Aldridge Gardens was boasting its amazing fall color display for Lyndsey and Phillip’s Engagement Session in Birmingham, AL a few weeks ago. Such a fun couple and I can’t wait until their May wedding at beautiful Lake Martin & Springhouse with M. Elizabeth Events.
I loved getting to know Mary Wesley and Bradley and their family from their engagement to their classic wedding day. And, since we are all University of Alabama alums, we bonded over fun college memories and football.
Mary Wesley and Bradley’s classic southern wedding was a dream and they looked at each other so sweetly all day long, fully invested in every moment together. This translated into me being able to create incredibly authentic images of their wedding day, beginning at The Tutwiler Hotel, to Mary Wesley’s parents’ ranch to Cathedral of the Advent and finally The Club. Their day was flawless. And, Mary Wesley looked absolutely regal in her 2-piece gown by Martina Liana from Ivory & White. She was able to have two different looks by just removing the lace bodice worn for the ceremony to reveal a simpler sweetheart neckline with banded waist.
M.Elizabeth Events and AG Event Design wow’d guests, transforming the ballroom for the reception at The Club. It boasted florals in shades of white with greenery, and so many orchids! Greige linen seating areas encouraged guests to sit, relax and stay a while. Mirrored tables reflected light from the flickering candles and offered a resting spot for drinks.
I’m so excited to share this October wedding with you. It was a sweet, southern stunner! And…sometimes in this industry we feel pressured to show only the pretty, perfectly styled images. I do love those (alot), but there’s SO much more to the story… family, friendships, laughter, hugs, tears, joy…that’s what wedding days are all about. Relationships and moments are what you want to remember and treasure for years to come. That’s what I want to share…the complete story. YOUR story.
(Sorry, not sorry for the lengthy blog post. I couldn’t help it. Let’s just say that when it comes to images, I’m better at novels than Cliff’s notes. ;))
Photographer: Heather Durham | Assistant Photographers: 1st Assistant Emily Kicklighter and 2nd Assistant Rizza Phillips | Planner: M.Elizabeth Events | Floral and Event Design + Rentals: AG Event Design | Wedding Gown: Martina Liana from Ivory & White Bridal Boutique | Bride Shoes: Badgley Mischka |Tuxes: Joseph A. Bank | Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids |Wedding Invitations: Annabelles Too| Hair & Make Up Stylist: Madeline Hulsey | Ceremony: Cathedral Church of the Advent| Reception Venue: The Club | Cake Artist: Pastry Art | Entertainment: City Heat
I absolutely LOVED getting even more time with this sweet couple! Morgan chose a bridal session in her Collection, but preferred to wait until after the wedding…and brought her new hubby Cooper along for the fun so they could have a few more portraits together in different locations around Birmingham. So, about one month after their wedding day we met at the historic Elyton Hotel downtown for bridal portraits on the 100 year old marble staircase and couple portraits in the beautiful ocean blue living room. Later, we made our way to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for golden hour. It was perfect.
Photography: Heather Durham | Planner: Magnolia Vine Events | Locations: Elyton Hotel + Birmingham Botanical Gardens | Wedding Gown: Heidi Elnora | Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade | Hair & Make-Up: Brittany Massey | Ribbon: Cocoon Silk Ribbon | Tux: Joseph A Bank
Last month I invested in me. I invested in my business. I surrounded myself with hundreds of incredibly talented photographers from all over the world. I met with owners of film labs to learn more about their processes and how I can deliver the best images to my clients. I met with print labs to discuss new partnerships for the fine art prints I have always offered my clients, since the beginning of my business over 16 years ago.
It’s always important to me to attend at least one industry conference each year. Continuing education is invaluable. I never want to feel like I’ve learned everything there is to know. I want to always be a student, honing my skills. Conferences are always a shot in the arm of inspiration, but sometimes they can also make you feel “less than” or overwhelmed with information and how to apply it to your business right away. As soon as those feelings creep in I try to realign them with the truth that I am enough. My worth is in Christ and I am created to be me, not anyone else. I do me. I stay true to my style, my goals and my desire to keep learning and pursuing the best ways to serve my amazing clients. Then I stop for a minute, take a deep breath and realize how deeply grateful I am that THIS is what I get to do every single day. It brings me so much joy.
I already shared the shoot hosted by the talented Eric Kelley and you can see that post here. Now, I want to share some of the film images from an inspiration shoot and workshop hosted by another leader in the wedding photography industry, Lauren Fair, who has been named Top Wedding Photographer in the world by BRIDES and The Knot. I enjoyed meeting her after following her work for a while now. She and her husband Tim are kind people and wonderfully humble educators. I love how this shoot turned out because of the efforts of an incredibly talented vendor team. My business started with film exclusively over 16 years ago. After a long sabbatical, it feels good to slowly weave film back into my workflow as a hybrid shooter, which just means that I’m an artist who chooses the medium (film or digital) that best suits the client, the situation and the light. I hope you enjoy this lovely wedding inspiration shot on film…
Jane Elizabeth and Taylor’s April wedding….it was stunning! Just wait to you see the reception floral design. It’s next level gorgeous! The couple even brought their lab “Honey” along for portraits after their First Look. My favorite image of the day? As you are scrolling, look for the black and white, wide reception room shot with JE and Taylor in a moment as if they were the only ones in the room. That image is what I look for at every reception. It encompasses the story of the entire day from planning and design by the talented Meghan Cease of M. Elizabeth Events, to all the important people in your life celebrating with you, and most importantly your joy and emotion in the midst of the moment of it all coming together. It’s everything!
I loved spending the day with this Alabama girl, Arkansas Razorback and their sweet families! I say this every time, but y’all my brides are the sweetest! I feel truly blessed to be invited into your lives.
