bride

Destination Wedding at Private Coastal Estate in Nova Scotia [Canada] – Published in Destination I Do Magazine

Published on December 27, 2019December 29, 2019 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

This stunning coastal French Chateau “Harbour Mist” on the maritime province of Nova Scotia, Canada was the inspiration for this wedding design with pretty French details and colors that mimic’d the estate’s architecture. The home’s gray cedar shingles, the coastline’s bluish-grey stone that has been smoothed by years of the tide washing over it, and mussel and clam shells found along the shoreline, all determined the color palette for this wedding. To compliment the smoky blues and grays, the bride wore an appliquéd blush Monique Lhuillier wedding gown and blush Jimmy Choo heels. Her art deco diamond ring from Walton’s Antique Jewelry looked lovely placed in a vintage ring box with gold fleur de lis on the lid. Bridesmaids wore a smokey blue Watters dress with blush underlay. Long flowing strands of hand-dyed ribbon by Cocoon Silk Ribbon were tied around the bouquets to catch the ocean breezes.

Weathered wood guest tables sprinkled the plush green lawn and boasted gathered floral centerpieces by Thorne & Thistle, including native blooms, such as white lilac and Canada Mayflower, along with blush pink peonies, roses and foraged greenery. Guests were mezmerized with 180 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a view of the estate, orchard and hillside on the other. Calligraphy place cards by Gracefully Made Art were tucked into blue mussel shells at each guest’s seat. The custom wedding invitation, calligraphy and illustration of the estate were all created by Anna Lora Whitley of Silt & Pine. The Bride and Groom chose to hand write their vows in a gray velvet Vow book by Elmo Paper Stories. Maple syrup in a bottle shaped like the maple leaf, also seen on the Canadian flag, were parting gifts for guests and used the next morning at a brunch given by the groom’s family for out-of-town guests. It was the loveliest of days captured on film.

Nova Scotia Wedding by Heather Durham Photography

Photographer: Heather Durham Photography
Floral & Event Design: Thorne & Thistle + Barefoot Blooms
Local Flower Farmer: Barefoot Blooms
Rentals + Props: Staged for Upsell
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Ivory & White Bridal Boutique (Birmingham, AL)
Bridesmaids Dress: Watters from Bella Bridesmaids (Nashville, TN)
Hair + Make Up: Kerri Bunn
Talent: City Models (Halifax, NS)
Models: Maggie Sutherland + Kyle Hynick + Lillie Ryan
Silk Ribbon: Cocoon Silk Ribbon
Videography + Drone Footage: Atlantic Aerialworx
Venue Location: “Harbour Mist” located in Blandford, Nova Scotia, Canada
Venue Inquiries: Stay Oversea

It’s in the [Wedding] Details

Published on November 10, 2017November 10, 2017 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

Oh how I love to shoot the details that define each of my bride’s unique and beautiful style. Before the wedding day, I remind all of my brides to bring everything to the getting ready location, so that I can shoot it when I arrive. A bride’s perfume, invitation suite, programs, notes, gifts, jewelry, shoes, garters, and handkerchief are thoughtfully curated and begged to be remembered as part of the wedding day story. It’s also a great idea to set aside lingerie, so I can style it lying on a chair or on the bed to be photographed before the bride puts it on. Pets are family and also an important part of the story I try to include when I can. Often, it’s a family dog, but sometimes it’s the horse the bride grew up riding from childhood.

In addition to the personal and paper details, the floral, cake and reception design set the tone for the day. There’s always a “wow” moment thanks to the talented planners who meticulously think through every important element with our brides. This post features some of the loveliness I’ve photographed over the years. Hope you enjoy. And, what a pleasure it is to work with the planners featured and listed at the end of this post.

Wedding and Event Planners featured in this post:

Mariée Ami
Handley Breaux Designs
Invision Events
Jayne Bubis Events
M. Elizabeth Events
AK Brides
Laura Burchfield Events
Thorne & Thistle

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Katie & Matt’s Birmingham, AL Wedding [Vestavia Country Club]

Published on January 25, 2017January 25, 2017 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

Katie is full of life, with an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious. What else would you expect from a former University of Alabama Crimsonette? She kinda floats around with her head held high, and you smile a lot when you are around her. And, Matt, the University of Alabama law student…he adores Katie! Sometimes he just gazes at her and other times he looks at her with this amused little grin on his face. It’s obvious he loves her spirit and spunk. His personality perfectly compliments hers too. Matt is more reserved and is okay with just hanging back observing while Katie is the life of the party. They really are the cutest couple!

