Salty breezes and aquamarine skies set the mood of the Lovelace-Faires wedding a year ago today. Weeks before the infamous oil spill that polluted Alabama's gulf coast, we were blessed with clear water and beautiful weather for Katie & Justin's big day.
As we've mentioned before, this is a special couple for Simpkins Photography, not just clients but good friends as well. Any time you take on a client on a personal basis, the stakes are raised significantly. Katie had seen everything I'd done in my career, even volunteered to help us a few time with Bridal Fairs and other events. She'd watched us produce unique work for people that started out to us as strangers, so what could we do for a couple that we knew so well with a close understanding of their personalities and interests?
We started by talking to Katie and Justin about why they chose Gulf Shores for their destination wedding, and what elements they wanted to incorporate into their photography. Obviously the beach was key, but the couple was also interested in having a tropical appeal to some of their work. The day before the wedding, Katie and I scouted the whole city and surrounding areas for somewhere special to bring in some color among the serene pastels of the beach. We hit photographic gold when we came across a beautiful plantation-style venue at The Wharf in Orange Beach. There were bright pink roses bushes, enormous hundred-year-old trees, and a wrap-around porch that gave the feeling of vintage Southern charm.
On the morning of the wedding, we brought the entire wedding party to The Wharf for their group pictures. It was absolutely worth the effort. We ended up with some of my favorite group shots of all time, as well as some images of Katie and Justin that show off their tropical venue. We also got to have fun with some casual set ups, including sunglasses and Adirondack-style beach chairs.
The ceremony was held on the beach; the reception following at the beach house. We took a break from mingling and dining to get some couple shots at sunset. Katie's favorite image resulted from this time. "Aqua Afternoon" now graces the cover of the couple's wedding album, as well as her walls in a stunning canvas print.
Take a look at my favorite images from the day with video highlights, as well as the couple's Wedding Album and Engagement ArtBook slideshow!
Engagement ArtBook & Wedding Album
