A Year in Review | 2021 Weddings and Engagements

Dusting off the blog for one of my favorites - A Year in Review: 2021 Edition.

What a year! We powered through 2020 making lemonade out of lemons…and this year we switched the lemons for limes & added tequila to make margaritas that helped us through 2021!

This year brought about nine weddings and one reception celebration. Grateful for the opportunity to get to know my couples, beginning at their engagement session and continuing onto the exit of the reception. (*And hopefully many more years to come, too!) I also got to work alongside some extremely talented creatives like floral designers, venue owners, wedding planners & fellow photographers.

Thank you, sweet clients turned friends, for trusting me with such an exciting season of life. Enjoy a snapshot of Deborah Michelle Photography’s 2021 Weddings & Engagements!

Special thanks to everyone who helped me out this year. From my second shooters to the wedding coordinator turned veil tosser, YOU ROCK! Community over Competition may just be a hashtag & motto on social media, but I truly felt it this year.

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Rebekah & Will | May 15, 2021

Bama Bed & Breakfast - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

What an incredible wedding day for Rebekah & Will despite all the hurdles that happened while planning a wedding in the middle of a pandemic. Pure joy from the first look until the last twirl on the dance floor. Their ceremony was held with just family & bridal party in attendance. And tacos & margaritas were served at their reception.

Shout out to Posh Occasions by Sheriah & her crew for making this couple’s intimate Tuscaloosa backyard wedding incredible.

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Deedee & John | May 24, 2021

Wanderlust Treehouse - Crane Hill, Alabama

Magical. That’s the one word I would choose to describe this treehouse elopement. It was a blessing to stand alongside their circle of family & friends as witnesses to the marriage covenant. *Bonus: this was one of two sisters that I had the pleasure to photograph this year!

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Brooke & Spencer | June 6, 2021

Camelot Manor - Birmingham, Alabama

I would gaze upon Camelot Manor every time I drove from Birmingham to Auburn & couldn't wait until "the shoe fit" for me to photograph a wedding there. And my Bride, Brooke, made that dream happen!

From the Disney tunes sung as the girls got ready to Spencer's dance with his mom, everything felt sprinkled in magical fairy dust. This wedding was a dream come true for all involved.

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Claire & John | June 12, 2021

Barn at Smith Lake - Birmingham, Alabama

A brunch wedding?! Count me in every time. What an honor to witness Claire & John’s wedding vows & walk alongside them during this new season of marriage. Rain may have changed their original ceremony plans, but Plan B turned out to be better than Plan A! Plus who doesn’t love a wall of donuts at a reception?!

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Anna & Dominque | June 26, 2021

Citronelle Community Center - Mobile, Alabama

We laughed, oh how we laughed when Anna's big brothers tossed rose petals down the aisle. And we cried the moment Anna walked down the aisle. The heavens let out a few rain drops to let us all know that her mom was with us.

Saturday, June 26, 2021 was a special day for Anna & Dom as they finally became husband & wife after a COVID postponement. And it's one I am so incredibly grateful to have been a witness to.

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Elizabeth & Michael's Reception | July 10, 2021

Oak Hollow Farm - Fairhope, Alabama

Elizabeth & Michael were married with just their parents in attendance last summer. A year later, friends & family gathered around to celebrate with a laidback reception. I love how everyone came together to share first dances, toasts & cake to celebrate these two.

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Brittney & Trae | September 4, 2021

Banana Cabana 2.0 - Gulf Shores, Alabama

"I love you more than all of the sand of every beach in the world." Brittney & Trae would say that to each other from time to time, but little did they know they'd one day escape to the beach to get married one day.

My goodness, I had the best time celebrating them along with their family (again) & friends in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

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Rachel & Colin | October 9, 2021

Aldridge Gardens - Birmingham, Alabama

Rachel & Colin are two of the kindest, grace-giving couples you will ever meet. From the tear-filled first look to sharing communion with their wedding guests, it was everything they had dreamt of.

Both families were so warm & welcoming the entire weekend. I loved being at their rehearsal & hearing all the stories of them growing up, finding each other & falling in love.

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Kaylynn & Nick | November 20, 2021

Greensboro Baptist Church - Greensboro, Alabama

The most gorgeous fall wedding day back in Greensboro, Alabama. It was a joy to be back in my hometown with so many familiar faces & in the church where we all grew up! Kaylynn & her family were a delight to work with, along with her entire bridal party. After the vows were said, the night ended in celebration at the Moundville Archaeological Park in Moundville, Alabama.