Handley Breaux Designs planned this amazing wedding and Katie and I had an immediate connection at our first meeting over coffee. She LOVES photography and wanted it all…an Engagement Session, Bridal Session and a wedding day full of images. She even had some fun ideas of her own. As you will see, the details matter to Katie and she wanted to take the time to capture them. We got along splendidly.

Did I mention that at one time Katie worked in the Gus Mayer Shoe Salon? This girl loves some shoes…especially Christian Louboutin heels. In fact, there was a collection of Louboutin shoes and Burberry rain boots in the brides room for her to choose from on her wedding day, which called for a high chance of rain. I prayed that the rain would hold off because Katie had dreamed of having all outdoor photos, with only her First Look in the sanctuary. God answered that prayer. We only had a short sprinkle while we were driving from one location to the next for wedding party portraits. It cleared and we even had a minute or two of sunshine for Katie and Matt’s portraits at the scenic overlook in Vestavia.

I’ll let the images tell the rest of the story. And, I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but it was an 11 hour wedding day full of fun. It was just too hard to leave out some of Katie and Matt’s story. And, you don’t want to miss the reception at Vestavia Country Club, where the bride’s cake was suspended from the ceiling and her Crimsonette friends performed a few of their dances and the Alabama fight song. Roll Tide! Best wishes you two!

Best of 2016 Real Weddings

Published on December 30, 2016December 30, 2016 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

It’s that time again…time to reflect on a year of Weddings. And what a fabulous year it was! I’m so grateful for my sweet and wonderful brides who have chosen and trusted me to capture their blissful moments, and for the vendors who have helped to make their dream day come true! I’m not focusing on the styled portraits in this post, because well I have way too many favorites and that just really needs to be a separate post for another time. This post is more about the moments and the details. A glimpse into the wedding day itself and what made each one so special. I loved pulling this post together and reliving every single one of your weddings! So here it goes…(drum roll, please) my BEST OF 2016 LIST! Cheers and bring on 2017!

Best Invitation Suite: Sarah & Bubba
Planner: Invision Events
Invitation Design: Empress Stationary
Perfect…The muted tones, the custom initials and the calligraphy. Empress Stationary earned a feather in her cap for this one!

Best Getting Ready Robe or Gown: Angel & Jared
She ordered it from London and it was stunning on her! So sophisticated.

Best Getting Ready Venue: Amanda & Jacob
Venue: The Oaks, Centreville AL
The light was perfect, soft and dreamy, streaming in all of the windows. And bonus! The decor perfectly fit the style of this beautiful, classic wedding! I always choose my favorite getting ready venues by their quality of flattering natural light.
Best Getting Ready Moment: It’s a tie. I can’t help it!

Katie & Matt
Planner: Handley Breaux Designs
A bride’s prayer before walking down the aisle. I think I heard angel’s singing.

Angel & Jared
I love a good shot of the bride putting on her shoes. Especially when you have this many windows and dreamy light.

Best Wedding Gown: Caroline & Daniel
Planner: AK Brides
Gown: Augusta Jones
Bridal Shop: Carriage House Weddings
Floral Design: Lillie’s
It fit her to a T. And that lace! Swoon! Pure elegance.
Best Veil: Leah & Eric
I adored that it was Eric’s request for her to have a cathedral length veil. He wanted it long and mysterious. He got his wish, and it was handmade.

Best Bouquets: Cat & Chris
Planner: M. Elizabeth Events
Floral Design: Laurel Green
I loved the gorgeous merlot color in the gathered mix of florals for this December wedding. And, the florals just seemed to perfectly complement her ginger locks!

Best Ceremony Venue: Angel & Jared
Venue: Private Estate, Mountain Brook AL
Tent Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited
An amazing pool and magnificent pool house, with expansive views of Birmingham and Vulcan for your nuptials? Yes, please!

Best Reception Venue: Sarah & Bubba
Planner: Invision Events
Venue: Swann Lake Stables, Birmingham AL
This venue feels as if you are at a destination wedding, not in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. It’s dreamy, with so much room to roam! My favorite time of night has always been twilight. That cobalt blue sky gets me grabbing my tripod every time.

Best Reception Design: Katie & Matt
Planner: Handley Breaux Designs
Venue: Vestavia Country Club, Birmingham AL
Floral Design: Lagniappe Designs
Cake: The Cakerie Birmingham
A hanging cake?! I mean that just takes the cake!

Best Hair & Makeup: Amanda & Jacob
MUAH: Emily Summerville
Loved the updo, relaxed curls and natural makeup Emily created for Amanda and her bridesmaids. So soft and feminine.

Best Use of Something Old: Cat & Chris
Planner: M. Elizabeth Events
Cat’s family jewels and Mother’s Veil
I loved the estate jewels Cat chose for her day. Just enough sparkle, with a touch of color against her creamy fair skin.

