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 arrived at the Mitchell Plantation, Lillie Belle Weddings was putting the finishing touches on the flowers. Southern Magnolia leaves were used in many of the arrangements. I distracted the groom while the bride and her girls slipped up the spiral staircase to the bridal suite.
The couple chose a traditional approach so the first time Drew saw Meghan in her dress was when she walked down the aisle. The look on the groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time is one of my favorites, and Drew’s face did not disappoint. There was a brisk breeze throughout the ceremony and then a peace fell over the area as Drew and Meghan lit the unity candle. A perfect memory surrounding such a meaningful moment.
After the cake cutting, everyone danced the night away to the music of the Thomas Henry Band. There was even some audience participation during “Sweet Home Alabama”. The dance floor stayed full into the evening. As the temperature cooled into the late evening, everyone lined the front walkway with sparklers and cheered as Meghan and Drew got in a classic 1931 Ford for their send off. Congratulations Meghan and Drew!
This picturesque house makes a wonderful backdrop for Meghan’s elegant fit and flare dress. The dress was placed on a personalized hanger just for the occasion.A stunning bouquet with shades of white and pink showcase this stunning engagement ring while perfectly complimenting the bride.Meghan and her wedding party started getting ready at the DoubleTree Hotel Decatur Riverfront. You could feel the excitement in the air as makeup was expertly applied and hair was being pinned perfectly in place.Stylist Allison Strickland puts the finishing touches on Meghan’s romantic up-do.Drew taking in the country view as he gets ready at the Mitchell Plantation.The mother of the bride was so sweet and beautiful. Dressing the bride is such a precious moment of the day. Meghan and her maids change out of matching robes and into gray dresses at the house. Each bridesmaid had the same empire waist dress that she could customize to her specific style in how she tied her straps.Everyone looks on adoringly as the bride’s mother puts on some finishing touches.Meghan and Drew surprised each other with gifts on their very special day. Drew takes a moment before the ceremony to read the note his future wife penned.Drew and his friends were all smiles and good sports when taking direction for formal portraits.Even with impending nuptials, there was a laid back atmosphere among the bride, the groom, family and friends. Drew and his friends are cracking jokes and enjoying the moment.Meghan is picture perfect and ready for the ceremony. One of many beautiful backdrops to choose from on the plantation.Sisters, childhood friends, college friends, work friends, and all around sweet girls making memories with Meghan. The sun created some beautiful back light from this position away from the house. Guests are all seated and it is time! Meghan chose a classic car ride to the aisle which truly made this wedding stand out.Meghan and her dad exited the opposite side of the car so no one, especially the groom, could sneak a peak before the big moment.Once the car pulled away all eyes were on the bride and her gorgeous dress.While every one was looking at the bride, I caught a glimpse of the groom.Father of the bride cherishes one last moment with his little girl before giving her away to her very soon to be husband.Rose petals line the aisle as Meghan and Drew exchange vows in front of a wooden cross. Family and friends smiled during this touching ceremony.A few portraits with the wedding party after the ceremony. The golden sun was setting on the grove of trees in the front yard.I managed to steal the bride and groom away for a few precious photos before the reception. A golf cart whisked us away to the red barn behind the Mitchell house for this snapshot. Every University of Alabama bride and groom needs a red backdrop for portraits.The couple had something old and something blue covered. The bride and groom display their vintage footwear. This was an image I quickly created and fell in love with in editing. All day everyone was picking on Drew’s shoes, but he wore them like a perfect gentleman. Two thumbs up from me, Drew.One last moment together enjoying the sunset before being introduced at the reception. Elegant white decor in the reception tent meant all eyes were on Meghan and Drew as they showed off their dance moves as husband and wife.Guests dined and danced the night away under the elegant tent. There was plenty of love and laughter in the air. Oh what a night.After Meghan and her dad were sharing the traditional father-daughter dance, Drew takes his mom for a spin around the dance floor.Even the chill in the night air couldn’t curb the excitement for the happy couple as they made their get away. Friends and family lined the front walk way to send them off with style.Drew and Meghan make an exit to their honeymoon in the antique Ford.A magnolia tree, some well placed lighting and one awesome assistant helped me capture one more magical moment with the happy couple.
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