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!

We are so exited to be a part of Abby and Joseph’s big day this weekend. Be sure to check back with us soon to see images from the big day!