Brittany & Cooper | Downtown Birmingham, Alabama Engagement Portrait Session

This Alabama bride-to-be was one of my first contacts to make in Birmingham, Alabama a year ago & we had an instant connection. We’re both dog MOMS - both to two adorably handsome Cavalier King Charles Cocker Spaniels.

Brittany works for an incredible non-profit here in our community, Hand-in-Paw, & she trusted me to photograph several of their events last year (*shameless plug, sign up for the Mutt Strut - it’s such a blast). Last year she got engaged to the best dog dad for Chester & asked me to photograph one of the most special days in her life. I about fell out of my chair with excitement!

Brittany & Cooper are two of the chillest people that I’ve ever met. They’re the type of friends who I could call that would always be down to grab a drink at one of Birmingham’s local breweries after work or meet up for dinner with the pups in toe. Their entire engagement session was so laid back & effortless as the they simply enjoyed being together.

Brittany chose the first location, Shoppe Bham. And I must return. It was the cutest little spot for some cozy, laidback engagement portraits.

Brittany is incorporating succulents into her wedding decor, so this detail shot of her ring is perfect!

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Next stop, downtown Birmingham at the Elyton Hotel. If you think these portraits are great, just wait until you see the rooftop ones! >insert heart eyes<

I’m in love with all things rooftop. Such a gorgeous view of downtown Birmingham, wouldn’t you agree?!

Cheers to this sweet season of planning my friends! Literally cannot wait to capture your 2020 wedding day!

Venues: The Shoppe & Moon Shine Elyton Hotel

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!

Jen & Chris | Downtown Birmingham Engagement Session

This Alabama Wedding Photographer met her husband at a wedding of all places! And I love hearing how other couples find their way to each other. For Jen & Chris, they met at church here in Birmingham, Alabama. After several conversations, they discovered that they had many things in common like their careers, interests, & values. They spent many weekends going on outdoor adventures, brunch dates & seeing shows at local theaters. Jen mentioned in our initial email that, “It was such an amazing year getting to know each other more.”

After nearly two years, Chris purchased a ring that he just had to give to her. Like absolutely couldn’t wait to give it to her. So within a few days he had asked everyone for their blessings. Chris proposed in Atlanta, Georgia in front of the Fox Theater. Talk about the most thought out, perfect proposal for these two!

I admit I was a little anxious about showing up to this downtown Birmingham engagement portrait session, but after nearly 10 minutes I felt like an old college friend. Jen went to the University of West Alabama (Go Tigers!) & Chris went to that other university in the state….Auburn. (My husband is an AU alumnus too!) Their smiles are contagious & their love for one another is evident in how they serve one another. He supports her dreams, while she does the same.

One thing that I absolutely loved about their portrait session was how Chris could not wipe that grin off of his face when he looked at his girl. And I love how Jen laughs from deep within her soul. In our chats Jen mentioned that they were both nurses & love the arts. So I jumped at the chance to plan out their unique engagement portrait session. Railroad Park provided the best cityscape for their scrubs - which I adore BTW! Aren’t they so stinking cute in their Converse, too?! And then we ending the evening in the Birmingham Theater District with the lights of the Alabama Theater marquee sign adding a little sparkle to their already incredible love story.

Without further ado, I present to you one of my favorite engagement portrait sessions since moving to my new city. Let me know in the comments which set of portraits is your favorite! Team Scrubs or Team Theater?

Ok - fine we may have laughed some during this session. And by some I mean a lot. So much so, my cheeks were sore too!

Ah! The most perfect springtime blooms! Thank you Railroad Park for welcoming the new season so well.

Ya’ll, I just adore these two so much.

Jen! You look absolutely stunning in that dress, girl! I can only imagine how beautiful you will be in your wedding gown this fall. And Chris, you are so dapper!

To the soon to be Martins, thank you for allowing me to serve you well during this exciting season of your life. I wish you the best as you begin this new adventure - trust me, it’s one of the best!

Vendors to thank for their awesomeness:

Photography: Deborah Michelle Photography

Makeup: Made by Jhae

Dress: Lulus

Hair: Erica McNeil of Integrity Salon Spa

Venues:

Railroad Park & Alabama Theater - Downtown Birmingham, Alabama