Best Father of the Bride Moment: Niki & David
Planner: Two Hearts Weddings
Venue: Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort
From his first look with her, to their first dance with twirls and spins, then tears of joy. It was touching. Everyone knew they have a special relationship.

Best Mother of the Bride Moment: Caroline & Daniel
Planner: AK Brides
Caroline’s Mom seeing her in her gown and beaming with joy and pride for her only daughter. There was so much love in that room.

Best Mother of the Groom Moment: Niki & David
Planner: Two Hearts Weddings
Such a tender moment between mother and son.

Best Bridesmaids Dresses: Katie & Matt
Planner: Handley Breaux Designs
Carefully curated dresses in shades of merlot were absolutely stunning for this December wedding. Not one was the same and each style suited its bridesmaid’s personality and personal style so well. Hands down my favorite look! These bridesmaids dresses will definitely be worn again for a night on the town.

Best Moment with Bridesmaids: Caroline & Daniel
Planner: AK Brides
Caroline’s bridesmaids seeing her in dress for the first time was the sweetest, most endearing moment between a bride and her bridesmaids that I’ve ever seen. Pure excitement and adoration for their BFF.

Best Moment with Groomsmen or the Guys: Katie & Matt
Planner: Handley Breaux Designs
He’s got his girl and it’s time to celebrate!

Best Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Caroline & Daniel
Planner: Invision Events
Tuxes: Mr. Burch Formal Wear
I’ve always loved a white dinner jacket. Maybe it’s because my Dad wore one for my parents’ wedding. It’s a timeless look and a little bit Frank Sinatra. Winning.

Best First Look: Sarah & Bubba
Planner: Invision Events
Just add water. First look along the bank of the Cahaba River, standing on a huge boulder. Romantic? Incredibly so!

Best Ceremony Exit: Amanda and Jacob
Pure joy! The only way to describe it.

Best Funny Moment: These are a tie! Couldn’t decide! Too hard!

Angel & Jared
The jewish tradition of breaking the glass happened a little too soon! Oops! It was such a cute moment and a perfect part of the wedding day story for this fun couple.

Sarah & Bubba
Planner: Invision Events
A random turkey decoy was lying around on property at Swann Lake Stables. The groom, an avid turkey hunter, decided to have a little fun with it.

Melissa & Paulk
Planner: Invision Events
Rebellious little southern girls in their heirloom dresses. This made me giggle…and hurry over there with my camera.

Best Reception Entrance: Caroline & Daniel
Planner: AK Brides
If that’s not a proud groom, I don’t know what is…beaming with his girl on his arm walking to take their first dance as husband and wife.

Best Bride’s Cake: Melissa & Paulk
Planner: Invision Events
Venue: Moore’s Mill Club, Auburn AL
I love simple cakes with simple florals. This one was so pretty and tasted so good.

Best Groom’s Cake: Sarah & Bubba
Planner: Invision Events
Completely edible…every single feather.

Best Reception Dancing: Katie & Matt
Planner: Handley Breaux Designs
When the bride is a former University of Alabama Crimsonette, you have to step up your reception dancing game! Okay, hang on. I know this is a lot of images, but you really have to see this! (And Roll Tide!)

Best Reception Entertainment: Jared & Angel
Michael Jackson & Prince Impersonators
I mean, it was fun, y’all! Super entertaining. A real thriller!

Best Sendoff: Katie & Matt
Planner: Handley Breaux Designs
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow! December wedding and honeymoon in Banff. Oh! And the snow was biodegradable. Way to be environmentally friendly Handley Breaux Designs!

Best Transportation Moment: This one is a total tie. I love all of these so so much that there’s no way I could just decide on just one!

Leah & Eric
Private classic car collection
Timeless. Romantic.

Melissa & Paulk
Planner: Invision Events
Private classic car collection
I love a convertible, with the veil blowing in the breeze and all of the town smiling and waving to the bride and groom as they drive by.
Katie & Matt
Planner: Handley Breaux Designs
This crowd was ready to have a good time at the reception! And they did!

Caroline & Daniel
Planner: AK Brides
Rare Transportation Trolley & Coats Classic Cars
The dip and the getaway wave goodbye.

And that’s a wrap of 2016 Weddings! See you next year 2017 Brides, with camera in hand and a big smile on my face! I love my job!

Melissa’s Bridal Session

Published on June 20, 2016June 20, 2016 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

Melissa got married this past weekend, so I’m so excited to finally share her Bridal Session we shot a few weeks before. It stormed all afternoon before our session and we were worried it might not happen, but thankfully it cleared just in time.

I love the clean lines and movement of her Gown by Kelly Faetanini from Carriage House Weddings. Just beautiful! Here are some of my favorite shots of this sweet bride…

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