Harrison & Matt: Arden Photography

Harrison and Matt had a gorgeous wedding day, perfect conditions for some of my very favorite wedding photos. St. Mary's Church is architecturally divine, and the ivy crawling up the walls is reminiscent of Oxford. This didn't feel like a Birmingham wedding, but, rather, one fit for the royal family. Mariée Ami Wedding Planning Studio was the perfect choice for such an elegant affair. The reception was held atThe Club with stunning Birmingham city views and an explosive display of fireworks resulting in dazzling images of the newlyweds. Such a rapturous event to be part of! 

Borrowed and Blue Feature: Arden Photography

Recently, Borrowed and Blue asked for our opinion on our favorite location to shoot engagement portraits. Of course we said Windwood Equestrian! Check out the full article to see some exclusive Windwood engagement portraits, and other great local photo spots! 

5 Locations for Beautiful Birmingham Engagement Photos

Getting Married in the Rain

You did all your research on the weather for the date of your wedding. You checked forecast trends as far back as 25 years ago to see what the likelihood of precipitation chances are. Your thumbs got blisters from hitting refresh on your phone's weather app, and you sent up tiny prayers for a clear sunny day - but there it is. That first tiny raindrop just hit your cheek, and it might as well be a biblical flood as far as you're concerned. So what's a girl to do?

Dance in the rain! 

Embrace it! A bride and groom huddled together under an umbrella makes for romantic intimate photo magic! Break out those galoshes, wellies, and rain boots (they're the same thing, but I love those words), grab a festive umbrella, layer a rain coat over your dress, and laugh about it! Because those photos are going to be better than you will have ever dreamt! 

Here are a few favorite #tbt images (including photos from mine and William's semi-wet wedding) of rainy wedding days we adore! Tell me - would you cash in on that wedding insurance and reschedule your big day for a sunnier one? Do you think it's always a good idea to have a backup plan - somewhere to move the ceremony indoors, or rental tents just in case? Let me know!

Wedding Rings: Getting the Shot

Some of our favorite wedding photos to shoot are the ring images. Probably has something to do with all the sparkly bling, right? There are so many interesting and unique details personal to each wedding, and we love to incorporate those into the shot. While the rings speak for themselves in beauty and value, it is often those small details that really make the image! Often times, the ring photo says everything about the wedding ceremony - classic, elegant, whimsical, rustic, charming - you can see that in the details! 

Tell us what you think! Do you like the simplicity of the rings by themselves, with the bouquet or flowers, or showing off one of your favorite (and often overlooked) features of the day - like the shoes? Got any ideas for beautiful ring detail shots? Let us know! 

Surviving the Ceremony: Emergency Wedding Kit

*Read with Australian accent for authenticity*

On today’s episode of “Surviving the Ceremony”, we take a look at how to make it out alive on the biggest day of your life! Torn dress hem!? Run in your stockings!? Fainting bridesmaids!? We can teach you how to solve all that, and still have a good time! Grab onto your veils mates, it’s going to be a wild wedding survival!

Every bride has an idea of what she thinks she might need on the big day. We are here to tell you there are things you’ll probably forget, things you will need, and things you might want to have just in case. Compose a list, gather everything together, and place it all in a handy-dandy case that can easily be accessed at any point in time. Small tackle boxes are great for this kind of thing (if you love being crafty, you could even decorate it with glitter or spray paint in your wedding colors!). Baby diaper bags are also a great option – lots of pockets. You could even gift your bridesmaids with clutches that come pre-stocked with a few of these items, so that you’ll be ready for anything at any moment’s notice.

Essentials::

• Aspirin or pain reliever of choice
• Mini first-aid kit – extra band aids
• Mini sewing kit
• Tape – every kind imaginable (duct tape, scotch tape, double-sided tape)
• Safety pins
• Bobby pins/hair ties
• Eye drops
• Tissues
• Dental floss
• Nail file
• Touch-up nail polish
• Tweezers
• Baby powder
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Lint roller
• Sunblock
• Scissors

Just-In-Case::

• Chalk – use to cover minor stains or smudges on your dress
• Clear nail polish – use to prevent runs in stockings/tights
• Super glue – you will use this for something (jewelry, décor, etc.)
• Smelling salts – remind your wedding party not to lock their knees!
• Bleach pen
• Allergy medicine
• White sheet – for bride to sit on if necessary
• Medicated pads – typically found with the hemorrhoid creams, great for swollen/puffy eyes if tears have been shed!
• Extra undergarments – you never know!
• Cell phone charger
• Extension cords
• Tums/Pepto

