A Dog River Alabama Wedding

February can be an unpredictable month on the Gulf Coast, but more times than not, I’ve photographed warm February weddings. Caitlin dreamed of an outdoor ceremony on the property where she grew up. Her family’s 1895 log cabin sits on Dog River. With all the moss-covered trees that surround the house and the waterfront views, this property is truly a photographer’s dream!

We had perfect golden hour light the day of Caitlin and Ryan’s engagement session, which we also shot at this property. We all prayed we’d be blessed with equally gorgeous weather on their wedding day. The morning of the wedding was full of fog and then a few hours before the ceremony it started raining. And it rained hard! The rain kept us inside for all of the pre-ceremony portraits, but by the time everyone arrived for the ceremony, the sun was out and there was a gentle breeze in the air. That’s Mobile, Alabama weather for you!

Caitlin’s mom is a photographer and loves to decorate with whites and neutrals. Her decorating style created the most gorgeous look to the getting ready portraits. They are definitely some of my all time favorites! The rain also gave us some extra time in this room, which meant extra time for bridal portraits. Caitlin was such a joyful bride and she just radiated happiness all day!

Thanks to an amazing team of vendors, led by the team at Events Detailed, everything was dried and ready in time for the ceremony. Ryan arrived for the ceremony via boat, which also served as their going away ride at the end of the reception. I always have to remind myself to be aware that I’m on a dock for boat exits. They are a bit tricky to shoot, but they are seriously one of my favorite types of exits to photograph.

A Golden Hour Ceremony + A Moonlit Reception

I love when a bride’s mom knows and understands the importance of lighting…it’s the bonus of getting to work with someone who is a photographer and used to photograph weddings as well! Caitlin’s mom, Liz, and I had scouted options for the ceremony site prior to the big day. We both were on the same page about avoiding spotty ceremony lighting. The light was absolutely perfect when Caitlin came down the aisle and it kept getting better and better as we moved into portrait time.

Caitlin and Ryan chose not to share a First Look prior to the ceremony. This meant we took all their couple portraits during golden hour. Let me tell you, it was a DREAM! These two are just the sweetest couple. Their happiness and joy had my team and I smiling the whole day! Can I please shoot every wedding with light this dreamy?!

Mid-way through the reception, a guest asked me if I’d seen the moon. I looked over and noticed it had risen right in line with the tent. It was as if the moon was smiling down on the celebration. I walked down to the dock and looked back at the tent. The whole scene looked like a painting against the blue hour sky.

It’s such a big thing to host a wedding on private property, especially around here where the weather can be so unpredictable. I know that Caitlin’s parents prayed so hard for this day to go as planned. In those final minutes, as I watched this sweet couple waving goodbye to their guests, I glanced over at Liz and her smile said it all. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day! Congratulations to Caitlin and Ryan!

Y’all this was the cutest candid moment…one of the kids just couldn’t wait to try that cake!

Look at that moon! Perfect alignment!

It was so much fun running into one of my 2019 couples, Kelly and Philip, at this wedding! I also got to catch up with Pamela, who was a ballet classmate of mine back in the day!

VENDORS

Second Photographer | Alexis Williams

Photographer’s Assistant | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Planning | Brooke & Jeanne – Events Detailed

Catering | Clifton Morrissette

Florist | Dennis Harris, Zimlich the Florist

Cake | Betty Weber, Cakes by Betty

Makeup + Hair Artist | Jason Chambers

Entertainment | Heart to Heart

Rentals | Port City Rentals

Lighting | Willow Bridge

Wedding Invitation | Soiree Signatures