk around in your shoes. Your only job is to relax & smile because the next time you put on your dress will be your wedding day that you've only dreamed about.

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Bride's Dress: I Do Bridal & Formal Mobile, Alabama

Bridal Portrait Location: Bellingrath Gardens & Home Theodore, Alabama

Ring: Hayes Jewelers

Florals: Sharon Summerlin with Costco