Borrowed and Blue Feature: Meagan & Bly!

Congratulations to a fabulous team for their amazing work and because of it, we have a Borrowed and Blue feature!  I couldn't think of a better way to start the Spring season than a feature on a fabulous blog!  We are so excited to share this wedding with you.  This was surely one of the most spectacular events held at Windwood.  The sweetest couple, the perfect vendors and a great team effort is always the best combination for a great feature.  Congratulations again to Meagan & Bly!  The link to view this awesome wedding is below!

http://www.borrowedandblue.com/birmingham/weddings/meagan-bly




Laura & Brooks Engagement: Arden Photography

Southern winters are characterized by rain, fog, and long nights. As photographers, this is not such a bad thing. Clearly exemplified by these absolutely beautiful and intimate engagement portraits we shot in Selma, Alabama. This is their family property which is obviously a wonderful setting for photos, but what make these favorites is the soft, quiet romance so visible between these two - aren't you just daydreaming of cuddling up on a rainy Sunday, coffee in hand, bundled up in a blanket with lake views now? Who better for this stylish couple to be represented by than Mariée Ami Wedding Planning? Maybe rainy winter days aren't the absolute worst after all? 

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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!!

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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

A Case of The Mondays

As I drove into work today I have to admit I had a case of the Mondays and this rainy cold weather that has consumed Birmingham was not helping. As I sipped on my hot apple cider I went through my morning routine here at the office. As I looked over the blog posts from last week I began day-dreaming of warmer weather, a full sun and brighter colors. The beautiful floral moment in the image of Georgie from last week’s feature in flower magazine compelled me to search for more beautiful floral moments. So here is my Monday contribution to helping you escape from the dreary weather outside your window and curing your case of the Mondays…

"Wedding Cakes Make Me Happy"

It’s Wednesday and my midweek craving for sweets has left me sifting through wedding cake images. It’s true…wedding cakes make me happy. From their simple beauty to the intricate details that some portray, each wedding cake I see amazes me. And let’s not forget how amazing they taste everytime!! I’ve pulled together a few that made me (and my tummy) smile just by glancing at them and I hope you enjoy!!

A New Year, All New "Must Haves": Arden Photography

I have to admit I have the utmost respect for wedding planners. As we kick off the new year I am certain there will be new trends and new “must have” color schemes for this year’s weddings and all the wonderful wedding planners we work with will make the transition with ease. In my opinion it’s the table settings at a wedding reception that truly display the skills of a wedding planner. From the simplest to the most extravagant settings each detail down to the stitching of the linens covering the table can make a difference. Here are a few table settings from 2013 that were truly stunning.

From Leisure Suits to Fedora Hats: Arden Photography

Michael Kimble has a smile that will make you weak in the knees. He was such a joy to work with during his photo shoot. Every time we look back at this shoot the Arden Photography team cannot help but smile. Along with Michael’s amazing wardrobe choices, he has a personality that can brighten anyones day. We are so thankful for the time spent with Michael and his mother, Sandy. We can’t wait to work with you again Michael!

More Exciting News!!

As the Arden Photography team helps Arden prepare for her upcoming show, Equus, we have one more exciting announcement; Arden’s new website. The artist herself is ready to debut her three year journey of creating Equus and what better way is there to do so than launching a brand new website in honor of the series! Www.ArdenWardUpton.com will be launching just in time for the opening of Equus on

Thursday Novemeber 21, 2013

The Keller's: Arden Photography

Arden Photography had the opportunity to photograph the three beautiful Keller children. Windwood Equestrian was the perfect backdrop for the day with these three. The Keller’s were such a delight to work with and we thank them for a wonderful day. As we approach the holidays Arden Photography would like to thank all the families who have given us the chance to photograph their holiday family portraits!

Equus Print Collection: Arden Photography

You are cordially invited to the launch of

Equus

by Arden Ward Upton
Join Arden exactly a week from today, on Thursday

November 21st, 2013

for her launch of Equus, an equestrian inspired collection. Come join us at the studio for a fun and relaxed evening of art, cheese and wine. Doors open at 5!
Arden Photography Studio & Gallery 53 Church Street Mountain Brook, AL

Read more about the opening and the inspiration behind the collection here: Equus Print Collection by Arden Ward Upton

Windwood Equestrian

Windwood Equestrian held a horse show this past weekend full of fun and excitement. The weather was amazing as everyone watched and cheered on all the participants. Arden Photography had a blast photographing, as well as cheering on these talented individuals. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this wonderful event!

Charlotte & John Michael: Arden Photography

Charlotte & John Michael will be married at the Advent in December. After a weekend of pre-wedding activities including an amazing engagement party, the couple met me at the Botanical Gardens for their engagement portraits. We had such a great time laughing, joking and shooting a few pictures here and there. Congratulations Charlotte & John Michael! December is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited for you!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...FALL!

“I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.” ― Lee Maynard

Fall is such a beautiful time of the year to take portraits outside. While the leaves are beginning their transformation from green to beautiful hues of orange and reds, Arden Photography gets eager for upcoming photoshoots.

Brandi and David will be married next April at Samford University’s Reid Chapel and then later celebrating at Windwood Equestrian, so we thought what better place to take their engagement photos than Windwood itself! Congratulations Brandi and David, we can’t wait for the big day!