It's always a pleasure photographing a wedding when you have personal connections to the couple. Well, there isn't anything more personal than photographing the wedding day of one of your cousins! What an amazing honor it was to shoot my cousin, Victoria's wedding. The intimate ceremony took place in the presence of family at Windwood Equestrian. Before the ceremony, we took advantage of our Equestrian surroundings by taking a few photos of Victoria with our beautiful white horses. It was such an ethereal moment! The bride, adorned with a rose-filled flower crown was simply radiant as she exchanged vows with her husband Kingsley. Congratulations Victoria and Kingsley! May the rest of your lives be as magical as your wedding day!
Megan & Dan: Arden Photography
Megan and Dan were married on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the Sonnet House. Sunflowers and variations of yellow hues brightened the day even more. One thing was for certain; I'm pretty sure there was a shortage of musicians in the area because they all happened to be in the bridal party! The couple's dog, Peanut served as the ring bearer but had a small sense of stage fright when it came to walking down the aisle. After a beautiful ceremony under the oak tree, the couple showed off their skills with an amazing choreographed first dance. The guests were ultimately surprised to see that Dan had chosen a southern signature rack of ribs as his grooms cake! After the wedding traditions of cutting the cake and first dances, it was time to party and really celebrate this wonderful day! Congratulations Megan and Dan!
Meghan & Kevin: Arden Photography
Meghan and Kevin were married at Bridgestreet Gallery and Loft where Christopher Confero and Hothouse Designs created a world of Southern charm blended with attributes of the Louisiana bayou. From the King's cake to the state's signature Mardi Gras beads, this colorful event was filled with surprises. Meghan and Kevin both share a love for music but it was quite unexpected when the bride serenaded the guests with a few songs, including a Whitney Houston classic. Guests dined on a wonderful meal provided by Kathy G & Company. During the reception, guests also had the opportunity to display their vocals during a karaoke showdown. What an awesome and fun-filled day with the Duthus! Congratulations Kevin and Meghan!
Barrow & Michael: Arden Photography
From the bridal portraits to the engagement session and now the wedding. It's been a wonderful journey getting to know Barrow and Michael as a couple. We've know Barrow for years because we photographed both of her sister's weddings. She comes from such a wonderful family and we've had such an amazing time over the years simply because we love the Kettig celebrations. Barrow and Michael were married at The Country Club of Birmingham in the presence of a small group of family and friends. After the wedding, more guests joined the couple for a fun-filled reception. We were thrilled to be apart of another Kettig wedding and we really wish they had more daughters for us to photograph! Congratulations Barrow and Michael!
Sarah Israel: Arden Photography
Sometimes we have the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with our brides before their wedding day. Sarah will be getting married this Summer and what better way to prepare than a pre-wedding photo shoot. We spent the day with a few wardrobe changes and way too much fun for a random Tuesday afternoon! From casual to glam, Sarah definitely gets the award for style icon! Here are a few of our favorite photos from the day and we can't wait to photograph your wedding Sarah!
Candace & Johnathan: Arden Photography
Welcome to the world of "Confero"! Once again Christopher Confero has invited us on a magical journey of beauty and elegance. I met with Candace and Johnathan last year and they shared their vision of this extraordinary day with me. Everything from the custom bow-ties to Candace's cathedral length, lace veil was sheer perfection. The wedding ceremony and reception were both held at Workplay. After the couple "jumped the broom", they danced their way into the reception where they were introduced as husband and wife for the first time. After an amazing meal, provided by Kathy G & Company, Candace & Johnathan posed for portraits by the cake; which was made by Candace's mother. Congratulations Candace & Johnathan! May the rest of your lives be as magical as your wedding day!
Lacey & Ben: Arden Photography
"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes." ~e.e. cummings; Lacey & Ben were married on a picture perfect January afternoon at Dawson Memorial Church. I've been working with the sweet couple for a few months and I knew from the engagement session that this wedding was going to be amazing. We were surrounded by beautiful florals and blue skies throughout the day. The couple said their vows in the presence of family and close friends and guests were treated to traditional southern food during the reception. Congratulations Lacey and Ben!
