Spindle Photography Blog:: Kelly Cummings Birmingham, AL

2011-08-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

New Blog!

2010-10-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a new blog over at http://spindlephotography.wordpress.com so please update your subscriptions & readers! Tons of new blogposts are in the works, so I look forward to reconnecting with you all over on the new site!!

Meagan & David:: Married!

2010-08-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Meagan and David were married at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in downtown Birmingham, AL. You may remember them from their engagement shoot, we stuck close by the Jefferson County Courthouse since they are both lawyers! Meagan took her Bar exam just after their honeymoon! Meagan is a gorgeous redhead and David is an absolute sweetheart and just seeing them together makes me happy!

These charms are from an Olexa's cake at Meagan's bridesmaid brunch. Each girl pulled a ribbon and the charms correspond with fortunes for each one. I've always been fascinated by King's cake so I was pretty excited about the charm cake.

Cakes by Jan of Angel Cakes (highly recommended!)

The reception was held at the Matt Jones Gallery downtown complete with a photobooth by Red Eye Photobooths (a personal weakness of mine, I LOVE them), and the food and dancing were amazing!

Till next post...

Superhero Session: Ivey & Cullen

2010-07-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

I never really market myself as a child photographer, and I have a deep respect for photographers that exclusively photograph children. They have a true gift and I am in awe when they wrestle a smile out of a grumpy tot. That being said, I don't turn down opportunities to try my hand at mastering the art of child photography, and in this case I was also lured by the promise of superhero children.

Ivey (2) and Cullen (4) were awesome, truly, and I loved photographing them just being themselves! One of my favorite things about the day was that I had been described as looking like Tinkerbell, and Cullen had asked if I would have wings. I really wish I did.

I apologize for the image overload, but hopefully you'll see why.

I'm pretty sure this superhero's name is Lightning Boy, but I know from experience that his power is zapping people.

Ivey's superpower probably involves drinking juice. Next time I'm bringing my own juicebox.

I have fallen in love with this session and these two little super-heroes! Huge thanks to their mom, my twitter friend and fellow blogger, for this opportunity!

New Proofing Site!

2010-06-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to have a new proofing site! The new site makes it easier to select favorites for clients and their friends and family. You can then share favorites with a url that preserves your choices for 1 month. You can also leave comments if you wish to persuade visitors of your favorites or hint at which prints you'd love to receive at Christmas. And, since I'm a blogger at heart, I love comments anyway.

I'd love to hear what you think and would love to have you all as guinea pigs as well! The site makes it easy to order prints securely, and from the site you can all edited images from events and sessions. If you have any trouble feel free to contact me at kelly@spindlephotography.com.

Vic & Barbara Hayslip: Newlyweds!

2010-06-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to finally share images from Vic & Barbara's wedding! They were married in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on May 1st, 2010 in a small intimate ceremony (love it). They continued their celebration in Birmingham this month with a reception at the Zoo Lodge (photos to come)!

Garrett is responsible for the above details of the guys, I was really lucky to have him along as my assistant. He has a great eye and I'll just be glad he's on my side...

I really want a typed marriage license envelope. Something about it makes me really excited.

The cake (and baby bites) are from Pastry Arts in Homewood, Alabama. The caramel flavored baby bites are my husband's absolute favorite food. He recently bought half a dozen with the intention to share, thwarted by a few hours alone with them. Seriously delicious and an amazing idea for groom's cakes.

The couple on the left are my inlaws! Garrett's dad has been friends with Vic for many years, and so I had met Vic and Barbara well before they were wed! It was really fun to have friends and family there and to be able to share in such a happy day for them.

Huge thanks and well wishes to the happy couple and I am super excited that they are going on a honeymoon with my in-laws in February to the Galapagos! I'm secretly hoping they'll decide to hire a professional photographer to come along.

Onna and the Baby Fruit

2010-06-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

Ian and Onna were married almost exactly a year before us (if you count our blessing instead of the legal San Francisco part), and they were our first official fellow married couple friends. It's been really fun following their journey into parenthood, they are due in July and we've had updates on the baby's size from raspberry to melon in the last several months. Going to their couples' baby shower was an experience as well, most of the girls (myself included) quickly lost a game where if you say "cute" you lose your diaper pin that you are given at the beginning of the party. Garrett and I made a pretty impressive watermelon baby with 3D pacifier, I feel good about our skills in creating children.

Onna is so lovely, with her blue eyes and wavy hair, and it was such a pleasure to photograph a maternity shoot for her, and transform an empty lot into a green wonderland. I am so looking forward to meeting their little one (they are waiting to find out if the baby is a boy or girl!) and photographing him or her as well!

Becka's Senior Session

2010-04-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

Becka is a senior at The Arlington School, graduating in just a few weeks. Becka already had her black drape shots for school and wanted to add something a little more suited to her individuality to the yearbook, so we headed to Five Points downtown and I really love the results! Becka is gorgeous!

For more information about senior sessions, email me (kelly@spindlephotography.com). Mini Sessions begin at $125 and include a disc of images and $25 print credit.

Erika Johnston Fashion Portfolio

2010-04-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

So ecstatic to present this post! I had the honor of photographing pieces from Erika Johnston's senior fashion collection. Erika is a senior at the University of Alabama and designed these six dresses over the course of a few weeks this year. Thanks to Caroline and Lauren (the amazing models and also Alabama students) and Mallory Barton (Oak Street Hair Group) and Megan LaRussa for the hair and makeup! Congrats to Erika on a killer collection!

Anna Clare & Casey:: Engagement Session

2010-04-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Anna Clare & Casey are one of my couples getting married this June and their engagement session rocked! They met when Anna Clare was working at Mountain High Outfitters and both are climbers, so the boulder fields in Hoover were a perfect spot for their shoot. They are a really fun couple and I'm so glad to have met them!

