A Summer Wedding in Fairhope

Rhina and Marvin celebrated their 35 wedding anniversary just five days before their second eldest daughter, Regina, exchanged vows with Ian. Knowing Rhina, I knew that the tears would be flowing and they were. I am sure that when she helped Regina into her wedding dress that she thought of her own wedding day. A woman of strong faith, I know that she was also giving thanks to God for the gift of her sweet Regina who was so radiant with joy on her special day.

Regina has worked with me on wedding days since October 2020. She stepped into the role of assistant at a time that was full of stress and anxiety. The wedding world during the year of the coronavirus pandemic is not one I would want to revisit. I photographed many wonderful weddings for amazing couples that year, but every single time I packed my gear I had to worry about getting covid and possibly missing the next wedding. Wedding days can often carry stress, but those days of the pandemic brought wedding day stress to a whole new level. Regina’s calm demeanor was the perfect fit for my team during that chaotic season. One year after that first wedding, she moved into the role of lead second photographer, as my friend and former second, Alexis, was moving away.

Every Little Detail

Calm, cool and collected is exactly how I would describe Regina on her wedding day. For months she worked on every detail from the invitations, to the grand exit from the reception. Sometimes it’s hard when you’ve photographed so many weddings to zone in on a vision for your own, but Regina brought all the details together beautifully, with the help of her sweet family and closest friends.

Some might think a September wedding is a fall wedding, but September along the Gulf Coast is most definitely still summer and we were feeling the heat! Regina had fans and parasols on hand for her guests as they arrived at the ceremony to help shade guests from the bright sun. Miraculously, after the ceremony, the clouds swooped in just in the nick of time for us to take some bayside portraits at the Fairhope Pier. These turned out to be some of my favorites of the day and I can’t wait to see the video from that location by Exit 4 Productions!

A Joyful Sendoff

Regina and Ian had so many family members travel to Fairhope to celebrate their day with them. It was so special to see everyone gathering together for group photos at the reception. I know they will treasure these memories for years to come.

Words can’t express how surreal it was to watch my second photographer become the bride! We’ve talked about this wedding day for so long and here it was, happening before my eyes! My long-time assistant, Lauren, and I both felt weird driving back to Mobile after the wedding without Regina. We are so used to recapping the day on those carpool rides back over the bay.

Speaking of my team, I could not have documented this day without the help of both Lauren and my dear friend, Debby. Debby drove all the way down from Birmingham to help me preserve all these memories. She has also worked with Regina, so having her by our sides for this day was such a dream. I owe her big time for making sure Regina, Lauren and I all got a photo together before the day was over!

Regina and Ian, may you have many years of happiness together and may God bless your marriage! Now, prepare yourself for a massive share of favorite photos from your special day!

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Debby Cullum, Deborah Michelle Photography

Photographer’s Assistant + Third Photographer | Lauren Hodges

Planner | Toni DeLacey, Delacey Design Co.

Videographer |Kayley Robinson, Exit 4 Productions

Venue | The Apiary

Catering |Stephanie Houston, Custom Catering by Stephanie

Florist |Jillian Holt, Fleur Zoë Florals

Cake Artist | Sami Speegle, Sami Kaye’s Cakery

DJ | Codi Griffith, Beach Vibes Entertainment

Bride’s Gown |Bliss Bridal – Serenity by Justin Alexander