Brooke + April | Alabama, Vintage Inspired Wedding
I originally met Brooke and April when they were guests at a small elopement in Colorado. We got to talking because you really can’t shut me up if you mention living in Georgia. When I caught wind of this, I found out that Brooke and April were actually engaged. Among all the Georgia things we chatted about, they also told me they didn’t have a photographer. Um excuse me - what? Let me help? Yes Irma, we’d love to have you obviously you’re so amazing and cool!! Well…it went something like that. We ended up exchanging numbers/social media handles and the rest is history!
Their wedding venue at Twenty One Acres in Auburn, Alabama is right over the Georgia state line. I can see why they picked this place. They live in Columbus which is less than an hour from Auburn. For a small outdoor wedding with a minimal wedding party it fit everyone like a glove.
The way that Brooke and April designed everything was breathtaking. The color palette. All the vintage thrifted items. The dried floral arrangements. I wish you could've seen it. If only there were pictures. Oh wait, it’s almost as if I was there…with cameras…weird.
I say April and Brooke did all of this but April made it a point to tell me that it was all Brooke’s idea and creation. So shout out Brooke! Also to the awesome planner and the officiant who were friends of theirs. They all made the day go by so smooth and stress free. Having friends as vendors is such a load off. That is also why I give my recommendations on vendors if you are undecided.
April’s maid of honor and family were so sweet and funny. Cracking jokes the whole time. Even April was practically begging me to drink mimosas and eat all the snacks. You can tell she’s a good hostess for parties.
April wrote a beautiful book of poetry to surprise Brooke with. Brooke also had a surprise for April which was a second ring aka a gorgeous band.
Brooke got ready in the upstairs section of the main building. It was filled with a considerable amount of natural light pouring in from the large diamond shaped window above the master bed.
I love to capture candids of little ones.
These ring bearers had special duties and made sure to keep the rocks safe (with both hands).
Had to borrow the rings from them for a sec to get some shots on these thrifted glasses I flipped upside down. I honestly wish the entire reception decor could live in my house.
As you scroll, just imagine the guitarist’s peaceful serenade and the Fall golden hour light hitting your face as you listen.
Family holding tight preparing for the waterworks.
Yes we ran over to the swing. No I’m not including the outtakes of Brooke’s face swinging or practically flying out of her seat.. no matter how much April loves those photos - I just can’t embarrass Brooke okay.
These bouquets and the dresses! I can’t get enough.
Total candids trying to dodge some traffic for sunset shots. These were my favorites.
I’ve realized if you’re in the road with a wedding dress, people don’t yell at you or honk angrily.
Just happy honks and screams of CONGRATULATIONS!
Okay one more sort of candid one. I was going for a close up shot of their rings with a different lens but I wasn’t ready yet. They had huge smiles admiring their bouquets below and I couldn’t help but snap this.
In this little parking area outside, we had to take a little longer than anticipated to do some bustling before the wedding party was announced. I set them up against this wall instead of in front of the cars and I just love the simplicity of it.
The sun is setting and we’re still bustling. The automatic light came on for the parking area that gave the perfect light for some portraits. I was even able to get a double exposure with the moon and trees in the fourth photo.
Congrats Mrs. and Mrs.!
ITS FUN TO STAY AT THE ...
Fireworks, sparklers, and a fancy getaway car. A perfect combo to end the night.
10/10 recommend a firework send off.
Brooke booked me for a special winter shoot in Atlanta coming up so I can’t wait to spend time with her again. As for April, her texts crack me up. Hope we can all hang again soon - come back to Colorado if you’re reading this mmk? ;-)