Thanks so much, Anna Clare & Casey! I can't wait to dance the night away with y'all in a few months!

Paint the Town Red today 4-17

2010-04-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

Come out to Paint the Town Red in Birmingham tonight! The brick walls and storefront windows of the downtown 2nd Avenue North Loft Community will feature projected digital art from local artists to benefit the American Red Cross. One of my photographs will be featured along with many other photographers, graphical and animation artists and musicians.

(image via PTTR's website)

I'd love for you to come out, the images will be spread throughout but I know one of the places to see my image will be on the side of What's On Second. If you see me (short blonde with a pixie cut) come say hello!

Hope to see you there!

Cammie & Chris

2010-04-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Emily Kicklighter for inviting me along with her for Cammie & Chris's nuptials at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church in February! The couple included a photo tree at the church in memorial of loved ones from both families that had passed away, a really nice detail that I know their families appreciated. The reception was held at Avon Theatre in the Lakeview District in Birmingham. The couple had a Cool Shots Photolounge for guests, each guest had a souvenir copy of their photos and a copy was adhered to guestbook pages the couple signed.

Engaged: The Ann & Whit Story

2010-03-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

Ann has the sweetest personality of anyone I've ever met (and she is completely gorgeous), and I think she met her match in Whit. Ann wanted some individual portraits for the newspaper announcements and I couldn't resist asking Whit to tag along so I could have an engagement session with them! I should probably bring Whit along when I'm having trouble getting a smile out of a client, Ann can't keep a straight face around him. This session was so fun, and I'm so looking forward to my trip to Selma to photograph their wedding in May!

Lucy Halcomb:: Graphic Designer from Birmingham, AL

2010-03-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Lucy Halcomb is a graphic designer from Birmingham, AL, and I've had the pleasure of photographing her portfolio for her website and resume over the past few months. She'll be headed to NY in May, but I'm glad that Bham is home, and she'll surely come back to visit.

I really love the look on the cards on all of these different textures and colors. I might like the one on the wood floor (mine) the best, though the four of them together really make me happy. The backs of the cards spell out "Lucy", which leaves each possessor of the card with a large bit of the type, I think the deconstruction is nice.

Lucy designed a series of book covers for books with Alabama authors, and the edges line up, which guarantees you must have them all.

Lucy designed this decal for Google Chrome, the circle is composed of the same shaped leaves as the apple's, and the red, green, and yellow correspond with Chrome's standard logo. It's a pretty awesome interpretation on the logo, and I love that it's for mac. They photograph really well and it almost makes me want to take up product photography full time. If you are into design and logos, there's an interesting chart here with supposed inspirations for the actual chrome logo (my favorite is pokeball).

Lucy made this accordion children's book about a boy who loses a button on his pea coat. The colors are lovely and so are the illustrations. Everyone needs a peacoat plant.

Thanks to Lucy, for the project and permission to print these lovely works. All images are copyright, Lucy Halcomb. (For Lucy's website, go here.)

The WHITE Wedding

2010-03-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't make it to The White Wedding at Old Car Heaven last weekend, featuring gowns by Heidi Elnora and local floral and beauty talent, go get your fill over at my personal blog: dash pinch smidgen. The gowns are available at Ivory & White over in Crestline and are oh-so-lovely.

Meagan & David :: An Engaging Story

2010-03-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

Meagan and David are both future lawyers at Alabama (ROLL TIDE!), and are one of my lovely couples getting married this May. I'm so excited for them, this was the first time I met David and I can tell they make a really great pair.

Mayfield Vintage

2010-02-27T15:25:00.000-08:00

In a recent initiative to promote local Birmingham stores and vendors with photography and features, my friend, Megan LaRussa of Southern Femme, and I have united our forces. Megan is an excellent stylist (I must admit my inferior wardrobe skills made me a bit skeptical when I saw the outfits she and Savannah, her intern, put together for this shoot), and Hayley and David of Mayfield Vintage were awesome guinea pigs for our collaboration. I had seen their etsy shop online and met the two of them at Bottletree's craft bazaar a few months ago (it should be a bizarre, in my opinion), and their style lent itself very well to our aesthetic. The clothes speak for themselves, so I'll try to be minimal in my conversating.

Be sure to visit the Mayfield Vintage Etsy shop for the items above (obviously they are one of a kind since the pieces are vintage, but currently the Striped Jewel Tone Summer Dress and Rose Blouse are listed, and several of the others to come. They have a ton of other really cute clothes as well, I'm loving the sailor blouse, barefoot originals red sandals, and the blood orange tunic blouse. Plus, Mayfield Vintage is local to Birmingham and both Hayley & David are really cool people. If you want to inquire about one of the pieces above (blouses, tees, skirts and dresses all by Mayfield Vintage, most accessories & pants belong to the models) you can contact via etsy or by email, mayfieldvintage(at)gmail(dot)com.

Enormous thanks to Hayley, David, Emily, Megan, Savannah, Rachel, Kendrick, Lillian, and Garrett for making this shoot happen.

Mallory & Eric: An engaging story

2010-02-22T23:17:00.000-08:00

Mayfield Vintage Shoot: Preview

2010-02-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

It's late and I'm exhausted, but it can't wait. A clip from today's (technically yesterday's) shoot.

More to come, but a giant thank you to everyone that was a part.

Mallory & Eric: An engaging story: PREVIEW

2010-02-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

I'm having a super busy and fun weekend! On Friday I climbed a tree for the first time (though I didn't get up very high, that'll be for next time). I'll be playing some serious catch-up on blogging in the next few weeks, but for now here is a photo from my dear friends Mallory & Eric's session!

