2018 Wedding Bridal Hairstyles | Arden Photography

Hair, or the lack thereof, has always been used as a way to express our personality, our physical state, or even our current favorite color. Looking back on 2018, my brides’ hair varied from extensively braided up-do’s to flowing, loose curls. It complemented their dresses, matched the themes of their weddings, and it was created in a way to accommodate the season for which their celebration took place. A common factor amongst them all that I noticed, was that their hair was done in a way to accentuate and enhance their natural beauty, which is how every bride deserves to feel on their wedding day. Here’s a few bridal hair styles that can give you inspiration for a formal, night out, or even your future special day.

Braided half-up half-downs

Loose curls

Fishtail braids & braided up-do’s

Loose, curled up-do’s

Sleek up-dos

2018 Winter Bouquets | Arden Photography

Fewer amounts of weddings occur during the brisk cold of winter; but those that are able to brave the chill, do not disappoint with their floral decisions. White reminisces that of sparse, but loved, Alabama snow, and periwinkle and sapphire blues detailed these bride’s and bridesmaids’s bouquets to tie the winter-esque theme together. Leafy, jade greenery added extra volume, and baby’s breath provided delicacy and simplicity to these snowy-white bouquets. It might’ve been a cold evening during these celebrations, but the love that was in the air, and the beautiful bouquets in hand, warmed all of our hearts up.

2018 Autumn Bouquets | Arden Photography

Fall, known for: football, pumpkin spice, and Hallmark Halloween movies. Autumn weddings also have their trends. White bouquets will always be a classic go-to, but fall definitely opens bride’s minds up to the richer, jewel tones of the color spectrum. Crimson, plums, and navy were showcased throughout this cooler season, along with looser bouquets that had more hanging greenery compared to the warmer months of the year. Pink still peeked through during this season, but most of the time it was presented in deeper cranberry, fuchsia-esque versions of the typically lighter color found in bridal bouquets.

2018 Summer Bouquets | Arden Photography

The intense warmth of summer fell in suit behind its milder counterpart, spring. Color schemes also followed spring trends of white and rosy pinks. Crisp, all-white bouquets were ever popular providing the classic simplicity that many brides attempt to procure. Peach and corals also made their debut in these summer-y arrangements, while a bouquet of bright, smile-inducing sunflowers took main stage at one wedding celebration. Whether bright or simple, summer is the perfect season to experiment with vivid colors, along with your classic white florals, to bring the fun of summer to any wedding.

2018 Spring Bouquets | Arden Photography

Spring is predominantly characterized by pastels of bubblegum pink, sky blue, and lavender. This year white, with the occasional pop of baby pink, was a staple amongst my bridal and bridesmaid bouquets; yet, I did have some unique and beautiful outliers of fuchsia, orange, periwinkle, and crimson. Traditional or contemporary, these bouquets provided the loveliest visuals and gave that extra element of elegance and class to these bride’s wedding day. Here’s how some of my 2018 brides displayed some spring spunk into their floral arrangements.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Laura & Carter | December 15, 2018 | Arden Photography

‘Tis the season of giving, and, oh, how we were gifted with this wedding at Windwood as an early Christmas present. Laura looked undeniably stunning in her long-sleeved lace gown from Ivory & White accessorized by her white rose and periwinkle accented bouquet from Southern Posies. The precious flower girl prepared the aisle for the bride with white rose petals, and when the climax of the ceremony occurred, Carter dipped Laura into, what I would imagine as, an unforgettable kiss that quite literally left everyone happily shocked, especially the flower girl. As the night brought in the chill, Iz and Top Notch Catering provided excellent dining as guests bopped along to the band and fur coats were brought out to ward of the cold. When the newlyweds began to leave, their guests lined the walkway with sparklers and congratulatory shouts as they signed off the day with a goodbye kiss meant as a cheers for their future.

It’s all. in the details.

A little curiosity never hurts any one.

Winter wedding bliss.

It actually got cold enough this evening to pull out the fur coat!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Julie & Chase | December 15, 2018 | Arden Photography

This young couple took classic glam to a whole other level. Fur coats were worn to deter the brisk wind. Vintage vehicles were utilized to emulate a vibe right out of the 40s and 50s. And a reception area decorated with flowing white curtains and fairy lights hung from the ceiling. It’s as if you walked right into an old Hollywood film. After cutting their wedding cake and gracing their guests with their first dance, the newlyweds left with a passionate kiss under a shower of sparklers and an impression to last a lifetime.

