Bailey | Senior 2016

IMG_3248.1I had the most fabulous time at Bailey’s senior session! This girl is precious with a beautiful heart and in my opinion a role model for little girls like mine! My daughter, Kate and two of her friends joined me for Bailey’s session and they were in awe of how pretty she was and how sweet her mama was….and they were right, Bailey is beautiful and Mrs Deborah is one of the sweetest ladies I know.  Sometimes people come into your life and they tend to tug at your heartstrings just by their presence… I’ve only known Bailey a short while, but she has quickly made a lasting impression on me with her sweet spirit, love for family, her loving heart and strong faith!  Bailey, thank you for allowing me to capture these images of this special milestone as you graduate from high school and venture into the next chapter of life God has for you!  | Philippians 3:13-14

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Emily & Jacob | Married

TTT_blogcollage_06 Emily and Jacob were married at First Baptist Church of Troy, Al May 9, 2015.  Their day was truly beautiful and a celebration of God joining them together as one.  I recall their pastor describing the day as a “Genesis moment…a new beginning” for the two of them. These two have precious souls and they love Jesus, which makes the beginning of their lives together a sweet start to their happily every after. The pastor also emphasized that their day was not about the dress, flowers, etc. but more so about God and how they would be committing their lives to God.  Knowing Emily and Jacob personally, I have witnessed the way they choose to serve and have compassion for all they come in contact with.  They are beautiful people to know and I look forward to watching them live out their happily ever after.

Enjoy the classic, elegance in the images of Emily and Jacob’s wedding day along with some words from the two of them! And to see more, click here for a slideshow of images highlighting their day.IMG-9IMG-4Something Old: Grandmother’s locket (mom’s side) and Grandmother’s handkerchief around bouquet (dad’s side) | Something New: Wedding Dress | Something Borrowed: Wedding Shoes | Something Blue: Sapphire ring given to me by my parents when I was 18