Sandy & Keith: Arden Photography
I haven't been to Tannehill State Park since I was a child. Driving through those gates brought back so many memories of school field trips and Friday camp nights. It's such a family oriented place that encourages you to take a look back at some of the most amazing history that lies within our state. Tannehill was the perfect backdrop for Sandy and Keith's wedding. The entire day seemed to be built around the theme of family, friends and good home cooking. The intimate ceremony took place at one of the historical chapels and the couple decided to write their own vows to each other. I must say- there wasn't a dry eye in the house; not even Keith's! The reception followed in Hoover, Alabama where Keith continued the trend of this emotional day with a serenade to his sweet bride. We absolutely loved this wedding and we couldn't wait to share a few of our favorite moments! Congratulations Sandy and Keith! May your lives be filled with joy and tears of happiness!
Rachelle & Garrett: Arden Photography
"Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning." -unknown
Rachel & Eric: Arden Photography
I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance, a church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for, he said one that would make me his wife. ~Author Unknown
Jamie & Andrew: Arden Photography
Jamie and Andrew were married during a beautiful evening ceremony at Windwood Equestrian. I absolutely loved the colors and details of this wedding! The day was picture perfect and the rain held off for the couple's amazing day! Congrats Jamie and Andrew! We're so excited for this new chapter in your lives!
Mo's Photo of the Week: Arden Photography
“Through the veil of Love, one finds the heaven on Earth” -Himanshu Chhabra
Mr. & Mrs. Toole
Britton and Blake were married at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook, Al. St. Luke's is such a beautiful church to have as a backdrop for wedding day! The wedding party was such a delight to photograph and Arden Photography enjoyed getting to know them as well as Britton and Blake's families. After the ceremony the wedding party joined the newlyweds on a trolly to celebrate and journey to the reception at Ranchos De Las Aguilas. Meghan Cease did an amazing job (as usual) at creating a stunning night for the two! The night was full of love, dancing and even TWO impromptu singing performances by guests. Congratulations Britton and Blake, we cannot wait to see what life has in store for the two of you!
Ekaterina & Charlie
Ekaterina and Charlie were married at the Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Although all weddings are special, this was a particularly special day for Ekaterina and her family. Her mother and father traveled all the way from Russia to be at their daughters wedding and it could not have gone any better! Arden Photography is blessed to have been able to be a part of this special day for all. Congratulations Ekaterina and Charlie!
Abby & Joseph
Abby and Joseph were married at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. After a beautiful ceremony guests joined the newly weds at Iron City where they indulged in delicious cake from Olexa’s. Guests looked on as the bride and groom danced their first dance to “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton. Everyone enjoyed dancing the night away together while listening to what can only be described as their own personal concert put on by Musical Fantasy. As Abby works at flower magazine we did not expect anything less than amazing floral arrangements created by Sybil Sylvester. Congratulation Abby & Joseph!!!
Brooke & Forrest: Wedding Day
Brooke and Forrest were married February 8, 2014 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. After a beautiful ceremony at the Advent guests and family members joined the two newly weds at The Vestavia Country Club to celebrate. The reception was full of fun details including signature drinks named “Blushing Bride”, custom wine bottle labels, social media signs and much much more. Brooke’s wedding planner, Meghan Cease, did an amazing job bringing the entire evening together!
A Clever and Romantic Proposal: Sarah & Ben
Sarah & Ben
During the summer of 2009 Sarah had just started working at Valley Hill Country Club in Huntsville, Al. Ben owned a golf cart business at the time and was frequently at Valley Hill for business and of coarse to indulge in his love for golf. In May of 2009 Sarah and Ben met at the end of a golf tournament hosted by Valley Hill. The two began seeing each other often and were dating by that June.
