I have been SO EXCITED to share this wedding with you all. The Hubbard wedding was the kind of wedding that was totally worth driving 10 hours up the day before and then 10 hours back the day after. It was a gorgeous day from start to finish with some really quality people. Merrell reached out to me back in October about photographing her wedding. I was excited to take her wedding on but got more stoked with each detail that I heard as the planning ensued. First I learned they were getting married in Reid Chapel at my alma mater of Samford University. For those who don’t know (but will soon see), Reid Chapel is a beautiful chapel. It’s giant stained glass windows pour in natural light across the white wooden pews and massive exposed organ pipes. It’s a dream chapel for sure. Then I learned they were getting ready in an AirBnB, which by the way, I LOVE the new trend of getting ready in an AirBnB. It provides more space than a hotel would and makes your own wedding that much more unique. After doing some research I found the AirBnB the girls were getting ready in and my heart swooned. It was an adorable tutor style home with bright walls and lots of natural light. Perhaps the thing that got me the most excited though was the fact they rented a TROLLEY from Rare Transportation to ride in up to the reception. The trolley made for really cool bride + groom portraits.

Merrell and the girls woke up bright and early on the morning of April 8th ready to celebrate an epic love story. Joanna Ballentine and Molly Stilley of Irrelephant crafted beautiful updos for Merrell and her bridesmaids. Merrell’s makeup looked bomb and that was all thanks to her MOH and talented makeup artist Emmy Carswell of Emmy Hunt Makeup. I was super impressed with both the hair and makeup team. Everyone looked fabulous, but of course Merrell took the cake adorning her gown from Ivory and White with her full-tule overskirt. No joke, she made for the most stunning bride and my camera sure as heck loved her too! We can’t forget about Clay though! Clay and his groomsmen looked dapper in their traditional southern tuxedoes with cumberbun and all!

Carol Riley Harris of Lillie Jane’s Florals put together the most lovely arrangements. It’s usually a give in that the brides bouquet is going to rock, but I especially loved the bridesmaid’s florals! They paired effortlessly with their dusty blue bridesmaids gowns and were full of fun flowers like thistles and hydrangeas. After the ceremony all the wedding guests headed up to The Club for a spectacular Birmingham view and a dance party of epic proportions. The Club catered delicious yummies like mini loaded potatoes and fried mac and cheese balls. And lets be real, who doesn’t love to take a bite out of a sweet baby bite made by Pastry Arts? The wedding cake and chocolate baby bites did not disappoint. Mary Michael Maddox of 30th Street Cakes baked two beautiful cake toppers for both the bride and the groom. What brought the life to the party though was the Mo’Sol Band straight out of Atlanta, Ga. This band… wow where do I begin? They were not only incredibly talented singers and dancers but the most entertaining performers. Like, I would pay to see them live they were that amazing.

All in all the day ran so smoothly, but I would have been lost without the other talented creatives who were working around me. First off Anita Kanellis of AK Brides did a great job of planning the whole day and making sure things ran smoothly. I so appreciate her attentiveness and the way she communicated with me throughout the process. Second, Merrell and Clay booked an AWESOME videographer! Josh Helton of A Little Long Distance became a fast friend over the weekend. I appreciated his cool, layback and humble manner. He was full of great ideas and a joy to work with. Despite the fact I’m based in Central Florida and he and his wife are based out of Nashville, it would be awesome to work together again one day. Last but not least it’s always great to work with one of my best friends, Maddie Davis of The Wildflower Creative. She always brings great photos to the table with her artistic eye and ability to see special moments.

Merrell and Clay, thank you for having me photograph your special day! It was an honor to get to know you both and capture the story of a love that is strong, no matter how far apart you may be separated. Here’s to a long and prosperous marriage! Here’s a snapshot of the Hubbard Wedding!