When you think of having an intimate wedding at a tropical resort in Sandestin, Florida, you think of a wedding just like this. It was magical, elegant, and just breathtakingly beautiful.

At the heart, it was a celebration of two families becoming one with friends and loved ones cheering alongside of them from beginning to end. From intricate charcuterie boards to sandy vows to dancing the night away with sunset lit palm trees at the Sandestin Resort, this wedding was every photographer’s dream.

Courtney and Andrew were married in an intimate ceremony at the Cornerstone Gardens in Mobile, Alabama a little over two weeks ago. I can’t think of a sweeter day than the one they had together. It was low stress, full of love, and centered on their faith and each other.

The Cornerstone Gardens were absolutely beautiful and perfect for this micro wedding celebration.

While I know the photos above look like they were taken in Italy, Meagan and Michael were married at The Stables in Vancleave, Mississippi. Originally, the wedding was supposed to take place outdoors, but unpredictable coastal weather caused last minute changes to take place. The wedding was moved indoors.

Let me assure you. The weather didn’t dampen their day, and we still found a little sunshine at the end for their portrait time.

This is a story about two people who had a pandemic ruin their wedding plans, eloped instead, and still pulled off an amazing wedding celebration a whole year later. Would a rainy day ruin their new date? Oh no, my friend. That’s not how this story goes. This incredible duo just grabbed an umbrella and laughed in the rain.

Meet Amber and Tyler, the kind of couple every photographer hopes to work for, but I’m lucky enough that I actually did. Now you get to enjoy seeing them live out their happiest day surrounded by family and friends at this little gem of a venue in Mobile, Alabama.

Brides, take note. This is how to live your wedding day.

Lauryn and Leslie (A.K.A. Porky) pulled off planning a beautiful wedding at one of the prettiest venues on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, La Maison Gautier in Gautier, Mississippi. It’s a gorgeous venue with a historical white home surrounded by acres of majestic live oak trees. If that isn’t enough, it sits right beside the Mississippi Sound, so you get the combination of gorgeous trees, a historical antebellum home, and beautiful Gulf views all in one.

When Bryan and I walked across the Venue at Southern Oaks Farm to begin our day celebrating Bailey and Hunter’s marriage, I knew I was at the right place when I heard the rooster crow in the background. I was right at home. Imagine my delight as I found out this venue was literally every Southern girl’s dream. The bridal suite was white, elegant, and maxed out with intricately planned details in every corner. The barn was decked out with rich, stained wood and was lit with warm lights strung across the ceiling. The chandeliers… oh yes, let’s talk about the chandeliers. They were the glory and delight of almost every room.

If you’d ask me to describe my work using only three words, I’d say, “Heartfelt, Colorful, and Timeless.” I think this wedding could be the poster child for all of those things. With a wedding vendor dream team, there were gorgeous florals, an exquisite cake, and intentionally designed and executed details by Magnolia Bride. Let’s not forget the live harpist who played so beautifully as the wedding ceremony began.

My favorite part was not the donut bar, the charcuteries boards, or the tinkling bell exit at the end of our evening… did I mention this wedding had these things too?! My absolute joy of this wedding was Bailey and Hunter’s relationship and priceless delight in each other. They enjoyed their wedding day so much. It made me enjoy it too. I LOVE how happy they were. If you find yourself smiling as you browse these photos, let me assure you. It was even better to be part of their day in real life. It’s kind of like winning the photographer’s jackpot of wedding days.

The morning of their Gulf Shores wedding wedding, I was woken by thunder and lightning in our hotel room as a powerful storm swept through the Gulf. I peered through our window and instead of a sunrise, I saw dark clouds and pelting rain. I prayed over their day and asked for sunshine and a beautiful sunset. Within a few hours, the storms moved to the east and away from Fort Morgan.

By God's grace, we were given both! The florals at this bohemian inspired beach wedding were some of the most beautiful I have seen. I told Harley that I couldn't have designed a styled shoot any better. I'm in love with the colors from their day.

I met Madison and Clancy a little over a month ago to look at a beautiful waterfront property that was going to host their micro ceremony wedding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. They wanted to be married as the sun was setting, and they had done so much work to get the pier and deck landscaped and perfect for their wedding. Little did we know then that Hurricane Sally would be sweeping the Gulf Coast only weeks later. With Sally came lots of rain and gloomy weather long after her departure.

I’ve said it before, but I will say it again. All of the brave couples who have went forward in spite of COVID and who have rearranged their plans to celebrate their weddings with friends and family will always have a special place in my heart. Planning a wedding is not an easy feat when the world is “normal.” Right now, with so many vendors struggling, it can feel downright impossible. Brooke and Patrick handled it all with grace and determination. They were unwavering in their decision to renew their vows with those they loved, and it was a privilege to get to capture these moments for them.

Gayle reached out early this Spring, because she was finally getting to marry her high school sweetheart. Circumstances had pushed them away for years, but finally, God had brought them back together. She wanted to make sure their classic celebration was captured to celebrate this part of their journey. When COVID hit, we lost touch. Like many brides, wedding plans were put on hold until it became clear how to move forward.

When she contacted me at the beginning of the summer and asked if I had any open dates, I was so happy that we could still work together. It was truly a privilege to get to be part of their day as they said their vows before God, family, and friends. Their celebrations as elegant and deeply meaningful.

Is there anything sweeter than a young couple that is in love? I’ve been married to my husband now for almost 14 years. We still enjoy spending time together so much! However, relationships definitely change and mature over time. The love we have now looks so different from where it started. Getting to capture newer relationships is one of my favorite things.

This styled shoot on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach was fun, because Daniel and McKenzie are an actual couple. They did a beautiful job showcasing how amazing a wedding elopement could be on the beach. From the gorgeous flowers that Urban Stems provided to the hand dyed ribbons from Mosshound designs, this wedding celebration was vibrant and beautiful.

Beach sessions are so much fun, but they are tricky to photograph. The light is so unpredictable, and we started our session midday. We went from dark, stormy clouds at one point to harsh, bright sunlight to the dimness of the light from a sunset. Depending on the light we were given, you can see a full range of colors and how different the light made the photos feel.

This Boho Bride Styled shoot was the stuff dreams are made of! It was my joy to capture what a bridal session can look like with a perfect dress, dazzling earrings, and a magnificent bouquet. The beach on Okaloosa Island was magical with white sand, stunning water, and the dreamiest light. Fort Walton Beach has my heart from now on. The amazing Rockin’ Tacos Restaurant was only a short walk away. I’ll travel to the Emerald Coast any day to get to spend time with real life mermaids on sparkling seashores.