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Lauren & Edward | December 18, 2021

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion - Mobile, Alabama

A few rain drops did not stop us from celebrating Lauren & Edward. She looked stunning in her gown from Wedding Belles & veil borrowed from one of her bridesmaids. Rose Bud Flowers completed the look with her hairpiece & bouquet. And Edward looked dapper in a classic tux & bow tie. They said “I Do” at the lovely St. Mary’s Catholic Church & danced the night away at one of my favorite Mobile venues, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion .

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Engagements

If you’re reading this year’s blog, cheers! Let’s keep the tacos & margs coming!

I LOVE engagement portrait sessions because it allows me to interact with my couples before their wedding day. They get to know me & I get to know them. We’ll either visit spots that hold special meanings to each couple or chose to go on new adventures.

This year I got to visit my alma mater, the University of Mobile, explore Morris Avenue in downtown Birmingham, swing by one of Birmingham’s breweries (Back Forty), and enjoy the gorgeous gardens at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Five of these couples you’ll get to see again in 2022!

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In Memory

COVID took away two beautiful souls this year; one being my dear friend & wedding coordinator, Heather Pfefferkorn. And another being the mother of one of my brides, Mrs. Tammy. Portraits are all that we have left when those we love the most pass away. And this year reminded me that my job as a photographer is so important.

Heather believed in me as a small business owner & was a huge reason why I choose her wedding venue over all others in Mobile. Her unexpected passing at the beginning of 2021 definitely had an impact on me treasuring every interaction from that point forward.

Mrs. Tammy joined her daughter, Anna, for her bridals in early March at Springhill. And at the end of every session, I like to include those that helped out despite being dressed in a t-shirt & jeans. Just to remember those who were there with you. And I am beyond grateful that I snapped a few of those “just because” portraits. She would pass away before Anna’s wedding day, but knowing she saw her daughter in her wedding dress gave us some peace.

A Year in Review | 2020 Weddings and Engagements

Have you ever tried to plan a wedding during a global pandemic? Yeah, me either. But almost all of my brides this year had to & what a year it was for weddings. Everything from safely gathered outdoor ceremonies to small intimate backyard affairs. My brides are some of the strongest, most adaptable brides out there. They took the lemons that they were given & made the sweetest lemonade.

I am grateful for every first kiss as husband & wife captured & every first look in the mirror after the bride realizes that “today is finally the day”. But the real MVP of this year of weddings would have to be the hand sanitizer provided at every wedding, “Spread Love, Not COVID.” Seriously, these will be fun stories to share one day.

Thank you, sweet client turned friend, for trusting me with your sweet season of life. Enjoy a snapshot of Deborah Michelle Photography’s 2020 Weddings & Engagements!

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Abbie & Jacob | January 4, 2020

Harvest Hollow Venue & Farm Huntsville, Alabama

Oh Abbie & Jacob! 2020 started off with one of the best celebrations Harvest Hollow has ever seen (*not fact, I totally made that up. But it’s probably true). It was unbelievably cold, but you two & your bridal party were troopers. This wedding was held right before masks were worn & everything got tilted on its side. I’ll forever treasure dancing with the two of you on your dance floor. *P.S. Abbie’s “something borrowed” was my very own veil! What a treat to share something so special with one of my dear brides.

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Ann-Hayden & Tim | March 14, 2020

Private Home - Lake Martin, Alabama

I met Ann-Hayden at a get-together for wedding vendors years ago, so when she reached out about her upcoming wedding day I was thrilled! I adored their March wedding held at the most beautiful cabin on Lake Martin. Only thirty of their closest friends & family were in attendance. It turned out to be the most relaxing & special day for Ann-Hayden to marry Tim…not to mention the moves that her dad busted out during their Father-Daughter dance!

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Sammi & Stuart | June 27, 2020

Robertson Barn Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Sammi & Stuart decided to get married on "the land" where they one day plan on building a home. It's so neat to have one of your first set of memories here be your wedding day. ⁣I can see them now, rocking on their front porch years from now reminiscing over their summer wedding with their dearest friends & family. ⁣The celebration continued with a reception at the Robertson Barn, dancing & a good time were had!

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Brittany & Cooper | July 18, 2020

Hoover-Randle Home & Gardens Birmingham, Alabama

A ring pupper, one timeless bride, first-dance choreographed to “Lover” by Taylor Swift…need I say more about how awesome this wedding was?! Brittany & I immediately bonded over being Cavalier moms & the rest is history. Brittany & Cooper made the tough decision to post-pone their original date & I must say their second date was perfection. Their family & closest friends gathered for an outdoor ceremony as they exchange vows.

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Elizabeth & Michael | July 25, 2020

Little Flower Catholic Church Mobile, Alabama

And the gold medal for the MOST adaptable couple getting married during a pandemic goes to these two! Seriously they faced literally anything & everything imaginable leading up to their wedding day. But none of that mattered the moment when she walked down that aisle.

