Carrie contacting me about doing her wedding and I was thrilled. Traveling is something that I love to do and even though Decatur is not far from Birmingham it was a change of scenery. I hope to do more traveling with photography soon. It really is a lot of fun and adds some challenges to the normal.
Carrie was like any other bride, in the sense that she was ready to marry her man. She also had the same nerves that all brides have. Not so much about the marriage, just the wedding. Reminding her to relax was just part of my job. It is part of it that I enjoy though, we all have nerves and it is just a reminder that we are all human.
Brandon was the videographer for the day, he really loves being able to capture the day for the bride and groom so that they can look back and enjoy it for years to come. He does really great too, and I am not saying that because he is my husband, but because he makes it personal. It is not a generic video that he does for everyone, it is personalized to who they are.
The day started perfect. First it was gorgeous weather, hot, but gorgeous.
Brandon and I arrived at Carrie's parents so that I could capture her getting ready for her day. She is already a beautiful person, inside and out, but a wedding is definitely a reason to get pampered. Carrie deserved it. She had a lady come and do her makeup. She was from Mary Kay, and just so you all know that is my makeup of choice. She did a great job and Carrie looked great.
Her sister came and did her hair. She had a hairpiece that was pretty but once her hair was done she did not need the added pieces. It looked great. Carrie was stunning.
Once Carrie was ready I went on and took the wedding ring pictures. She had sent me a few ideas on what she liked. Her colors were red, black, and white. I took the ideas that she gave me and got creative. One shot was on apples and the other on gorgeous Christmas ornaments. While getting the rings to behave on something round was not easy, once there it was great!
The wedding was taking place at a park in Decatur. One that I cannot wait to go back to. It was gorgeous. The natural background was definitely picture perfect. The water, the bridges, the train tracks, the old lampposts, I could go on. It was a beautiful park. Carrie was a stunning bride, who really looked elegant against the landscape. The portraits of her were so much fun, I wish that there would have been more time, as there were so many ideas. We used the natural props from the park as well as the parasols. It was prefect and the boat in the back just completed the scene.
Keith arrived, and while they had not seen each other all day the time was here. We went down a path that leads to the water and waited for him to come join us. He looked thrilled to see her. She was gorgeous and it was written all over his face that he thought so.
We did some portraits of them together, again using the scenery that was provided by the park. It was perfect and gave them some time to catch up on their day. The best part about this is there is so much love between them and it is obvious. They are a great couple.
It is time. Carrie's Daddy walks her down the isle so that she and Keith can become one. It is such a special moment and anyone is who blessed enough to have their daddy walk them down is definitely blessed enough.
Keith and Carrie unite. The service is simple and yet beautiful. There are tears and smiles and it is just a special moment. As always I am the photographer who cries at weddings, but they are such an outwardly display of love and so many emotions.
A couple of pictures after the ceremony show off Keith and Carrie and their love. The I DO is a prop that was made for me by Crystal's Creations. They are gorgeous, and I cannot wait to use them in more weddings. The detail on the letters is amazing. I was so thankful to have these ready for this wedding that was such a special day.
The reception is back at Carrie's parents house. It is decorated beautifully. Her mom and dad were so happy. The champagne toast was shared by Keith and Carrie and her mom and dad also toasted.
The cake was shared, and there was not a mess made. While many do not believe it the mess really does not do much for the pictures.
Carrie and Keith danced their first dance and then they danced alongside Carrie's mom and dad. This was a great thing to see. Special moments should be shared. Plus one of the greatest gifts you can give to newlyweds is to dance at their wedding. I always try to sway a little, but being the photographer comes first, so I am usually pretty still. I am always dancing on the inside though.
The garter was removed and the bride finally got to change. It was pretty hot so being able to lose a few layers I know was a great feeling for Carrie!
The dress that Carrie had to change into was perfect. It incorporated all of her wedding colors and still allowed her to keep on her boots. She looked gorgeous and much more comfortable after the change!
Carrie and Keith were truly an amazing couple. They had a love that could be seen in their eyes. They were happy and that is always the best sight to see at a wedding. Their families were happy as well, which is definitely a good thing. Meeting Carrie, Keith, and their families is something that has truly been a blessing in my life. Being a part of this day for them meant more to me than this blog will ever be able to explain. They truly have a part of my heart and I know that they will forever be in my life.
If you want your special day captured in a way that is personalized to you, I am the photographer you want. I make every event special, because to me they are. The day is about you, not me and I capture that with every click. Contact me and we will make your day one that you will remember for years to come.
(205) 229-1865
Alexa is a precious baby! I have to admit that being related to her makes me slightly biased. She is full of smiles and joy and you cannot be close to her and not smile.
Alexa has stolen my heart and I am sure that in her lifetime she will continue to steal many of them.
