The Davidsons | Greensboro Alabama Wedding

Katie’s dream was to walk down the center aisle with her dad by her side in the church she grew up in. And sweet Katie got that dream on a Friday evening in October. Surrounded by their closest friends & family, Katie & Brandon tied the knot.

I, too, grew up at Greensboro Baptist Church in Greensboro, Alabama & have known Katie for years. When she asked me to be her photographer, I was delighted. I knew the man who hold stolen her heart would be special indeed. Brandon brings out the crinkles in her nose every time she laughs. I have never seen a bride so smitten.

Katie & Brandon’s wedding day brought me back to my hometown & made me feel like part of the family. It’s funny how coming home will do just that. I loved every moment of this wedding day from the first look in a local coffee shop’s courtyard to sweet momma zipping up her gown in the most fabulous white walled bathroom to dancing to jazz music at their Beauty & The Beast themed reception, it was the day every little girl dreams about.

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Ya’ll won’t believe that these getting ready images were taken in a bathroom! Yes, you heard that correctly. A bathroom, ugly toilet & all. See my Instagram post to see what it looked like without a blushing bride involved.

The sweetest first look! I was in tears too!

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Shout out to The Stable for allowing us to crash their beautiful courtyard for these portraits.

Katie framed pictures of their grandparents who are no longer with them & I absolutely loved that idea.

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Vendors who made Katie & Brandon’s wedding day a dream come true.

Photographer: Deborah Michelle Photography

Photographer’s Assistant: Ashley Mason

Wedding Ceremony Venue: Greensboro Baptist Church - Greensboro, Alabama

Getting Ready & Wedding Reception Venue: Martin Stewart Building - Greensboro, Alabama

Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Hair & Makeup: Brittney Johnson

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Cake: Kelley Whatley

Caterer: Evelyn Seale

First Look Venue: The Sable - Greensboro, Alabama

The Huggins | Fairhope Alabama Wedding

Oh where do I even begin?! Tori and Trey’s wedding day was such a delight to be a part of. First of all, it brought me back to the Gulf Coast which I holds a special place in my heart AND I got to catch up with so many of my friends, too!

Tori is one of the most laid back brides that I have been blessed by lately and I am oh so thankful. She understand how crazy my life had been since getting married myself and moving and extended me grace after late night emails. So when I walked into her hotel room on the morning of her wedding day, I was greeted with excitement from her and her squad.

One of my favorite moments from their day took place during their ceremony when they chose to wash each other’s feet just as Jesus did with the disciples. What a humbling way to start off your marriage - a promise to love, serve & submit to one another. And of course my second favorite part of the day was their time spent along the Eastern Shore after their ceremony for some ‘Just Married’ portraits! *Keep scrolling to see what I am talking about.

Tori and Trey, what an honor is was to be a part of your day one. Thank you for sharing in this season with me and my prayer is that these photographs captured on your wedding day will be treasured for generations to come.

Oh sweet momma! I love these moments shared between the bride and her mom especially when I personally know the two.

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I must confess, I cried during Tori & Trey’s first look. All the feels! So, so sweet!

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Ok fine, I am predictable BUT I just love it when couples are game for a round of ‘Just Married’ portraits around sunset. It. Is. So. Worth. It!

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Vendors who made Tori & Trey’s Wedding day the best day ever

Photography: Deborah Michelle Photography

Photographer's Assistant: Toni Goodie

Dress: Bliss Bridal Fairhope, Alabama

Florist: Belle Bouquet

Rings: Lou's Jewelry

Ceremony Venue: St. Francis at the Point Fairhope, Alabama

Reception Venue: Rock Creek Golf Club Fairhope, Alabama

DJ: Southern Aire DJ's

Videographer: Ash Tree Studios

Cake: Darrell Jennings

Catering: Rock Creek Golf Club

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Hair & Makeup: Mallory with Root 43 Salon

Ceremony Music: Christian and Courtney Hilley

Reception Lighting: C&A Event Rental LLC

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!

The Branches | Citronelle Community Center Alabama Summer Wedding

What comes to mind when you envision your wedding day? Do you picture white sandy beaches or walking down the center aisle of your home church? Do you see yourself surrounded by your closest friends & family in a small ceremony or dancing the night away with 150 people? Either way, your day should be how you envision it to be.

