Bride and wedding party walking beneath live oak trees after a Fairhope wedding at St. James Episcopal Church.

Fairhope Wedding at St. James & The Apiary | Elise + Michael

Fairhope, AL Wedding Photographer

I shot Elise and Michael in Fairhope, and this one hits different. Elise grew up at St. James Episcopal Church, so getting married there was always the plan. She walked down that aisle with her dad, trying to keep it together. Many couldn’t hold it together when they saw her.

St. James Episcopal Church Wedding

Michael and Elise live in Australia, and most of their guests traveled from there to be here. People came ready to celebrate. The weekend felt like both a reunion and a wedding.

The details were thoughtful from the start. Soft spring colors. Those blue floral heels. The invitation suite by @soireesignatures. The bouquet by @bellebouquetfloristandmore with peach, butter yellow, blush, and soft blue suited the day.

The Apiary Reception In Fairhope

We headed to The Apiary for the reception and it fit the celebration. Flowers filled the space. Candles were placed throughout the room. Their people had come a long way to be there. Michael’s reaction when he saw Elise walking down the aisle is something I won’t forget. He had the biggest, happiest smile, pure excitement on his face.

The exit was a scene. Australia and American flags flying, everyone cheering. Two worlds coming together in one moment. I did not want the day to end.

Why This One Stuck With Me

Weddings in the place someone grew up carry a particular kind of fittingness. Elise and Michael had guests who traveled far. That made each conversation and laugh feel important. I hope these images bring them back to the people who traveled and to the place that started it all.

If you want to see more weddings like this, explore more Fairhope wedding photography or contact Jennie about your wedding date.

