What an amazing year! As we look back at 2015, our timeline is filled with memories of our wonderful brides and their weddings! What an exciting 12 months and we couldn't help but share some of our favorites moments that Arden Photography has captured. I'm not sure how we will top this in 2016 but we're looking forward to another spectacular journey with our awesome brides, families, vendors and supporters. We would like to thank everyone that had a special role in helping us make this year a huge success. Cheers to 2015 and before you know it, in the blink of an eye; we'll be looking back at 2016! Happy New Year to everyone!
Morgan & Justice: Arden Photography
On June 13, 2015, Morgan & Justice were wed in Tuscaloosa, AL at Calvary Baptist Church. Morgan looked radiant in an elegant white dress that was beautifully paired with a gorgeous, long veil. Following the ceremony, guests headed over to The University Club for a classic wedding reception. Surrounded by their friends and family, Morgan & Justice celebrated the day by dancing the night away. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!
Lacy & Katie: Arden Photography
On a sun-soaked day in May, Lacy & Katie tied the knot at Windwood Equestrian. Surrounded by her bridesmaids, in pretty pastels, Katie laughed and enjoyed the morning while she waited to greet her groom. Katie added a patriotic touch to the inside of her wedding dress by sewing in a small American Flag. Christopher Confero pieced together this wedding with beautiful design and unique touches. Between Lacy's fun cuff links, Katie's joyful laughter, and their exciting grand exit, the couple's wedding was bursting with personality. Congratulations Lacy & Katie! We hope you are soaking up and loving this season of being newlyweds.
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!
Stephanie & Eric: Arden Photography
Wedding Favors: Arden Photography
Providing gifts to guests at a wedding has been tradition for centuries and has varied across cultures and populations. Originally related to European wealth and extravagance, the gifts were fashioned of small boxes made of precious metals and gemstones. Other cultures believed the bridegroom to be a coming of good luck, and the gifts were thought to be lucky as they were presented by the couple.
Today, the wedding favors often extend on the theme of the weddings and vary greatly in what they might be as they are considered a portrayal of the couple's personality. Koozies are common due to their useful nature both at the wedding and afterwards. Take-home sweets and recipes in jars are also gaining in popularity. Personally, I have to say, those succulents are a favorite!
Let Them Eat Cake: Arden Photography
As a wedding guest, I cannot wait to try the cake - more so than free alcohol, good catering, and cute groomsmen. Cheesecakes, cupcakes, red velvet, or traditional - I want a piece of each! As a photographer, I cannot wait to see the cake. It gives great insight into the couple and their style. A beautiful wedding cake often imitates a beautiful wedding.
The cake is such an important part of the ceremony and generally draws attention like a prince on a throne. It is part of many different wedding customs, and has been tradition for hundreds of years, dating back to Medieval times. Different from the sugary confections today, fruit cakes or a stack of warm bread buns were favored instead.
The cake cutting has a long history itself. First, it was an activity the bride herself did to symbolize the loss of her innocence. Now, it is a ritual performed by both bride and groom to represent the first activity as a married couple. It also symbolizes the couple's agreement to provide for one another.
Cake charms, though not largely popular anymore, have a long history. Charms were once baked into the wedding cake to embody different meanings as well. For example, a horseshoe signifies good luck, an anchor means adventure, a heart is true love, and a wish bone means a wish come true. If you opt to bake charms into your cake be sure to warn your guests before they dive right in!
Another tradition that has really taken hold is that of saving the top tier of the cake in order to eat on the one-year anniversary. If you want to go all out and truly relive the blissful memories of your wedding day, play dress up! Pull out your wedding dress, have your hubby don his suit, and go to town on those last few pieces of wedding cake - be sure to whisper sweet nothings to each other ;)
We've seen so many variations on wedding cakes. Everything from the "less is more" to the downright extravagant. No matter what the design, as long as the cake is delicious then it is a total wedding win!
Austin and Jake: Arden Photography
The fall wedding season is in full swing here at Arden Photography! But who could complain when you've got such beautiful people to photograph?! We often say that a happy bride makes all the difference when it comes to the wedding photos. Austin was more than happy - she was absolutely beaming! She smiled and laughed all day - we don't have a single photo of her where she isn't. Their wedding was full of elegant charm, pops of vibrant color, and handmade tokens that made it all the more intimate. Thank you Austin and Jake for letting us be part of your big day!
Fall Flowers for a Fall Wedding: Arden Photography
Can you feel it? Fall is so close, you can almost reach out and grab it. With the change of season comes an abundance of beautiful warm colors, golden sunlight, and a new array of flowers to choose for your fall wedding. Think rich, velvety reds and wines, keep-you-warm-at-night oranges, balmy, buttery yellows, and smooth creams (…is anyone else hungry now?).
Choose an arrangement that has a lot of texture and will break up the bright colors a bit. It is fall so take full advantage of it - include oak leaves, branches or tree bark, feathers, or dried wheat springs. Warm metals will really set off those colors, display them with copper vases or rose gold ribbons. A few of our favorite fall blooms are: calla lilies, carnations, sunflowers, dahlias, celosia, billy balls, and roses.
