Jeannie & Ryan's Wedding | Arden Photography

Jeannie and Ryan were wed on a gorgeous spring day at the farm. The weather could not have been more perfect, and Jeannie looked absolutely stunning. Jeannie and Ryan exchanged vows at the school barn in front of their closest friends and family. As soon as they were pronounced husband and wife, we took some priceless photos of just the two of them of their first couple minutes as a married couple! The couple and their guests spent the rest of the night dancing the night away with Feel the Beat Entertainment. Guests enjoyed a delicious menu from Happy Catering, and my personal favorite part of the night... the cake! Jan O'Donnell provided two gorgeous cakes for the couple and they were delicious! 

Congratulations Jeannie and Ryan! We loved being a part of your day and wish you all the best from Arden Photography! 

A Look Back at 2014: Arden Photography

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2014 was a big, big year for Arden Photography; so many exciting things, beautiful weddings, the Equus collection. It was filled over with such gorgeous imagery, smiling couples, close friends, and new chapters that we are beyond excited for the new beginnings in 2015. We are so very lucky to have such a wonderful and embracing community and many friendships. We hope you are as ecstatic about 2015 as we are! We cannot wait to take you along for the ride next to us, and to allow us to capture all of your beautiful memories and stories for 2015! In the meantime, here is a look-back at a few of our personal favorite images from 2014.


Brittney & Cory: Arden Photography

We were so excited for this wedding to finally arrive! We had such a great time with this little family at their engagement shoot and all the corresponding in between. It was a sweet ceremony, emotions abound, and a closeness with this family. And talk about a gorgeous dress! Congratulations Brittney and Cory!

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Violet & Ken: Arden Photography

Violet and Ken's wedding day was the epitome of glitz and glamour. The majestic Christopher Confero of Christopher Confero Design created a stunning scene of romance and sparkling whimsy. The couple was alight with happiness as they exchanged longing looks of love throughout the day. This was the party event of the year with The Atlanta Allstars performing, drinks pouring, and guests dancing all night long. 

Katherine & Ryan: Arden Photography

A winter chill might be settling in the air, but you'll warm to these beautiful fall beach wedding photos. This destination wedding was held in Fairhope, Alabama at The Grand against the backdrop of the Gulf coast and a breathtaking southern sunset. This elegant affair hosted a bevy of romantic details with pops of pink and purple. Mother Nature was in complete alliance as the Spanish moss filled with Monarch butterflies that floated down to kiss the bride's bouquet. The couple included a tree watering ritual in the ceremony - a perfect addition to the trees surrounding the altar. Katherine and Ryan walked hand in hand down the beach boardwalk to share a private moment after becoming husband and wife, with a beautiful sunset  in the background.

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! 

Tara & Eric: Arden Photography

Every bride dreams of getting married under sunny blue skies, fair conditions, with a warm breeze - but rarely does it work out so perfectly. Tara and Eric must be two lucky people because that is just what mother nature delivered for them! And when weather conditions are perfect, there really isn't anything to complain about. These two were incredibly laid-back, relaxed, and all about that "go-with-the-flow" mentality. Tara was a vision in her gown and veil, while her groom was dapper and composed. Smiles and laughs were plentiful with this group, and the celebration continued on late into the night!  Windwood Equestrian was alight with soft candle flames and twinkling lights as the couple made their exit and said their farewells on their way to wedded bliss! 

One bonus photo for this adorable flower girl and beautiful lens flare! 

Groom's Cake - A Retro Tradition: Arden Photography

For the most part, the wedding is all about the bride. The groom just needs to show up, look presentable, and say "I do." We often forget that it is important for him too, and whether he admits it or not, he has totally envisioned that big day as well. And while he might not have a lot of say in where the drapes should hang or what the programs should look like, he has complete and absolute control over one thing - the groom's cake. 

Time for a history lesson:

Do you know where this tradition started? 

It actually began in Victorian England in the 19th century. There were three cakes present at the receptions - a bride's cake, a groom's cake, and the wedding cake that was served to the guests. Traditionally, it was a fruit cake (whew thank goodness that has changed, right!?). The tradition stayed put here in the American south where it has gone in and out of fashion in multiple cycles. In the last few years, the groom's cake has seen a comeback - and it is bigger and better than ever!

Some brides like to surprise their grooms with a cake that represents something important to him. But I think, when it comes down to it, let the groom choose the groom's cake! It is the one thing that represents his personality entirely on a day that is so important to both bride and groom. Alma maters, hobbies, and favorite foods are pretty typical in this arena (speaking of arenas - check out that LSU cake!). Many couples are opting to serve the groom's cake at the rehearsal dinner, giving it the whole spotlight for one night so it isn't fighting for attention at the wedding. 

Many might think it is a superfluous and unnecessary expense. What do you think? Axe the idea entirely, or let the groom have one thing that is all his? Would you surprise the groom or would you let him choose what he wants? 

Interesting Info: 

Legend has it that after boxing up individual slices for the guests, if an unmarried woman places her piece beneath her pillow she will dream of her future husband! 

Wedding Rings : Arden Photography

Some of our favorite wedding photos to shoot are the ring images. Probably has something to do with all the sparkly bling, right? There are so many interesting and unique details personal to each wedding, and we love to incorporate those into the shot. While the rings speak for themselves in beauty and value, it is often those small details that really make the image! Often times, the ring photo says everything about the wedding ceremony - classic, elegant, whimsical, rustic, charming - you can see that in the details! 

Tell us what you think! Do you like the simplicity of the rings by themselves, with the bouquet or flowers, or showing off one of your favorite (and often overlooked) features of the day - like the shoes? Got any ideas for beautiful ring detail shots? Let us know! 

We Love Our Clients: Arden Photography

We loved shooting Brittany and Cory's engagement photos back in August! Can't believe it's already October and they are getting married this Saturday! Looking forward to more fun times out of this cute family! More photos to come. 

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! 

William and Arden Upton Real Wedding Video

William and Arden were wed on September 21, 2013 at their home estate of Windwood Equestrian located in Pelham, AL. The wedding was just featured in Episode 3 "Upton Girl" of Jersey Belle on Bravo.

Arden wore two dresses the first a Leila Rose dress from Ivory and White and the second a Jenny Packham dress from The Carriage House. The decor and atmosphere were personally selected by the couple and aided by wedding designer Christopher Confero. Catering was provided by Kathy G & Co and many wedding vendors whom Arden works with on a regular basis were in attendance as well. Please view Holloway Productions video.