A Downtown Mobile AL Engagement

It’s the first blog post 0f 2019 and today I’m thinking back to the start of last year when blogging once a week seemed like such a daunting task. I have always loved writing. When I was in school, I was the one kid who was excited about a book report, or creative writing assignment. Crazy. I know. Why did blogging seem so hard? Anyone who likes writing should find it easy, right?

Last year I decided I was going to write a new blog post once a week. For the most part I kept up with that goal. What started out as daunting, soon became something I looked forward to! Yes, sometimes I scrambled to get the post out each week. Yes, I missed a week here and there. There were some weeks where I had two posts instead of one. In total, I shared 63 posts on the blog last year, which seems like a huge number when I look back on the year! I have truly enjoyed telling the stories of my sweet clients via their photos. Plus, it has been so rewarding to read all your comments!

This year I’m going to continue with the goal of bringing you new weddings, portrait sessions and inspiration posts each week on my blog. If there is something you’d like to see included on the blog, feel free to drop me a note in the comments. I have some fun ideas for future inspiration posts, but would also love to hear your thoughts!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to one of my 2019 couples, Elizabeth and Jeff! When I met with Elizabeth and her mom for her consultation, I was so excited to learn that her aunt is one of my former teachers from high school! I have always had a love of history and Mrs. McEnery was one of my favorite history teachers. I still remember sitting in her class like it was yesterday. I also remember she gave us a creative writing project the year I had her class. Of course I loved it!

Last weekend I met up with Elizabeth and Jeff in downtown Mobile for their engagement session. These two live in Atlanta, but Elizabeth definitely has a love of her hometown. She wanted their engagement session to highlight all the best of our southern city. We strolled through Mardi Gras Park, Spanish Plaza, Cooper-Riverside Park and Cathedral Square during our time together. I love getting to know my clients through their engagement sessions so that we’re already comfortable with each other on wedding days. I also love when clients share things with me that I would never know otherwise if we hadn’t done an engagement session!

Midway through the shoot, Jeff casually mentioned that he’d been in a magazine before as a model. “Wait, what?!” Elizabeth and I both responded with surprise! It turns out that Jeff has a family member who works for Vineyard Vines. He was pulled onto one of the shoots and a photo that he was in made it into an ad! I told him now that he revealed that detail, we were going to move onto advanced posing since he was already a pro! But seriously, these two were both so photogenic that I could believe they’d both had past modeling experience! Talk about a great way to start off the new year!

One of my favorites!!!

I’ve always had a thing for reflections! When I find a good reflection spot, I just can’t pass it up!

We finished up this session with a nod to where Elizabeth and Jeff will say their “I Dos” this summer! And, yes, we used up every ounce of light that we had on this gorgeous day!

Are you newly engaged? If so, I’d love to be your Mobile Alabama Wedding Photographer!

Contact me for rates and availability! Now booking for Fall 2019 and 2020!

What You Didn’t See Before

Wedding days can fly by in a blur. Sometimes, right after the couple makes their grand exit from the reception, I find myself wondering how the day went by so quickly. I can only imagine how my brides and grooms feel! Thankfully, we have the photos to remind us of all those fleeting moments and tiny details. When I sort through all the photos taken on a wedding day, I have a folder that I label “Behind the Scenes” for those special shots that won’t make it into my clients’ final galleries, but will make it into this year-end wrap up blog post.

I am usually horrified by the photos I see of myself in “wedding day mode” because for some reason I often look mad. My cheeks hurt from smiling a lot at the end of every wedding, but that smile never seems to be showing in the behind-the-scenes snaps. I also notice that my camera bag causes me to have terrible posture. Definitely something to work on for next year! Despite my horror at looking at photos of myself, these behind-the-scenes shots remind me of how blessed I am to work with such amazing people on wedding days. They help me do my job well and they also help make the days fun. Enjoy this look at our year from a different perspective than you’ve seen before!

I begin almost every wedding day by photographing details in the bridal suite. This is the portion of the day that takes more time than everyone thinks. Styling details is time consuming and requires concentration. I usually focus on those shots while my second photographer takes candids of the bride finishing up her hair and makeup. The dress is usually the first detail I photograph. Finding a place to hang it can be tricky sometimes!