Married: The Maria & Jeremy story

2010-02-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorites from Maria & Jeremy's nuptials at St. Elias in Birmingham with Kristen Stewart. Both of their families are Lebanese and both the ceremony and reception incorporated unique (to me!) traditions.

the colors of the flowers = gorgeous

this bridesmaid with Maria, Allison, was always laughing. her smile makes me feel good.

Maria's uncle, in blue, swung a vessel with incense during the ceremony. I love the idea of engaging the senses.

the bride and groom and their two witnesses (the best man and maid of honor) all wore white crowns

they circled the altar three times

the menu included some Lebanese food. you know I can't resist food.

Maria & Jeremy started out with a traditional dance

throughout the night you could find the important people on the shoulders of the guests, and every now and then a trill of "Leeleeleelee" would cry out. a guest told me this tradition is to scare off evil spirits.

they cut the cake with a sword. I bet my husband is jealous.

it wasn't long before everyone was on the dance floor.

many times a man would lead a dance that included a gesture towards his head, in imitation of some animal, a bull maybe?

the guy on the left was my fave.

as is customary in Bama country, Sweet Home Alabama was played. I'm actually super glad we were married in this state so that everyone got into the song at our reception. Oh, and if your guests are Crimson Tide fans, they sing "Roll Tide Roll" during the chorus.

I didn't notice the grapes in their hands until I was editing, so if it's a tradition I'm hoping someone can fill me in.

the driver looks amazing in this outfit! the car is a vintage Rolls Royce.

Big thank you to Kristen and to Maria & Jeremy! It was an amazing time, and I hope to shoot more weddings at St. Elias!

Shameless Plug

2010-02-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

Vote for this image from Spindle Photography on the Wedding Chicks! (Click the link and post a comment)! Thanks!

Dance of the Russian Bear

2010-02-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

Since I also have a personal blog, I tend to leave out life details for the sake of professionalism. I'm not so sure that's the way to go about it, so we're taking a break.

Snow today in the BHMpire

2010-02-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

Married: The Leigh and DJ story

2010-02-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

Once again I had the pleasure of working with Emily Kicklighter just before Christmas! Leigh and DJ were married at Covenant Presbyterian Church here in Birmingham, with a beautiful, fun, and tasty reception at Greystone Country Club. Best wishes to them both in the many years to come!

one of my friends told me that they love that I always include food in my posts so I couldn't not. tasty endives with a balsamic reduction and grits.

You may recognize Marion from Charlemagne Records downtown!

Thank you Leigh & DJ!

mini LOVE sessions, $35! February 7th

2010-02-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

You don't need an excuse to be photographed. Really. But Valentine's Day helps! The purpose of the shoot is to give couples (and friend and people with pets) an affordable excuse to be professionally photographed! The price includes a 15 minute mini photo session with Kelly Cummings of Spindle Photography and a choice of one 8x10 (great for families and married couples) or two 5x7s (perfect for best friends and boyfriend/girlfriend couples).

The mini love sessions will take place on Sunday, February 7th, in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, between 11am and 4pm. If you are unavailable on the 7th you may set up a weekday session for the following week, however the prints may arrive after Valentine's Day.

Proofs will be available online by 8 am Monday morning and your prints will be ordered by 5:00pm on Monday to ensure their arrival by February 14th. Additional prints will be available at an additional cost.

After you reserve your spot, if a friend books and mentions your name you will receive $10 off your session!

If you would like to sign up, email kelly@spindlephotography.com or leave a comment below with your email address and I will be in touch!

Featured Image: The Wedding Blog in Australia!

2010-01-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

Erica should be so proud of all the work she did for her November wedding! Not only was it picked up by the wedding chicks, but one of the images was picked up by The Wedding Blog in Australia for a color palette of "cloud and cream". I can't take credit for the awesome color scheme, but I am super excited to see that other people are loving her wedding as much as I did. Thanks again, Erica! And thank you, The Wedding Blog!

Baby Anna, 3 mo

2010-01-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

Anna turned 3 months old last week and I had the pleasure of commemorating with a photo session! She is learning how to hold her head up and sit up with support. She's already very talkative with her coos and Connor, her mom, told me she laughed for the first time recently at a silly sound she (Connor) made.

How fun to watch babies grow up! Fortunately for me, one of our good friends will be having a baby in July so we'll get lots of baby time! Until then, I think I'll enjoy these images, which already have a permanent smile on my face.

What a killer cute smile!

Connor's mom made this adorable blue dress! I hope sewing skills come with being a mom, otherwise I feel sorry for my future children.

Thank you Connor! It truly was a delight and I can't wait to see how much she grows in the next few months!

Sneak Peek: Anna's 3 month session

2010-01-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait. Here is my favorite photo from my most recent shoot.

More cuteness coming up shortly.

Wedding Recap: Reception Part II

2010-01-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

Finally another post! One of my biggest goals is to finish up our wedding recap! Head over to dash, pinch, smidgen for my chatter.

Photos by Kristen Stewart Photography and Je Vois Photography, editing by Spindle Photography.

Featured on the Wedding Chicks! Hip Hip!

2010-01-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

Exciting news! Spindle Photography was featured on The Wedding Chicks (really great inspiration blog that I personally subscribed to as a bride!) last week! I'd love for you to take a peek around their site and leave a comment (especially if you know Erica! her wedding was amazing!).

Either way, hooray! It is fabulous to see Erica's wedding where it belongs, amongst all of the other fabulous weddings they feature!

Lexie Dorsett

2010-01-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

Lexie Dorsett is a delightfully effervescent person that I had the privilege of photographing in promotion of her move to NYC this upcoming April! Lexie is currently studying at the conservatory at University of Cincinnati and has starred in some productions of note including Hair and High School Musical. It was so fun to hang out with her for the day and I really felt like the shooting was secondary. I'll update you all when her website is ready, but until then enjoy the photos!

