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.
Colleen is a professional in the music industry here in Nashville. I’ve photographed her several times, but this time she came to me wanting something a little different…images outside of the suit and office…personal branding images she could share on social media to connect professionally with artists and potential clients. We chose Harlinsdale Farm since most of her clients are in the country music genre. It was a fun [but cold] afternoon at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. Even though the sun didn’t choose to join us until the very end, I love what we were able to capture.
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
Several months ago I had the opportunity to photograph a day in the life of Chris Janson and family at their farm here in Franklin, TN, then later that evening backstage before his performances at the Grand Ole Opry. Kelly and Chris Janson were kind and gracious hosts as we spent all day on their land, in their home and in their dressing room at the Opry getting a peek inside their life as country music artist and manager juggling celebrity life with real life.
Watching Chris and his son Jesse fish together reminded me of something my husband has always told me about his time hunting with our son…”The outdoor lifestyle is never just about the activity. So many real and meaningful conversations about life happen around a pond, in a field and in the woods.” It was clear that his outdoor experiences greatly influence and feed his creativity as an artist. It was a pleasure to see more of his story through my lens.
Don’t miss the behind the scenes video of our shoot on the Janson farm at the end of this post. Such Good Vibes and a fun day on the job! Thanks to the fine folks at Covey Rise for the assignment. It’s a privilege to have my images in such a beautiful publication.
Here’s a Behind The Scenes video from our cover story shoot at the Janson family farm in Franklin, TN.
Breanne and I met years ago in Birmingham. She was a pilates participant in my classes there and also babysat my kids while she was in pharmacy school. So, when she contacted me to photograph her newborn baby boy at their home in Chattanooga, of course it was an absolute “yes”! Plus, who doesn’t love a road trip to charming Chattanooga? Here’s some of my favorite images from our morning together at their home perched on Lookout Mountain.
Such a fun project to shoot! This beautiful home is in The Grove, location of the 2019 Nashville Parade of Homes.
Photography: Heather Durham | Design: JFY Designs | Construction: Shane McFarland Construction | Pool: Rondo Pools TN
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
