A Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Spring Wedding

What do we do if it rains? I hear this question often, usually when we’re starting to work on a bride’s wedding day timeline. My answer is always the same – it’s always a good idea to have a Plan B just in case. After all, Mobile has been named the rainiest city in America. When the weather forecast showed 90 percent chance of rain a few days ahead of Marlee and Ben’s wedding, I knew that we’d likely have to be flexible with our portrait plans. I also knew that we were going to be at one of the best places in Mobile if you have to deal with rain on a wedding day.

The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion has been a favorite Mobile landmark of mine since I was a kid. I have always loved history and historic fiction. Naturally, the first time I visited the Bragg, I halfway expected Scarlett O’Hara to walk out the front door. The house is framed by a driveway lined with large oak trees and azalea bushes. It screams Southern hospitality like nothing else. I knew that if we had to deal with rain we’d have plenty of space inside and a large porch to work with. I knew Marlee’s dream was to have her ceremony outside, so I prayed the rain would hold off. Forecasts aren’t always correct.

Marlee and Ben are two of the most joyful people I’ve ever met. You can’t be around them and not feel happy. I loved getting to know them at their engagement session and I knew that they wouldn’t let a little rain dampen their wedding day spirits. The morning of the wedding arrived and the skies were clear. It looked like we weren’t going to have to deal with rain at all. I was cautiously optimistic.

Rain in the Rainiest City

It started to storm right when we were headed downstairs to get set for Marlee and Ben’s First Look. Thankfully, Marlee and Ben are both easy-going and trusting. We quickly changed our plan and moved the First Look indoors. The bride’s room at the Bragg is painted all white and has floor to ceiling windows, which provide plenty of natural light. It’s literally a photographer’s dream! The light was so soft and beautiful in this space that we used it for the First Look and some bride and groom portraits. Some of the shots we took in this room turned out to be some of my favorites from the day.

The sun started to peek out behind the clouds right as we were finishing up bridal party portraits. Ben’s groomsmen jumped into action and quickly moved all the chairs for the ceremony to the outside lawn. I was so happy for Marlee and Ben that they were getting the outdoor ceremony they envisioned! I always say that some of the most beautiful golden light follows a rainstorm and that was definitely true of this day! I’m so thankful to Marlee and Ben for trusting me through the crazy weather and letting their joy shine through no matter what! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Murphree!

Don’t Marlee and her mom look like they could be sisters?!

Marlee kept two special family heirlooms close to her on wedding day – the gold band that belonged to her late father was tied to her bouquet and she wore her grandmother’s ruby ring. I love photographing details that have such a special meaning to the bride and her family.

Marlee’s girls were so excited to see her in her dress for the first time!

Moments like this one make my heart happy. How sweet is this First Look?!

These bridesmaids were seriously the best! I didn’t think we could fit the whole group on the porch, but we had to try because it was still raining. We literally filled the porch, edge to edge. Thank you girls for making this photo happen!

A Special Tribute

Marlee and Ben have each lost a parent. A remembrance arrangement honored the memory of Marlee’s dad and Ben’s mom at the reception. When the sunshine broke through just in time for the ceremony, I couldn’t help but think that it was a wedding gift from heaven.

VENDORS

Second Photographer | Jacob Bennett

Photographer’s Assistant | Megan Garofalo

Venue | The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

Videography | Salt & Light Visuals

Caterer | Tyners Catering

Cake Artist | Rhonda Cockrell

Florist | Blooming Fabulous

Makeup Artist | Becca Townley, Allure Studio

Hair Stylist | Britney Hadley, Beauty Bar

Band | Black Jacket, Music Garden

Rentals | Port City Rentals

Bride’s Gown | I Do Bridal, Essence of Australia

Bridesmaid Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids, Joanna August

Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse

Wedding Coozies | Sally i Creations

Custom Art Map | Melissa Smith