And finally, my absolute favorite and potentially in my top 10 favorites ever:

Tell me what you think!

Meredith & Clay

2009-12-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

I know it's been forever, but I'm so glad that it's because I've been so busy shooting! I've been doing a wide variety of shoots lately, a few for a local fashion blog, an artist's portfolio, commercial shoots for a Bham ad agency, some weddings weddings, a promo shoot for an actress moving to NYC... it's been insane/ly great. So now I get to play catch-up for you! Here's Meredith & Clay's wedding I helped Emily Kicklighter with just before Thanksgiving!

Mallory is ENGAGED (there's proof!)

2009-12-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

Many moons ago when I was still fairly new to Birmingham (my husband and I got engaged on the day I moved here, December 27th, 2008!), I was contacted by one of my faithful blog stalkers, Mallory. She'd found my wedding planning blog and noticed that I lived in Birmingham and quickly a friendship was formed. She has since introduced me to Maki Fresh's green tea cookies, J&J Junk and Garden Ridge, but one of our main topics of conversation is weddings. There was one teensy little problem. While Mallory and her boyfriend, Eric, (most especially Mallory), were already planning many details of their wedding they were not yet engaged!

This was a difficult task for Eric, however. There were a few snags along the way and Mallory works in a hair salon, which meant keeping his plans a secret were impossible. He had a very elaborate plan for the 50 yard line at Bryant Denny (when I told Garrett he told me that he himself wouldn't mind being proposed to there, so I'm storing away that fact for later). Mallory couldn't get off work for the game (LSU vs BAMA) and it seemed all was lost.

I was so excited to receive a text on December 3rd from Eric asking if I could be there as one of Mallory's friends when he proposed to her at work the next day. Of course! I was so excited to be there and see it for myself, and Eric really enjoyed being able to actually surprise her and to have her loved ones there. Plus, all of Mallory's clients at Oak Street Hair Group are always checking her hand for a ring, so this time some of them got to see it!

It meant so much to be there for my blog stalker turned great friend and I am so grateful to Eric for inviting me! (Did I mention there was also champagne? double win.)

Eric & Mallory are the best and deserve all the happiness in the world!

Our Wedding: Reception Part I

2009-12-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

Photography by Kristen Stewart and Hillary Stegall , editing by Kelly Cummings .

Our Wedding: Dinner

2009-11-27T06:20:00.000-08:00

I haven't finished wrapping up our own wedding! (Can you blame me for getting excited about the weddings I've been shooting since then, though?) Food is one of my favorite parts of any event, and detail shots are up there for me, so enjoy these food and reception shots!

Photography by Kristen Stewart Photography and Je Vois Photography, edited by Spindle Photography. Head over to Dash, Pinch, Smidgen to catch up!

Erica & Yorgos: Reception

2009-11-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

for their first dance, Erica and Yorgos recreated the Zorro Anthony Hopkins/Catherine Zeta-Jones number which was a huge hit, and way more fun than your typical sway.

A huge thank you to Erica, Yorgos, and all of their guests for including me in this surreal and awesome event! I am obviously very excited about the wedding with all of my postings and I'm sad it had to end. Best wishes for your ridiculously happy future!

Erica & Yorgos: Dinner

2009-11-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

After the ceremony there was a lovely seated dinner at one of the resort's restaurants, Asadito, an Argentinian style steakhouse. I loved that the entire group could sit at the long table, decorated with candles and coral. The setting fit very well with the intimate feel of the whole wedding.

This was truly a DIY wedding done right, Erica was responsible for all of the details!

Erica & Yorgos!

2009-11-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

how gorgeous is this lobby?

Erica & Yorgos: Ceremony

2009-11-18T20:06:00.000-08:00

The best part. Erica had been planning the look of the ceremony for months and I really love her all white theme. The bridesmaids and groomsmen in white and the bride and groom in a champagne/khaki set look amazing together. It made for such a classy look, and subtle is the new black. Sorry to inundate the blog with images, but I'm in love love love with this wedding, if you couldn't tell already.

A never-before event on the blog, this image was taken by my darling husband, Garrett! He's a natural with the camera and I'm so lucky I got to take him along as my second-shooter. I'm hoping I can convince him that he's in love with it too, because every time I'm at a wedding my heart beats fast as I watch a couple in love and think about us. It's really good therapy for people in relationships, it reminds you of the good things and I love it!

I love the look on Yaya's face.

At the beginning of the ceremony the rings were passed around to each guest so that they could bless the rings. I freaked out a little at the rehearsal when I heard that it was going to happen (what if someone drops the rings!) but of course it went without a hitch (except for the actual hitching, which happened later). It was a really special part of the ceremony and it's great that the group was small enough to make it a reality.

Erica's dad read a passage of scripture and Yorgos's dad officiated!

Pay close attention to the blonde groomsman.

He was our major excitement for the day, as he passed out halfway through the ceremony. Apparently the same thing happened at Yorgos's parents' wedding, so it must be lucky.

Here's a final image from Garrett as well. I better watch out, he's got some skills.

Erica & Yorgos: Pre-Ceremony

2009-11-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

After a few scares during the day and a light sprinkle while we did portraits of the girls, we were relieved that for the ceremony the sky was beautiful.

The woman on the right, Yorgos's grandmother, introduced herself to me as "Yaya." And Yaya can dance.

Erica & Yorgos didn't see each other before so this was a fun moment of giggling and hiding for all the girls.

Next up is the ceremony!

Erica & the girls!