Here is to chilly nights by the fire, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes! Fall, you have our hearts <3 <3
Top 5 Must Have Wedding Photos
You have fantasized about this day since the first episode of Full House when Uncle Jesse came walking down the stairs with that signature grin of his… say it with me ladies, “John Stamos.” You pictured the dress, him lifting your veil, the first kiss, the first dance – all of it! And while John Stamos might not be the man at the altar in reality, you still want that picture-perfect wedding! The big day can go by so fast that it’ll be like a blur in your memory. This is why the photos are such a big deal – you’ll have these forever! This is the list of our top five must have wedding photos featuring some of the best memories you will make.
1. Mom Arranging Bride’s Gown
Getting a snap of mom tying up your dress, clasping your necklace, or pulling your veil down is something both of you will cherish for years to come.
2. The “First Look”
This is a controversial one. Some couples want to wait until they’re together at the altar to see each other for the first time. But we love it when couples do a “first look.” It’s special, the one moment you and your very soon-to-be husband can just admire each other with no one else around (but us photogs of course!). Even if you choose not to do this, that moment when he first sees you coming down the aisle, is a gorgeous memory to capture.
3. Bride and Groom Holding Hands at the Altar
Right after you hand off your bouquet, and before the rings are exchanged, there’s an instant where you and your groom clasp hands while you declare your vows. This stands out as that moment of unity.
4. Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances
There is so much emotion to capture while you twirl about on the dance floor. Dad whispers something to his daughter and you see her tear up. Mom laughs and smiles at her son as he says something about “crazy Aunt Millie over there.” They are so proud of you, and this is worthy of every photo album ever.
5. The Big Send Off
We’ve seen couples do some truly unique exit strategies – this is hands down why it is one of our favorite captures! Everything from old Volkswagen buses, café racer motorcycles, golf carts, and Gatsby-esque Rolls Royces have been used to whisk off the new couple to their happily ever after!
The truth is that there are tons of must have photos on your wedding day. Everything should be captured from beginning to end, so that you’ll always have those memories. That’s our job, but it’s also what we love…. And John Stamos ;)
Edgar, the Barn Cat: Arden Photography
Here at Arden Photography and Windwood Equestrian, we like to think we are animal people. We quite often feature horses, dogs, doves - all kinds of animals in our photos. We want to give you the full farm experience! So meet Edgar - the barn cat. He is quite the handsome character and likes to make feature appearances in your wedding ceremony to add a little sass and a little attitude for a truly one-of-a-kind experience! His talents include napping, snacking, and more napping. Don't worry - he doesn't bite….often! Book your special Edgar appearance at Windwood Equestrain today!
Brooke & James: Arden Photography
Brooke and James said "I do" beneath blue skies in early June. They wed on the porch of the Sonnet House, with classic charm abound. Daisies decorated the table tops in mason jars - a perfect Southern touch; while pearls, lace, and sprigs of baby's breath decorated the bride. Soon after the ceremony, the wedding dances began. The bridesmaids kicked off their shoes and everyone threw their arms in the air! Laughter, love, and fun filled the night - we could not help but be infected ourselves. They made their exit in a white limousine flanked by their friends and family wishing them all the happiness in the world!
Dorsey& Tyler: Arden Photography
Aaron & Todd: Arden Photography
Wedding season has officially peaked! Arden Photography couldn't be more thrilled about the weddings that we've had the opportunity to photograph this summer. Aaron and Todd's wedding was held at Windwood Equestrian and we couldn't wait to share some of our favorite images. Aaron and Todd are such a beautiful couple and we wish them a lifetime of happiness together!
Farewell 2013:Arden Photography
There is a moment at every wedding when the bride and groom forget about everyone around them and the cameras pointed at them. This moment is full of love and excitement and as a wedding photographer it is the moment we live for. As we reach the end of 2013 and begin to say goodbye to such a wonderful year, Arden Photography would like to share some of these special moments from 2013 with you. We hope you enjoy and wish you a happy holiday!
Lauren & Dennis
Lauren and Dennis were married in Sea Island, Georgia at The Cloister. Lauren’s elegant gown was from Ivory & White while The Cloister and Maren White did an amazing job with food, flowers and decor. Arden Photography had an incredible weekend with both the Adair and Goldasich families. Everyone was full of energy and personality!
Gina & Chris: SNEEK PEEK
Here is a sneek peek into Gina and Chris’s unforgettable evening. Gina was dressed in a beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown. The reception was held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and this magnificent evening would not have been such a success without Kathy G. & Company. The flowers were beautiful and the catering delicious!
Meg & Alan
Meg and Alan were married in Jackson, MS at the Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church. After the ceremony friends and family gathered at The South Warehouse, where there was lots of dancing…and more dancing! It was a great trip out side of Birmingham for us here at Arden Photography! Congratulations Meg and Alan!
Meredith & Matthew
Meredith and Matthew were married at the Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Al. After the ceremony the couple headed down Paul Bryant Drive, just like true Alabama fans, and continued the celebration at Cypress Inn Pavilion with family and friends. Congratulations Meredith and Matthew!
Deborah & John
Deborah and John were married at Windwood Equestrian on a beautiful May morning. The sun was out and the horses were ready to greet guests as well as the beautiful couple. After the ceremony family and friends celebrated with Deborah and John and then sent them off by blowing bubbles as the newly weds drove away! Congratulations Deborah and John!