Ben proposed to Sarah on Friday, April 26, 2013. He chose to propose to Sarah somewhere that he and Sarah could always remember. Sarah was in Baton Rouge, LA, Ben’s hometown, for the weekend attending a friends wedding and to move some of her stuff as she was about to move down to Louisiana. Ben had a friend call Sarah during lunch to let her know about a potential job opportunity that would require her to go to an interview that afternoon at the LA State Capitol. Ben later drove Sarah to the State Capitol and took her up to the 27th floor to look out on the observation deck. As Sarah was under the impression she was there for an interview she quickly decided to head back inside. Ben called out her name and when Sarah turned around Ben was down on one knee holding a ring in his hand. In Sarah’s words, it was a magical moment! (Just in case you didn’t pick up on the ruse…there was no interview that day.)
Sarah has really enjoyed planning her wedding. Sarah and Ben are to be married this weekend in Huntsville, Al however they live in Lafayette, LA. Sarah says her mother has had to step in and meet with most vendors when she can’t make it. She is so thankful for her mother and all that she has done to make her wedding day special!!
From Brit to Alabamian: Hannah and Paul's Story
Hannah & Paul
The story of Hannah and Paul is a truly unique and special one. You see, Paul is from England and Hannah is and has been an Alabamian. Paul and Hannah met in 2010 and had no idea what the future would hold for them.Paul’s brother, Laurence, had moved to Alabama from Britain 5 years prior to 2010 to marry his wife Lauren. During Thanksgiving of 2010 Paul was visiting his brother and was introduced to Hannah through mutual friends at an Iron Bowl party. The two both say that they enjoyed each others company that evening but never imagined that they would see each other again due to living on different continents. After a grueling year of short text messages, Paul returned to the states in 2011 and it was clear to both Paul and Hannah that they had something truly special.
Hannah and Paul were both determined to make this long distance relationship work. For 2 whole years they were apart making small 10-day trips about every 3 months to visit one another. After awhile Hannah jumped a plane and headed to England for a 6-month period to be with Paul. In March of 2013 Paul proposed to Hannah on the London Bridge over looking Tower Bridge.
As the visa process to get Paul here was tough and at times very frustrating Hannah and Paul say the wedding planning was very fast and chaotic at times but both thanked Hannah’s mother for all of her love and support through the process. Watching all of the pieces fall together was quite exciting!
Hannah and Paul were married this past weekend, Saturday February 22, 2014, at Shoal Creek. The ceremony was beautiful and we cannot wait for everyone to see the images. Arden Photography is truly thankful for the wonderful opportunity to be a part of this beautiful couples new beginning. We would like to give a great big “ROLL TIDE” (WAR EAGLE!!!) to our new British friends and wish them a happy and safe journey home!
For more on Hannah and Paul’s story visit their personal website: http://www.pinckneyandlawrence.com/#!our_story/c1se
Meet This Week's Bride To Be..
Brooke and Forrest met at the University of Alabama through mutual friends and greek events. During her sophomore year Brooke, an Alpha Chi Omega, asked Forrest, a Beta Theta Pi, to her sorority Christmas cocktail. Soon after that their official romantic fairytale began! During 2013 after Brooke successfully completed her Dental Admission Test, Forrest came into town to celebrate from Dallas, Tx where he lives. After dinner at The Club and watching the sunset over Birmingham Forrest asked Brooke to join him in taking a picture on the balcony. Forrest handed her a hand written note and when Brooke finished he was on one knee asking to be her prince charming. (I told you it was a fairytale)
Brooke has had such an amazing time planning her wedding and says the hardest part for her was having to choose wedding invitations because there were just TOO many beautiful options. Brooke threw in the towel and let her mother and wedding planner Meghan Cease take over and make the decision, and she could not be happier with their decision! Brooke says Meghan has made the wedding planning process fun and easy for her. One of Brooke’s favorite parts of planning her wedding was choosing her wedding cake with Meghan. She is proud to have created her own unique design. Brooke had the amazing opportunity to meet with bridal consultants at Kleinfield’s in New York City as well as try on beautiful accessories and meet with Ellen Hunter, the designer of her earrings and hair piece for wedding day! Brooke and Forrest will be married THIS Saturday, February 8, 2014. Be sure to check back with us after the big day and see how it all came together for Brooke and Forrest!!
"Laying in Wait"
Just like the wedding dress images, ring shots are amongst some of my favorite detail shots on wedding day. The rings laying in wait to be placed on the bride and groom’s finger are such beautiful images.