My assistant (and cousin!), Allyson, mans my phone on wedding days. It helps keep me in touch with the wedding planner and my second photographer if we’re all at different locations.

Sometimes she’s an impromptu babysitter. Her two nephews have given her a lot of practice!

We spend the day taking photos, but we also spend a lot of time helping our brides with their dresses.

I have exactly four dresses that I wear to work a wedding…two for spring/summer and two for fall/winter. So if it weren’t for the brides and grooms looking different, you’d think from these photos that I only worked two weddings this year. Allyson has a much more diverse wedding day wardrobe. Maybe I need to have her be my personal shopper as well…

We do a lot of light testing…because nice even lighting is essential for First Looks and portrait time!

My second photographers and assistants also help me get those romantic veil shots that we all love!

And they help me stay on time and remember any important photo requests!

I love all aspects of a wedding day, but the ceremony is ultimately the reason we are there in the first place. My favorite moments on wedding days usually occur during the ceremony. You just can’t beat the joy of those moments!

Did I mention that we think about cake…all day long?

We’ll even help you cut it if you ask! 😉

Side note, sometimes I look REALLY MAD when I look at the back of my camera. I promise that I’m perfectly happy. I just don’t seem to smile when I’m thinking about my camera settings.

Even when I’m frowning at my camera, I’m still like this on the inside!

When it comes to receptions, we don’t fear the dance floor.

And we LOVE Second Lines and grand exits!

Jacob has worked more weddings with me this year than any other second photographer. After a couple years of working together, he practically reads my mind by this point, which is both scary and amazing! He’s usually the one to take individual bridal party portraits, while I focus on the group shots. He’s also a frequent light tester.

Debby was one of my 2018 brides and one of my second photographers this year! She is also my dear friend. I know she’s been secretly waiting for me to share this photo all year long! 😉

We take our jobs very seriously, but we also like to have fun! One time, Jacob couldn’t find me and Allyson in the bridal suite because we were hidden by a wall of dresses! In addition to Jacob and Debby, I also got to work with two other second photographers this year! Anna Filly and Alyx Gardner helped me out during the spring busy season. It was such a treat to work with new friends!

Jacob’s sweet wife, Aubrey, even joined me for a wedding as an assistant!

It was so fun working with both of the Bennetts!

Jacob and Allyson were by my side for the majority of my wedding days. I am so thankful to work with both of them!!! They both have hearts for service and help me take such good care of my clients. They also understand my addiction to Perrier and peanut butter sandwiches. No bride wants a photographer who is thirsty and hangry.

To all of the lovely people who have been following my work for the last year, or years, thank you! I so appreciate you following along! To all of my sweet clients, thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives in this special way! It is truly an honor and a joy to get to serve you! Thank you for making 2018 the best year yet for my photography business! Happy New Year!

A Trinity Episcopal December Wedding

Joan might just love being organized as much as I do. I was chatting with some of her friends at the reception when one pointed to the timeline I was holding and asked, “Did Joan make that?” I told her the info packet I was holding is something I make for all my weddings. Her reply was, “that is so Joan.” And that is why I loved working with this sweet bride so much! She and I are definitely cut from the same cloth when it comes to liking schedules and being organized.

Joan told me when we first met to discuss the details of her day that she was nervous about the timing of things. She didn’t want to have to worry about the schedule on wedding day and she didn’t want to feel rushed. Working on the photography timelines with my brides is something I love to do. When you have a good timeline, the day just flows so smoothly and you can fully embrace all the moments. I love that Joan chose to get ready at her family home, surrounded by her best friends. Loryn, Meg, Abby and Brittany are the sweetest ladies. It was my second time to work with them all too, which made the day extra fun.

I knew that Joan would be emotional when she and Will shared their First Look. She told me beforehand that she was probably going to cry. As soon as Will saw Joan he started tearing up as well. I love when both the bride and groom need a tissue to dab away the tears. I also love that these two soaked in the moment and took some time to talk to each other in the privacy of the courtyard at Trinity Episcopal Church before moving on to portrait time.

