A St. Ignatius Catholic Church Wedding

What are the ingredients for a perfect wedding day? First, you need a joyful couple who know that the marriage is the most important part of the day. Add to that, two wonderful and loving families, who are excited for the couple to become husband and wife. Lastly, you add amazing friends, all who are sharing in that joy. Skip worrying about the small things. Relax and enjoy the moments as they unfold. This is all you need for a perfect wedding day and that is exactly what this day was!

Melanie and Clayton are the sweetest couple. I knew the minute I met Melanie that I was going to love working with her. She immediately feels like an old friend that you have known for years. Clayton admitted at their engagement session that he’s not a huge fan of being in front of the camera, but you would never know it because of his easy-going demeanor. Together, these two are a photographer’s dream. Putting this blog post together was so hard because narrowing down favorites from this day was no easy task!

A Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Reception

Looking at these photos, it’s hard to believe we were planning for this to be a rainy wedding day. When Melanie texted me that they were moving forward with their original plans for the outdoor reception (rain or shine), I thought to myself, this girl is BRAVE! But I also knew that she had a lot of family and friends praying hard for that rain to stay away. I prayed for a rain-free day too!

We were in the middle of taking family portraits outside when I thought I felt a rain drop, but that was only one drop felt one time. I kept thinking to myself, if we can just get through the outdoor photos before the rain comes, all will be ok. But the rain never came! On our way to the church we noticed the streets were wet, so it clearly rained in Mobile on this day, but somehow the rain clouds avoided us. Talk about a blessing!

I’ve known Melanie’s mom for a while, but I’ve known her grandmother, Meme, my entire life. I also realized just how many of Melanie and Clayton’s family and friends I know at their wedding reception. It was truly so much fun connecting all those dots throughout the evening and seeing people I haven’t seen in a while. Best of all, I was able to work with Tori and her amazing Bella Victoria Events team. I just love working with them on wedding days because things flow so smoothly. At the end of the night, she and I were both taking a big sigh of relief that the rain stayed away because sweet Melanie got her perfect wedding day from beginning to end! Cheers to the newly Dr. and Mrs. Coleman!

It was a little chilly in the getting ready room and I noticed this beautiful quilt. When Melanie told me that it was made by her grandmother, I knew I had to take her photo with it!

These girls were precious! I love that my second photographer, Regina, grabbed these photos while I was focused on the bride and groom.

Melanie and her sweet Mama!

Candid recessional moments are always some of my favorite moments to photograph!

Running into several of my clients at this wedding was so much fun! Melanie and Clayton are truly blessed with wonderful friends!

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Third Photographer + Photographer’s Assistant | Lauren Hodges

Planner | Bella Victoria Events

Getting Ready Location + Reception | Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

Ceremony | St. Ignatius Catholic Church

Cake | Couture Cakes

Catering | Georgia Roussos Catering

Florist | The Shade Tree

Calligrapher | Lydia Kelly

Invitations | Karen McKean, Paper Jubilee

Bride’s Gown | Ivory and White, Monique Lhuillier

Bride’s Bolero | Antonio Gual

Bridesmaid Dresses | Aje

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A. Bank

Band | Cooper Trent

Hair Stylist | Emily Salata, Studio PH

Makeup Artist | Amy Jones