Soggy Bottom Lodge Wedding Video | Tuscaloosa, AL | Sydney & Devin

We are thrilled to share Sydney and Devin’s beautiful lakeside wedding day. Every now and then, we have the opportunity to create a wedding video that speaks more than any words we could right here. We’ll do our best to share a little about Sydney and Devin’s wedding celebration, but the good stuff, the emotional happy teary-eyed moments, are in the film.

Wedding at Soggy Bottom Lodge

We started the day with the girls at the lodge. There was a lot of exciting activity with hair, makeup, and a transformation of the property for the sunset wedding ceremony. When we first saw Sydney, she was so relaxed and surrounded by all her girls. We spent some time in the getting ready area and then captured the invitation flat and scenes from the beautiful landscape. A little brag moment here. Doesn’t Courtney with https://lovebehindthelens.com/ do an amazing job styling the invitation suite!? We love your art, Courtney!

soggy bottom lodge alabama wedding venue

In the early afternoon, we joined with Courtney’s husband, Michael, to hang out with the guys at Shack 33. Mr. Terry, Devin’s best man, helped Devin with his suit and tie. We will never forget the words Mr. Terry shared with the newlyweds during the reception speeches. We cry every time. Devin also spent some time with us to read a letter he wrote to his bride. Sometimes we have to film the letter reading a few times because the emotions of the moment can make it hard to read the letter perfectly the first time. Devin did a great sharing his heart with Sydney.

When we arrived back at the lodge, the girls were finishing there hair and makeup. They enjoyed champagne toasts and giggles in the master suite before Sydney got into her gown. Sydney also shared the letter she had written for Devin. Lots of sniffles for this moment and honestly the rest of the day was filled with lots of happy tears. Sydney’s sweet mother helped her into her dress and shared a special gift with her. Then, Sydney joined her father on the porch for a first look. It happens quickly in the film, but he whispers “I Love You” in her ear. Oh, my heart.

After what seemed to be the longest walk along the lake, Sydney joined Devin for a first look. Devin was absolutely speechless in the moment, but you could see the joy and emotion on his face. We loved capturing moments with these two sweethearts all day. Their joy was contagious as we spent time by the lake, in the forest, and dancing the night away.

father of bride walks down aisle tuscaloosa

As guests began to arrive for the sunset ceremony, the temperatures began to drop and you could feel a little bit of Autumn in the country air. Every time we film at Soggy Bottom Lodge we feel like there are a few extra guests at the wedding—there’s always several groups of deer watching on the other side of the lake. And today was no different. The deer were very active and every time we turned around there was one watching us. There were a few times we paused the portrait fun to watch the nature around us. Such a peaceful atmosphere at Soggy Bottom Lodge.

After the vows and the best first kiss as Mr. & Mrs. Stroud, the rest of the evening flew by. Family and friends shared the kindest words with Devin and Sydney during the toasts and the party culminated with a sparkler finale.

Matchmaking & Proposal Story

Sydney shared with us that, “We met through a mutual friend. She actually set us up. We met when I was 14, and Devin was 16. Several years later, Devin wished Sydney happy birthday on her 17th birthday, planned to go on a date when he came back home one weekend from college. After that date, they were inseparable ever since. “

We love a good proposal story and Devin did his best! “Devin proposed to Sydney over Labor Day weekend of 2018 at Orange Beach, Alabama. He let Sydney decide where to eat. Sydney had a gut feeling that he was going to propose, but she thought he was going to propose at dinner! When Devin asked for the bill and paid for dinner and got up from the dinner, Sydney then realized that he wasn’t going to propose! She was so upset because she thought they were going to be engaged by the end of dinner! Once they were back at the condo, Sydney noticed no one was there. Devin led her to the balcony and once he opened the curtains, Sydney saw all of her family, along with Devin’s family as well. When they walked on the balcony covered with candles and rose petals, Devin got down on one knee and asked the question, that Sydney was waiting for all night! “

The Bride & Groom

What’s a one-word description that you would use to describe each other?

“Sydney’s description of Devin would be charming. Devin’s description of Sydney would be beautiful. Their relationship is passionate.”

What do you love most about your relationship?

“We love how natural we are around one another. It has always been so easy with one another. It honestly feels like we were made for one another. I lean on Devin for support, and when Devin needs reassurance, I’m right there, rooting for him. We also love to make each other laugh! If we can make each other laugh, our whole week has been made!”

How do you like to spend time together?

“We love to curl up on the couch and watch movies or Netflix shows!”

Do you have any meaningful locations?

“The Beach. Devin asked me out on our first date while we were down at the beach.”

Sydney and Devin, we were blown away by the beauty of your love for each other. Y’all gave us freedom in our art and allowed us to join into the most intimate moments of your day. We will always be grateful for the time we were able to share with you leading up to your celebration. And we will never forget the first time you (Devin) saw your bride in her dress. We pray through the ups and downs of life, that this film would give you hope and remembrance of what you two are creating together.
Cheers! Jill & Jonathan