A St. Joseph Chapel Wedding

When Jessica’s mom first reached out to me for information on wedding packages, I was uncertain as to whether or not I would be available on their date. Each year, as the booking calendar fills in, it becomes a challenge to juggle wedding season with the holidays. Deciding over a year in advance when to take vacation, when to schedule time for family and when to work weddings, is something that requires much planning and reflection. In my early years as a wedding photographer, I didn’t realize how important it is to schedule time off. The result was that I had no time off and I quickly started to feel burned out.

Thankfully, it did work out for me to photograph Jessica and Harry’s wedding and what a wonderful day it was! Even though we dealt with rain on and off throughout the day, both Jessica and Harry didn’t seem worried one bit. I say it all the time, but I’m truly blessed with couples that trust me, even when it seems like I’m making a crazy suggestion (like setting up the First Look in a spot that required me to squeeze between a wall and columns…yes that happened!).

Portrait Memories

Jessica was a bridesmaid in one of my 2018 weddings and y’all know how much I love a wedding where the bride was a bridesmaid in a prior wedding! I love seeing familiar faces and catching up with brides and grooms from past years.

During portrait time, Jessica referred to a specific photo that I had taken at Rachel and Joseph’s wedding as being her favorite from their day. She coincidentally mentioned this right as I was setting up to take a similar style portrait for her and Harry! I loved that she remembered that photo from so many years ago and that she was excited to have one of her own! It turned out to be one of my favorite portraits of the entire day.

Fall wedding season has been flying by and it has been so much fun! This Thanksgiving week, I’m counting my blessings and that includes all my wonderful clients. Wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving holiday! I hope you are able to spend the day with those you love.

Jessica brought her grandmother’s wedding gown with her for me to photograph. I love that she had this family heirloom with her on her special day!

The sweetest group of bridesmaids! I loved spending the day with these ladies!

I always love seeing what Regina captures during her time with the groom and groomsmen. This portrait she took of Harry is one of my favorites from the day!

Getting Creative

Jessica and Harry really wanted to share their First Look on the balcony of the terrace at the Battle House Hotel. It started raining just when we got to this spot. Thankfully, I was able to make this spot work, while keeping Jessica out of the rain. Stay tuned for my annual Behind-the-Scenes blog post to see where I had to stand to capture Harry’s reaction! I really had to get creative on this one to make this location work, but it turned out beautifully! A major shoutout to my team for helping me stay dry while I took portraits on the balcony after the First Look.

I don’t know if this portrait would have happened if it hadn’t been raining. We were limited on time at the Battle House and it takes time to set up lighting for a shot like this. However, when the rain and cold moved us indoors, I asked Jessica and Harry if they were ok waiting for a minute while I set up the lighting needed for indoor portraits. These two were so laid back and easy-going and happily said yes to this idea. We even had to move the coffee table (which we put back when we were done) in order to get this shot. I was so excited when Jessica said this reminded her of her favorite shot I took at Rachel and Joseph’s wedding back in 2018. As soon as I took this photo, I knew it was going to be in my top favorites for the year!

 

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Photographer’s Assistant | Lauren Hodges

Planning | Bella Victoria Events

Getting Ready | The Battle House Hotel

Ceremony | St. Joseph Chapel at Spring Hill College

Reception | Alabama Contemporary Arts Center

Catering | Georgia Roussos Catering

Florist | Belle Bouquet 

Cake | Cakes by Arica

Hair Stylist | Emily Salata

Makeup Artist | Jessica Price

Band | Tommy Morse Band

Rentals | Port City Rentals

Bride’s Gown | Over the Moon Mobile by Modern Trousseau

Bridesmaid Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids

Groom’s Attire | Custom Tux by Suit Supply 

Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse

Bar | Bottles Up

Calligraphy | Swirlique, Donna Brown

Invitations, Custom Koozies + Napkins | Paper Jubilee

Draping + Lighting | Southern Sounds

Ceremony Violinist | Grace Kim

Exit Vehicle | Port City Pedicab