Alabama wedding photographer Amanda Pair is based in Birmingham, AL

deb w. - I also like the mistake. And, Heather is so right about that being most people’s vision… :)January 24, 2012 – 1:00 am

Jody - I couldnt be more jealous if I tried! I so want to go to NOLA! :)January 19, 2012 – 2:13 pm

Hillary - I want to go with y’all!!!!January 19, 2012 – 11:20 am

Melissa - god i love that city. and all weekend I was jealous of you!

(Pollone, that’s how I feel!)January 18, 2012 – 8:41 pm

Pollone - Cripes… your -mistakes- are better than my real pictures! Best. Photog. Evar.January 18, 2012 – 8:16 pm

Kristin Nicole - What a pretty accident…love when that happens…January 18, 2012 – 7:23 pm

Heather - Much fun was had indeed. (How’s that for incoherent?) I love the out of focus picture….that’s probably most people’s vision of Bourbon Street anyways. I had a blast with you friend! You’re the canon to my nikon! ;)January 18, 2012 – 6:35 pm

out of excuses

January 10, 2012 in my life

Shortly after our baby was born, I went out and bought brand new running shoes. I did this in hopes that it would help get me focused on getting back in shape. But old habits are hard to break, and my commitment to exercise only extended to a promise of starting tomorrow. More than six months of “tomorrows” passed, and I was no closer to getting back in the gym. With the new year comes new resolutions and, of course, this is one of mine.

Two days ago, I reluctantly laced up my running shoes and paced around the house trying to psych myself up for the inevitable. On the way to the gym I managed to convince myself that I was indeed going to DIE. I would succumb to my laze and procrastination right there on the indoor track. I tried to tell Allen I had made a mistake — I wanted to get back in the car. I wanted to go home. I wanted my mommy. Waaah! Finally out of excuses, I regrouped and marched my post-baby body right into the gym. I took it “easy” that first day by focusing on a cardio workout. There was some sweating, some cussing, some praying and ultimately some celebrating. I did it! I pushed myself to finish my first good workout in more than a year. I’m still super sore from running intervals for an hour, but guess what? — I am still alive! Woohoo!

There is a point in me telling all of this. You see, I have a big milestone approaching… I have committed myself to the next seven(ish) weeks to finally make good on my tomorrow and get back in shape. I hope that putting it out there in such a public way will hold me accountable. Come February, I want to be able to run circles around my 30th birthday and maybe, just maybe, shake those last five pounds of baby weight in the process. Wish me luck!

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by Amanda

15 comments

Becky - yay Amanda! I started off 2012 with the same goal! Where are you working out? If you EVER want a workout buddy…LET ME KNOW please! Its so much more fun that way. ;)January 25, 2012 – 1:04 pm

Ron Pollone - Not only a talented photographer, but a gifted writer, too! Nice.January 14, 2012 – 10:26 am

Marissa Nicole - Good luck! I am in that procrastinating boat with you. I keep pushing it off & off & off, but my goal is to be ready for my first bathing suit season as a mom. Bikini ready? Ha yeah right. I will be happy to be ready for a Victoria Secret 1 piece…that’s the plan at least. Good luck to you too!January 13, 2012 – 5:34 pm

katie o. - I need that motivation. Of course, I also need more hours in a day. :) Good for you for getting out there, but honestly, you already look great!January 12, 2012 – 10:51 pm

Deb - Pre-pregnancy weight, wedding weight, intervals, 5K, stroller jog, body pump? Y’all make me tired! BUT, I am impressed that you have so many friends that are encouraging and healthy. Keep going… I’ll babysit. =)January 11, 2012 – 8:09 pm

Erin - You did an HOUR of intervals?? I’m super impressed. Keep it up! Although, you look great as is!January 11, 2012 – 1:50 pm

Maggie - You can do it! You have inspired me to start exercising again! I’m not sure why I don’t exercise more. I really do feel better when I’m active. Good luck!!!January 11, 2012 – 11:22 am