2009-11-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Erica & Yorgos, Getting Ready

2009-11-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

Garrett & I arrived to the Dominican Republic this past Tuesday afternoon and it was like I'd been transported to another world. At least another country. Bits of the Spanish I learned during my month in Peru a few years ago and memories of Spanish music and culture came rushing back. I've never lived very far from a beach (in NC I was about 2 hours from the Atlantic), but it's not quite the same as being on a resort in the Caribbean with wet bars and catamarans everywhere. The Dominican Republic was a magical place. We got settled in and scoped out the terrain, and on Thursday morning kept our fingers crossed for beautiful weather. The patter of rain when I woke up was not a welcome sound. It quickly passed and I was so ready to share the day with Erica and her wonderful friends and family. They are such a sweet group of people and it was almost if I wasn't a thousand miles from home.

Erica's beautiful younger sister Gena was married last September (and if rain on your wedding day is lucky she should probably be selling off items of clothing, hers was in the middle of a hurricane!) and was great moral support (plus, she helped me find the spa in the very difficult to navigate layout of our sister resort)!

I wish my bedroom at home had such perfect places to display my shoes.

When Erica isn't glamming up the Dominican, she works in a floral shop and thus decided to do her own flowers. I might let you in on one of her secrets in a future post.

Is she not just gorgeous?! There is much more to come, and soon, because I have no patience at all when I'm excited and this whole trip was too fabulous not to share!

Sneak Peek: Erica & Yorgos, Dominican Republic

2009-11-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

I'm too excited not to post something from the trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic I just got back from a few hours ago! I will have a full post (or several) with more info about the amazing couple and their event that allowed 30-something of their closest friends & family share an amazing weeklong vacation in the Caribbean, but for now here's a fun fisheye shot from their wedding!

Our Wedding: Blessing

2009-11-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

Garrett and I were blessed in the chapel of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook, Alabama. To read about the blessing visit Dash, Pinch, Smidgen.

All images by Kristen Stewart Photography and Je Vois Photography. Editing by me.

Jamie & Lindsey

2009-11-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

Jamie & Lindsey are two gorgeous, athletic, beautiful people. As if that weren't enough, they were both college basketball players at University of Alabama at Huntsville (check out the groom's cake) so it would seem that they got all of the good genes. There were so many images I loved in this wedding that I decided to overflow onto facebook instead of making you suffer through an enormous blogpost. Huge thanks to Hillary of Je Vois Photography for the opportunity to shoot, and, I'm in awe of her skills: she was a photographer, soloist, and chauffeur from the church to reception and reception to their hotel. She does it all.

Enough chat, on with the images!

Seeing each other for the first time. But Lindsey wouldn't let Jamie kiss her. He'd even prepped with gum.

My favorite ring shot ever. I love fall and I love knotty tree roots. And shiny jewelry. What's not to love?

The other side has her name & number, and the top is a court!

My sister is obsessed with Nancy Drew and that's what this reminds me of. And, it's probably my favorite picture that I've ever taken.

The reception was at the Roundhouse at the Huntsville Depot, and it's a fantastic venue. I loved the lights, the details, the feel of all the wood.

So, my reason for posting the image on the left is that guest's amazing bangs and turquoise leopard print dress. The one on the right... the grandmother watching the bride and groom dance, and their shadow is in the top left corner. I love it.

I've never seen such smoky sparklers. I'm glad I don't have asthma, because I was able to fully appreciate the rock star effect of all that colored smoke. Glorious.

If you can't get enough, head over to facebook, and if you still haven't had enough, I'll be back soon with a wedding in the Dominican Republic!

Our Wedding: Pre-Ceremony Pics

2009-11-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

As with the last post, dash, pinch, smidgen it for the story. Photography by Kristen Stewart Photography & Je Vois Photography, editing by me.

Our wedding! Kelly & Garrett: Getting Ready

2009-11-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

I don't really talk about my personal life all that much on this blog because when I arrived in Birmingham in December I got engaged and my "personal life" became "wedding planning life." There are lots of blogs for that, and I started documenting my ideas with Dash, Pinch, Smidgen. I also blog for Elizabeth Anne Designs, and thus I say a lot about my personal life everywhere else. I debated including my wedding pictures on my photography blog, but then I realized how interested I was in seeing Jessica Claire's wedding pictures, for example, and that the pictures could be so much bigger here. So, this site will serve as an echo for the recaps. I will still be blogging about my images from recent events, and I hope you'll stick around for both.

My actual wedding took place in San Francisco in August; we just got the certificate and I can't wait to make the name change official (minus the hassle)! It was just the two of us with Garrett's best friend for the actual city hall wedding, though we had attempted otherwise (the story starts here)

Photography by Kristen Stewart Photography and Je Vois Photography. For the story behind the day, check out dash, pinch, smidgen.

Tabbie & Marshall!

2009-10-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had another amazing opportunity to work with Kristen Stewart and it was fabulous!

Tabbie was one of the best brides ever. She kept asking me if I needed anything. Just the absolute sweetest thing and her wedding was so great! She and Marshall, her new hubby, did a lot of DIY that really made it special. As an obsessed bridal blogger I really appreciated a box with paper for people to write "wedding wishes" and the candy buffet. Tabbie is the youth pastor at New Life Church, so the atmosphere and kids there were a really special part. I can't say I minded all of the BAMA love either.

Any guesses as to what they're doing?

Oh, right, it's Saturday, in Alabama, in October. Love it!

Loved this moment! Tabbie had collapsed onto the floor and didn't get up without a lot of giggles.

The bridesmaids are totally watching grape-smashing lady.

An Alabama ice cream groom's cake, anyone?

I renamed this bridesmaid Charlotte (real name Jessica) and she loved it!

Thank you Marshall & Tabby! I wish you many many years of happiness & lovely moments like these!

