At the end of this spring, I was invited to photograph a wedding at Everhope Plantation in Eutaw, Alabama. The Antebellum estate once owned by Captain Nathan Carpenter is on the National Register of Historic Places and is just a short drive from the University of Alabama. Everhope’s proprietor, Mr. Barden Smedberg, was the epitome of southern hospitality to his guests. It was such a pleasure to be invited on his historic property for such a special wedding day. Tyler and CeCe’s were married under the serenic, shade of a Southern tree.
The girls started the wedding morning by getting their hair and makeup done in nearby Demopolis, Alabama. We met up with the guys later at Everhope Plantation for a bright and sunny day of wedding festivities. There are many scenic ceremony spots on the plantation’s property. White fences and greenery, including fruit orchards, surround the property. The bride chose an intimate gathering under a large, shade tree. She was escorted by her father down the plantation’s beautiful brick walkway to join her groom for the first time.
CeCe kept the day traditional with a few added personal touches. For the father daughter dance, the bride chose a faster song to create a relaxed mood and to help her father hold back tears. Everyone was smiling and many recording video on their phones.
Congratulations again CeCe and Tyler! It has been a true privilege to get to know y’all and to help plan your stunning wedding photography.
While the girls were finishing their hair and makeup in Demopolis, I brought the wedding gown and other bridal details to the Plantation for pictures. Each room in the historic home is decorated to match the time period of the plantation. This room is called the “Governor’s Corner” and the tall window cast amazing light onto the antique canopy bed.The bride getting a quick nail touch up in Demopolis the morning of the wedding. CeCe was taken care of all day by her sisters and bridesmaids.The light creates a perfect contrast of brightness and shadows in this suite. Cece’s sister-in-law is adjusting her elegant hair design right before she puts on her elegant wedding gown.My first cowboy boot wedding of the season. I enjoy bringing together all of the bride’s favorites in detail pictures. This picture was taken on the balcony of the plantation home.The bride’s smile as she gazes into the antique mirror is perfect at this moment. All of her plans and dreams are about to come together for a beautiful wedding day. Each room in the plantation home is decorated with different window treatments. The curtains are designed to match old photographs taken from the room’s history. The extra material of the curtains is a sign of wealth for the Antebellum time period.Tyler and the guys prepared for the day in the newly restored outbuilding. Just a few yards from the main house, these cedar quarters were perfect for the guys to share a few toasts before the celebration.The bride leaves her dressings suite and walks down the original 1852 staircase of the home. This is one of those photographer dream moments in which the lighting and story come together to create sweet memories. The way the dress flares down the stairs is so elegant.The guys were ready for some refreshments at this point, but I convinced them into a few more candid moments. Jokes all around for this crew.Elegant ladies in a picture perfect setting. Mr. Barden has done an incredible job keeping up the grounds and offering his home to wedding couples.The classic white flower bouquets fit nicely with the bright, rustic wedding theme. The sleek, grey, floor-length bridesmaids dresses is a popular look this year. There are so many wonderful places to create formal pictures on the property.The bride is escorted by her father down the main walk to meet her Tyler. My amazing second shooter captured this spectacular moment on a gorgeous wedding day in the country.The father of the bride giving away his daughter in a peaceful setting in the country. The couple chose to keep with tradition and this is the first time Tyler is seeing his gorgeous bride.My second shooter ran up the stairs to the plantation balcony to document the intimacy of this endearing scene.I remember watching during their engagement session of how supportive and caring Tyler is to his bride. I see strength and admiration as Tyler takes CeCe’s hands.It thrills me to think of how CeCe will share this excitement with future generations.Tyler proposed to CeCe in Nashville in the country music district. It’s only fitting that a guitar serves as then wedding guest book.I never got the full story, but this sleek newly restored Chevy drives up and causes a happy commotion. I think the story kind of goes like this. The groom surprised the bride with a wedding present to himself. I’m sure CeCe has memories of this old truck too.After family portraits, we went straight to the cake cutting. The reception area is built from the barn wood of an 1830 Carriage House originally located in Birmingham, Alabama. An absolutely charming setting for reception gatherings. The bride’s and groom’s cakes were places on antique sewing machines.Amidst the scenic surroundings of Old South and wedding guests, the bride and groom share a graceful dance together. After the first dances, the older generation showed off their dance moves and encouraged the younger kids to join in.The early evening clouds were rolling in and I stole the couple away for a few intimate portraits. As we walked through the tall hedges surrounding one side of the main house, I ran ahead a bit and told the couple to take a few moments to enjoy each other.Tyler leans against the front pillars of the portico of the Greek revival style house as CeCe leans in for a kiss. The embellishments of her veil flow perfectly into the design of her wedding gown.Chic, rustic, and country best describes CeCe’s wedding day vision. Cowboy boots and jeans are definitely the couple’s wardrobe of choice.A groomsman ran and retrieved Tyler’s guitar to create this special moment. An impromptu serenade to his lovely bride as wedding guests looked on adoringly. One of the high points of their wedding story.An exquisite sunset serves as the backdrop of Tyler’s love song to his new bride. This is just one of those moments you want to keep going back to. So glad I was invited to photograph Tyler and CeCe’s wedding memories.
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