Styled Shoot | Swann Lake Stables Birmingham, Alabama

From the moment Hannah texted me to the moment I was standing in a creek, I absolutely loved every second spent being a part of this Birmingham, Alabama styled shoot.

I met Hannah while speaking to a photography class at the University of Mobile. She wanted to shadow me at any weddings I had coming up that season to which I gladly replied, YES! I got my “start” second shooting for someone in Mobile, Alabama, so why would I not return the favor?! Hannah actually helped me with the wedding where I ended up meeting my husband! I remember giggling with her about how cute the brother of the bride was.

Since that wedding day, I have watched Hannah develop her passion of photography. She absolutely loves documenting people’s stories & it shows in everything she produces. Seriously follow her @tharpvisuals!

One of Hannah’s business goals for this year was to create & execute a styled shoot. And she put together a really awesome crew of vendors that I loved connecting with too. Okay enough chit-chat…let these photos speak for themselves about how stunning this Swann Lake Stables styled shoot was.

The Creative Team who made this styled shoot happen:

Planning & Main Photographer: Hannah of Tharp Visuals ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Second Photographer: Debby of Deborah Michelle Photography ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Venue: Swann Lake Stables ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Florals: Maddie of Kindred Events⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Models: @stacibledsoe & her handsome hubby⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Dress: Imperial Formal Wear⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Hair & Makeup Artist: @hairandmakeupbyak⠀⠀

New Town Newlywed | A Personal Post

Hey Auburn, Hey Auburn, there's a new girl in town...

Never in a million years would I have imagined that this Bama girl would be living in that other town. You see I grew up just south of Tuscaloosa & my t-shirts are crimson & white. But God sure does have a sense of humor because I fell in love with an Auburn boy.

Moving in general is a huge undertaking but moving a small business can be hard. For years you've worked to established yourself in an area & eventually became friends with the wedding professionals that you've worked alongside & now it's like the first day of kindergarten all over again. But if there's one thing I have learned, it's that you have to seek out community. And that's my number one goal as I move into my new town.

Meet my little family. Richard is my HUSBAND. *Goodness I like the sound of that. :) He is the kindest, gentlest soul that I've ever known & often teaches me to live in the moment. He is finishing up his PhD at Auburn University & I am so proud of him. I'll never forget the first conversation we had. I asked him where he lived & when he said Auburn I responded with "Oh I'm sorry!" Ha! Jokes on me because the loveliest village on the plains is now my new home as a newlywed. 

And our family wouldn't be complete without our four legged son, Elliot. He loves any adventure that we bring him along, especially if it ends in an ice cream cone from Sonic.

So far I am blown away by the hospitality shown by this town & have had the best time exploring new places. I have discovered all the coffee shops (of course) & love weekends spent with brunch at The Hound followed by a trip to Kiesel Park with Elliot.

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Hey thanks for reading this little personal post & following me along on this exciting new season of life as a newlywed.

If you are a fellow photographer or creative in the Auburn, Opelika, Columbus areas, let's grab coffee ASAP! (And maybe do a head-shot swap so my sweet husband doesn't have to next time. Bless it, he did so well didn't he?!) Seriously, I cannot wait to get to know you & work alongside you.

xoxo,

Debby Cullum

*Mobile, I am still your girl. I will forever travel to your Gulf Coast to capture your wedding days. So don't think I have abandoned you. My car knows I65 South real well.

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Our wedding was shot by the wonderful Elizabeth Gelineau - check out our blog here which was also recently featured on Southern Weddings! AHHH!

Collage pictures were shot with an iPhone X.

Tori & Trey | Engaged

I believe in finding someone who makes you laugh. From the blushing giggles on the first date to the abs-on-fire laughter after a long day of unpacking boxes in your new home. A wise man once said, "Your only goal in life is to keep her laughing. If you can do that, you're good."

I have no doubt that Trey will keep Tori laughing for the rest of their lives. Her smile can light up any room & I'm sure Trey doesn't mind bringing that smile to her face on a daily basis.  Their engagement session was my first to photograph as an engaged photographer! Ah! It's so fun to celebrate alongside my couples & share in the excitement of this season.

Tori & Trey are absolutely adorable & basically rocked their entire portrait time. Congrats you two!

I simply adore these two.

Lou's Jewelry in Mobile, Alabama is the best. They made Tori her dream ring. Isn't it stunning?!

So very excited to capture their wedding day this August!

Catharine & Kevin | Engaged

Early morning sessions normally aren't my thing but between these two & that light, I might schedule them more often.

Catharine & Kevin met in college during an anatomy class & have been dating for nearly 3 years. Now they are planning a small & intimate Spring wedding. I have photographed them both individually but never together. And what a treat that was to finally have that opportunity.

We met up for their engagement session at Springhill College & walked along the avenue of grand oaks with their precious pup, Ava. Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session!

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Natalie | Awaiting Baby

Last year Natalie & Ryan embarked on life as newlyweds. And this year they will welcome their first child, a sweet baby boy. Ah! I remember the moment I saw their announcement. It felt just like a family member telling me such exciting news. I adore all of my clients & Natalie was one of the sweetest & most carefree brides. So I was delighted when she reached out again & asked me to capture a few portraits of her to remember this sweet season of waiting.

Justin Blake, you are already so loved.

Natalie, you are going to be the best mommy to your sweet baby boy. I loved reconnecting with you for this session & thanks for enduring an afternoon in South Alabama during June at almost eight months pregnant. You look absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait to encourage you & Ryan along in this new adventure!

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Interested in seeing how far the Galloways have come???

See Natalie & Ryan's wedding photos from last October here!

Greening + Kelley Families | Spring 2017

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I wish you could experience the laughter that we shared on this Saturday morning in Fairhope, Alabama. (Seriously my cheeks were genuinely sore afterwards.) However that should've come as no surprise. You see I've known Meredyth, the youngest Greening daughter, for about a year. And when we are together, we laugh. A ton.

I've heard so many stories about this sweet family & so to finally meet my best friend's family was a real treat. Enjoy a few of my favorites from their family session.

This little guy cracked me up. Don't worry by the end of the session, I was the coolest & received a high-five.

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Forty-two years of marriage later, these two have three incredible daughters who have brought them much laughter. The Greenings have experienced many highs & lows but have remained faithful & trusted in the Lord's path. And I love that.