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Engagement: Elaine & Jordan – San Francisco, California

When Elaine and Jordan booked me for their Alabama wedding, they weren’t sure if they’d be able to do an engagement session because they were currently living in San Francisco. I already had a wedding booked in Sacramento later that year, so I hoped that if the timing worked out for everyone, I could potentially make a side trip to shoot their engagement session in the Bay Area. Lucky for us, the stars aligned and we were able to make it happen before I left California.

Since Jordan is a self-proclaimed “coffee snob”, we started at one of their favorite haunts, Philz Coffee. They brought along their super adorable dog Carl, who somehow managed look cute and innocent one minute and make us all lunge to save him from certain doom the next, when he dove headfirst into a nearby planter to grab the remnants of an old sandwich that had been discarded there. Did I mention he wore a bow tie for the occasion? One does not planter dive in casual wear, people.

engagement session at philz coffee engagement pictures with dog at philz coffee man on a scooter in engagement picture san francisco engagement pictures

What you don’t know about the next two pictures: Carl wasn’t supposed to be in these. Apparently he saw mom and dad snuggling and didn’t want to be left out, so he decided to photobomb and then give me the side eye for laughing at his antics. Elaine and Jordan are some of the most laid back people you’ll ever meet, so naturally, they weren’t bothered and decided to just go with it. 😀

After stopping at a few other local favorites, we headed to their building’s rooftop to grab a few pictures overlooking the city as the sun was going down (and the wind was kicking up).

Even though I was born and raised in Northern California, I hadn’t been to the city in a while and had almost forgotten what it was like to have to parallel park, feed meters, and pay bridge tolls. When you move to Alabama, it doesn’t take long to get spoiled with being able to whip into a parking lot, get what you need, and be home again in no time! Stay tuned for pictures from Elaine and Jordan’s Camp Hill farm wedding, coordinated by the Auburn division of Invision Events!

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Commercial: The Cockentrice 1 Year Anniversary – Krog Street Market – Atlanta, Georgia

A couple of years ago, I start working on a project featuring artisanal food products around the South. One of the first people who jumped on board was Kevin Ouzts, owner of The Spotted Trotter, an Atlanta shop specializing in house made charcuterie. It was clear from the get-go that he was extremely passionate about his work, and judging by the dishes he made (and I photographed) for special events like the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, he was a stickler for detail, even if it meant each small bite had 10 different components that required assembly. He and his wife/business partner Megan are also some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet – how many clients offer to let you crash at their place when you’re in town to shoot a late night event with them AND tell you to bring your dog? That’s a rare thing in the world today.

So when they crossed off one more “bucket list” item with the opening of their restaurant The Cockentrice, plus a second Spotted Trotter location in Krog Street Market, I was beyond happy for them. When the restaurant celebrated its first anniversary I was there to get a snapshot of the festivities, from the swing band to the constant flow of food coming out of the open kitchen.

If you’re a business owner, you know running a business can easily take over your life. If you or someone you know is involved in the restaurant industry, you know the hours can be crazy and you rarely see your friends and family because you work opposing hours. Kevin and Megan recently made the decision to close The Cockentrice after nearly two years in order to reclaim their lives (and maybe make a baby Ouzts!) – and again, I couldn’t be happier for them. The Spotted Trotter locations will remain open, and I can’t wait to see (and shoot, and eat!) whatever they come up with next!

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Portrait: The Kirkland Family – Private Residence – Montgomery, Alabama

The last time I took pictures of this family we were out at Hampstead, little Alex was just a toddler with fuzzy blonde hair, and Grace was still in braces. Fast forward a few years and we were at their home, and everyone but Alex was taller than me (though that’s not saying much and she’s not far behind, haha). It’s crazy how time flies, especially when you work with super laid back, ridiculously photogenic families that make your job easy!

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Wedding: Featured on The Inspired Bride!

Planning a holiday wedding? Check out Jaya and Tony’s shindig, featured on The Inspired Bride HERE!

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Wedding: Jessica & Danny – Private Residence – Evergreen, Alabama

I knew well in advance that Jessica and Danny’s wedding would be a family affair. The entire soiree was going to be held at Jessica’s parents’ home, just like her sister (and matron of honor) Whitley had done for her own wedding. Danny’s daughter would be a bridesmaid, and his sons would be ringbearers. Jessica’s cousin would be styling hair, and her brother would be officiating. What I didn’t know was it would be one of the HOTTEST weddings I’ve ever shot. Not quite as hot as the blazing fire that was Bethany and J.D.’s beach ceremony, but unlike that wedding, Jessica and Danny were ALSO having their reception outside. 😮 Whew, better keep everyone hydrated, especially the groom, who would be wearing his dapper but not-very-breathable uniform!

Rather than pick and choose which pieces of family jewelry she would wear for her “something borrowed”, Jessica opted to wear an entire selection of jewelry pinned to the underside of her Essense gown. Each piece belonged to a much-loved relative, and gathering them all together brought tears to her future mother-in-law’s eyes.

The reception was held on what was the foundation of the house Jessica grew up in. The home her parents currently live in was built after the original house burned down, leaving the foundation, a fireplace and some of the outermost brick walls standing. The food was prepared by Leslie Bailey and her team, while the cakes (including a patriotic Army-themed groom’s cake) were done by Liger’s Bakery/Icing Illusions.

Since it was still hot out, the bride and groom (and many of the guests) opted for a wardrobe change to more casual attire to make dancing the night away more comfortable. Didn’t hurt that it would make it easier to hop on Danny’s Harley Davidson for their birdseed-showered grand exit either!

Jessica & Danny: thank you so much for not showing me the video of my booty shaking reception dance floor moves. 🙂

Venue: Private residence

Catering: Silver Spoon Catering (Leslie Bailey)

Cakes: Liger’s Bakery (Icing Illusions)

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