Allyson + John | Married - Elizabeth Gelineau Photography

A St. Ignatius Catholic Church Wedding

My cousin, Allyson, was 10 years old when I began my photography journey. She was in the cousin crew that served as my earliest subjects, allowing me to practice the techniques I was learning while taking classes at Spring Hill College. I still remember a shoot where I took her and our cousin, Cassie, to campus to photograph them for an assignment. In one of the photos, which was taken on black and white film, I captured Allyson skipping down the sidewalk. My professor told me that the moment reminded him of Peter Pan because she seemed to be taking off into flight. This type of candid moment is what I’ve always loved about photography.

I did not know on that day where photography would lead me, but it has led me on quite a blessed journey. A few years into my photography business, I started photographing weddings. After working many weddings, I started to realize the need for an assistant. Around that time, I met Debby, who has become one of my closest friends. She and Allyson would join me for wedding days as non-shooting assistants. They would fluff the dress, carry the bouquet, help with my bags, make sure I actually ate something at the reception, and so much more! Sometimes Debby would be my second photographer on weddings where Allyson was the assistant. We had so much fun working together.

When Debby was a bride in 2018, she told me she wanted Allyson and our dear friend/photographer, Jacob, to work with me on her wedding day. We had so much fun celebrating and documenting that day together. As Allyson became busier with her work as a school teacher, she eventually stopped assisting on wedding days. I still remember our last wedding together and thinking how grateful I was to have gotten to spend those years working with a family member. Allyson could read my mind without me even speaking a word – and we’re still that way!

Happy Holladays

The first time I met John I remember thinking that he fit in so easily with our extended family. It wasn’t long after that first meeting that we were celebrating my sister’s wedding. I can picture where I was standing while having a conversation with John at my sister’s rehearsal dinner. In that moment, I remember thinking, “this guy is definitely the one for Allyson.”

Allyson had always told me she wanted me and Debby to photograph her wedding one day, so as soon as she and John were engaged, I knew I needed to make sure Debby was available. The team was reassembling, although in a slightly different form since Allyson was now the bride! Debby joined me and my regular team (shoutout to Lauren and Regina!) for Allyson and John’s gorgeous December wedding this past weekend and it was a December DREAM!

Some might say it was cold (and it was chilly), but Allyson always said she didn’t want to be hot and sweaty on her wedding day. I think after working so many summer weddings with me she realized the cold is better than the heat and humidity! Best of all, we had zero threat of rain, no crazy winds, and GORGEOUS light during portrait time. It was literally the perfect day!

I have so many favorite moments from Allyson and John’s wedding that it’s impossible to share them all. From the cuteness of all the flower girls and ring bearers, to the sweetness of the first look Allyson and John shared with his two sons, to the joy of the reception (y’all, Santa came to the party!) – there is no way I can pick a favorite! Prepare yourself for lots of scrolling because this is definitely the biggest blog post of the year. Merry Christmas and cheers to the newly Mr. and Mrs. Holladay!

Debby came all the way from Birmingham to be my second photographer for Allyson’s wedding. I am so glad that we took time to take a photo together before the day got busy!

One of my favorite photos of the day was just an impromptu moment that I happened to notice happening in between formal portraits.

Lauren is by my side on almost every single wedding I photograph, helping me to stay on schedule and not forget things. I’m so glad she was able to be there on this day along with Debby and Regina!

I love the candids Debby captured of the kids while we were outside taking photos! Everyone in the bridal party was family, which was so special!

Loved seeing my friend, Nour, from Sukar Bakes in action on a wedding day! So often we never see each other because we’re not at the reception location at the same time. Y’all, this cake tasted as good as it looked!