Even though it’s December, we were lucky to have a mild forecast the day of this wedding. It wasn’t too hot, or too cold. Joan had the most delicate Cathedral-length veil that blew gently in the December breeze. During their “Just Married” portrait time after the ceremony, Joan said to Will, “I’ve got to get my veil shot!” Will replied, “Is that a thing?” I could barely contain my excitement over the shots we were getting, so I was all squealing like, “OMG it’s totally a thing!!! And this is the best veil ever!” I’m sure Will thinks we were crazy, but he totally went with our enthusiasm, which I loved.

Joan and Will, thank you for having me be part of your special day! You were my first engagement session of 2018 and my last wedding of the year. It’s crazy how fast the months in between flew by! Enjoy my favorites from your day! To all my 2018 brides and grooms, thank you for trusting me with your special memories. Thank you for giving me the best job in the world! It has been an honor to be by your sides on your wedding days.

This was one of the sweetest First Looks I’ve ever photographed!

I love this shot my second photographer, Chad, captured! Joan’s joy is infectious!

I was glad I had tissues in my camera bag because both Joan and Will forgot to bring any out for First Look. The tears were definitely flowing!

Can we talk about how gorgeous these bouquets are? Elizabeth’s Garden always does such beautiful bouquet designs!

We all needed tissues again after this Father-Daughter dance!

I photographed Loryn and Hart’s wedding last year. It was so fun seeing them and their family at this wedding. I’m so excited for them because next year they will welcome a little one to their family!

Surprise! I meant to get the story on this moment, but I didn’t! If someone reading this knows, please tell me in the comments. My second photographer and I heard squeals of excitement. Then this happened. How sweet are these moments?!

What a wonderful year it has been and this was definitely a great way to end the fall wedding season! I’ll be introducing you to some 2019 couples in January. In the meantime, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

VENDORS

Photographer’s Assistant | Allyson DeMouy

Second Photographer | Chad Pugh

Ceremony & Reception Location | Trinity Episcopal Church

Florals | Elizabeth’s Garden

Cakes | Rosa Eli Arellano

DJ | Gulf Coast Jams

Hair Stylist | Cindy Denson

Makeup Artist | Jackie Merlau

Invitations | Minted

Bride’s Gown | The Bride & Groom, Allure Bridals

Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse

 

Pets & Their People

Confession, I’ve never had a pet (not even a fish). I’m pretty sure it’s because I had allergies from a very young age. For my whole life I’ve just adopted other people’s pets. My first adopted pet was Thor, a large, older German Shepherd that lived in the backyard behind us when I was a kid. I loved that dog. I remember I’d run up and down the fence line and Thor would chase after me. I pretended he was my dog. He never seemed to be the guard-dog that most German Shepherd are. Maybe he was just used to me.

I loved Thor, but I feared the Doberman Pinschers that lived next door to us. They always figured out how to escape the confines of their yard and were seemingly always on the verge of an attack. One of them snapped at me once, scratching my face just below the eye. It cemented a fear of the breed in my mind to this day.

Despite the unfortunate experience with the Dobermans, I have always loved dogs and animals in general. I just have too many allergies to have one living with me. I do, however, love when my sweet clients bring their adorable, loving and friendly pets to their sessions. I love these furry clients! I also love how excited their parents get about including their fur-babies in their portraits. If I were a dog mom I’d want my pup included in my portraits too!

Dogs are the most popular furry friends amongst my clients, but I also adore horses. I have always been fascinated by their regal nature and intelligence. Plus, I’ve yet to meet a horse that was not photogenic. I pinch myself every time a client asks to include these beautiful animals in a session. I had two sessions with horses this year!

As we celebrate what a great year 2018 was, enjoy this look back at some of my favorite sessions from the year, featuring some of the sweetest pets around! Also, scroll to the bottom of this post for my tips for including your furry friends into your portrait session!

When the sweetest pups ever make an appearance on wedding day, it’s just the best! I’m pretty sure Nova and Elliot would be friends if they ever met!

