Kylie & Ricky | Auburn, Alabama Engagement Portrait Session

I never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but this Alabama Wedding Photographer misses one of the loveliest village on the plains. That’s right, I miss Auburn, Alabama. So when two of my favorites requested their engagement portrait session in the town they call home, I said ABSOLUTELY!

Last time I was in this college town was for their proposal earlier this year! And now they are planning a wedding…in the middle of a pandemic! Who would’ve guessed it?! But they have taken it all in stride.

Every time Ricky smiles at his fiance, it’s like she’s the only girl in the world. He is smitten & I love photographing them together. And Kylie has the best laugh paired with the sweetest personality. P. S. She’s a dog mom too! Keep scrolling to see her precious pup & all of my favorites from their Auburn, Alabama engagement portrait session.

I am so, so glad that we rescheduled after first getting rained out because this light is GORGEOUS!

Isn’t he the absolute cutest?! Give me all the pups please!

AH! I cannot wait to celebrate the two of you very, very soon!

How to Honor Your Father on Your Wedding Day | A Personal Post

Photo by Elizabeth Gelineau

Welcome to a new series about my story as an Alabama Wedding Photographer.

Ten years ago this Daddy’s girl unexpectedly lost her father. It was the hardest season I’ve had to walk through & for the longest time I hated that his death was a part of my story. It wasn’t until I starting building relationships with other girls that I realized that I can use this hurt, this pain for His glory.

I would not wish this upon anyone, but being able to connect with my brides who also lost their fathers is such a God thing. I know how hard it is to not have him there & in that moment standing in your dress of white, I know exactly how you feel.

Today, I want to tell you how I honored my father at my wedding day & give you ways that you can honor yours as well.

1. Wear his shirt while you get ready.

2. Place a charm with his picture or special token or bouquet so that he’s with you every step of the way. Family handkerchiefs come in handy too!

*I had saved several of my dad’s shirts that I remember him wearing. There was this one blue stripe that was special, so I wrapped it around my bouquet. My sweet mother-in-law also made ring barrier pillows for my nephews to carry out of the same material.

3. Sing a special hymn or song during your ceremony.

*A family member of Callie’s saved these petals from her dad’s funeral. The flower girl sprinkled them down the aisle, so Callie’s dad was in a way walking her down the aisle. How so very special!

4. Create a photo display at your reception.

*Photos mean the world to me. So I sprinkled in photos of grandparents’ on their wedding days, along with memories of other family weddings like my brother’s.

5. Share a dance with your brother, father-in-law or father-like figure.

*When I was a little girl, I remember twirling around the dance floor to “My Girl”. So to honor him at our reception, I chose to invite all girls & their dads out onto the dance floor. I began dancing with my step-dad, then concluded with my brother. Both wore two of my dad’s ties; it was extra special & a memory I will treasure forever.

Sweet Girl,

Whatever you do to honor your dad on your wedding day, just know that he is there in the sunshine, in your smile & in the joy of the day! I’ll be right there by your side, holding your hand & cheering you on (with a bunch of tissues too)!

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Happy Father’s Day

…to all the dads who have kissed every booboo, embraced all the pink & lace & been our biggest cheerleaders since day one. Happy Father’s Day to those who stepped in when you didn’t have to, you loved us as your own & we can never express how thankful we are. And Happy Father’s Day to those rough & tough brothers that we’ve watched grow into the best of dads.

Kylie & Ricky | An Auburn, Alabama Proposal

“I knew I loved him in that moment.” That moment Kylie mentioned was a Jason Isbell concert on the lawn of the Jay & Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. They’d been dating for only a few months, but she knew that Ricky was the man she’d one day marry.

Fast-forward to a chilly day in February & they’re standing in that same exact spot, when he drops down on one knee & asks Kylie to be his wife. Talk about the perfect proposal!

I spoke with Ricky the week of his planned proposal & you could tell he was so excited. He picked out the loveliest three-stone ring for his girl & did his best to keep his nerves at bay. I’d say he did a pretty good job of surprising Kylie & I was honored to be a witness to such a sweet moment in their love story!