Amber & Landon

2009-10-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity of working with Kristen Stewart (she photographed my reception & blessing earlier this month!) a few weeks ago at this beautiful wedding of Amber and Landon. They were huge Auburn fans (I had to keep my Bama pride under wraps) and had a lot of really fun details (the auburn pom poms, groom's cake with peanut butter twix fortress and war eagle topper, candy apple favors, and all the food! mini burgers, milkshakes, deviled eggs, mac & cheese casserole, & fried green tomatoes by Sherry's Floral & Catering! can you tell I like food?)! Enjoy!

Kim & Michael

2009-10-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images from the wedding of Kim & Michael that I attended with Emily Kicklighter (she's super fun & I love hanging out with her 4 kids, ages 6-11)! Kim has been a friend of Emily's family for years now and it was really special to be a part of her wedding! Plus, Kim is so much fun that it was hard to stop smiling all day. Let me just say I'm jealous I didn't have dancers for my reception and I am completely hooked on the idea of ribbon wands. And that cake topper! I wish we'd found something that cute and subtly retro for our wedding!

Lauren and John Ed

2009-10-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorites from a recent wedding with Emily Kicklighter. Lauren and John Ed are such a sweet couple, and I know I say that about everyone, but maybe marrying the person you love makes you sweet! Enjoy!

Check out the couch/drapery in the bride's room! Oak Mountain Presbyterian is a really pretty church and the bride's room was one of the best I've seen!

it's so fun to watch the couple see each other for the first time!

The DJ was great, and it turns out that he just got engaged recently! DJ love is great. Especially when captured during a wedding. Emily recently photographed their engagement shoot! Awesome! The venue was great as well, Park Lane which is exclusively catered through Kathy G. There's a really cool 1930s style bar, and I was actually considering the venue for our wedding!

So, towards the end of the night when you've gotten loads of awesome dancing shots, you start to experiment a little. Hence the random double exposures that look really cool despite serving little purpose. Bonus points to the person who can guess what the mom is dancing to.

Birmingham

2009-10-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend, Tyler, asked me to take some pictures of his favorite spots in Birmingham so he could fill some window panes he bought to decorate his apartment. I just moved to Birmingham at the end of December and my exploration had been minimal, especially with my camera. It felt like a really fun scavenger hunt. Here are some of my favorites from the project, which hopefully I will continue even after the panes are full.

freedom and BAMA all in one photo. Definitely one of my favorites.

Bottletree, a cool music venue and bar in town.

The view from our rooftop.

Alabama Theatre

16th St. Baptist Church

If you are interested in purchasing any prints or have any photo requests in town, leave a comment below. Thanks!

Trash the Dress: Burnsville, NC

2009-10-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

It won't be hard to figure out why I was in love with this shoot even without meeting Jen. I actually met her when her best friend, Linden, got married last May. Linden and I have been friends since working together at McAlister's a few years ago and you may recognize her name from various blogposts.

Jen teaches 3rd grade (I'm jealous, because I love love love little kids), and they teach her about all of the varieties of berries, strawberries, blueberries, and lyeberries (you can get books there). She and her husband Jan were awesome enough to put me up for two nights in Jan's hometown at his parent's house, which can be reached by maneuvering up a treacherous mountain. I'm sure they can tell I grew up in Eastern NC, I'm no mountain girl.

That being said, Burnsville was a photographer's dream, so gorgeous, and it was meaningful to Jen & Jan since he'd grown up there and brought Jen back when they were dating in college.

The image above is hanging in Jan's grandfather's barn and it's a photo of Jan's great-grandfather. Jen & Jan's main request was to recreate it, and while it turns out the negative must've been backwards when they produced the print, we managed to figure it out and I am so pleased with the result! I'm hoping they'll frame and hang it with the original.

Every wedding dress deserves its own shot.

random turquoise chair=love.

Another favorite, bring on the corn fields.

Jan's reading men are from mars, women are from venus. And the woman from the bookstore, Main Street Books, was so excited to have us there that she took a picture of us with her digital camera as well! Wedding dresses attract a teensy bit of attention.

TTD requires at least a little bit of water.

In case you did a double take, this is a different dress. Jen's mom made this dress when she got married and altered it for Jen to trash it! I would wear this dress now, definitely. If I looked like Jen, that is. I didn't get to see it with sleeves, but it's a winner, especially when we get to submerge it in a river.

I am in love with this one. love is the codeword today, apparently.

Just for fun, we did a ring shot. Or, just because Linden and I are both obsessed with them. Either way, Garrett (my husband) loves it, and that makes my silliness worth it.

If you are considering being talked into doing a TTD, let me know and I will sic my fan club on you, Linden and Jen are both huge fans. You can be like Linden and really trash your dress (dirt, chlorine, and scissors, oh my!) or pick a stand in for the dirty stuff. But it really is so fun and I'm planning a "day after" session for me & Garrett to get some more photo-ops of the dress I will be so happy to wear again. Yay!

Sneak Peek- Jen (of Jen and Jan)

2009-09-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

I'm long overdue for an update!

Garrett & I are married now! (As of August 13/14th, long story/we take marriage so seriously that we had to take 2 days to accomplish it)

In other news, I've been so busy preparing for our reception that I've neglected the blog! But, I am too excited about a recent trash the dress shoot not to post. Jen was so much fun and had me come back to my home state (NC) for a gorgeous mountain adventure with her husband Jan and one of my really great friends (and bridesmaids), Linden. I'll tell you all about them next post, but let's get to the pictures.

K.O.

makes me feel like watching the siren scene in oh brother.

wonderful braid by Linden. I want one (hint)

Cannot wait to post more, but this will have to do for tonight. Hope you enjoy!