The Gallery

Elise + Michael wedding invitation flat lay with florals and heels in Fairhope, AL
Elise + Michael engagement ring and band on pink peony detail, Fairhope, Alabama
Elise + Michael wedding invitation suite with blue-lined envelope and blooms, Fairhope AL
Elise bridal floral heels with ankle straps styled with petals, Fairhope, AL wedding
Elise + Michael wedding bouquet close-up with cream and peach roses, Fairhope, AL
Elise bridal jewelry flat lay with gold rings and earrings on marble dish, Fairhope AL
Elise + Michael wedding bands in ring box with vase and pastel florals, Fairhope, AL
Wedding floral flat lay with peach rose, greenery, and pastel blooms in Fairhope, AL
Elise bridal earrings and necklace on blue floral dish with pastel flowers, Fairhope AL
Elise + Michael bouquet detail with soft greenery and white blooms, Fairhope, Alabama
Elise getting ready in strapless wedding dress as bridesmaid helps in Fairhope, AL
Elise seated in wedding gown while bridesmaid adjusts hem, Fairhope, AL bridal prep
Elise wedding dress hanging with long lace train in Fairhope, AL bridal suite
Elise in strapless gown as bridesmaid buttons dress near window light, Fairhope, AL
Michael adjusting black bow tie in tuxedo outdoors before wedding in Fairhope, AL
Michael in black tux with bow tie and boutonniere, Fairhope AL wedding
Elise and Michael wedding bouquet with pastel roses and greenery in Fairhope, AL
Elise holding colorful bouquet in white gown and cape veil in Fairhope, Alabama
Bridal party reacts on porch as Elise arrives in veil, Fairhope AL wedding day
Michael reaches out during first look with Elise outside in Fairhope, Alabama
Elise hugs Michael during first look outside, romantic moment in Fairhope, AL
Michael waits for Elise during first look by garden greenery in Fairhope, AL
Elise approaches Michael for first look on tree-lined path near water in Fairhope
Elise and Michael hold hands by the bay, outdoor portraits in Fairhope, Alabama
Michael stands on oak-lined path as Elise looks on, Fairhope AL wedding portraits
St. James Episcopal Church exterior in Fairhope, AL on Elise and Michael wedding day
White wedding shuttle bus under live oaks with Spanish moss in Fairhope, Alabama
Elise walks down the aisle with her father at St. James Episcopal Church, Fairhope
Wedding ceremony at St. James Episcopal Church altar with floral arrangements, Fairhope
Michael and groomsmen stand at altar in St. James Episcopal Church, Fairhope AL
Wide view of St. James Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael kiss at altar during St. James Episcopal Church wedding ceremony
Vaulted ceiling and chandeliers over St. James Episcopal Church ceremony in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael stand with officiant at altar, St. James Episcopal Church, Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael walk down the aisle as guests applaud at St. James Episcopal Church
Elise and Michael kiss on church steps outside St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael hold hands on St. James Episcopal Church steps in Fairhope, Alabama
Wedding party lined up under oak tree with Spanish moss at The Apiary, Fairhope, AL
Bridal party posed beneath sprawling oak with Spanish moss at The Apiary, Fairhope, AL
Close-up of bridesmaid bouquets with white flowers and greenery at The Apiary wedding
Elise and bridesmaids with bouquets under oak tree at The Apiary in Fairhope, AL
Elise walks with bridesmaids in green floral dresses at The Apiary, Fairhope, Alabama
Elise poses with bridesmaids holding bouquets under oak tree at The Apiary, Fairhope, AL
Groomsmen in black tuxedos pose under oak tree with Spanish moss at The Apiary, Fairhope, AL
Groom portrait in black tuxedo under oak tree at The Apiary wedding in Fairhope, AL
Elise bridal portrait with flowing veil and bouquet by the bay in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael wedding portraits under oak trees by the water in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael kiss with pastel bouquet under mossy oaks in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael holding close with colorful bouquet in Fairhope, Alabama
Elise close-up bridal portrait with pastel bouquet and draped veil in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael intimate wedding portrait in golden light in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael walking hand in hand under oak trees in Fairhope, Alabama
Close-up of Elise’s hand on Michael’s tuxedo with boutonniere in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael walking away together beneath sprawling oaks in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael strolling by the water with bouquet and veil in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael embrace as veil blows wide on a tree-lined road in Fairhope, AL
Elise and Michael kissing under a mossy oak with long veil trailing in Fairhope, AL
The Apiary reception space with white tables, chairs, and greenery garlands in Fairhope, AL
The Apiary reception table florals with candles and garden blooms in Fairhope, AL
Four-tier wedding cake with colorful florals and champagne display at The Apiary, Fairhope, AL
Colorful reception centerpiece in white vase at The Apiary wedding, Fairhope AL
Champagne on ice with two silver goblets beside floral arrangement at The Apiary
Gold bowl of pink matchbooks on reception table at The Apiary, Fairhope AL
Small cake and champagne display on round table at The Apiary reception, Fairhope
Bright lounge seating area with florals at Elise and Michael's Apiary reception
Tall colorful floral centerpiece on round table at The Apiary wedding reception
Custom green wedding koozies in gold bowl at The Apiary reception, Fairhope AL
Long floral garland with glass candle holders on reception table at The Apiary
Elise and Michael embrace outside St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope, Alabama
Elise and Michael holding hands on St. James Episcopal Church steps, Fairhope AL
Floral arrangement on glass coffee table in lounge at The Apiary reception, Fairhope
Wedding favors and koozies with white hat on patterned cloth for Apiary reception
Colorful floral centerpiece on white table under warm lights at The Apiary reception
Lit taper candle in glass holder among lush florals on reception table at The Apiary
Wide view of floral garland and candles across tables at The Apiary, Fairhope AL
Elise + Michael wedding cake with colorful florals at The Apiary, Fairhope AL
Elise and Michael share a romantic first dance at The Apiary reception, Fairhope AL
Elise and Michael slow dance under reception lights at The Apiary in Fairhope, Alabama
Reception detail with disposable camera, cake plate, and celebration cards at The Apiary
Elise and Michael cut their floral wedding cake at The Apiary reception, Fairhope AL
Elise dances in off-shoulder gown, guests cheering at The Apiary reception, Fairhope AL
Elise and Michael wedding portrait by Jennie Tewell at The Apiary, Fairhope AL
Elise and Michael kiss on a flower-decorated golf cart during The Apiary exit, Fairhope AL

If you are planning a wedding in Fairhope or nearby and want someone who cares about details and people, get in touch about your plans and date.

Do you shoot weddings at St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope?

Yes. I love working at St. James. It is a meaningful spot for many couples who grew up in the area and I know the church well.

Can you photograph a reception at The Apiary in Fairhope?

Absolutely. The Apiary is one of my favorite reception venues in Fairhope. I have worked there and can help plan timing for portraits and reception coverage.

Do you travel for weddings when many guests are coming from abroad?

I do. I enjoy documenting celebrations that bring people together from far away. Travel details are discussed in the booking conversation.

How do I see more of your work in Fairhope?

Head to the homepage or the weddings section on my site to view more local work. I try to keep recent stories up so couples can get a sense of my approach.

How do I book you?

Start by filling out the contact form. Tell me about your venue, date, and what matters most to you. I will get back with availability and next steps.