My cousin, Laura, is a veterinarian. She has always had the sweetest dogs! I call her German Shepherd-Husky mix my “god-dog” because I’m just that obsessed with her. When I flew out to Houston this week for a surprise portrait session for my aunt, I got to spend lots of time with this sweet fur-baby. I also got to meet her brother, Chuck, who is such a gentle giant. We were instant besties. Chuck obviously took posing lessons from his sister because he nailed the whole “smile for the camera” thing.

Tips For Including Your Furry Friends In Your Portraits

1. Let your photographer know in advance you want to include your pet. I always advise my clients to not begin the session with their furry friend present. It’s best to get warmed up and in the groove of the session before trying to get those shots with your furry friend. It will make you both more relaxed.
2. Bring treats and a special toy. We all get a little nervous in front of the camera and so do your pets. Treats and/or a special toy will go a long way towards getting your pet’s attention. It’s also nice to be able to reward them for a job well done!
3. Bring water, especially if it’s hot outside. Pets often get so excited with the activity of a portrait session;. All that excitement can also make them thirsty. Be sure to have some water on hand in case they need it.
4. Bring a friend to help. I recommend arranging for a friend, or family member, to bring your pets by for a portion of the session. This way you can focus on your portraits and not be worried about your sweet pet needing attention.
5. Don’t worry if your pet won’t sit still. When working with animals, I like to see what their natural personalities are like. Some are great at sitting still for a posed shot and others are more likely to want to explore! It’s best to work with their natural instinct.

A Grand Hotel Bridal Portrait Session

To say that I love bridal portraits is an understatement! What could be better than photographing a bride who’s wearing a gorgeous gown and carrying a beautiful bouquet? On top of that, there is no pressure of a timeline and we can schedule the session around the weather! It’s pretty much a photographer’s dream. I knew from the first moment that I met Blanche that we were going to have fun working together and we totally did. On top of that, she brought the best bridal squad ever to her bridal session. Blanche’s mom, sister and sister-in-law were all on-hand to assist with the dress. It’s because of their help with the veil tosses that we got some gorgeous veil shots!

For this bridal session, we chose to go to two locations. Blanche’s wedding reception was held at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, so she knew she wanted to do some portraits on the property. She also wanted to do some portraits at Sacred Heart Chapel. This sweet little church overlooks Mobile Bay and has so many beautiful spots outside for portraits. It was a bit windy the day of this session, so Blanche saved her veil for the portraits we took at the hotel. I love that this gave her two different looks for her bridal portraits!

When we made our way out to the bay side of the hotel’s property the wind was fierce. I was hesitant for Blanche to wear the veil near the water. I could just envision it being carried out into the bay by the wind! But Blanche wanted an epic veil shot, so with the help of her sister, Lynne, and her sister-in-law, Kate, we made it happen. These shots turned out to be some of my favorite portraits from the session! The light and the colors in the sky were just perfect! I was delighted when Blanche chose to display one of the “rock” portraits at her wedding reception!

How dreamy and romantic is this bouquet?! Wildflowers wows me every single time! Blanche had such an elegant and timeless wedding day style. I loved every single detail!

If you think I gasped when I saw this deliciously golden light streaming through this majestic oak, then you know me pretty well! My little photographer heart was melting over this perfect scene!

If you come all the way from Louisiana for your bridal session, you have to get some portraits that show off Mobile Bay! This portrait is one of my favorites from this session and of the year!

Then we added the veil and I was in photographer heaven!!! Gosh I love my job!

It’s always fun to have moms come along on bridal sessions, but it was even more fun having a trio helping out with the dress and veil. Susan, Lynne and Kate, it was so much fun having y’all be part of this experience! Thank you for all your veil tossing, train carrying and lipstick applying throughout the shoot! Y’all are AWESOME!

Check out Blanche & Ethan’s wedding post!

Are you recently engaged? Let’s chat about wedding photography!

VENDORS

Planning | Jenna Laine Weddings

Florals | Wildflowers

Bride’s Gown | Theia

Location One | The Grand Hotel

Location Two | Sacred Heart Chapel