Christmas cards have been mailed, the tree is down and we’ve ushered in a new year. So, now it’s time to share a few highlights from my Fall 2019 Mini Sessions in Franklin, TN and Birmingham AL. Many of these families have been clients for years and a few new families this year. I’ve watched some of these kids group up from toddlers to teens through my lens and I always say, the best perk of my job is the kind and interesting people I get to meet because of my camera. Thank you for choosing me to capture your family memories and milestones in 2019.
For those of you interested in Fall Portrait Minis for 2020, dates will be announced on social media late July and online booking will begin the first week of August, so be sure to mark your calendar.
Evans Family Portrait Mini Session in Franklin TN by Heather Durham PhotographyThe many expressions of Noah. 🙂 Y’all keep praying for this brave boy.
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.
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. ;))
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
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.
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.
