Anyone who has bought a house knows the emotional rollercoaster the process and purchase is. Hours of research, hundreds of decisions, nights spent visualizing and dreaming, and you ultimately end up with the house you are meant to have. After surviving two wedding seasons affected by Covid, I am starting to think that weddings are much like buying a house: hours of researching vendors and venues, hundreds of decisions, evenings spent thinking, dreaming, and anticipating what your wedding is going to be like, and ultimately, you have the wedding that you are supposed to. When Danielle first came to me and explained that she was having a December wedding with no first look and and afternoon ceremony, it wasn’t ideal. Covid had other plans for her and Cody, forcing them to reschedule their Lafayette Grande Ballroom wedding to a beautiful day in September. It turned out better than they could have expected. The weather was perfect, the photo locations were beautiful, and I have never worked with a bride who smiled or laughed as much as Danielle. Her joy was contagious.
We started the day off at Danielle’s childhood home, photographing her details and her getting ready with the help of friends and family.
Danielle has a classic beauty that is striking. A simple, elegant portrait will become timeless.
Proudly displayed in her home is a photo of Danielle’s grandma getting ready on her wedding day. To pay homage to her, Danielle recreated the photo.
And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to incorporate their dog?
Once Danielle was ready, we headed to St. Hugo of the Hills church in Birmingham. Since we had some time before the ceremony, we took photos of the bridemaids and groomsmen.
Inside, Danielle decided to share a first look with her dad.
With guests in their seats, it was finally time for Cody to see his bride.
After the ceremony, we headed into downtown Birmingham for a few photos before heading to their Lafayette Grande Ballroom wedding reception. First stop, the Community House. The flowers on the outside were gorgeous!
As we walked through downtown Birmingham, the golden hour was upon us. We found this perfect little patch of the city and gave Cody and Danielle a few minutes to just take the day in. Naturally, it led to some smiles, laughter, and kisses.
With their wedding formals wrapped up, it was time to celebrate. Danielle and Cody held a Lafayette Grande Ballroom wedding reception, filled with family and friends.
After the wedding, I told Danielle that I don’t think I have ever seen a bride have that much fun on the dancefloor. She never left it! After going through a reschedule of their wedding, it was good to see Danielle, Cody, and their guests enjoy themselves to the fullest.