TTT_blogcollage_29 IMG-382 (1)My fondest memory from the wedding was showing my grandmother that I had chosen to wear her locket as my something old. When my grandfather was gone in WWII, my grandmother would wear a locket pinned to her blouse. Inside the locket was a picture of my grandmother and grandfather from their wedding day. Some time ago my grandmother gave this locket to my mom. My mom and I had it turned into a necklace for me to wear on my wedding day. My grandmother didn’t know I was wearing it until I saw her for the first time in my dress. Showing my grandmother that locket was the sweetest memory I have with her and I will cherish that moment forever.
IMG-187 IMG-180 (1) TTT_blogcollage_31I was SO thankful we decided to do a “first glance” and would highly recommend it to any and every bride! It helped get some of the nerves out and I felt like I was able to spend the whole day sharing my excitement with my guy. That walk down the aisle is magical and I think if it was the first time I had seen him I would have been too emotional to make it to the alter!
IMG-110 IMG-139 IMG-145 IMG-134 (1) How did you guys meet?  He was the cute IMPACT orientation leader who was way out of my league. I was the hot friend of one of his fraternity brothers. We ended up in the same circle of friends and, after some time and a little insistence on my part, we dated. Four years and 2 days later, we married!!IMG-121IMG-152 IMG-167-2 Tell us about the proposal:
I could talk about this part forever but I’ll keep it short and sweet. I had his proposal all figured out, so he showed up two days early to surprise me. I came home and was directed to my back porch where my friends and family awaited me. He wrote me letters and used Proverbs 31 to affirm me. When I had finished reading all the letters, my friends gathered around me and prayed for me. When their prayer was over, they parted and there he stood. After what felt like forever he got on one knee and spoke the words I will never forget: “A wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies. Emily Carter, will you make me a rich man and will you marry me?” (swoon)IMG-164 (1) IMG-168 IMG-194 IMG-184 IMG-206 IMG-211IMG-172 Groom- how would you describe the bride?  She was surprisingly calm. I expected her to be frantic over the little details, but she was really let herself enjoy the day and I loved that. My favorite part of her dress was the back. It was unique and classy. She also wore flats which I really appreciated. IMG-183IMG-275 IMG-262 IMG-257 IMG-255 IMG-296 IMG-310 IMG-312 IMG-320 IMG-322 IMG-331 IMG-86 Bride- how would you describe the groom?  Handsome is an understatement. He was classic and clean cut on our wedding day. I also loved that he, himself, tied his tie, it was unique and is known as a “Merovingian Knot”. Everyone was pretty impressed he tied it himself. It added a little something that really made him look sharp! I was so thrilled he decided to grow out his beard. When you fall in love with a man who is known by his friends as “Caveman”, part of you falls in love with the beard!!IMG-201
IMG-85IMG-333 IMG-335 IMG-347 IMG-352IMG-239 (1) IMG-241 (1)TTT_blogcollage_45IMG-448 IMG-462 TTT_blogcollage_34 IMG-511 IMG-497 TTT_blogcollage_11a TTT_blogcollage_36 IMG-563 (1) IMG-565 IMG-571TTT_blogcollage_33 TTT_blogcollage_10 original1.TTT_blogcollage_03 Favorite things about reception:  Jacob’s home-brewed beer was the perfect party favor (my wonderfully talented photographer actually suggested it long before we were even engaged). It captured our interests and personalities wonderfully and I was so thrilled the venue allowed us to have it.IMG-647 IMG-648 (1) IMG-679 IMG-659 IMG-662 IMG-714 IMG-728 IMG-726 Favorite detail- BUBBLES!!! Our bubble exit was magical and the pictures are some of my absolute favorites! IMG-733 (1) IMG-735 TTT_blogcollage_26 What is next as a couple? What are we looking forward to most?  We are looking forward to settling into married life in Troy, Alabama!
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Bride’s Gown and Veil: Bella Couture | Bride’s Shoes: Borrowed from sister-in-law so I’m not sure where they came from | Bride’s Hair and Makeup: The AMAZING Ashley at Epix Salon in Troy | Bridesmaid’s dresses: David’s Bridal | Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Warehouse | Coordinator and Planner: June Flowers with a little help from my Aunt Sherry | Ceremony Venue: First Baptist Church | Reception Venue: The Emporium | Florist: June Flowers | Wedding Cake: Peggy McKinney | Caterer: Hook’s BBQ and Ray/Jack Catering | DJ: Feel the Beat | Paper Products (save-the-dates, invites, cups, coozies): Pat Campbell

Elizabeth & Cody | Married

IMG-65 (1)Elizabeth’s hometown of historic Eufaula, Al was the perfect location to celebrate the union of Elizabeth and Cody on May 2, 2015.  They were married at First Baptist Church with many family and friends there to witness their special ceremony.   The celebration was carried over to the historic and beautiful Shorter Mansion… and that place never fails to take my breath away.  We also began the day at the mansion which was a truly elegant Southern backdrop for the bride and her bridesmaids!

These two share the sweetest love for each other are truly the best of friends!  From the first time I met them at Starbucks, to their engagement session in Auburn it was evident a special bond was there between the two of them and their family and friends and God had a perfect plan for the two of them to be together!

Elizabeth and Cody chose not to see each other before the wedding, so that moment Elizabeth walked down the aisle escorted by her grandfather was so special as the smiles got bigger and bigger as she made her way down the aisle. Elizabeth and Cody’s wedding day was filled with sweet moments, lots of laughter and lots of fun dancing (their friends know how to dance and have a good time)!   Elizabeth’s dance with her grandfather, while her grandmother looked on, tugged at my heartstrings….it was such a sweet, sweet moment!  I am very thankful that we were able to be a part of their special day!  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Cody Toole! 

Enjoy the elegance and love in the images of Elizabeth and Cody’s wedding day along with some words from the two of them! And to see more, click here for a slideshow of images highlighting their day.

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What three words would you use to describe the style of your wedding?

