A Bella Sera Gardens Wedding

I imagine that finishing up the last wedding of the year feels a bit like crossing the finish line at the end of a marathon (not that I would know for sure because I’ve definitely never run a marathon). As with a marathon, you have to pace yourself to make it through a year of weddings.

Since I’m located in the deep south, there isn’t much of an off season, but I try to take time off around Christmas each year to spend time with family and friends. This lets me catch my breath and mentally prepare for a whole new batch of weddings in the new year.

I was really praying that I wouldn’t finish out 2021 with a rainy wedding day. But when there is an 80 percent chance of rain in the forecast, you plan for the worst and pray for the best. I remember the first time I talked with Savannah and her mom, Susan, on the phone. I immediately liked them and could tell they were such a sweet family. From the first photo I took of Savannah and Michael at their engagement session I knew that photographing them on wedding day at Bella Sera Gardens would be a dream! I really wanted them to have outdoor portraits at this gorgeous location!

Hope Against the Odds

I prayed so hard that we’d at least get a few bride and groom portraits in before the rain arrived, but if I’m honest, I wasn’t optimistic that the ceremony would be able to take place outside as planned. It just seemed like the rain would be settled in by that time of the afternoon. I didn’t want to get my hopes up.

I was thankful to be working with Wed With Style on this wedding because I knew every detail would be taken care of whether the ceremony went forward outside as planned, or not. As luck would have it, we were able to go outside for Savannah and Michael’s First Look. We dodged a few raindrops and dealt with a little wind during portrait time, but it was minimal rain.

As we got closer to the ceremony time, it was looking more and more like we might actually make it through the day without a downpour. All the guests headed to the outdoor chapel and I prayed we’d be able to get this sweet couple married before the rain came. To my surprise, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds for a brief minute!

Savannah and Michael had the wedding they envisioned (minus winter temperatures…it was a warm day)! I just loved capturing the memories for them. I told them that I can already picture their six-month-old baby girl, Fallon, looking through their wedding album as she grows up!

Special thanks to my awesome team, Regina and Lauren, who helped me serve my couples well throughout the fall season and armed me with all sorts of rain gear at this wedding! Enjoy my favorites from my last wedding of the year!

I love this series of photos taken by Regina of baby Fallon’s wedding day outfit! I’m a sucker for a reflection shot and Regina knows it!

Michael is a talented musician and joined the band for a jam-session midway through the reception!

Regina, Lauren and I actually got in a photo together! This is a huge feat considering how busy wedding days are. So thankful for these ladies, their hard work and their hearts for service!

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Photographer’s Assistant | Lauren Hodges

Planning | Wed With Style

Venue + Catering | Bella Sera Gardens

Florist | Wildflowers

Cake | Couture Cakes

Entertainment | Triggerproof

Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Musicians | Atkinson Duo

Bride’s Gown | Bliss Bridal 

Bridesmaids Dress | Bella’s Bridal – Birmingham

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse