The Branches | Citronelle Community Center Alabama Summer Wedding

What comes to mind when you envision your wedding day? Do you picture white sandy beaches or walking down the center aisle of your home church? Do you see yourself surrounded by your closest friends & family in a small ceremony or dancing the night away with 150 people? Either way, your day should be how you envision it to be.

When I met with Lauren & Justin, they told me that they envisioned their wedding day to be full of love & joy. And I can testify that those dreams came true. Joy filled the bridal room as Lauren & her girls got ready; followed by the biggest smiles of the day at the bride & groom's first look. Love flowed from the alter of the church while they exchanged vows & continued into the reception as they shared dances with their sweet parents.

I adored every moment capturing this summertime wedding & at the end of the night was sad to see it end. Lauren has the biggest heart & has been the sweetest bride...not to mention how adorable her & Justin are. It truly was a pleasure to be a part of their love story.

---

One of my favorite parts of Lauren & Justin's wedding day was their first look!

---

The ceremony took place at their home church which is where they met & got engaged too!

Confession: I love 'stealing' the bride & groom away during the reception to capture a few just married portraits & here's why...

Ever wish a photo was a scratch & sniff?? Or better yet, a scratch & taste?! Let me tell ya, this cake by Delish Bakery was as wonderful to taste as it was to look at. Not to mention the beautiful backdrop made by the bride’s family.

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Branch! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for you as you begin this journey as husband & wife.

It is often said that teamwork makes the dream work & that is so true when it comes to pulling off the perfect wedding day. Here are all the vendors who made this dream possible:

Photography: Deborah Michelle Photography

Photographer's Assistant: Toni Goodie

Dress: Bliss Bridal Fairhope, Alabama

Florist: Trayce Mathis

Bride's Rings: Lou's Jewelry

Ceremony Venue: Haven Woods Baptist Church

Reception Venue: Citronelle Community Center

DJ: Southern Aire DJ's

Videographer: KWest Videography

Cake: Delish Bakery

Catering: Full of Grace Catering

Bridesmaids Dresses: Bliss Bridal Fairhope, Alabama

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Fancy That Saraland, Alabama

Invitations: Etsy

Hair & Makeup: Mallory with Root 43 Salon

Lauren & Justin | Engaged

One of the sweetest things about being a photographer is becoming a part of people's stories. Sometimes even becoming a part of the family. As a photographer you are entrusted with some of the most exciting seasons in one's life. From marriage to babies, I've seen it all behind the lens.

A few summers ago I met Lauren at her brother's wedding & now here we are planning hers. Lauren met her beau, Justin, at church & never dreamed of the adventure that the following years would entail. "I know for a fact that God sent him to our church so that we could meet. He is my best friend, makes me laugh constantly & is the most caring guy that I know."

Justin would later propose to Lauren in that same church. As they walked into the sanctuary with rose petals and candles set up on the stage, she instantly knew the question he was about to ask. All the years of prayers led to this moment & they both stood trusting in God's perfect plan. "It was the sweetest proposal and I couldn't have asked for it to be any better than it was," Lauren commented.

Lou's Jewelry in Mobile, Alabama did it again! They crafted the perfect ring for Lauren.

You'll be seeing more of Lauren & Justin soon as they prepare for their June 2018 wedding!

Tori & Trey | Engaged

I believe in finding someone who makes you laugh. From the blushing giggles on the first date to the abs-on-fire laughter after a long day of unpacking boxes in your new home. A wise man once said, "Your only goal in life is to keep her laughing. If you can do that, you're good."

I have no doubt that Trey will keep Tori laughing for the rest of their lives. Her smile can light up any room & I'm sure Trey doesn't mind bringing that smile to her face on a daily basis.  Their engagement session was my first to photograph as an engaged photographer! Ah! It's so fun to celebrate alongside my couples & share in the excitement of this season.

Tori & Trey are absolutely adorable & basically rocked their entire portrait time. Congrats you two!

I simply adore these two.

Lou's Jewelry in Mobile, Alabama is the best. They made Tori her dream ring. Isn't it stunning?!

So very excited to capture their wedding day this August!

The Proposal | Sarah Margaret & Chance

View fullsize

One day I received an email from Mrs. Freeman inquiring about a family session & my immediate thought was 'Is Chance going to propose?' But after consulting his sister, who happens to be a best friend, she said no. 

A few weeks go by & Mrs. Freeman wants to talk & go over location details for their upcoming session. Perfect. And that's when I discovered that at the end of their family session a proposal would take place!

***Insert little girl screams***

Chance texted me - letting me know that he was on his way. And that's when I began to shake. SM's life was about to completely change & she had absolutely no idea!

SM's knight in shining armor came riding up on horse back! *Insert every girl's dream!!! 

SHE SAID YES!!! 

So excited to capture their wedding day this Saturday, 11/19/16! 

Ring created by Lou's Jewelry in Mobile, Alabama. 

View fullsize