Vestavia Country Club wedding

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.

Image above as seen in June 4, 2018 issue of Sports Illustrated
and online in USA Today, Golf Week and Golf Channel.

Photographer: Heather Durham | Assistant Photographers: Emily Kicklighter & Bethany Rogers | Planner: Mariée Ami| Floral Design: The Kings Garden | Wedding Gown: Custom Liancarlo top and Augusta Jones skirt with Toni Federici veil from Carriage House Weddings | Groom’s Tux: Custom Ralph Lauren | Groomsmen Tuxes: Mr. Burch Formalwear | Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham|Bridesmaids Earrings: Nicola Bathie Jewelry |Custom Wedding Invitations & Lettering: Weezie B Designs | Bride Hair Stylist: Candi with Roots Helena|Bride Make Up Artist: Kerri Bunn of BOMA Beautiful | Bridesmaids Make Up Artists: Carly Morgan & Sydney Carter | Venues: Vestavia Country Club + The Club Birmingham | Cake Artist: Magic Muffins | Hand Dyed Silk Ribbon: Cocoon Silk Ribbon | Videography: Four10 Films| Entertainment: Az Izz

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It was such a joy and privilege to spend a beautiful spring day in Birmingham celebrating with this family. They are truly the sweetest people and it was obvious by their wedding party and guests that Callie and Gil are loved and adored. Callie’s Mom is always smiling and I wish everyone reading this blog could have heard her Dad’s precious welcome speech and prayer at the reception. It brought tears to my eyes. And so did their “Daddy’s Girl” relationship. I mean, how cute is it that the First Look with Callie’s Dad included a father-daughter chest bump that ended in a special hive five, fist bump move…a long tradition of theirs for big life moments. You’ll see…it’s priceless!! And, Gil’s reaction seeing Callie at their First Look and their gift exchange on the hilltop are two of my favorite moments from this wedding.

Callie and Gil, I wish you all the blessings and happiness in the world that stems from a marriage with Jesus at the center. You are loved.