Rustic, Traditional, Southern
IMG-6 IMG-12 (1) IMG-41 IMG-44 (1) IMG-45IMG-52 IMG-48IMG-54 (1) IMG-60 Did you have something borrowed, blue, old and new? If so, do tell!
My old was a ring of my great-grandmothers that we sewed to the bouquet. My blue was a blue diamond ring that Cody gave me for our first dating anniversary, my borrowed was a spritz of my grandmother’s Chanel #5 perfume, and my new was my pair of earrings. We had them made especially for the wedding.
IMG-61 IMG-63 (1) IMG-66 IMG-76 How did you meet and how long did you date? Tell me your love story.
We met our junior year at Auburn University at Chick Fil A on campus, and we dated about 2 and a half years before getting engaged. We actually became best friends way before we dated, and didn’t start dating until about 6 months after we met. We would spend all night in the library together on countless nights, studying and getting to know each other.IMG-84 IMG-90 IMG-98 IMG-109 IMG-113 IMG-128 IMG-131 IMG-148 (1) IMG-150 IMG-151 IMG-156 IMG-161 IMG-164 IMG-169 Tell me all about the proposal!
Cody actually tricked me and made me think that it was going to be in about 5 different places! But as I was changing clothes after work at his apartment, he moved the couch out of the way so that when I walked out, there he was in nice clothes, ready to pop the question! It was perfect in its own way.
IMG-176 IMG-213IMG-201 IMG-212  IMG-265 (1) Bride, how would you describe the groom?
Surprisingly emotional! He’s normally so calm, cool and collected, and seeing him when I walked down the aisle was amazing. But he was so handsome and there was so much love in his eyes.
IMG-267 (1) IMG-275 Our favorite detail of the wedding was:
How personalized Dr. Bush (the preacher) made the ceremony
IMG-288 IMG-295 (1) IMG-303 IMG-304 (1) Groom, how would you describe your bride?
Slender, Gorgeous, Southern Belle
IMG-339 IMG-345 IMG-366 IMG-372 IMG-378 IMG-380 IMG-383 IMG-385 IMG-391 IMG-392 IMG-398 (1) IMG-400 IMG-404 IMG-418 IMG-424 IMG-441 IMG-475 IMG-481 (1) What is your fondest memory of your wedding day?
Besides getting married, Our first dance!
IMG-485 (1) IMG-492 IMG-511 (1) IMG-521 (1) IMG-528 IMG-532 (1) IMG-538 (1) Describe your favorite thing(s) about your reception:
The band was amazing! So were the flowers. There were perfectly simple and beautiful!
IMG-613 IMG-615 IMG-618 IMG-633 IMG-636 IMG-670 What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life?
We are moving to Sarasota, Florida to open up franchises of Chicken Salad Chick restaurants! We couldn’t be more excited! We’re looking forward to starting this life together and getting our own house, and just being adults.IMG-675Wedding Venue: First Baptist Church, Eufaula, Al | Reception Venue: Shorter Mansion, Eufaula, Al | Wedding Day Coordinator: Delilah Taylor | Florist: Michelle Beaty | Wedding Dress: Ellis of London from The White Room Bridal Salon, Birmingham, AL | Bride’s Veil: Cathedral, handmade tulle with Alencon lace | Makeup Artist: Lisa Johnson, Auburn, Al | Hair Stylist: Meagan Campbell, Auburn, AL | Bridesmaids Dresses: Donna Morgan | Grooms and Groomsmen Attire: Calvin Klein | Reception Band: Kidd Blue | Bride’s & Groom’s Cake: Donnette Teal | Catering: Kelsey Barnard Catering

Shelley & Shelby | Married

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Shelley and Shelby were married April 25 at the beautiful Springdale Estates in Andalusia, Al.  Shelley described her wedding day as a classic, beautiful garden style and it was just that!  The ceremony was set to be outdoors on the front lawn, but due to rain moving in it was moved indoors, and that backdrop proved to be beautiful.  Indoors could not hold all of the guest, so the ceremony included the wedding party and family, while the other guest began the celebration at the reception outdoors (the rain moved out just in time)!  The ceremony was intimate with the people who loved them most… God had his hand on their wedding day and he orchestrated it beautifully!

Shelley and Shelby plan to begin their life together in their hometown of Andalusia and travel to see the world before starting a family.  And I agree when Shelley said… “Good things to come”!!  These two deserve each other and I love that I had the opportunity of sharing the beginning of their lives together, capturing sweet memories that they will cherish for a lifetime!