Nick and Linden

2009-07-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

My friend (and bridesmaid!) Linden and her husband Nick came up to see me a few months ago and I wrapped up the editing today. It was really fun to show someone around Birmingham since I'm new here myself, and it was even better to photograph some friends; they tend to let you do what you want. Even though Linden was here for a trash the dress we got in a few casual shots and they are so cute together it can make you sick. I'm so glad they decided to get married and I can't wait to talk them into moving to Birmingham. Enjoy.

Emily & Matt engagement

2009-06-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you are all wondering what the hold up is on posts! I apologize, I'm sorting some things out and working on some new things, getting business stuff together, and starting out some new adventures with another local photographer. Here are some of my favorite images from a recent engagement shoot I tagged along on with Amelia, check out her blog for more from the day.

Emily and Matt were keen on some urban chic, so our first stop was a set of train tracks downtown. Where a few minutes into the shoot an engine went through hauling army tanks for what seemed like miles. That didn't last long.

Emily's killer dress is from the Sak's outlet. You didn't know there was a saks outlet? We didn't either. Thanks for the tip. I don't think it can make me tall & tan like Emily, though.

Meet Cooper, Emily & Matt's dog. Emily heard that dogs "will do anything for cheese" so she brought some string cheese along on the shoot. Cooper does like cheese, but I don't think he grasped the "do anything" part. He was super sweet and fun, though, and they make a really cute fam.

We also made it out to the Continental Bakery next to Chez Lulu where I learned a lot about bread (real french bread can only be made with four ingredients, for example, water, flour, yeast, and salt. thus, it's fat free!). If you haven't been to either I highly recommend it. The Chocolate Brioche is delicious, and at Chez Lulu you can't go wrong with the chevre salad or the walnut, goat cheese, and pear sandwich. Less important that how gorgeous they both look here, in my favorite shots of the day.

Heather & Myles Part II

2009-06-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

As promised, there is a random delirium inspired bunny. By the way, for photographers, removing red-eye on bunnies is super easy. And they look more cuddly that way. Anyway, Heather & Myles' wedding was a blast and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it!

Heather & Myles, Part 1

2009-06-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Amelia and I were able to spend the whole day with a fun, spunky, beautiful bride, Heather, and her now husband, Myles! We started the morning hanging out with the girls while they had their hair done at Heather's parents gorgeous home. I loved so much about this wedding. Heather's bouquet was stunning, and her dress was so cute and different! She had her naturally curly hair put up to the side with real flowers added in.

The couple wanted to see each other before the ceremony, so we headed to a lakeside gazebo nearby to capture the moment. It was lovely! I really think I love weddings both ways, it's such a fun and beautiful thing to be able to capture up close, but of course when couples opt not to see each other you get to capture the sweet nervousness before the walk down the aisle. Garrett and I haven't decided what we're doing yet, but our day(s) aren't quite normal anyway.

Coming up soon, the ceremony and reception! Possibly including the bunny I terrified in my sleep induced giddyness toward the end of the night. If you're lucky.

Giant Post: Meghan and Byron

2009-06-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

I can't really describe how connected I felt to this wedding. Amelia was friends with the family and the father of the bride is my puppy's vet! So it was a big family event, really. Towards the end you can see my new BFF Nina with her boyfriend (brother of the bride), Drew (look for a garter around his hand). You really couldn't ask for a more fun group of people, or a sweeter couple getting married. I wish them the most happiness in their lives together and I know I will always LOVE this wedding and the images.

Yeah, the guys got hot shaves. It was such a cool thing to be there for and photograph. And it makes me want to get pampered.

Such a fun reception! The food and the cakes were amazing, and we stayed even after the bride and groom left. It really was that fun.

Amanda and Wes!

2009-05-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Images from a recent wedding I shot with Amelia...

This collection pretty much tells the story of the day for me. This wedding was so fun, the couple was gorgeous, they even added an hour to the reception they were having so much fun. I've never seen so many people out on the dance floor. Plus, we gave two of the groomsmen with the same first name the nicknames Good and Evil, and I hope it sticks so they can remember us. Bonus for me: my reception is going to be at the same place! And Amanda's dress is from the same shop as mine. Great minds...

I love amelia!

2009-05-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

A Bryan Photo just posted some awesome images from the workshop. Which makes me really happy:

(me and amelia having fun with film)

High Fashion Shoot

2009-05-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Long overdue, but Amelia and I rocked out a vintage fashion shoot just for fun. And I would love to do it everyday, so if you are a designer, a vintage clothing store or seller, a magazine editor... Give me a call. I really love it. Plus, Ruth and Emily were ridiculously gorgeous and that makes it easy to get great shots. The dresses were from Zoe's here in Birmingham so if you are in the area and are craving something vintage and wonderful, I'd highly recommend it. Hair by Fran Chaiprakob of Salon U and makeup by Jennifer Matthews of Porcelain and Pink.

Reasons you want to trash your dress

2009-05-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Nick and Linden are two of my friends I met back when I worked at McAlister's in Chapel Hill. They got married May of 2008 and I shot their wedding (eee!). It was so fun to shoot friends and they made it easy [btw, I do enjoy jokes about "shooting" people]. Plus Linden is gorgeous and so photogenic, see above and below for examples. To celebrate their anniversary they traveled from the mountains of NC to Savanna, Atlanta, and then to see me & Garrett here in the Bham. Linden had never been here so it was really fun to show her around and try to convince them to move here. Linden spent most of her time here in her wedding dress and we trashed it the best we could without involving fire. Stay tuned for the results from the two day shoot-a-thon.

And, visit Linden's supercrafty blog!

Nick & Linden Preview

2009-05-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

I'm back!