Best of luck you two with wedding planning!

Venue: Jay & Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center Auburn, Alabama

Ring: Edwards Jewelers

Are you planning a wedding too? Let’s Chat! I’d love to be your Alabama Wedding Photographer.

Ashley & Weston | Auburn Alabama Anniversary Session

Photographing a fellow photographer is always a lot of pressure BUT these two made my afternoon with their adorable smiles and perfectly paired outfits. I remember receiving the text from Ashley saying she'd like for me to capture her anniversary session this year and being ecstatic that her husband who adorns crimson and white on Saturdays would actually come to Auburn, Alabama for their portrait session.

We decided upon exploring Kiesel Park for their Auburn anniversary portrait session and golden hour did not disappoint. Being the recent newlywed that I am, I asked them for their best marriage advice to which they responded "communication is key." And I agree completely. Together these two have made waves in their careers back in Selma, Alabama. Weston is an accountant and Ashley a photographer. I have had the honor of working alongside her as a second shooter and love watching her develop her style and interact with her clients.

I’ve known Ashley and Weston since college and have enjoyed watching them travel the world as husband and wife for the last five years. Most recently they went to Paris and London. ✈️ How cool is that?! I cannot wait to see what all adventures they go on this year.

Is there anything more romantic than dancing barefoot in a field with your husband?! Love!

Thank you for allowing me to capture this sweet season of life for you. I loved the opportunity to explore one of my favorite parks in my new town of Auburn, Alabama. Cheers to another year of marriage!

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Interested in seeing more of Ashley & her incredible work as the girl boss behind, Ashley Brooke Photography? Visit her blog!

Lauren | Spring Hill College Avenue of Oaks Bridal Portraits

Did you know that bridal portrait sessions date back to WWII? You see it was rare to have a photographer at your wedding back then, so the bride would go into the photographer's studio a few weeks before her wedding for a portrait in her wedding gown. And those portraits would become family keepsakes adorning the hallway of the bride's home for all to see. *Read more about this tradition over on Southern Weddings!

I have no doubt that Lauren's granddaughters will one day see these portraits of her & gasp at how beautiful of a bride she was. So elegant & timeless in her ballgown dress, yet young & romantic with her hair up & long veil drifting about in the breeze.

Do you ever think of the legacy you will leave behind? The memories that you will create with your family that will be shared with generations to come. The laughter. The joy. My prayer is that the portraits I capture for my brides will remind them of this special season in their lives. And with their hair all grey & laugh lines surrounding their face, they will tell stories to those gathered around her rocking chair of how she once fell in love in the most magical way.

Lauren is one of my most joyful brides. I absolutely loved spending time with her & her mother at the Avenue of Oaks on Springhill College's campus one Sunday afternoon. Overcast no doubt but made radiant by the bride's smile. I had way too many favorites from this bridal portrait session, so enjoy a few of them!

I cannot wait to share Lauren & Justin's wedding day with you soon! Stay tuned!

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Bride's Gown & Veil: Bliss Bride Fairhope, Alabama

Venue: Spring Hill College Avenue of Oaks Mobile, Alabama

Hair & Makeup: Mallory Gleason Root 43 Salon

Florals: Trayce Mathis

Ring: Lou's Jewelry

Goodie Family | Daphne Alabama Family Portraits

As a photographer it's often hard to find the time for you to get in front of the camera. I am so glad that the rain held off this afternoon for this sweet family session. This awesome girl boss is a wife, a mommy to two & a photographer.

And at every family session I try to be intentional about stealing the parents aside for a couple of images. Because let’s be honest, the last time they got professional pictures taken was probably at their wedding.

The Goodie family portrait time ended in a round of hide & go seek which will probably be how I end all family photos from here on out.

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Toni has worked alongside me this wedding season & it's been so much fun. I love her eagerness to lend a hand & seeing the awesome images that she captures.

Check out this Gulf Coast photographer's work - Toni Goodie Photography