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

Published on November 1, 2019January 14, 2020 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 Reid Chapel & Haven Wedding, Birmingham AL

Published on July 16, 2019July 16, 2019 by Heather Durham Photography2 Comments

Photographer: Heather Durham | Assistant Photographers: Rizza Phillips | Planner: Magnolia Vine Events| Floral Design: Thorne & Thistle | Wedding Gown: Heidi Elnora | Bride Shoes: Kate Spade |Tuxes: Joseph A. Bank | Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids |Wedding Invitations: Annabelles Too| Hair & Make Up Stylist: Emily Summerville| Silk Ribbon: Cocoon Silk Ribbon | Ceremony: Reid Chapel on the campus of Samford University | Reception Venue: Haven | Cake Artist: Pastry Art | Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited |Entertainment: Norris Dates and The Power Surge

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.