A Pillars of Mobile Wedding

Debby, my good friend and fellow wedding photographer, met the man of her dreams at a wedding. She was the photographer and found herself exchanging small talk with the bride’s brother just before the ceremony began. She commented on his printed socks and that was the day that her life changed. Richard was supposed to have one of his best friends accompany him as his plus one. At the last minute she couldn’t make it. Was it a stroke of luck, or a God-wink moment? I’ll let you decide.

 

Debby and Richard found themselves chatting at the wedding reception and before they knew it they were going out on their first date. It was a brunch date and Debby told me afterwards that it couldn’t have been more perfect. It was love at first sight and it didn’t even matter to Debby that Richard is an Auburn fan (and that is saying something for a girl who was raised in crimson country!). A couple of months later, Debby introduced Richard to her family and closest friends. Everyone loved him and could immediately see why she was so smitten.

When Richard decided it was time to ask Debby to marry him, he knew that there was one person’s blessing he wanted most aside from her mother’s. So he drove to Debby’s hometown and paid a visit to her late father’s grave. Keeping his visit a secret from Debby, Richard made the trip there and back in one day. I think that we can all be certain that he received that blessing from Debby’s father. I cannot think of a more loving and thoughtful way to honor the man that would have been his father-in-law.

They had only a few months to plan their dream Southern wedding, but Debby was able to assemble what she called “her dream team” in no time. So many of the vendors that worked on this wedding are friends with each other and with Debby. I was so honored when she asked me to be her wedding photographer. I now chuckle at the joke she always shared whenever we’d shoot together, “Hey, Elizabeth, one day you’re going to photograph my wedding, ok?…I just need to find a groom first.” But Debby found more than a groom. She found a soulmate.

Debby and Richard’s wedding day was absolutely beautiful and so full of personal touches. I loved Debby’s tribute to her father in her bridal bouquet wrap, ring bearer pillow and in the shirt she wore while getting ready, embroidered with “Daddy’s Little Girl” and her wedding date. I love that Richard’s mom wrote a special letter for him to read before the ceremony. I love that all of Debby’s and Richard’s friends were one hundred percent invested in helping the day go smoothly. They helped make this day so much fun! I love that Debby was able to share a First Look with her stepfather, Greg, and that her brother, Danny, walked her down the aisle. And I love that the screams were so loud during Debby’s First Look with her bridesmaids that Richard was concerned something was wrong until he heard the cheers (definitely scroll down to see that moment!).

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Debby and Richard on their special day, but I’m even more thankful for their friendship. It is really hard to narrow down favorite photos for a blog post when the bride is both your dear friend AND a wedding photographer! Debby and Richard, I hope y’all are enjoying the sunshine and sand while you’re on your honeymoon trip. It is my hope that whenever you look at these photographs you’ll feel like you’re reliving all the moments of this joyous day!

The day wouldn’t have been complete without an appearance from Elliot, Debby’s sweet pup! I think the morning wore him out!

Richard’s wedding gift to Debby was a bracelet engraved with the coordinates of the exact spot of their ceremony location and his signature. How sweet is that?!

These gorgeous rings were designed by Lou’s Jewelry. I love that Debby’s engagement ring incorporates stones that have been passed down to her, as well as a new stone that Richard purchased.

Such a sweet First Look moment between Debby and her stepfather.

Debby’s bridesmaids hadn’t seen her dress. They were SO excited for the big reveal!

The best bridesmaids First Look EVER!

I loved these bouquets and bridesmaid dress colors so much!!!

Our sweet friend and fellow Mobile Alabama wedding photographer, Anna Filly, made Debby’s beautiful guestbook full of photos from their proposal (photographed by Anna) and their engagement session. I’m so happy we were able to get a photo of Anna and Debby together after the intimate ceremony at Washington Square Park.

This right here is why you want to do some portraits during Golden Hour, even if you have done portraits earlier in the day after a First Look! Just look at that gorgeous light!!! Major props to my assistant, Allyson, for her mad veil toss skills!

Debby and Richard served their guests breakfast for dinner in honor of their first date.

You’ve got to love a girl who has three cakes at her wedding!

Me getting in front of the camera with the bride and groom!

They followed up their intimate ceremony with a big reception and it was such a fun party!

This is definitely going into my all-time favorites folder. I love this sweet moment between Richard and his mom.

Debby shared a dance with her mom and then the dance floor was opened up for a Dad’s dance, with all fathers in attendance being invited to share a dance with their daughters.

Debby called us her “dream team” and a shot of all of us together was something she asked me for when we were making her formal portrait list. Thank you Mereydith for taking this photo of all of us!

Planning your dream Southern wedding? I would love to be your Mobile Alabama Wedding Photographer!

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VENDORS

Planner | Heather Pfefferkorn, Classic Events – The Pillars of Mobile

Getting Ready & Reception Venue | The Pillars of Mobile

Ceremony Location | Washington Square Park

Second Photographer | Jacob Bennett

Photographer’s Assistant | Allyson DeMouy

Videography | Lifehouse Films

Caterer | Chef Rob Stephens

Florist | Sarah Beth’s Florist

Cake Artist | Cakes by Judi

Hair Stylist | Mallory Gleason, Root 43 Salon

Makeup Artist | Courtney Matthews

DJ | Jason Skelton, DJs by the Bay

Rental Company | SOHO Events & Rentals

Bride’s Gown | Bella’s Bridal & Formal, Birmingham

Groom’s Suit | Samuelsohn, Oak Hall

Jeweler | Lou’s Jewelry

Custom Painting | Melissa Munger