destination wedding photographer

Film Images from The Hybrid Collective Workshop Hosted by Lauren Fair in Nashville, TN

Published on June 18, 2019June 29, 2019 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

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…

Nashville Wedding Styled Shoot at Green Door Gourmet Farm by Heather Durham Photography Hosted by Lauren Fair

Credits/Vendor Team + Instagram Accounts:

Workshop: The Hybrid Collective @TheHybridCo

Workshop Host + Lead Photographer: Lauren Fair @laurenfair

Photographer (Images shown here): Heather Durham @heatherdurhamphotography

Film Lab: Photovision @photovisionprints

Creative Direction: RSVP Events @rsvpeventdesigns

Floral Design: Melissa Broadwell @melissabroadwell

Venue: Green Door Gourmet @greendoorgourmet

Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier @moniquelhuillier, @moniquelhuillierbride

Hair & Makeup: Erin Ryser @erinvryser

Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes @bellabelleshoes

Paper Goods: Ink & Press Co @inkandpressco

Lingerie: Girl & A Serious Dream @girlandaseriousdream

Garters: The Garter Girl @gartergirl

Jewelry: Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry @waltonsjewelry

Menswear: Street Tuxedo @streettuxedo

Tabletop Rentals: White Glove Rentals @whitegloverentals

Linens: La Tavola @latavolalinen

Cakes: Copper Whisk Cakes @copperwhiskcakes

Styling Surfaces: Locust Collection @locustcollection

Mixology: Bar Magnolia @barmagnolia

Ribbon: Tono & Co @tonoandco

Furniture Rentals: Please Be Seated @pleasebeseatedrentals

Candles: Creative Candles @creative.candles

Colorful & Modern Wedding Inspiration Shoot at the Hybrid Collective Workshop Hosted by Eric Kelley

Published on June 9, 2019 by Heather Durham Photography1 Comment

Credits/Vendor Team + Instagram Accounts:

Host Photographer: @erickelley

Photographer: @heatherdurhamphotography

Producer and Set Designer: @type_a_society

Floral Designer: @melissabroadwell

Wardrobe Styling: @lexfordays

Hair: @locksbyleslie

Makeup: @jordanbyers

Cake: @trouvaillebakery

Jewelry: @sarahojewelry + @trumpetandhorn

Couture Bags and Jewelry: @mindylamjewelry

Shoes: @badgleymischka

Earrings: @jenniferbehr + @lili_claspe

Backdrops: @telicialee styling mats @jrd_artshop

Rentals: @maykercreative

Plates, Silverware and Glasses: @greystonetable

Stationary: @yonderdesign + @aerialistpress

Ring boxes: @voeu_du_coeur

Floral Pedestal Columns: @lavendersflowers

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!

What to Wear for Your Engagement Session

Published on April 19, 2019April 22, 2019 by Heather Durham PhotographyLeave a comment

I always get asked the question, “What should I wear for my Engagement Session?” and my answer is always a long, solid-color fluid dress, heels and classic jewelry — estate or family pieces if you have them. Long dresses are very feminine. They catch the wind and add beautiful movement when you walk. That movement adds so much interest to your images. And, the fit of your dress should compliment your figure and show off your shape. If an outfit off the rack needs to be altered to fit you well, then do it to look your best. The reason we love so many celebrities’ outfits is that they are custom made to fit their bodies. My favorite silhouettes? It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE a one-shoulder dress. It’s a hint of sexy, but classy at the same time. I also love simple slip dresses and wraps that accent your waist.

When choosing a dress, keep in mind that solid fabrics are best, because prints and patterns can be trendy and distracting unless they are tiny florals or classic patterns like stripes or checks. Plus, so many trendy outfits can date your images very quickly. Same goes for big, chunky accessories. Choose simple and delicate instead. I love heirloom, estate pieces that connect you to your family and give just enough sparkle. Ask your grandmother if you can borrow her pearl and diamond earrings, or your mother her diamond necklace. If your location makes it a little hard to walk in heels, you can take them off. Holding your shoes as you walk gives the images a more relaxed feel (even though you are dressed up) and also gives you something to do with your hands.

For a second, more casual outfit, well-fitting jeans with heels and a dressy blouse or a tailored jumpsuit, is what I recommend. Both are always a win.

So, to sum it up in a few words…solid, flowy, delicate feminine, and classic with a just hint of sexy and a touch of tailored. If every piece you choose to wear for your session can be summed up in those words then you’ve nailed it and your images will be beautiful and timeless.

Be looking for my next post, which will be a Q&A with Walton’s Jewelry on how to confidently shop for and choose estate jewelry and antique engagement rings.

Dresses: Nordstrom | All jewelry: Estate pieces from Walton’s Jewelry, Franklin TN

Virginia & Matthew’s Cathedral Church of the Advent and Birmingham Museum of Art Wedding

Published on March 29, 2019April 8, 2019 by Heather Durham Photography2 Comments

My first wedding of 2019 was Virginia and Matthew’s beautiful Birmingham, AL wedding planned by M. Elizabeth Events in shades of smoky blue, white and greenery.

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.