Shelby & Bryan | Springhill College Mobile Alabama Engagement Session

The love story of two athletes was revealed to an audience of one Alabama Wedding Photographer and several of Mobile’s grand oak trees that line a drive on Springhill College’s campus in south Alabama. Shelby a softball player. Bryan a baseball player. These two met in high school and Bryan recalls the moment he first saw Shelby, “She was the prettiest girl I’d ever seen.” To which she now smirks and holds his hand a little tighter. He would later sneak a kiss in the hallway and take her to a school dance.

A couple years later, Bryan planned the perfect proposal with two diamonds in mind. One made of dirt and grass and the other sparkled. That’s right, he proposed to Shelby before one of her softball games that she helped coach. He completely surprised her by involving players and former teammates. Talk about the perfect proposal for these two! Getting to know them throughout their session, I can tell they balance each other out well. She holds the quiet, nurturing spirit while he is the most outgoing gent who brings a smile to anyone who will look his way.

I am delighted that they chose me to capture their love story that is four years in the making and look forward to having a front row seat at their June wedding day.

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Ah! Forehead kisses are my favorite. So gentle, so kind.

Bryan picked out the prettiest ring for his girl. Wouldn’t you agree?!

Natalie | Springhill College Mobile Alabama Maternity Portraits

Watching a Deborah Michelle Bride take on the role of motherhood with much grace is one of my most favorite things about being a Gulf Coast photographer. Not only do I get to watch them marry their best friend, but a few years later I witness them kiss boo-boos and create belly laughter with their little ones.

If you read my last blog you know last year was sprinkled with doubts. Am I even supposed to be a photographer? Well those lies were silenced by numerous clients turned friends, including Natalie.

I met Natalie two years ago when she asked me to be her wedding photographer for her October day. Now she’s a mommy and has given the sweet opportunity to capture her first and now second maternity session. Plus I met her first born, Justin. And he is absolutely precious. I loved catching up with a past DMP Bride and look forward to meeting Baby #2!

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I am telling you - this little boy is full of personality! And loves exploring new places, Stewartfield at Springhill College included.

#tbt to Natalie’s wedding day | Apalachicola, Florida. 

AND #tbt to Natalie’s first maternity session as she awaited her first baby boy!

*Thanks for asking me to be a part of your different seasons of life; I have enjoyed cheering you on!

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

Haley & Howard | Engaged

All my life I was told to wait for God's perfect timing. Of course I would roll my eyes & ignore any wisdom from the peanut gallery. I would take things into my own hands because after all I knew what was best. Ha. But you're smart & you know what happens next. Disappointment & frustration resulted when my plans failed.

I never understood it until it happened to me. God's timely is absolutely perfect. Not a moment too soon, not a moment too late. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him. (Psalm 37:7) Sweet girl lean into it. Trust me. You might think "oh I'll just be a bridesmaid, never the bride" but you just hold tight! Haley's story is similar to mine. She thought she was "too busy" to date while working & pursuing her masters degree, but she decided to give it a go.

Haley met Howard for a date. And shortly after that, a second date was planned. Original plans fell through so they decided to grab dinner at the Dumbwaiter Restaurant in Downtown Mobile. Haley described it as the most magical evening & the best date of her life. She knew. He knew. 

And watching these two together, I knew. Haley & Howard are a perfect pair. They compliment one another so well & have such kind, gentle souls. I am delighted to call these two friends & cannot wait to capture their May wedding day!

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Cassie & Logan | Engaged

She walked into their home to find a jewelry box covered in the living room. Still in her work clothes & messy bun, he asked her to be his forever.

Often times you read of extravagant proposals but my favorite are those that take place in the simplicity of everyday life. That could be going for a walk together after brunch on a Sunday or sitting at the table in the coffee shop where you had your first date. It's your story & that should be celebrated. 

Cassie & Logan love for one another shows in every touch & every smile. Cassie's son, Ethan, even joined in on their Springhill College engagement session.

Congrats you two! I cannot wait to celebrate yall this weekend!

Catharine & Kevin | Engaged

Early morning sessions normally aren't my thing but between these two & that light, I might schedule them more often.

Catharine & Kevin met in college during an anatomy class & have been dating for nearly 3 years. Now they are planning a small & intimate Spring wedding. I have photographed them both individually but never together. And what a treat that was to finally have that opportunity.

We met up for their engagement session at Springhill College & walked along the avenue of grand oaks with their precious pup, Ava. Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session!

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