2009-05-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the long hiatus, but I went to Disney World! With Garrett (my fiance) and his family including his uncle, aunt, and their 2 kids (3 and a half and 8 mo. old)! I'll have a post with Disney pics soon but here are some from a recent wedding for you to enjoy:

Mary Brantley and Lee

2009-04-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

First off, I would've blogged these yesterday but my alma mater, UNC won the National Championship! So I was watching the game!

Secondly, this was one of the cutest couples ever and I'm so glad I was there to shoot with my BBFF (best birmingham friend for life), Amelia Strauss! A random colorful awning from an alleyway and some out of the way fields made for some awesome shots we are in love with. I can't wait to shoot their wedding!

and a behind the scenes shot of Amelia rockin it:

Behind the scenes

2009-04-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Just for fun, here are Amelia Strauss and Camilla Beasley at work, strutting and stalking. Because they are rock stars.

Oh, and Camille is single ;)

Workshop Part II

2009-04-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

And here are Jasmine and Aras! It's easy to get good shots when you have such gorgeous people to work with. Seriously.

Engagement workshop!

2009-04-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome time last weekend with lots of photography girls from the Bham. Camille Beasley of SCB Photography hosted the event and provided us with two gorgeous couples to have fun with! I just finished editing and wanted to post my favorites!

The first couple was Jennifer & Nick! They were great and indulged me by sitting in the road next to an arrow.

2009-03-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Rachel & Darrel's wedding continues with some reception shots. Oh, how I love the girl who did the robot. And the shots of it! (She also caught the bouquet, so maybe you'll see her again soon).

the couple snuck away for a private dinner before the dancing began.

I like the reflection of everyone watching the cake cutting here.

hands down my favorite shot! it's red carpet paparazzi kind of glam and I love it.

Camilla the Pup!

2009-03-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

Crawfish Boil

2009-03-31T05:21:00.001-07:00

Garrett and I headed to the coast to visit his family and we ended up with a 38 lb. (I don't think I'm exaggerating) crawfish boil! I would have included the aftermath but it's a lot of carnage and it's not so appetizing. This post might be disturbing anyway. I learned a lot about cooking crawfish that I'd rather not. But, brave Nikki made for some fun shots anyway. And, she ate a mountain's worth of crawfish.

Amanda's Bridal Portraits

2009-03-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorites from a recent bridal shoot with gorgeous & sweet Amanda! It was really fun talking with her about her upcoming wedding since I'm planning my own! She'll be getting married in May so look for her again in a few months on the blog!

All in the details

2009-03-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

I love love love detail, especially since I'm planning my own wedding soon and want to have a lot of little diy touches. Here are some detail shots of Rachel & Darrel's wedding! So lovely!

Rachel & Darrel are married!

2009-03-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Rachel, who you may recognized from bridals a few weeks ago, just got married at Gabrella Manor here in Birmingham on March 14th! The bride and groom were laid back all day, no stress here! We'll see if I manage to stay low strung when October comes around and it's my turn...

next post(s) will have their reception, a crawfish boil, and a new puppy!

Rina and Corey engagement shoot!

2009-03-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

This couple was too great and gorgeous as well! Amelia
and I suspect they might be more familiar with modeling for the camera
than they first let on.

AB shots at last

2009-03-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

A very sassy seven year old was a great adventure for THE Amelia Strauss and I. AB loves all things dirty (a girl after my own
archaeological backgrounded heart) but cleans up as well as any little lady.

Preview: Rachel's Bridals

2009-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Addyama winners

2009-02-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

who needs one when you could have three?

The Madmen

2009-02-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

and a coca-cola girl. these girls were all gorgeous tall model worthy beauties and one of them might come for a vintage/trash the dress shoot soon!

The Addys return

2009-02-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

The ad tables:

Addy's

2009-02-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend I helped The Amelia Strauss with 2 shoots: a portrait session with darling little 7-yr old AB and the Addy's, Birmingham's advertising award event. The food was incredible, here's a peek (from Saturday Gourmet):

mini burgers!

this one's my favorite, mini eggs benedict!

I've been craving vintage suitcases and now I know what for! I might clean some up to use for food displays!

Of course since I'm wedding planning I paid extra close attention to the presentation, and now I feel that the pressure is on to have a ridiculously cool set-up. Maybe I can get a vintage fan and typewriter too, eh?
Either way, super fun, and some more images will be up in the next few days from the addy's, AB's shoot, and a headshot.

Bouquet shots

2009-02-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to a trash the tutu session with Amelia and her friend Jamie Burnett which was a great time, I'm very lucky to have met Amelia here in Birmingham! Ashley, a now retired ballerina with the Alabama ballet wanted some artsy shots of her in her last costume, a spanish inspired red and black number. I was assisting with lighting mostly so I didn't get any shots but check out Amelia and Jamie's blogs soon to see what we were up to!

Amelia let me borrow a 17-55 f2.8, the lens I've been wanting for a while now so I felt pretty inspired to shoot. Also, I am getting married in 9 months and am inspired to make my own bouquets so I've had 2 trial runs for fun. It seems like it would be super hard, and I haven't been mix and matching at all, just one kind of flower at a time. The first was roses, and I only bundled 4 together because that's what I had at the time but the second go round were gorgeous purple tulips. I want yellow ranunculus however I would use these for a shoot any day. So basically, hire me to shoot your pictures and you get a floral genius as well. Or, someone who can throw together a bouquet for you to carry around and feel pretty with. Oh, and the flowers? 6.99 at whole foods.

navy and yellow are our colors, hence the ribbon and pins. I kind of like the color contrast but am not 100% sure.

Garrett and I have an Alice in Wonderland thing. I'm hoping to subtly work it into the wedding... maybe a bottle that says drink me? we'll see.

Part I

2009-01-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

Here of some of my favorites of previous weddings/bridal shoots/engagements