A Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Portrait Session

Each spring, 50 young ladies from Mobile County high schools are selected to serve the City of Mobile as Azalea Trail Maids. The Mobile Azalea Trail began in 1929 with an initiative to plan azaleas along many of our city’s major roads. The result was a stunning display of blooms each spring.

Initially, the Mobile Azalea Trail was opened each spring with a ribbon cutting. Dignitaries were invited to lead the ribbon cutting and young ladies would serve as hostesses for the big event. The Azalea Trail was so well known that it was featured in first issue of Southern Living Magazine.

The first official Azalea Trail Court was established in 1949, a couple years before the birth of the Azalea Trail Festival. In these early years, the reigning Miss America served as Queen of the court. Eventually, the program evolved to what it is today with high school senior girls filling the 50 spots.

Known for representing our city with charm, grace and hospitality, the Azalea Trail Maids are always a joy to photograph! I enjoy getting to know them during the session – they are truly impressive! I also enjoy getting to hear about their beautiful dresses! Kaitlin’s dress is my favorite color, blue, and I loved that we took these portraits at one of my favorite locations in Mobile, The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion.

It was quite warm the day of this session, but you would never know it from the photos! Thankfully there was a breeze sweeping across the porch for part of the time. It’s days like this that I’m reminded of how thankful I am for air-conditioning!

Kaitlin is representing Satsuma High School on the 2022-2023 Azalea Trail Court.

Her dress was designed and made by Suzanne Lognion.