Trinity Episcopal Autumn Wedding

You know in the movies how everyone in a small town always knows everyone else? Well, that’s how it feels sometimes when you’re a wedding photographer. You’re in this small town of brides, grooms and wedding parties, and everyone is seemingly connected to everyone else. I love that about my job! At this wedding I ran into the maid-of-honor from one of my recent weddings, the parents one of my December brides, and friends from church. All at one wedding! On top of that, my second photographer, Jacob, ran into his neighbor and he found out that he and James are from the same area of Memphis. How crazy is that?!!!

Mary Catherine and James are the sweetest couple. After about five minutes of working with them on their engagement session, I felt like we’d been friends for years. When I pulled up to the getting ready house the day of the wedding, Mary Catherine opened up the door and I could just feel the happiness in the air. All of her girls (and there were 11 of them!) were so welcoming and fun to be around. When Mary Catherine’s mom zipped her into her beautiful gown, her bridesmaids could barely hold back their excitement. Squeals and tears were abundant! As much as I love a bridesmaids First Look, I equally adore when the bridesmaids are all part of the “getting into the dress” moment. I love seeing their excitement for the bride!

When we arrived at the church, I could tell James was so ready to see his bride! Mary Catherine’s eyes welled up with tears as soon as I told her we had James in place and were ready for the First Look. The courtyard at Trinity Episcopal Church provided the perfect private setting for them to share this special moment. I love that these two truly soaked up the time allotted for First Look and didn’t rush through that moment. Choosing to do a First Look is not just about taking photos before the ceremony. It is more about giving yourself a chance to talk to one another and spend time together one-on-one on your wedding day.

Even though we did get the majority of portraits taken before the wedding ceremony, Mary Catherine had asked me ahead of wedding day if we could do their “Just Married” portraits after the ceremony at GulfQuest, where there reception was being held. She then told me that we would be able to go up on the rooftop for portraits! All I could think was, please let us have good weather the day of this wedding!!! Well, the weather was absolute perfection and the rooftop portrait time was a total dream. I could have stayed out there until we had no light left, but Mary Catherine and James had a reception to get to. We took as many portraits as possible in 10 minutes and headed back downstairs for dinner and dancing.

Mary Catherine and James, I hope you’re enjoying walking the cobblestone streets of Italy! Thank you so much for having me be part of your special day!

I am obsessed with Mary Catherine’s vintage veil! Several women in her family have worn this beautiful heirloom on their wedding days.

Can every wedding from now on include rooftop portraits?

I always try to get a photo with the bride and groom on wedding days (even though I know I have tired eyes by this point in the reception)!

Are you a bride-to-be? If so, let’s chat about wedding photography!

Contact me to schedule your consultation!

See more gorgeous weddings on the blog!

 

VENDORS

Second Photographer | Jacob Bennett

Photographer’s Assistant | Allyson DeMouy

Church | Trinity Episcopal

Reception Venue | GulfQuest Maritime Museum

Florist | Elizabeth’s Garden

Cake Artist | Cakes by Judi

Catering | Chef Rob & Co.

Hair Stylist | Garilynn Gillespie

Band | Emerald Empire Band

Bride’s Gown | Amsale

Groom’s Tuxes | Francia’s