Lila and Austin tied the knot at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama and everything about this day was truly perfect. Lila and Austin are just the absolute sweetest couple, and it was just an honor to be asked to capture these once-in-a lifetime-moments.
I love to start the wedding day photos with the details and an invitation suite because it sets the tone stylistically for the rest of the day and tells a story about each couple. I always bring a styling kit, but it means so much more when the bride brings items that are important or sentimental to them. Lila brought multiple ring boxes and even remembered a mini katana of the groom’s late father. Sometimes, the groom’s details get forgotten amongst all of the details of the bride, but the fact that Lila remembered Austin spoke volumes about her and how she feels for her new groom. I love the neutral color palette with a little bit of sparkle from Lila’s shoes.
It was a beautiful fall day with no bad weather! That’s a big deal here in Alabama. Although it rained some in the reception, it was overcast and overall a great day for a wedding! Lila was absolutely glowing and such a joyful and beautiful bride. I loved seeing her face light up when her mom helped her put on her wedding dress. These are the moments I aim to capture. After the first look with her dad and bridesmaids, we did a first look with Lila and Austin. These are the kind of happy tears every wedding photographer lives to see. It is so touching to see two souls so perfectly in love.
After the first look, we made sure to get plenty of bridal party photos. The bridesmaids looked gorgeous in their classic, black dresses and the nieces and nephews were too cute to handle as they prepared for their big jobs as ring bearers and flower girls.
The wedding ceremony took place near the lagoon at the Grand Hotel. The vows were exchanged underneath a canopy of oak trees overlooking a beautiful view of the water, and I got so many perfect shots of the new bride and groom. After the ceremony ended, Lila and Austin did their “just married” photos and we moved to the reception after the cocktail hour was over.
Of course, the first dances were one of my favorite parts to see as each dance was so special to both Lila and Austin. The reception was so much fun as these two are so full of life, love, and laughter. College football is a big deal here in Alabama so of course, there was no better exit than to leave in a golf cart decked out with Ole Miss and Alabama memorabilia and pompoms. I just love these two!
Looking at Lila and Austin on their wedding day, I see the kind of love I can only hope my daughters get to experience one day. Their relationship is better than what you see in movies or hear in fairytales because it’s the real deal. That’s not the kind of love that comes and goes but sticks around forever. So here’s to forever, Lila and Austin. Thank you for letting me capture one of the first chapters.
| Lead Photographer: Jennie Tewell |
| Second Shooter: Adrienne Scott |
| Third Shooter: Grace Anderson |
| Wedding Planner: Jenna Laine Weddings |
| Location: The Grand Hotel |
| Reception Music: 4 Barrel Funk |
| Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie |
| Florist: Belle Bouquet |
| Wedding Cake: Couture Cakes |
| Third Shooter: Grace Anderson |
| Bride’s Dress: Ivory and White |