Alabama Weddings

Mary Wesley & Bradley’s Birmingham, AL Wedding at Cathedral Church of the Advent + The Club

Published on November 1, 2019November 1, 2019 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

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. ;))

M. Elizabeth Team in action with all hands on deck for help with the dress.

I loved the color edit AND the black and white edit of this shot! Couldn’t decide so I posted both! 😉

Mary Wesley & Bradley’s Wedding at Advent and The Club by Heather Durham Photography

Morgan & Cooper’s Month-After Portrait Session

Published on August 5, 2019August 5, 2019 by Heather Durham Photography1 Comment

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.

Mary Wesley & Bradley’s Engagement Session in Birmingham, AL

Published on May 29, 2019June 3, 2019 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

I was so excited to finally meet Mary Wesley & Bradley (and her sweet parents) a few weeks ago for their Engagement Session at her parent’s ranch in Birmingham, AL. We connected over our love for the University of Alabama. I can’t wait for their fall wedding; and, of course, as all true southerners do, they considered the football schedule. It’s not on a Saturday home game. Roll Tide! 🙂 Can’t wait to spend the day with these two on October 5th. It’s going to be so much fun. I love them already!

Jane Elizabeth & Taylor’s Cocktails and Rehearsal Dinner at Moonshine at the Elyton and Café Dupont, Birmingham AL Wedding

Published on May 10, 2019July 7, 2019 by Heather Durham Photography1 Comment

Jane Elizabeth and Taylor’s Rehearsal Dinner started with family portraits in the Elyton Hotel’s gorgeous lobby (I’m a little obsessed with its blue walls.) Then, champagne and a sunset view of Birmingham at Moon Shine, the rooftop lounge at the top of the Elyton. Everyone enjoyed a delicious, candlit dinner seated at tables with monogrammed napkins and beautiful florals at Café DuPont. We left with full stomachs and full hearts. Guests parted with a monogrammed gift box of roasted pecans from the groom’s family ranch in Arkansas.

Maria & Matt’s Downtown Birmingham Engagement Session

Published on January 23, 2019January 22, 2019 by Heather Durham Photography1 Comment

The day after Christmas I had the pleasure of photographing Maria and Matt’s Engagement Session, and y’all they are so sweet and full of joy! Since they are both from Birmingham, they requested iconic city spots to be included in the images as part of their story, so we strolled all over downtown as they laughed and snuggled. And, we had the most perfect December day…sunny and unseasonably warm!

I can’t wait for their December 14, 2019 wedding at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and Vestavia Country Club. It’s going to be a fun one!

Francie & Smylie’s Vestavia Country Club & The Club Wedding, Birmingham AL [Published in BRIDES]

Published on June 4, 2018April 8, 2019 by Heather Durham Photography4 Comments

The absolute best part of my job is the couples I meet. I’ve been blessed with the kindest brides, grooms, families and wedding parties who make the day so much fun.

Francie and Smylie met when they were 15 and 16 and have the sweetest story. They are both from Vestavia Hills (Birmingham AL), where my family lived for 10 years before moving to Nashville, so we have lots of mutual friends. Smylie grew up on Vestavia Hills Country Club golf course, learned how to play the game there and now plays on the PGA Tour. I’m always excited when I can photograph a couple where they have a connection to a place that holds so many memories, so I was thrilled we were able to do their First Look and portraits at VCC.

Francie worked with Mariée Ami to plan her wedding with an amazing vendor team (see complete list at the end of this post). She was such a pleasure to work with from day one; and when the wedding day weather forecast included a tornado warning and her portraits were interrupted by thunderstorms, she was calm and full of grace, without even one word of complaint. She radiated joy all day, from getting ready at her family’s home to their sendoff at The Club in a golf cart, of course.

Francie has a lifestyle blog and Instagram account @Fairwayfinds. Follow along as she shares travel adventures and healthy living finds while on the PGA Tour with Smylie. Francie signs off with each blog post “Always finding joy,”. Yes, she is, and her wedding day had so much of it!

Francie and Smylie, thank you for choosing me to be a small part of your beautiful wedding day! Best wishes for a lifetime of health, happiness and birdies!

You can also see their wedding published on Brides.com.

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