Emily & Cole
Montgomery, AL

It’s been a few years since Emily in Cole’s wedding in Birmingham Alabama, however it is still one of my favorite weddings we’ve ever photographed and I think it is a good example of the timeless nature of our style. I remember when Emily first contacted us to photograph her wedding and she said she was focused on planning a day that would be timeless and classic and hiring a photographer it would complement that. In the years since Emily’s wedding her father passed away and I was touched to receive an email from her saying how priceless the photos of her with her father have now become.

While Emily’s wedding was absolutely stunning, full of unique personal details, amazing flowers and decor, published on Southern Weddings blog and Southern Living’s blog, those are not the things we focus on, or that we find meaningful to our clients in the long run. That is why our approach to every wedding we photograph focuses on the people, the emotion, and the interaction of love ones on the wedding day. We know that those photos will be passed down for generations, that when our brides and grooms are looking through their wedding album with their grandchildren on their laps, it is those photos that will bring tears of joy as they re-live the story of their wedding day.

Two images in particular are close to Emily’s heart. A photo of her father, with the biggest smile…bursting with pride as he hugs his daughter at the rehearsal. And the second is a close-up detail of her father’s hand holding onto hers, just before he gives her away at the rehearsal.

This is the reason we do what we do, wedding photographs, over any other type of photography, are passed down for generations. In the 13 years we have been wedding photographers we have seen the trends come and go…the crazy photoshopping, silly props, staged moments… they eventually all fall out of favor. But what lasts are the classically beautiful emotional moments shared between loved ones. The documentation of the creation of a new family.

The slideshow of images above, overlaid with audio recordings from the ceremony and toasts from the rehearsal dinner, features the work of so many talented wedding professionals. First off, the event planning and design of M. Elizabeth Events is unparalleled. Secondly, would like to thank Jeff Bradt Films for recommending us to Emily and Cole. And finally below is a list of all the vendors who worked so diligently to create this amazing wedding.

Videographer: Jeff Bradt Video
Planner: Meghan Cease of M. Elizabeth Events
Ceremony Venue: St. John’s Episcopal Church
Reception Venue: Alley Station
Florist: Andy Hopper of Kathy G & Company
Wedding Cake and Dessert Baker: Sweet Spot Confections
Caterer and Rentals: Kathy G & Company
Additional Rentals: Brendle Event Specialists
Lighting: Alex of AG Lighting
Band: Azz Iz
Special Details: Amberly Shelton Paperie
Bride’s Gown: Inses Di Santo from Bergdorf Goodman
Paper Products: Paces Paper and Amberly Shelton Paperie
Bride’s Veil: Ines Di Santo from Bergdorf Goodman
Bride’s Hair Clip: Ivory & White
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Brittany Massey Hair and Makeup by BBM
Bride’s Shoes: “Au Hameau 100” by Christian Louboutin
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz
Groom’s Custom Tux: Hickey Freeman
Groomsmen Tux: Jim Massey

We began in the morning photographing all the ladies getting ready at their hotel. Then we left for the church, which had a beautiful room for the bride and bridesmaids to get dressed… which unfortunately is not very typical. Then Emily and Cole had their first look which to this day is still one of my favorites. They both got so emotional being able to hug and embrace and talk for the first time on their wedding day. Then they exchange gifts… and Emily was blown away by the diamond necklace she was given! And you can see the bridesmaids peeking through the window to watch the emotional moment unfold.

After the first look, we went in and around the historic church for photos of Emily and Cole. I just love the bright light shining in on the front church steps and through the stained glass windows.

Next we did a few wedding party photographs and finished up with the family photos just before the ceremony began. After the ceremony we were able to go straight to the reception and take a few more photographs of Emily and Cole as their guests enjoyed cocktail hour.

Once Emily and Cole were announced into the reception they began with their first dance, father daughter dance, and mother son dances. It was at that point that an elaborate dinner buffet was served, followed by a night of merriment on the tent covered rooftop under the stars. I’d like to take just a moment to acknowledge the wedding cake, which I think is the tallest I’ve ever seen! It’s stunning!

Thank you again to this incredible team and congratulations Emily and Cole!!