When I met with Lauren & Justin, they told me that they envisioned their wedding day to be full of love & joy. And I can testify that those dreams came true. Joy filled the bridal room as Lauren & her girls got ready; followed by the biggest smiles of the day at the bride & groom's first look. Love flowed from the alter of the church while they exchanged vows & continued into the reception as they shared dances with their sweet parents.

I adored every moment capturing this summertime wedding & at the end of the night was sad to see it end. Lauren has the biggest heart & has been the sweetest bride...not to mention how adorable her & Justin are. It truly was a pleasure to be a part of their love story.

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One of my favorite parts of Lauren & Justin's wedding day was their first look!

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The ceremony took place at their home church which is where they met & got engaged too!

Confession: I love 'stealing' the bride & groom away during the reception to capture a few just married portraits & here's why...

Ever wish a photo was a scratch & sniff?? Or better yet, a scratch & taste?! Let me tell ya, this cake by Delish Bakery was as wonderful to taste as it was to look at. Not to mention the beautiful backdrop made by the bride’s family.

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Branch! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for you as you begin this journey as husband & wife.

It is often said that teamwork makes the dream work & that is so true when it comes to pulling off the perfect wedding day. Here are all the vendors who made this dream possible:

Photography: Deborah Michelle Photography

Photographer's Assistant: Toni Goodie

Dress: Bliss Bridal Fairhope, Alabama

Florist: Trayce Mathis

Bride's Rings: Lou's Jewelry

Ceremony Venue: Haven Woods Baptist Church

Reception Venue: Citronelle Community Center

DJ: Southern Aire DJ's

Videographer: KWest Videography

Cake: Delish Bakery

Catering: Full of Grace Catering

Bridesmaids Dresses: Bliss Bridal Fairhope, Alabama

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Fancy That Saraland, Alabama

Invitations: Etsy

Hair & Makeup: Mallory with Root 43 Salon

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.

A Photographer Becomes A Bride | A Personal Post

On the most beautiful Saturday in April, I married my best friend. I sat down my camera & picked up a bride's bouquet. Instead of wearing black & running around behind the scenes, I wore white & the loveliest lace veil.

As someone who is in the wedding industry, I thought I knew a good bit. Wrong. I was wrong. There was so much that I didn't know. For example, how much food it takes to feed 150 people or how many options there are for table linens. And now I know why it takes a bride a few days to respond to emails, we've got a lot of things going on. Meeting with other vendors, working a full-time job, trying to sweat for the dress & make time for your fiance. I understand so much more now.

So, today, I wanted to share with you my experience as a bride & provide a few takeaways that might help a future bride in the process too. Below you will find 10 tips that will hopefully help you in planning your big day!

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TEN TIPS from a Photographer who became a Bride

1. Hire a wedding professional planner and/or coordinator. I get it, you've got Pinterest & you know what you want to do; but trust me a professional will guarantee that your vision will come true. As a photographer, it pains me to see someone asking the bride logistical questions the day of or the mom on her phone trying to find out where the flowers are when her daughter slips on her dress. She's missing that moment! Trust me hiring a professional is worth it, even if it's just for the day of.

2. Make it your own, not a Pinterest board. Goodness, I sound like I hate Pinterest. I promise I do not. I used it as a launch pad. For instance, what colors should I use? Oh this is a beautiful gown, let me save this image for inspiration. Or cute ways to ask my nephews to be 'ring bearers'. Ways we made 04/28/18 our own? We allowed everyone from our bridal party to purchase their own attire. Each tie was different & every dress flattered each girl.

Our families are both big reasons why we are here today & so we wanted to highlight them in a special way. So being the wedding photographer that I am, we took photos from their wedding days & displayed them. I also knew that I wanted to honor my dad who passed away eight years ago in happy ways not sad ones. I wrapped my bouquet with the collar of my dad's shirt so that he'd be there holding my hand every step down the aisle & at the reception shared a dance to the Temptations' "My Girl" with all the dads/daughters in attendance. Little touches that make your wedding day unique to you & no one else.

3. An Engagement Session is key. I am a photographer for a reason, I prefer to be behind the camera. And when you do get me in front of it, it's like I forget what to do with my hands or to smile naturally. I always encourage my clients to do an engagement session because it allows them to become comfortable in front of the camera before their wedding day. Ya'll, it's so true. My husband, Richard, even said so, too. "I was actually able to enjoy the moment versus focusing on whether I was doing the pose correctly.”

4. No rules, it’s your day. If you want three cakes, have three cakes. If you don't want to toss the bouquet or garter, don't.

