Lindsey & Ben's [Sweet Home] Alabama Wedding

Lindsey and Ben were so thrilled to be married; the couple beamed with joy throughout the lovely southern fall day. At one point during the photos, Lauren (sister of the bride and Matron of honor), suggested Lindsey give the camera a "softer smile"  -- laughing, Lindsey said she couldn't smile any smaller -- that's the kind of excitement we got to photograph. And Ben, well he couldn't take his eyes off Lindsey. I adore the way he just rested his head onto hers throughout the day and closed his eyes in complete contentment. They met at Samford in Birmingham, Alabama which provided some beautiful backdrops for their wedding day photos. Ben asked Lindsey to marry him while they were relaxing on a bench on campus so we made sure to visit that spot for some more portraits.

I worked with Lauren at Winshape Camp for Girls one summer during college and had the privilege of photographing her wedding in October of 2009. I had such a great time with her family and couldn't wait to spend another day celebrating with them. My wonderful mom-turned-photo-assistant accompanied me and we had a blast with Lindsey & Ben and their wedding party. Speaking of  -- love the girl's dresses (note the fabulous pockets), fancy shoes and the beautiful autumn florals. My favorite part of the day might have been the Milk & Cookie Bar. Who doesn't love a good milk and cookie?

It was a beautiful Alabama wedding - no shortage of sweet tea or football, mind you. Thank you, Ben & Lindsey for allowing us to spend the day with you. We had a fantastic time capturing all your joy.

Jessica & Brandon Tennessee Wedding

Every Friday in the sixth grade was given a theme: pajama day, 80's day (a personal favorite), and Twin Day, to name a few. Twin Day was announced and people began finding their twin right away; I was new and nervous but spotted a friendly face and worked up the courage to ask Jessica to be my twin for this silly middle school ritual. As I was walking up to her though, she was intercepted by another new girl, Carolyn... it was really something right out of a teen tv drama. I'm almost positive I heard melodramatic music as I hung my head and walked away. [Side note: my way cooler older sister came through for me; I was the only sixth grader who's twin was in the high school].

Fast forward thirteen years -- braces, bangs, boyfriends, driver's licenses, prom, graduation and lots of good memories -- Carolyn was a bridesmaid and I had the privilege of capturing Jessica's beautiful wedding!

Jessica and Brandon were married in Chattanooga on a beautiful fall day last October. She looked stunning in her elegant a-line gown; it's obvious that Brandon thought so too by the way he looked at her all afternoon. The two whispered to each other the entire day and as a result were constantly giggling. Jessica is a hardcore Tennessee fan while Brandon's loyalty belongs to Alabama. As you can imagine, football season results in some pretty entertaining facebook photos of the couple.

Thank you for allowing me to share in your special day, Jessica and Brandon - may you have lots of happiness and peace in the years to come. And may your babies never be without a twin for Twin Day.

Emily and Nate's Backyard Wedding

I've known Emily since I was in the 6th grade; she's one of those people whose every action is genuine all the way to the core - you want to be friends with her. Her character matches her stunning beauty and she has a great little giggle that wrinkles up her nose. When I heard she was engaged I could only imagine the caliber of man that managed to win her sweet, sweet heart. The couple was married  on Emily's family farm in Tennessee. Their Friday night rehearsal dinner was intimate and relaxed; the wedding party and family enjoyed BBQ and bottled Coca Cola's by the pond as the sun set and last minute wedding details were discussed.

Not surprisingly, Nate surpassed all my expectations -- his time spent making sure everyone was comfortable and introduced, while constantly loving on his fiance. The ceremony revealed even more of his tender spirit as he was overcome with the joy and beauty of taking his beautiful bride for his own. It was obvious that Nate and Emily had each waited for this day for a long time and so truly cherished every moment.

It's hard for a backyard wedding not to intimate, but Nate and Emily's God-centered ceremony introduced a whole new personal and uplifting environment shared by family and their closest friends. You can pretty much count on my tearing up at least once during a wedding ceremony, but theirs is the first wedding which induced watery eyes while editing. That's how moving their emotion was.

Thank you for allowing me to share in your wonderful day, Nate & Emily. Here's to years of rich happiness and blessing as your family continues to grow!