I have a beautiful outdoor wedding to share with you today. I received an inquiry for wedding photography from Chelsea back in the fall. She was so excited talking about Zach and their spring wedding at Soggy Bottom Lodge. As a wedding photographer in Tuscaloosa, their venue is a local wedding for me. It’s always so nice to drive out to the country for a wedding day, and I was very happy when I received word that I would get to work with these two on their wedding day.
Soggy Bottom Lodge is a world class hunting facility. They also host events and weddings on their property. Soggy Bottom Lodge offers first class luxury accommodations with a rustic charm to the property. You and your guests are guaranteed to see many deer during your stay at the lodge. At times, it almost feels like the deer are watching in on your festivities. When I spoke with Chelsea and Zach’s families, they were raving about the venue and accommodating staff.
The rain had been in the Saturday forecast all week. I probably checked my weather app 10 times leading up to the day. Thankfully besides a few drops during the processional, literally 10 drops of rain, sunshine filled the day. When I arrived, Chelsea was relaxing and touching up her makeup at the lodge. I took a few detail pictures of Chelsea’s wedding dress, veil, cowboy boots, and wedding rings. Then, I joined the wedding party inside the lodge for some laughs and sweet moments. The couple wrote letters to each other and there was a mix of smiles and tears as they each read each others letter in private.
The very anticipated time of the first look had arrived. Zach waited on the end of the pier on the lake at Soggy Bottom Lodge. Chelsea’s sister help escort her to the end of the pier. This first look moment did not disappoint and was filled with tears and warm embraces. I always give my couples time to enjoy the moment before continuing with formal portraits. I’m happy to help my bride’s schedule the day so that they can relax and enjoy as much time with the groom as possible.
After all the formals on the lake, it was time for the ceremony. The lawn next to the lodge was filled with wedding guests and happy chatter. The bride and groom’s family were escorted down the aisle followed by Zach and his dog wearing a bowtie. What a cute moment this was. The only thing cuter was the grinning flower girl and the shy ring bearer. Another sweet moment was Chelsea and her dad walking down the aisle. The whole ceremony was overflowing with sweetness.
Here are a few questions I asked Chelsea + Zach during the wedding planning.
Q. Why did you pick the venue?
We loved the outside feel and it’s rustic charm. Also, that the wedding party was able to stay all weekend. We are both outdoors loving people and this venue fit our style perfectly.
Q. What is your vision for your wedding day?
I want a certain rustic timeless charm to my wedding.
Zach and I met at Troy University.
That we are able to laugh and have fun with each other. We are able to get along in every situation.
Chelsea and Zach, it was such an honor to be a part of your wedding weekend. Every moment was just perfect. I loved seeing the joy on your faces at the rehearsal, the tears at the first look, and watching you dance by the lake at the sunset. It is truly special for me to have a front row seat on your wedding day. Thank you again for having me as your wedding photographer! All the best to you this year and in years to come.
Jill Bonilla is a wedding photographer and wedding videographer for hire in Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and beyond. She enjoys traveling the Southeast working with amazing couples. Check to see if your wedding date is available.
This is the big week! In a few more days Savannah and Jason will be married in Decatur, Alabama. I met these two last spring at the wedding of Savannah’s sister. I was so thrilled when Savannah’s family invited me to be a part of such another wedding day. Savannah and Jason met me in…
The spring wedding day was absolutely beautiful for photography. The trees swayed in the breeze making the sunlight glisten through the branches as I entered the grounds of the Mitchell Plantation. I attended the wedding rehearsal the night before and everyone was so excited to be together and celebrate Meghan and Drew’s union. When I…
Recently I was asked to photograph the surprise proposal of Magdalena and Cody. Well, Cody messaged me about his romantic date idea and proposal plans. I was ecstatic to be a part of this sweet moment. Magdalena and Cody were friends for several years and life kept bringing them together. Now they are happily engaged…
When I arrived at the People of Mars Hill Church in Mobile, Alabama, the clouds were dark and the rain was pouring down. However, the gloomy weather did not affect the mood of this amazing couple. It was such a pleasure to photograph Chris and Deeon’s wedding day. Here is a preview of their wedding…
This past wedding season was such a pleasant surprise. With a healthy newborn arriving to our family last spring, I cleared my schedule a bit for some wonderful time with the family. Even with all the excitement in our home with the new baby, I still found myself traveling around Alabama photographing at least one wedding every month. From a downtown Birmingham wedding to…
Wedding Videography near Tuscaloosa, Alabama As a wedding videographer in Huntsville, Alabama, I get the opportunity to travel the state of Alabama to film couples in love. Today’s wedding was a bit of a homecoming for me. My roots are on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and my husband and I started our family in a small…