A Fairhope Sacred Heart Catholic Church Wedding

Maggie and Ross, where do I even begin with these two? First, they blew me away with an amazing cotton field location for their engagement session. Then, they pulled off a perfect reenactment of the lift from “Dirty Dancing” during that engagement session. As wedding day drew near, I was so excited to just to be with them to celebrate this day because they are just the type of people that make you feel like you’ve known them forever.

Ross asked Maggie to be his wife last fall. I remember that they had only been engaged for a couple of weeks when Maggie and I first talked on the phone about wedding plans. She told me that Ross had completely surprised her with the proposal. He even gathered family and friends for a post-proposal surprise party, which Maggie loved. They had been dating since college, but knew each other since they were in high school. They even went to prom together! Their moms are close friends and their families all know one another. I knew it would be such a fun wedding day!

I have so many favorite moments from this day that I could never pick just one. When we were working on the timeline ahead of the wedding, Maggie told me she wanted to include a First Look with her dad and brothers. Maggie is the youngest in the family and they are all very close. This was my first time to photograph a Daddy/Daughter First Look that included brothers and I have to say it was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever photographed!

I also loved all of Maggie’s elegant and timeless bridal details! The necklace she wore has been in her family since the 1890s and was restored in 1998 before it was given to Maggie and her mother. As someone who loves both all things vintage and family heirlooms, I loved hearing the story of the necklace! Talk about a perfect “something old” to wear on wedding day!

Finally, I cannot talk about this day without mentioning that it started to rain right after the ceremony. In the middle of portrait time. We thankfully were given permission to take portraits inside the church and I absolutely love what we were able to capture in a very short period of time! We were also lucky that the rain wasn’t so heavy that we couldn’t get a few outdoor portraits. The clouds were stealing our light quickly, but we rushed outside and grabbed a few natural light portraits right before heading to the reception. I think there is something so magical about the wind and the glow of the church in those outside portraits. This is definitely proof that rain on wedding day does not mean you can’t get beautiful portraits!

Maggie’s First Look with her dad and brothers. I just love this moment so much!

One of my favorite moments to capture on a wedding day is the moment when the bride and groom exit the church. It’s always a moment of pure joy and excitement! Sacred Heart is a tiny little chapel, so some of the guests were actually outside for the ceremony. Right after Maggie and Ross exited the church, I turned to take this photo and I knew in that moment that it was going to be a forever favorite photo. I love that you can see some of the guests clapping for the newlyweds. Moments like this one are what made me fall in love with photography and whenever I can freeze a moment like this in time, it makes my heart so happy.

The sweetest Father/Daughter dance surprise I have ever witnessed! LOVED this moment so much!!!

These two little ones were ready for the dancing to begin! Seriously, how cute are they?!

The rain didn’t put a damper on the party one bit! I love this shot that Jacob took of the tent during the reception.

Maggie and Ross sent their guests home with local honey in these mini jars, featuring their custom monogram on the tag. I’m still obsessed with how cute this is!

This was such a fun exit! Definitely one of my favorites!

I am so thankful to work with such wonderful brides and grooms! Maggie and Ross, it was such a pleasure spending the day with you and your families. We had such a great time documenting your wedding day! Y’all are awesome! I also have to say a massive thank you to the amazing team of Jenna Laine Weddings, as well as to my fantastic second shooter, Jacob, and my trusty assistant/cousin, Allyson.

Recently engaged and planning a Fairhope, Alabama wedding? Contact me for packages and availability!

 

VENDORS WHO MADE THIS DAY SPECIAL