Not to be Over-looked::

• Umbrella
• Pen/Notebook – secret notes for the groom
• Makeup
• Hair spray
• Breath mints/spray
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Q-tips – use with a little lotion to remove mascara runs!
• Cash – don’t forget to tip your hair stylist/makeup artist/bartender
• Tampons – just in case!
• Straws – to prevent lipstick smudging when hydrating
• Razors

Yes, this seems like a lot of stuff, but the good Girl Scout knows to always be prepared. Think small – travel size, divide up certain things. You’ll be amazed at what you do actually use and will need - and the things you don’t use: well you’ll be incredibly grateful it was there either way.

Now you are ready to venture into the wild, a beautiful bride with all the tools to… SURVIVE THE CEREMONY! 

Pinch Provisions Minimergency© Kit (click for link)

Minimergency© Bridesmaids Kit (click for link)

Austin & Jake: Arden Photography

The fall wedding season is in full swing here at Arden Photography! But who could complain when you've got such beautiful people to photograph?! We often say that a happy bride makes all the difference when it comes to the wedding photos. Austin was more than happy - she was absolutely beaming! She smiled and laughed all day - we don't have a single photo of her where she isn't. Their wedding was full of elegant charm, pops of vibrant color, and handmade tokens that made it all the more intimate. Thank you Austin and Jake for letting us be part of your big day! 

Vendor of the Week: Christoper Confero

Christopher Confero was the vendor and event planner of this beautiful wedding. We love his work, we love working with him, we love him - in a totally normal, non-obsessive way, I promise…. Every wedding he plans is a dream, and we love photographing them! He was also the wedding planner for Arden and William's ceremony! 

Can you tell we loved this wedding?? I mean come on, you know it is going to be awesome when you walk in to find a bunch of bridesmaids, hair in rollers, champagne flute in hand and cheering on their favorite football team! Kylee and Jay married beneath streamers blowing in the wind. Who doesn't love a groom in a bow tie and bridesmaids in mismatching dresses? We had such a great time capturing this wedding! 

Psst…. that's Christopher pinning the boutonniere! 

Top 5 Must Have Wedding Photos

You have fantasized about this day since the first episode of Full House when Uncle Jesse came walking down the stairs with that signature grin of his… say it with me ladies, “John Stamos.” You pictured the dress, him lifting your veil, the first kiss, the first dance – all of it! And while John Stamos might not be the man at the altar in reality, you still want that picture-perfect wedding! The big day can go by so fast that it’ll be like a blur in your memory. This is why the photos are such a big deal – you’ll have these forever! This is the list of our top five must have wedding photos featuring some of the best memories you will make.

1.    Mom Arranging Bride’s Gown

Getting a snap of mom tying up your dress, clasping your necklace, or pulling your veil down is something both of you will cherish for years to come.

2.    The “First Look”

This is a controversial one. Some couples want to wait until they’re together at the altar to see each other for the first time. But we love it when couples do a “first look.” It’s special, the one moment you and your very soon-to-be husband can just admire each other with no one else around (but us photogs of course!). Even if you choose not to do this, that moment when he first sees you coming down the aisle, is a gorgeous memory to capture.

3.    Bride and Groom Holding Hands at the Altar

Right after you hand off your bouquet, and before the rings are exchanged, there’s an instant where you and your groom clasp hands while you declare your vows. This stands out as that moment of unity.

4.    Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances

There is so much emotion to capture while you twirl about on the dance floor. Dad whispers something to his daughter and you see her tear up. Mom laughs and smiles at her son as he says something about “crazy Aunt Millie over there.” They are so proud of you, and this is worthy of every photo album ever.

5.    The Big Send Off

We’ve seen couples do some truly unique exit strategies – this is, hands down, why it is one of our favorite captures! Everything from old Volkswagen buses, café racer motorcycles, golf carts, and Gatsby-esque Rolls Royces have been used to whisk off the new couple to their happily ever after!

The truth is that there are tons of must have photos on your wedding day. Everything should be captured from beginning to end, so that you’ll always have those memories. That’s our job, but it’s also what we love…. And John Stamos ;)