Enjoy the sweetness and beauty in the images of Shelley and Shelby’s wedding day along with some words from the two of them! And to see more of their day, click here for a slideshow of images highlighting their day.

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IMG-14 IMG-13 (1) IMG-24 (1)Did you have something borrowed, blue, old and new? If so, do tell!
Something borrowed was my earrings from my sister Stephanie. My something blue was my my mothers sapphire wedding ring. My something old was my great grandmothers handkerchief. My something new was my dress!!! IMG-80 (1) IMG-44 How did you meet and how long did you date? Tell me your love story.
I met Shelby through a mutual friend about 11 years ago. He got to meet my mother and I remember years ago her saying “why don’t you date him….he’s a nice boy”. We went to rival high schools and rival colleges but seemed to always keep in touch. God’s timing is always perfect and he made me ready for Shelby! He knew what I needed and He provided for me and rescued me by bringing Shelby into my life! IMG-56 IMG-55 (1)IMG-105 If you did a “first glance”, are you glad you made the decision to do so? Why?
The first glance was a blast! I really loved seeing Shelby somewhat privately before, so we could really be in the moment together! I loved seeing his reaction when I told him to turn around!!!IMG-119 IMG-122 IMG-146 IMG-137 (1) IMG-149 IMG-154 IMG-159 IMG-155 (1) Tell me all about the proposal!
We got engaged at the national seashore. It was picture perfect. Shelby had red roses scattered all around and was standing waiting on me to arrive. My aunt and uncle were apart of it all. I didn’t even recognize him at first and I looked down the stretch of beach and said “oh my look y’all that guy is about to propose to someone!” Little did I know that someone was me!!! Lol IMG-164 IMG-167 IMG-184 (1) Groom, how would you describe your bride?
I have never met a more compassionate person in all of my life. Shelley makes me smile and laugh more than you know. She takes genuine interest into each and every person you meet. She comforts people when they are down and she shares in others joy like no one I know. I accept her for who she is, who she was, and who she is to come!
IMG-194 IMG-200 IMG-223 IMG-225 IMG-214 IMG-217 (1) IMG-232 IMG-234 Bride, how would you describe the groom?
Shelby is the most unselfish lovable person I have ever met. He looks out for my best interest way before his own. He is my protector, my best friend, and my entertainment! He makes me laugh almost all the time! He is a Christ follower and will be the best daddy to our unborn children! Marrying him was the best decision yet! IMG-239IMG-250 IMG-266 IMG-274 IMG-286 IMG-289 IMG-294 (1) IMG-357 IMG-349 IMG-351 IMG-380 (1) IMG-389 (1) Bride, what is the fondest memory of your wedding day?  The fondest memory was when it started to rain really hard about the time we started to seat guests and it was like God was letting me know it wasn’t about the people and it wasn’t about everyone in our family it was about Shelby and I. Because we got the opportunity to have a very intimate ceremony that felt like it was just me and him and the pastor and The Lord. Very special and memorable to me! IMG-391 IMG-399 IMG-416 IMG-419 IMG-422 (1) IMG-436 IMG-438Our favorite detail of the wedding was:
I loved our cakes!!! They were perfect and tasted delicious! Our detail fav was the shakers of Alabama and auburn. They represent a lot about us! IMG-458 IMG-463 (1)  IMG-468 IMG-508 Describe your favorite thing(s) about your reception:
The band was my favorite. We love music and we love to dance so it was perfect!!! I also enjoyed talking and visiting with all of our family and friends who came from all over to be apart of our special day even though it rained!IMG-506 (1) IMG-509Wedding & Reception Venue: Springdale Estates | Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Regina Bass | Florist: Alan Cotton Florist | Videographer: Caleb Pierce | Wedding Dress: Bridal Suite| Hair: Laurel York of Oasis Spa and Salon | Makeup: Meghan Cox | Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo | Groom’s and Groomsmen Attire: Jos A Bank | Reception Band: The Rhythms Band, Birmingham, Al | Bride’s & Groom’s Cake: Connie Floyd | Catering: Grimes Catering | Rentals: Pope Tent Rentals |