Candice & Fielding were married in June on the beautiful island of St. Barth's. The wedding celebration was filled with lots of fun with family and friends. The ceremony took place in the old church in town and then guests traveled back to the resort for the reception. Long seating tables were set inside with lots of flowers and candles and white paper lanterns--so beautiful! Once everyone enjoyed their meal, the couple and their guests danced the night away barefoot in the sand. The couple lit a lantern and set it off over the ocean to symbolize their new union. Afterwards, they were sent off by their friends and family down an aisle of sparklers. Candice & Fielding--from all of us at Arden Photography, we wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness!
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!
Liza & Freddy
Laughter is one of the most important ingredients in a healthy relationship and that is what this entire engagement sessions was full of; laughter. Liza and Freddy's love for each other is not only apparent in photographs but in person as well and that is why Arden Photography is counting down the days until Liza and Freddy's August wedding at Windwood Equestrian!
Rachel & Eric
Rachel and Eric's engagement images perfectly captured their personalities; both bright and full of life. After such a laid back and enjoyably creative session Arden Photography could not wait to get back to the studio and edit these beautiful images!!
Preserving the big day...
Planning a wedding can seem like a lifetime, but when it comes to the actual big day...it is over in the blink of an eye; so it is without surprise that many bride's try to preserve everything from flowers to the wedding cake! But why just have some shriveled up flowers laying in a box somewhere in that closet you never even open when you can get creative and display what was once your wedding day bouquet.
I love this idea of making an ornament using the petals and stems from a bouquet!
Adding the cork from the bottle of champagne you toasted to that night would be such a great touch as well!!
My personal favorite is collaborating all the flowers into a framed piece that can be hung in the house all year around for everyone to see...I think this is just beautifully creative!
-Kenzie
Jenna & Andrew
Jenna & Andrew were such a delight to photograph. The radiant sunshine was a perfect addition to the beautiful scenery of Windwood Equestrian where the couple is to be married in May of this year!
Kimye's On the Vogue Cover!
Kim Kardashian and Kayne West have been dubbed the #worldsmosttalkedaboutcouple by Vogue Magazine. The couple will be married May 24, 2014 in Paris…which only seems fitting for the glamorous couple. Rumors have it that baby North West will be a big part of the wedding day for Kimye. Arden Photography would have a blast shooting this wedding! We just LOVE details and know that Kim will have only the best at her wedding. We can not wait to see the photos of the first dance and maybe even some break dancing from baby Nori as Kanye claims she IS capable of! Let the count down being until this much anticipated wedding! (Only 61 more days!!)
Be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes video with Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and baby North on set of the April cover shoot with Annie Leibovitz.
Technology + Social Media Meets The Wedding Industry
Imagine instagram, facebook, and e-invites mashed together and on steroids and Riley & Grey Wedding Websites is what you will get. I came across this wedding website builder and am truly obsessed with their beautiful and user friendly designs. Be sure to check out their website and all they have to offer HERE!
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!
Just For Fun
Wednesday’s always seem like the LONGEST day of the week to me. While I was taking a quick lunch break I decided to take one of those annoying quizzes that are all over Facebook; “What Kind Of Wedding Should You Have?”. As I am sure it is not just me that feels that Wednesdays can be dreadfully long as you count down to Friday…I thought I’d share my own results and give everyone the chance to take the quiz themselves.
I got Vegas. The very insightful and I am sure scientifically accurate (cough, cough) quiz said:
“You got: Vegas
When you fall for someone, you fall HARD. Your relationship isn’t without its ups and downs, but you’re always the funnest couple around.”
I’ll give myself SOME credit by agreeing with the description…but although I love Ross and Rachel, I don’t think Vegas is my place to get married.
—Kenzie
Here is the link to the quiz and a little snippet of Rachel and Ross’s Vegas adventure, because who doesn’t love FRIENDS!?!?
FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF WEDDING YOU SHOULD HAVE HERE!!
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!!!
