Casey and Matt's wedding day was one filled with small details that made the event so big. From the strand of pearls, to the bouquets hanging beneath the altar, and the wine glass center pieces, nothing was amiss. While the ceremony was classic and beautiful, don't let that fool you! This couple was one that knew how to have fun as well! Their reception, with all its beautiful touches, was also filled with dancing, laughter, and bottles of champagne bubbles!
Claire & John: Arden Photography
Weddings are celebrations, parties filled with laughter, dancing, and love. Each couple is different though, and they all celebrate in different ways. Claire and John? They were party animals! And wow - was this one fun wedding and reception! There was never any doubt about that though as this couple was one for the books: sweet, kind, and a whole lot of good time! Claire had incorporated many beautiful details from the rich red bouquet, the garland wreath above their nuptials, the deer antlers on the groom's cake, and of course, the glow stick accessories at the reception! DJ CoCo played house music, they inflated a giant whale pool toy, brought out the broomsticks turned make-shift guitars - add it all up, and it makes for one unforgettable wedding!
Wedding Lovely Bridal Portrait Feature: Arden Photography
We have posted images from Jenna's bridal portrait session regularly since snapping these photos. This is the epitome of "Beauty and the Beast," with the beautiful bride all in white, gliding through the Windwood Equestrian meadows with her valiant steed.
WeddingLovely Blog featured the ethereal session this week, and we are so grateful! It is always exciting to see our images featured!
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.
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!
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!
Rainy Weddings: Arden Photography
You did all your research on the weather for the date of your wedding. You checked forecast trends as far back as 25 years ago to see what the likelihood of precipitation chances are. Your thumbs got blisters from hitting refresh on your phone's weather app, and you sent up tiny prayers for a clear sunny day - but there it is. That first tiny raindrop just hit your cheek, and it might as well be a biblical flood as far as you're concerned. So what's a girl to do?
Dance in the rain!
Embrace it! A bride and groom huddled together under an umbrella makes for romantic intimate photo magic! Break out those galoshes, wellies, and rain boots (they're the same thing, but I love those words), grab a festive umbrella, layer a rain coat over your dress, and laugh about it! Because those photos are going to be better than you will have ever dreamt!
Here are a few favorite #tbt images (including photos from mine and William's semi-wet wedding) of rainy wedding days we adore! Tell me - would you cash in on that wedding insurance and reschedule your big day for a sunnier one? Do you think it's always a good idea to have a backup plan - somewhere to move the ceremony indoors, or rental tents just in case? Let me know!
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!
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!
Vendor of the Week: Christoper Confero + a Sneak Peek of Kylee's Wedding! : Arden Photography
Christopher Confero was the vendor and event planner of this beautiful wedding. We love his work, we love working with him, we love him - in a totally normal, non-obsessive way, I promise…. Every wedding he plans is a dream, and we love photographing them! He was also the wedding planner for Arden and William's ceremony!
Can you tell we loved this wedding?? I mean come on, you know it is going to be awesome when you walk in to find a bunch of bridesmaids, hair in rollers, champagne flute in hand and cheering on their favorite football team! Kylee and Jay married beneath streamers blowing in the wind. Who doesn't love a groom in a bow tie and bridesmaids in mismatching dresses? We had such a great time capturing this wedding!
Laura & Zechariah: Arden Photography
It was a sweet September afternoon at Windwood Equestrian when Laura glided around the corner to see Zechariah for the first time. They were all smiles as he asked her to twirl around for him in her dress. She wore flowers in her hair, and a veil that would catch in the wind. They married beneath an altar her father built, complete with garlands of flowers and a dainty chandelier - absolute romance filled the late summer air. Dancing ensued late into the night, and the couple made their exit through flowing ribbons and cheers!
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!
Liza & Fred: Arden Photography
This may have been one of our favorite weddings of the summer. So filled with happiness and love was this couple. Upon their "first glance" meeting, Liza whispered to Fred, "I cannot wait to marry you." Classic touches graced this Windwood wedding with roses and satin, and a few unexpected details like personalized bug spray bottles for their guests. It turned into a real party after the ceremony as the band heated up, the lights flicked on, and the guests started grooving! Congratulations Liza and Fred!
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!
Morgan & Drew: Arden Photography
Morgan & Drew's wedding in May was a celebration to remember! The two wed in a ceremony at the Country Club of Birmingham with a reception following. Of course every detail was planned out with the expertise of Mariee Ami Wedding Planning Studio. Morgan glowed with the look of love all day long and her blue eyes truly sparkled. After the intimate ceremony, the party really began. We had so much fun at this reception--everyone there was dancing! Congratulations to Morgan and Drew!
Happy Mothers Day!!
Arden photography would like to wish all the mothers a Happy Mothers Day!! We know just how important mothers are to our brides and our grooms and we would like to take a few seconds to illustrate why mothers are so important…(esp. on wedding day!!)
They remind us to smile and enjoy the day….
They remind us to love unconditionally….
Most importantly, they remind us to have fun!!
Bridesmaids: Arden Photography
It is so exciting to see bridesmaids become beautiful brides! Arden Photography loves capturing the love between a bride and her bridesmaids. It is an exciting moment when brides and bridesmaids switch roles and are able to support one another on each of their special days! Its been two years since Arden Photography spent the day with Lee on her special day and just recently we had the wonderful opportunity to spend the day with her former bridesmaid Britton! Congratulations to you both and we hope to see you in more weddings to come!!!
Kagan & Ross: Sneak Peek
Last week, we had the privilege of photographing Ross and Kagan's beautiful sunset ceremony in Gasden. Here is a sneak peek of some of our favorite and most memorable moments.
Sneak Peek! LoRissia & Justin: Arden Photography
LoRissia and Justin were married last week during a beautiful evening ceremony in Birmingham. Here is a sneak peek of some of our favorite images! Make sure you're keeping up with the Arden Photography blog! There's more to come from this amazing wedding!