Something blue peeking its way through.

Old Hollywood vibe.

On the way to their reception and to make more amazing memories.

Sparkler shower!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Amanda & Todd | November 16, 2018 | Arden Photography

Mid-November at Windwood Equestrian was met with this quaint, but intimate wedding. Simple, classic, and timeless is how I would describe this communion of shared love. A bouquet of white and light pink roses surrounded by the daintiness of baby’s breath, an elegant, cap-sleeved gown, and of course photo-ops with the most precious fur-baby as well as our own horses. This couple exuded Old Hollywood glam to the ‘T,’ their love finally being officiated with the simple, but meaningful, words of, “I do.” A couple of engraved champagne glasses and one fur shawl to keep out the chill later, the newlyweds were ready to be on their way to their new beginning.

Simple, classic, timeless.

Fur-babies add a personal and eclectic touch to any photo.

“Just Married!”

They look like a famous Hollywood couple!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Ivana & Mitri | November 3, 2018 | Arden Photography

Although it was the beginning of November, this bubbly bride had flowers intertwined in her hair and Henna-adorned hands. This jovial bridal party definitely brought a new take on their version of a wedding to Windwood. The flower girl donned a dress with a train to make any pageant queen jealous, and the ring-bearers sported paperboy-esque attire with cowboy boots. After the ceremony, Happy Catering and Magnificent Cakes left everyone feeling stuffed with contentment, while Blanton Reed performed their own classic rock renditions and dance favorites. During the reception, one of Windwood’s resident miniature horses made his debut, and let me tell you, he was an absolute hit! This sweet couple left for their honeymoon in a cloud of congratulations and well wishes for the future.

Beautiful Henna detailing.

All smiles.

From father to groom.

Our mini-horse made its debut here!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Lacey & David | October 27, 2018 | Arden Photography

Just around the corner from Halloween, Windwood celebrated the marriage of Lacey and David. The weather was just beginning to cool down in Alabama, and the day provided the most heavenly wind to keep everyone comfortable in the mid-day warmth. A full bouquet from Stems & Styles decorated the bride’s arms, filled with white roses, fern, and wild field grass. You could see the loving emotions in the couple’s eyes as they exchanged wedding gifts with one another during their first look. Four sweet children gathered around the squatting bride as they curiously prodded at her with only a semblance of what was actually taking place. At the finale of the ceremony, David dipped Lacey low as he kissed her, her veil trailing the ground. The newlyweds completed their wedding traditions of feeding one another their wedding cake from Pen & Pastry and throwing the bouquet into a crowd of young hopefuls as Z and the Party Faktory played dance-inducing music. At the end of their reception, they led their guests outside, hands clasped together, and left, happiness pouring from their faces.

Gazing toward a future filled with loyalty, love, and trust.

So much love for this beautiful bride.

Award for the lowest dip goes to…..

Excitement everywhere!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Katie & Steven | October 20, 2018 | Arden Photography

Katie looked absolutely timeless in her blush ballgown from Bella Couture, chic chignon, and makeup that accentuated her hazel eyes. Windwood Equestrian became enlightened with the presence of this stunning bride and bridal party as well as the handsome groom. A flower girl with the clearest blue eyes and white roses atop her head prepared the aisle for the bride and her proud father to make their way to the altar. A finalizing kiss and celebratory arm raise finished the newlyweds ceremony as they made their way to feed each other their wedding cake decorated with white roses from Edgar’s. The beaming married couple left their guests in a slew of glow sticks, raucous laughter, and fond memories.

Classic beauty.

Absolutely adore those blue eyes.

A sweet way to begin a beautiful future.