Confession: I always thought I wanted to elope or at least have some sort of destination wedding. But, the more I thought about our "perfect" wedding day, the more I wanted to celebrate my marriage to Richard in our city. He grew up in Mobile & I have lived here for 10 years. Mobile is home. So we decided to have a small intimate ceremony with just our immediate families & bridal party a few hours before hosting a large reception at The Pillars of Mobile, Alabama. Again, no set rules my friend.

5. Be flexible. I am not the most adaptable person, but when things don't go as planned you just have to go with the flow & make it work a different way. Rain might change your ceremony from outside to inside. Hair & makeup may take longer than anticipated. So my best advice: remain calm, trust your photographer who added that buffer of time into your portrait timeline & be okay with taking bridal party portraits after the ceremony.

6. Eat! I always tell my brides to eat because no one likes a hangry bride & then I turned into one! (*Let this be my formal apology to Elizabeth, Allyson, Cheree & Bryan.). Being the Chick-fil-A addict that I am, I had breakfast catered for my girls & I as we got our hair done that morning. Then for lunch ordered sandwich trays from Publix for us & the groomsmen. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to grab a sandwich before stepping into my dress...not my best moment. By the time the ceremony was over & we were taking pictures, I started to get hangry. Our original plan was to eat before being announced at our reception but we were a little late due to pictures. (Y'all, golden hour was just too pretty to miss; so happy we got those gorgeous portraits in Washington Square. They are some of my favorite from the entire day!) So as soon as we got to our reception venue we were announced, shared our first dance & then went into a private area to eat while our guests enjoyed brunch for dinner as well. Ten minutes of sitting down to eat allowed us a moment to ourselves before interacting with our guests & gave us fuel for all the dancing!

7. Make time for a Mother/Daughter Date. Girls, your sweet momma has probably dreamed of this day since she first held you in her arms. During the week of my wedding, my mom & I checked into the Battlehouse Spa for an afternoon. And it was just what the both of us needed. Time to relax & not worry about running errands. Time to chat & soak up the big life changes that were taking place soon. Because as soon as your bridesmaids roll into town, you hit the ground running. So set aside some time the week of your wedding for your mom, whether that is a spa day or a coffee date.

8. Remember your vendors. I am not saying this because I am one. But now that I've been on the other side of camera, I know how hard they work to make your day the absolute best. Sure tips are appreciated but a simple "thank you so much for everything" can make their day too. I consider myself the luckiest bride because I surrounded myself with my dream team. They truly went above & beyond & am a forever grateful.

9. Pick your best friends to stand by your side. I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard "well I was in hers, so I have to ask her to be in mine too". No, absolutely not. You should always choose those who have supported you & will continue to throughout your marriage. Sure you were best of friends 10 years ago but did you call her when you knew you went on your last first date?? You need to surround yourself with friends who make you laugh, keep you calm & hold your ballgown when you have to potty! #weddingdayreality LOL

And most importantly...

10. On the day of, your only job is to get married. That’s it. I am a planner to my core & was a little stressed the week of my wedding. I just wanted everything to come together perfectly. And the reality is that months of planning are gone in simply 24 hours. So I knew when I woke up on April 28th that no matter what happened that day my only task was to get down that aisle to Richard. It was a day to soak in every moment & enjoy celebrating our love with all of those closest to us.

I can, in fact, say that it was the best day ever.

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Shout out to all the vendors who made my wedding day the best!

Planner | Heather Pfefferkorn, Classic Events – The Pillars of Mobile

Getting Ready & Reception Venue | The Pillars of Mobile

Ceremony Location | Washington Square Park

Photographer | Elizabeth Gelineau - Check out her blog about our wedding!

Second Photographer | Jacob Bennett

Photographer’s Assistant | Allyson DeMouy

Videography | Lifehouse Films - Check out our video sneak peek!

Caterer | Chef Rob Stephens

Florist | Sarah Beth’s Florist

Cakes | Cakes by Judi

Hair Stylist | Mallory Gleason, Root 43 Salon

Makeup Artist | Courtney Matthews

DJ | Jason Skelton, DJs by the Bay

Rental Company | SOHO Events & Rentals

Bride’s Gown | Bella’s Bridal & Formal, Birmingham

Groom’s Suit | Samuelsohn, Oak Hall, Memphis

Jeweler | Lou’s Jewelry

Custom Painting | Melissa Munger