A Year in Review | 2019
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Birmingham, it’s been so nice to be here!
2018 knocked this little photographer down, but I came back fighting this year. *cue Destiny’s Child, Survivor. Deborah Michelle Photography moved to a new city full of new opportunities in 2019. Birmingham, you welcomed this Alabama Wedding & Portrait Photographer with open arms. You introduced me to an incredible community of creatives & sent some of the sweetest souls my way. Each client showed me a different part of the city that allowed my heart to fall more in love with this new city I now call home.
2019 took me to new places & provided me reasons to revisit some of my old stomping grounds. My bustling skills came in handy multiple times, I shared life over cups of coffee with others in the wedding community, continued to veil toss like a champ (lol), stole so many puppy kisses, created two unique bouquets for my brides, hide behind church pews to capture the sweetest proposal & so much more!
Thank you, sweet client turned friend, for trusting me with your sweet season of life. Whether I cried with you on your wedding day because you missed your daddy too or wiped snot from your son’s nose during a family season, I have throughly enjoyed this year of growth. Cheers to an incredible year!!!
Weddings
Kaileigh & Blake | March 16, 2019
Hermitage-Rippy Estate Mobile, Alabama
Two high school sweethearts tied the knot on a lovely spring Saturday in Mobile, Alabama. The Hermitage-Rippy Estate served as the perfect host to their out of town guests with its Southern charm, grande oaks and blooming azaleas. Kaileigh & Blake simply wanted to share their wedding day with those closest to them. From the moment he watched her walk down the aisle to the end of the night as he twirled her around on the dance floor, their dreams came true.
Anna & Adam | April 27, 2019
Demopolis Civic Center Demopolis, Alabama
Who would’ve guessed that as we stood in line as kindergartens that one day I would become her Alabama Wedding Photographer as she marries the love of her life. One of the sweetest wedding days that I’ve been a part of. These two celebrated their day with great food & dancing into the night.
Shelby & Bryan | June 8, 2019
Christ United Methodist Church Mobile, Alabama
Shelby & Bryan are high school sweethearts who tied the knot this summer; sharing the same wedding date as the bride’s great-grandmother. Shelby stood surrounded by her girls as she married her prince. This wedding was special because the bride is family. It was such a treat to return to Mobile, too!
Jennifer & Stanley | July 12, 2019
Tutwiler Hotel Birmingham, Alabama
Overlooking Birmingham, Jen & Stanley exchanged their personal vows during an intimate ceremony with their parents & siblings. It was exactly what the bride, my sweet friend, had always dreamed of. The newlyweds proceeded to the Southern in Uptown to celebrate with extended family & friends.
Kayla & Garrett | October 12, 2019
Old Time Fireman’s Lodge Tuscaloosa, Alabama
In case you didn’t know, they’re kind of a big DEAL! I cannot take credit for that pun, it was on their cocktail napkins. The weather could not have been more perfect for this fall wedding day. Not to mention Kayla’s dress was absolutely stunning!
Grateful for the chance to second shoot five weddings with 4 of the kindest photographers this year, too!
Brittany Jayde Photography, Abigail Wellinghurst Photography,
Donavann Inn Marion, Alabama | Aldridge Gardens Birmingham, Alabama | The Sonnet House Birmingham, Alabama
Engagements
2019 brought about some of the most fun engagement portrait sessions that I’ve ever done. Being new to Birmingham, I asked my couples to show me some of their favorite parts of the city. Together we explored places like Railroad Park, the Theatre district, local breweries, Moss Rock Preserve & the cutest greenhouse in Forest Park. I was also lucky enough to return to places I’m familiar with like Tuscaloosa & Mobile.
Portraits
DMP celebrated so many exciting seasons with so many wonderful clients. Everything from adoption & moving announcements to college graduations & first birthdays to a gender reveal & a sweet proposal. I also got to meet up with several returning clients for updated family portraits.
Newborns
I confess, I took a break from newborns for awhile. But when asked this year, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to serve clients during one of the sweetest seasons of life. Instead of all the props, I like to use blankets & bows unique to the family. This makes each session one-of-a-kind. And there’s just something lovely about capturing their newest arrival in their own home.
Pups
And we cannot forget about all of the precious pups that I met this year! Goodness, what a treat it was to create such special portraits for families that included their furriest members. Not to mention being a sponsor for two of Hand in Paw’s events this year too.
Styled Shoots
Joining forces with other creatives in the wedding industry is so much fun! One of my dear friends, Hannah, asked me to be a part of her styled shoot this spring at Swann Lake Stables. *See full blog post here!
And then this summer Meagan with Alabama Eden Flowers invited myself & 30 others to her home for a Farmer Florist Styled Shoot. The coolest part of this shoot was that all flowers were grown locally!
Shout Outs
Special thanks to my husband.
Babe, you pushed me out of my comfort zones this year & much of my success I credit to you. Your kind words remind me of my talent & you never shy away from giving me the feedback that I need to hear. You continue to accomplish your dreams while also supporting mine & for that I am grateful.
Thanks for driving me to sessions & hearing out my crazy ideas. I appreciate you more than words can express. I thank God daily that He made me a wedding photographer which ultimately led me to you! I wouldn’t trade this adventure for anything in this world.
Let’s continue to make some waves in 2020, what do you say?!
Debby
*Shout out to all my photographer friends who make Community over Competition a real thing. Thanks for lifting me up this year. Ya’ll rock!