Wedding Day Inspiration Board
I have to admit that I wasn’t one of the little girls that grew up daydreaming about her prince charming and what her wedding day would be like. I am however an avid daydreamer. This last year here at Arden Photography has been very exciting for me and I have enjoyed learning all the ins and outs of the wedding industry. That being said…I have had to cram about 15 years of daydreaming about my wedding into just one year!! Although I think I have some ways to go and probably a few lessons to learn from Christopher Confero I think my pinterest inspiration board is well on its way to being completed! Mint green, gold and a beautiful Spring day is all I’ll need to make my dream wedding come true…
—Kenzie
Photo of The Week
This is my favorite image of Abby on her wedding day! She was wed on February 22 at Cathedral Church of the Advent. I love the deep tones of the antique woods in contrast to her fair skin and fur wrap. What a wonderful way to kick off the wedding season!
-Arden
"How Sweet It Is...To Be Loved By You!!"
I just can’t get over these reception details done by Meghan Cease. Brooke Totty and Meghan did such an amazing job working together and creating the perfect decor and details. The flowers by Dorthy McDaniel were spectacular and Vestavia Country Club proved to be the perfect backdrop for such a fun crowd of guests! Just take a look!
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!
Check out our bride’s that have been featured on other sites! How exciting!!
Catherine & Matt: Weddings Unveiled
Audrey & Wilson: Wedding Chicks
A Lovely Surprise Engagement: Ekaterina & Charlie
Ekaterina & Charlie
Ekaterina and Charlie met in August of 2011 at Dram in Mountain Brook Village. The two were there for a surprise party for one of Charlie’s friends, however Charlie was actually never told about the party. Charlie was called by the birthday boy and convinced to get off the couch and attend the party. (And thank God he did or the two would have never met!!) Ekaterina says as soon as Charlie walked into Dram there was an immediate attraction between the two. They spent the rest of the night chatting and ignoring the rest of the party festivities. A few days later Charlie called Ekaterina and asked her to go out with him and that’s when their journey began.
In December of 2012 Charlie and Ekaterina had just gotten back to their apartment after a night out with friends. Ekaterina was getting ready for bed when Charlie walked into the bedroom. He dropped down next to her on the bed. As he looked into her eyes he told Ekaterina how much he loved her and even pronounced her full name, Ekaterina Dmitriyevna Funtikova. (Which is no easy task!) Charlie asked her to marry him. Thinking that Charlie was kidding, she pointed out that he didn’t even have a ring. Charlie reached into his pocket and pulled out an engagement ring and Ekaterina said YES!! After calling family and loved ones Ekaterina was told that the ring she was given was Charlie’s grandmother’s engagement ring.
Ekaterina has really enjoyed planning her and Charlie’s wedding in general as well as coordinating her parents trip over from Russia. She says the big day will be very special not only because she gets to marry the love of her life but also because her parents are able to attend this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. The wedding is to be held this weekend at St. Francis.
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 Abby and Joseph...
Abby and Joseph
Joseph and Abby graduated high school together, but didn’t get to really know each other until after college. Joseph jokes about the two of them being high school sweethearts, but Abby says when they attend their 10-year reunion this Spring as a married couple, classmates will be surprised!
Memorial Day weekend Abby and Joseph decided to get away from the city and take a trip out to Joseph’s family’s hunting camp. Joseph was excited to show Abby the ropes of bass fishing and had prepared by purchasing new fishing gear from Bass Pro Shop before the trip. As Joseph unloaded his new gear he popped open a bottle of wine for Abby and told her he had a surprise for her. As he disappeared into the next room Abby expected him to return with a new fishing rod or maybe even some pink fishing worms…but to her delightful surprise Joseph returned with a small blue box from Bromberg’s! As he opened the box Joseph asked Abby to marry him. Abby jumped into Joseph’s arms and said YES!!! The newly engaged couple spent the rest of the weekend fishing, cooking and spending quality time together before beginning the fun and exciting celebration with friends and family.
Abby’s favorite part about planning the wedding has been meeting with all the wonderful vendors and more specifically working with her good friend Sybil Sylvester of Wildflowers Designs. Abby and Joseph decided against engagement photos and instead decided to do a photo shoot for flower magazine, whom Abby works for. Our own Mo Davis of Arden Photography photographed Abby and Joseph’s Doberman Pinscher, Georgie, wearing a beautiful floral collar created by Sybil. Georgie was the PERFECT model.
This past year has been an exciting one for the flower magazine team. Two other editors were married this past year and as Abby is preparing for her big day flower magazine published a story in their January/February issue on the flower magazine editors. As the other two were married this past summer they each had a spread featuring details of their weddings, where Abby’s spread was more of an inspiration board! Check out the spreads below!
