This past Saturday was the big day. After TEN YEARS together, Lauren and Michael were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Southern House and Garden in Tuscaloosa. It wouldn’t be an Alabama wedding in the summer of 2010 if the threat of rain wasn’t haunting us all day… It turned out to be a really nice, albiet sweltering hot, day and IT DIDN’T RAIN! Well, at least not until after Lauren and Michael had seen each other, all the photos were taken and the outdoor garden ceremony was complete. : ) It was the perfect outdoor wedding with one of the most geniunely sweet couples, and I honestly couldn’t be happier for those two.
The wedding preparation, ceremony and reception all took place at the Southern House and Garden. It was my first time at this venue, and I completely fell in love. There are so many awesome places for photos on the quaint property and the staff went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome.
The room where Lauren and her bridesmaids got dressed was perfect for taking all those fun detail shots.
Remember me gushing about Lauren’s wedding dress? Yep, still can’t get over it. I love it.
When Lauren was ready, it was time for her and Michael’s first look. With a ceremony start time of 7 p.m., it was pitch black dark within minutes of the couple being announced husband and wife. Having a first look and taking all of the photos beforehand was definitely the way to go.
The first look freed us up to take our time and get lots and lots of relaxed portraits of Lauren and Michael. The Southern House and Garden is located on a large piece of land that backs up to a grove of trees. They were such troopers to walk out through the field for their photos, but I think it was so worth it!
It was nice and extra hot when we started with the bridal party photos. You’d never have known by the way they were cracking jokes and cutting up.
Just before the ceremony started, we were able to sneak Lauren and Michael back outside for a few last minute photos. The light was perfect and the heat index had dropped. And these turned out to be some of my favorites of the day.
The wedding ceremony was held in the side garden of the Southern House. You could hear the rumble of thunder in the distance, but the rain held off and Lauren and Michael were able to have the outdoor ceremony they so badly wanted.
I don’t know if I’ve ever commented on this, but I adore grandparents. I think they are so special, and I cherish the very few photos that I have of my Grandmother and Papa from my own wedding. I always try to capture a few extra photos of the grandparents on a wedding day, and as I made my first run through, these two jumped out at me. So sweet.
Lauren’s daddy was so sweet. It was so touching to see him get emotional about giving away his daughter. I even teared up myself when they saw each other for the first time.
Because of the unique layout of the Southern House and Garden, my second shooter, Kristen, and I were able to split up and each take a side of the ceremony. I’m so glad we did too, because we caught the expressions on both Michael (smiling) and Lauren’s (crying) face.
After the ceremony, guests made their way into the house and barn out back. It was such an awesome set up for the reception and the night ended with lots of food and music. Ooohh — look at the pretty bridal portrait back there!
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) Absolutely precious!! 
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