We have so many beautiful weddings and projects to post, that I’m really unsure of where to start. So, instead of beginning with a complete blog post on a client or job, I thought I would start with a product. For, as every photographer is well aware, December is the month of deadlines, orders, and albums galore!

The product I’m going to share is Margot and Chris’s Wedding Album. So, here’s the skinny. I LOVE this album. I think it has something to do with the interesting aesthetic of the digital and film images complementing each other. The black and white images in this album were shot on Ilford 3200, Neopan 1600, and Kodak 400 film. The color images were shot on Portra 400NC, Provia 400 (cross-processed), and digital. I find putting together all these different mediums oddly pleasing - the trick is shooting each image in the same style.

A little background - I knew when I first met Margot and her mother at the studio that I we would all work well together. They laugh…a lot…and so do I. Margot has such a joyful spirit. When I look at her images I smile because she is just always so happy! Chris was quite the trooper for the past year. First of all, he got up at the crack of dawn to meet me at Five Star Plantation in Alabama this past spring for their engagement session, (which is one of my faves to date). Then, on his wedding day, in the rain, he agreed to trek all over Mountain Brook with his Bride under an umbrella. I couldn’t be more appreciative of his willingness to indulge Margot, and me!

Their wedding was so unique for many reasons. I’ll definitely share more images and back story in a different, more traditional client post. (There also may be another chance for you to see a more editorial view of their wedding day, and read about Margot & Chris elsewhere. *hint*)!

Technical Information: this album was designed with Photojunction, one of my studio must-haves! All templates were designed by our studio or my good friend Melissa Jill. This is not the album in its entirety, just an overview of the book. Each layout is a complete flush-mount spread.

It kicks off with a sweet image from the nursery in Crestline Village…

Okay, the flush black and white image on this spread is one of my absolute favorites from the entire day! I love how it comes together with the color images.

How much fun is this spread?! I feel like this is the ultimate example from this book of a solid mix of mediums.

Sometime you have to save the best for last…

So, there you have it - a peek into one of our wedding albums for 2009. Check back for a client post on Margot and Chris in the next month!

Okay, seriously…I am so in love with Arrah and Michael’s gorgeous wedding! You should probably know that Arrah and I share a common love of pink, that will explain the beginnings of my feelings about their simply fantastic wedding day. Then, I should probably mention that the venue and vendors she choose to work with are out of this world! And follow that up with the only day the whole summer that lacked humidity, and even got CHILLY at the end of the evening - and you end up with one of the best events of the year in Birmingham!

If you follow this blog, you may remember Arrah and Michael from their engagement shoot in Las Vegas. If you missed it, definitely check out some of their rock-star images here and here.

I’m saving the reception images for another post, because they deserve their own moment of glory. Let’s just leave it at that. I may or may not have done some Beyonce dancing…along with the Band (who are absolutely fabulous)! Okay, I really am leaving it there. Come back soon for a behind the scenes look at a truly booty-licious party…can I say that on the blog? I just did…

As they say - LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! And dangit, The Sonnet House is one of the very best locations in the Southeast. The venue is impeccable in every way, and the owners are just delightful to work with. Guys, I would love to be a vendor of yours any day! It’s always so much fun to shoot there and work with them!

Making this pink extravaganza become a reality is the lovely Jill Sampson of Weddings By Jill out of Montgomery, Alabama. I’ve NEVER seen any of her work that I didn’t love. What great style, and a sense of fun - which comes from her fun-loving personality. She is detail oriented in every way, and a true creative genius. The entire theme; all floral arrangements, lighting design, cake design, layouts, were all her vision and creation. I’m including some fun views in this post!

Arrah is such a knock-out! What a great bride to work with - she has such a sense of fun and glamour about her, and yet a tender heart. More than anything, she is loving and hilarious. She makes me laugh until I cry. And thoughtful too! She brought me Red Bull to the wedding. A girl after my own heart.

Her relationship with Michael is hard to put into words. I love the way he cares for her and serves her. Consistently putting her before himself. It was so evident how deeply he loves her in our few days we’ve spent together. Michael is a gentleman through and through. I can’t wait to see them grow as husband and wife. Two people would be hard pressed to find a better foundation and launching point for a marriage.

I loved watching Michael watch Arrah walk down the aisle - what joy! Above all, I had the privilege of watching them marry their best friend. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you both, travel with you, capture your most intimate and special moments. You gave me an incredible gift and I’m blessed to have gotten to know you and call you friends…

I’m loving these ring shots…

Most fun shoes EVER? I think so…

Can’t go to The Sonnet House without jumping in this stellar tub!

Gorgeous ceremony!!!

Some of Jill’s unbelievable work!

The beginnings of a bash to be remembered…

And then when the party was really getting started!

And they’re off!

Check back soon for the only post I’ve ever done on a reception alone!!!

On an absolutely breathtaking day in May, a beautiful wedding took place and a lovely couple made a lifelong commitment. This wedding has remained one of my all-time favorites…

Courtney and Shane tied the knot at The Sonnet House, a rustic, tucked-away jewel, in Birmingham, Alabama. The event was planned by Kathy Raughley Events, and oh my, they certainly created a photographer’s dream come true! With elegant floral arrangements by Kathy Miller, cakes to-die-for by Evelyn Criswell, and catering, and bands, and amazing cars…the list goes on and on.

We kicked off the day at a wonderful salon in Saks, complete with Mac make-up (my FAVE). The fabulous make-up artistry is the creation of uber-fabulous Jen Matthews of Porcelain and Pink. Check her out - this girl has some mad skills!

What really made this day so incredible was the relationship between Courtney and Shane - the tenderness and energy that they brought to their wedding day. I couldn’t have been more honored to have worked with them. They have both been a great blessing to me.

As a fun side note, I’d like to brag on the studio a bit and mention that The Powell’s pre-album design, created by our assistant and album designer, was perfect as is! There wasn’t a single change requested!

I wish Courtney and Shane all the best in their new life together. I am so very happy for you! Congratulations and Best Wishes!