Pure joy!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Victoria & Zack | October 6, 2018 | Arden Photography

Fall was only beginning when this smiling bride made her way to Windwood Equestrian to begin getting ready for her wedding day. A bouquet of red and pink roses and tendrils of greenery was held in her fingers as well as atop the flower girl’s head. Red, pink, and white rose petals bountifully lined the walkway to the aisle as the ring-bearer toddled hand-in-hand with the flower girl as they made their way toward the groom. An intimate portion of the ceremony filled with private prayers between the bride, groom, and officiant was hidden under the arbor away from the curious guests. As they finished the ceremony in the public’s view, the newlyweds made their way to the reception area to celebrate their vows and have their first dance. A wedding cake inlaid with white and green roses and peach rosebuds sat waiting for the couple to be shared, and the night ended with a dramatic dip and kiss in front of the crowd waving them off to their honeymoon.

Getting ready details.

A beautiful flower crown for a beautiful flower girl.

Rose petals that lead to new beginnings.

A kiss to the future.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Natalie & Brian | September 29, 2018 | Arden Photography

Arden Photography took a trip to the Grand Bohemian Hotel, and it almost was as if I had stepped into a Disney princess tale. Red roses and purple irises and orchids decorated the bouquet of the bride as well as the altar backdrop and reception area. Ruby red Jimmy Choo’s were donned by the glowing bride in her lace ballgown with a train that flowed several feet behind her. Pristine white walls, a golden chandelier, and the aforementioned floral arrangements made up the ceremony room. Guests were awestruck by the beauty of the newlyweds as well as the elaborate venue. Their first dance was reminiscent of the ballroom scene from Beauty and the Beast, and their eclectically decorated wedding cake towered over the couple as they shared a toast to their future. 

“There’s no place like home.”

A true princess-day.

Purple orchids and red roses anyone?

Does this make anyone reminisce of ‘Tale as Old as Time’ from ‘Beauty and the Beast?’

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Anna & Trevor | September 22, 2018 | Arden Photography

Cheers were given early and often on this wedding day at Windwood. Laughter and beautiful white bouquets from Richardson’s Flowers were displayed about the bridal suite. A stunning bride and handsome groom smiled fondly at one another, eyes crinkled and sparkling with happy tears. Their first look including a grateful message of “Thank You” sported across rustic, wooden signs toward those who came to celebrate their shared love. Soft giggles and open-mouthed faces were given to guests as Anna made her way down the aisle toward her excited groom. Jim ‘N Nick’s fueled the newlyweds and their audience as they made grand movements of dips and twirls in their first dance. Champagne was shared with intertwined arms as they each took a bite of their three-tier wedding cake from Dreamcakes, and the night ended with jovial singing and grooving up onstage.

Cheers to the soon-to-be Mrs. Tow!

First looks for loved ones: friends, family, and groom.

Sweet love.

Reception necessities: a dramatic dip, champagne toasts, songs to scream every word to, and fun-filled exit.

Favorite Captured Kisses: Valentine's Day Edition | February 14, 2019 | Arden Photography

“I do” kisses, cheek kisses, fur-baby kisses, kisses from loved ones, Windwood Equestrian has seen it all. To celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day I compiled only SOME of my favorite 2018 wedding kisses the Arden Photography team captured. I emphasize some because there are far too many to choose from, although these picks are quite up at the top. Maybe these sweet moments will give you future ideas on how you want to serenade your love.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Lindy & Archie | September 11, 2018 | Arden Photography

Summer was finally coming to a close, and Arden Photography was not at our usual venue for this particular wedding. This darling bride’s day begun at Bluff Park United Methodist Church. A beautiful venue that featured a large cross-shaped stained-glass window at its apse above its glistening white elevated altar. Light-hearted conversations were held while the bridal party sipped on their coffee, and embraces of excitement were shared between mother and daughter. Lindy glowed in the late-summer sun, smiles of “today’s finally the day” passed around to everyone she looked at. The bride and groom all but skipped out of the church, hands intertwined, arms raised in celebration at the finale of their ceremony. I captured the beaming newlyweds under a sunset of brilliant pink, orange, and lilac hues; a promise of a new-day’s beginning as a married couple on the horizon. Sparklers lit their path to their foreseen honeymoon as congratulations and well-wishes were enthusiastically called out to the couple.  

Starbucks sips, soft smiles, and dainty details.

Who doesn’t love ring-bearer hugs?

“We did it!”

