Lauren | University of Alabama at Birmingham Senior

Mini marathon mixed with many vibrant colors is how I would describe this downtown Birmingham, Alabama senior portrait session. Lauren is a small town girl who came to the big city of Birmingham for college & completely fell in love. So much so that she has plans to stay.

Lauren came with me with this idea of including several of Birmingham’s murals in her college senior portraits & then let me run with the route. *Literally. We started out at Railroad Park for a view of the city including the Regions building where she will soon take her first job out of college with a Bachelor’s in Accounting from UAB.

We made stops at the Color Tunnel & the Rotary Trail, before jumping for joy at John’s City Diner with the popular “It’s nice to have you in Birmingham” mural. Scroll through & let us know which stop is your favorite!

LOVE this Friends reference! *Also, decorating your caps wasn’t a thing when I graduated but I think it’s super cute to add a little personality.

Congrats Lauren! Thanks for allowing DMP to celebrate this exciting season with you!

Catharine & Ansley | Senior Portraits

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I believe in movie nights spent on the couch with popcorn watching old home videos. Laughing over your youngest sibling's terrible bowl cut from third grade & recalling the smell of cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven while presents are opened on Christmas morning.

I grew up with a brother, so having a sister is foreign to me. But I imagine the sister bond is strong - once you get past the stage of stealing each others' clothes. Ha! Who am I kidding, that probably never stops.

I can only imagine the memories these two sisters have shared throughout the years. This year is a special one, though, because they are both seniors for the class of 2017 - Catharine, a college graduate, & Ansley, a high school graduate.

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I simply loved adventuring around downtown Mobile with these two sisters. A random parking garage & Bienville Square made for the perfect backdrops for Catharine & Ansley.

Congrats girls! So thankful you allowed me to capture such an exciting season for you two & your family.

Meagan | Senior Portraits

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

Mobile, Alabama has three major universities - University of Mobile (my alma mater), Springhill College (UMobile's crosstown rival) & University of South Alabama (Go Jags). So one afternoon I ventured across town for another senior session for a college grad.

But not just any senior - her name is Meagan. She is a sweet as that smile on her face. And very driven in the pursuit of following her passions.

I met up with this sweet gal & her mom on a very windy afternoon. But they were troopers. Meagan's long curly blonde hair & style is oh so fabulous - trust me when I say you're going to want to keep scrolling to see with her second outfit. Hint: romper with ruffles! Ah. I could never pull that off but her long legs sure can!

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Congrats Meagan! And remember to be fearless as you embark on this new journey.

Abbie | Senior Portraits

I believe in heart to hearts over a cup of coffee. Adventures spent exploring new places. Road trips with your college besties. And staying true to one's self.

Abbie is all of that rolled into one. It's been fun to watch her grow over the years. She brings much joy not only to my life but to everyone else around her. I'm thankful for our heart-to-hearts over coffee & the laughter shared, even through the tears. Super proud to call this stunning young lady my friend.

Abbie's oldest brother, Kris, & his wife, Paige, also graduated from the University of Mobile this spring. They with their masters' degrees & Abbie with her Bachelor of Science in Communication. So we most certainly had to snap a few of the 3 McAuley graduates. *Check out Kris & Paige's blog post here.

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A few days later, we took it to the streets. There I asked Abbie to climb on top of a concrete block in the middle of a parking deck in downtown Mobile. Being the adventurer that she is, she obliged. And with a little boost from yours truly she made it.

I'm glad she took a moment to be fearless & trust me.

Because y'all. It was worth it.

Giiiiiirlllll. I see you. ;)

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Abbie's best friend, Reagan, tagged along for this downtown session & of course I had to snag a few bestie shots because why not?!

*Shout out to Serda's for the fabulous coffee, as always.

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Abbie - I am so excited to watch you conquer your dreams as you embark on this new journey known as 'adulthood' & for many more coffee dates.

Kris & Paige | Senior Portraits

I believe in cheering you on throughout life's journey.

Standing up & cheering as you walk across that stage to receive your diploma. Drawing closer to your chest as we sway in our kitchen after a long day of work. And putting aside our computer screens for an evening stroll while we dream about growing old together.

These two are some of my favorites & I am truly blessed to call them dear friends. I've known them since we were all freshmen starting at the University of Mobile in the fall of 2008. Kris was head-over-heels in love with Paige since day 1, but it took a little convincing before she was on the same page. Kris knew he wanted Paige as his bride & he wasn't going to take 'no'. I love his persistence in their story. And I'm so glad she gave him a chance because their marriage is one I look up to. They laugh & cry together all while accomplishing their dreams hand-in-hand.

This spring the McAuley's graduated with their Masters' Degrees - Business for Kris & Nursing for Paige. And Kris' youngest sibling, Abbie, also graduated from the University of Mobile with her Bachelor's degree in Communication, so we just had to get a few photos in of the 3 McAuley graduates. *There's a fun surprise at the end of this blog post, so keep reading. Promise it's worth it!

"Babe, you look good in graduation attire." Paige commented & I completely agree.

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I believe in squeezing your hand so tightly as we hear our baby's heartbeat for the first time.

*That's right - Baby McAuley is on the way!!! YAY YAY YAY!

Paige is one of my friends who lift-tone-burns with me at Pure Barre Mobile. And I will never forget the day I questioned her, "Are you pregnant?" *Elliot head tilt included.* She blushed & said "yes." Which resulted in a few excited screams. Ah! We had already discussed this senior portrait session prior to this news, so when she approached me with a pregnancy announcement I was all in!

Baby McAuley - you are already so loved. And have the funniest, kindest & Christ-like parents. I cannot wait to meet you.

Callie | Senior Portraits

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This sweet girl contacted me almost a year ago about her senior portraits, so when we finally met for her session it felt like we'd known each other for awhile.

Callie is graduating from the University of Mobile this spring with a degree in Early Childhood Education.

I loved roaming about my alma mater capturing this exciting season of her life. Callie has the sweetest soul & will be an incredible teacher.

*Little did Callie know that her boyfriend was now hiding inside Lyon Chapel waiting to ask her a very important question. See how this senior session quickly changed in to a proposal!

SHE SAID YES!!!

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Congrats Callie on graduating college & on your recent engagement!