*Huge shout-out to my team for helping pull of this wedding - could not have done it without Elizabeth & Amber.

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Kylie & Ricky | August 1, 2020

Three Oaks Farm LaGrange, Georgia

You may recognize Kylie & Ricky from their Auburn proposal earlier this year - catch that blog post here! And let me tell you, Kylie was the dream bride. Her attention to every single detail throughout the entire wedding process was flawless. After all was said & done, I felt like we were the best of friends & I had the best time celebrating the two of them this summer.

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Becca & Mikey | October 17, 2020

Jubilee Suites Fairhope, Alabama

As if a global pandemic wasn’t enough to deal with, add a hurricane! Goodness, I remember texting my bride after Sally just to make sure her venue was still standing. Thankfully it did not sustain any damage after the storm, unlike a lot of the Gulf Coast. A few weeks later, Becca & Mikey finally tied the knot during the loveliest ceremony overlooking Mobile Bay. I’ve known Becca for several years & in a way I felt like an honorary bridesmaid as I tagged along all day. Their joy just radiated to everyone who attended this backyard affair.

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Amber & Blake | November 14, 2020

Mimosa Ridge Livingston, Alabama

A love story seven years in the making started a new chapter as husband & wife this past November. When choosing a late ceremony start time in the fall, a first look is very much needed. And I am thrilled out how these golden hour portraits turned out. It was truly perfection…added bonus was the sweetest bride, Amber, & her squad!

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Chyna & Hampton | November 21, 2020

Steelwood Country Club Loxley, Alabama

Delayed nuptials (#thanksCOVID) turned into the most gorgeous fall wedding for Chyna & Hampton. Initially, we bonded over our love of pups & then become friends during the wedding planning process. The weather was incredible, their family was so hospitable & their joy could not be contained. And I got to be back on the Gulf Coast which was a delight!

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Rachel & Stephen | December 12, 2020

Private Home - Birmingham, Alabama

Give me all the twinkle lights in December, a family-only affair & waffles for dinner & I’m there! Unlike most wedding days where I meet the couple beforehand, this was the first time I had met Rachel & Stephen. They always dreamt of a small, intimate wedding ceremony & thanks to COVID they got their wish. They exchanged vows underneath a tent in her parents’ backyard surrounded by their parents, siblings, nieces, nephews & me! I had the best time, despite the few rain showers from the day, & left feeling like one of the family.

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Summer & Keith | December 23, 2020

Jefferson County Courthouse - Birmingham, Alabama

“We’re getting married before the end of the year,” is what Summer told her friends after multiple rescheduling attempts. And by golly it happened! She contacted me on a Monday & by Wednesday afternoon they were husband & wife. BTW who knew how stunning the local courthouse was?! Hello gorgeous gold doors! I had the best time celebrating these two, along with their moms, as they officially became Mr. & Mrs.!

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I am also incredibly grateful for the chance to second shoot five weddings with 3 of the kindest photographers this year, too!

Nikki with Blue and Blue Photography - Huntsville, AL

Anna with Anna Filly Photography - Montgomery, AL

Elizabeth with Elizabeth Gelineau Photography - Mobile, AL

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Engagements

You already know how challenging 2020 was; however, getting to celebrate this engagement season with five of my brides was certainly a highlight! Earlier in the year, I traveled down to Auburn for Kylie & Ricky’s session. Then visited The Farm in Akron for the first time with Amber & Blake. Rebekah & Will met me in Birmingham to explore one of my favorites, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Then this fall DMP explored Rachel & Colin’s wedding venue, Aldridge Gardens, for their portraits. And wrapping up this year was a park-hopping-adventure with Brooke & Spencer at Railroad Park & Avondale Park both here in Birmingham.

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Shout Outs

Special thanks to everyone who helped me out this year. From my second shooters to the bridesmaid turned professional veil-tosser, YOU ROCK! Community over Competition may just be a hashtag & motto on social media, but I truly felt it this year.

Cheers to surviving this year as wedding photographers! I look forward to what the New Year brings us & our dear couples getting married in 2021.

Debby

Amber & Blake | A Farm Engagement Portrait Session

After months of planning, the day Amber & Blake have waited for is finally here! They will be saying “I Do” this Saturday on what is guaranteed to be a beautiful fall wedding day.

Luckily I had the opportunity to hang out with them before their big day. Amber suggested The Farm in Akron, Alabama and I was blown away. This was my first time to this venue (that isn’t far from where I grew up) & it made for the perfect backdrop to their engagement portraits.

I left this engagement portrait session feeling like I’ve known them since high school & I cannot wait to celebrate them very soon! Enjoy a few of my many favorites from their engagement portrait session.

Let’s get the two of you married!!!