Sunsets and sparklers? I think yes.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Hallie & Logan | July 28, 2018 | Arden Photography

It’s late-July for this wedding celebration, and there is an overflow of laughter coming from our bridal suite. A now practical wedding signature of silk robes were worn by this lovely bridal party as they all gathered around the soon-to-be Mrs. Biggs and showered the bride with compliments and caring embraces. Hallie’s bouquet of peach, coral, and white roses complemented the simplicity of her lace trumpet-style gown as well as the season she intended to be wed. Words of encouragement and love poured from her father’s lips as he prepared to hand over his daughter at the altar. You could truly see the love he has for Hallie as he walked her down the aisle beaming with confidence and rosy cheeks. Feel the Beat Entertainment carried the sweet couple to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife, and the guests soon followed suit. Their wedding cake from Magnificent Cakes donned the same color scheme of roses to match the bride’s bouquet and quickly vanished as people lined up to get a taste. Light sticks with congratulatory statements were waved in the air as Mr. and Mrs. Biggs drove away from Windwood for continued celebration.

Daddy’s girl.

Devoted kisses, quick dips, and mischievous grins.

Married under the arbor.

Kissing the fiancé life goodbye, and saying hello to the Mr. and Mrs.!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Lauren & Hall | June 9, 2018 | Arden Photography

Halfway through 2018, and Windwood is met with one of the most fun-natured couples to be wed here. Lauren, the bride, is constantly radiating with smiles and positivity, and her groom, Hall, continuously throws open-mouthed, wide-eyed faces at the camera. Before donning her gown from Ivory & White, I am able to capture a few fond moments of Lauren with some of Windwood’s permanent residents. After their first look and a lot of goofiness, the couple was ready to be separated, but only for a short moment. Smiles were passed along every guest as they witnessed these two fun-loving characters come together as one. The husband with his, now, wife gently held his Lauren’s face in his palms as he beamed at her, eyes so scrunched one would think they had disappeared. Contented looks were thrown at one another as the day finally settled to its final moments of sharing their wedding cake with one another, from Magic Muffins, and grooving their way out to their honeymoon destination with tunes from Emerald Empire Band playing in the background.

One of our very own horses making its wedding debut.

Lots of sweet friends and one loving groom.

Happiness truly radiates to others.

Special memories shared as one.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Meredith & Albert | June 2, 2018 | Arden Photography

I remember this day at Windwood Equestrian like it was yesterday. Summer was at full force, a blazing sun had no ounce of shame as it glinted off of every reflective surface its rays could reach. Despite the heat, the giggles, excited nerves, and wandering eyes of this precious couple made it all the while. Meredith donned a timeless gown from Carriage House that drove her groom to tears when he was finally able to take a peek at his bride during their first look. The tears were quickly replaced with loving glances and an embrace filled with compliments to his soon-to-be Mrs. A blonde-haired, blue-eyed angel ran about the bridal party and caused an eruption of laughs with her flirty sideways glances and teetering skip. Kisses were stolen quickly and often post-ceremony, almost as if to check to make sure the whole experience was real. Beautiful floral arrangements from Laurel Greene Studio were meticulously placed about the reception area, while Happy Catering and Kathy G took care of another sense. The sound of Motown drifted through the dancing couples from Accent; and before the newlyweds could make their escape in a shower of rose petals, they shared their first wedding cake bite together under a chandelier of white roses and baby’s breath.

Details. Details. Details.

A first look at a beautiful future.

“Is this even real?”

A morning, a day, a night to remember.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Abigail & Mathew | May 27, 2018 | Arden Photography

This sweet summer wedding in late May brought (actual) sunshine to us at Windwood Equestrian. Sunflowers filled the bride’s bouquet as it emulated the sun shining on our faces throughout this wedding day. They also showcased their rays at the altar and even on their wedding cake. It’s not a lie when they say the color yellow brings joy! You could see the loyalty and trust in these newlywed’s eyes, characterized by military relationships, throughout their first look, when the bride made her way to her groom, and as they left in a frenzy of glow sticks that kept their honeymoon path aglow. Arden Photography extends well wishes of luck and love to Abigail & Mathew!

Simply classic.

Man’s best friend photo-ops are always the best!

Sunflowers added a pop of color to this summer wedding!

Lots of smiles for the newlyweds.