Gracie Johnsey - Good for you. I don’t know what it is about those last 5 lbs, but they’re the toughest. Good luck girl, I’ll join you on a stroller jog sometime if u want! Ok maybe a stroller walk…I dont do cardio these days, just a little strength training via body pump twice a week :) Keep us posted on your progress, oh yeah, and your 30th bday celebration!January 10, 2012 – 10:59 pm

Paige - Way to put it out there!!! Nothing makes you more accountable than letting EVERYONE know what your goal is. Keep it up for 5 weeks….after that it can become a habit and it is much easier. You got the gear…now throw that little one in that stroller and hit the road!!! PS it makes a much better workout pushing those jokers!!!January 10, 2012 – 7:22 pm

Gail - Good luck hon! Think about signing up for a 5K. Nothing gets me motivated more than a name on a registration form and a bib ;)January 10, 2012 – 7:08 pm

Christie - That’s awesome Amanda! I send you much encouragement! I know you’ll do it and feel so much better for it! You look fabulous now, but I know it’s more about how you FEEL, and reaching that goal you have set for yourself! So you go girl! Get your runnin’ shoes on!January 10, 2012 – 6:33 pm

Jimmy - Good luck Amanda!! I am working on getting into shape for my 30th Bday this year as well :) I have about 35 pounds to shed :(January 10, 2012 – 6:18 pm

Tina - Good for you! It’s SO hard getting back in shape after you fall out of your routine….unfortunately that’s where I’m at right now!January 10, 2012 – 6:13 pm

Coe - You are me 6 years, one baby and 20 lbs ago. I know it’s negative encouragement, but I ENVY YOU! The baby weight was “easy” to loose after number one. Now, I didn’t just wish it away. I did have to diet and I did have exercise, but by exercise I mean literally took some high pace strolls around the Springville park and poof…10 months later – hello, pre-pregnancy weight. Fast forward to now, over 3+ years post baby #2 and that weight is still here. You know what they say about breastfeeding and loosing weight. I stick a big ole tongue out at that one. Baby #1 – B/F for 16 weeks; Baby #2 – I B/F the whole year and even at that one year mark I was 20 lbs over the pre-pregnancy mark. The closest I’ve been is 6 lbs. away from the pre-pregnancy weight. I’m sitting here now at a not-so-comfy 12 lbs away from pre-pregnancy; 17 lbs away from my goal weight (my wedding weight). I say all of this to encourage you; to tell you you’re not alone and to tell you one last thing. I try to negatively encourage myself by reminding myself THIS is the youngest I’m ever going to be. If I’m going to keep aging (and I can’t control that one); I can control what I look like. If you’d like, follow Operation Skinny Sista (in conjuction with my sister) on FaceBook for hints, tips, encouragement and honest moments when I do slip (like finishing Casey’s Cheez-its a little bit ago). You can do; I’m sure of it!!!January 10, 2012 – 6:13 pm

Brittani - Go Amanda! You can do it! And if you’re willing to throw it out there and hold yourself accountable in the most public way, then deep down you know you can do it too :) Just live for that feel-good feeling when you get to walk out of the gym feeling SO good!January 10, 2012 – 6:07 pm

sunday & chris | birmingham wedding

January 7, 2012 in wedding photographer

Sunday and Chris. I don’t know what to say to accurately describe how much I like these two. Sunday is the consummate southern belle turned city girl. Her charm and sense of grace shines through in everything she does. Chris is a Boston-to-Birmingham transplant who through his 11 years in the south, has stayed true to his Red Sox and Patriots roots. His sense of humor and magnetic personality draws you in from the first introduction. Together, Sunday and Chris are one of those couples who leave an impression and make you want to be friends with them. Sunday lives in New York City, and Chris is leaving Birmingham to be with her. I know they will be sorely missed by everyone they leave behind.

I have been looking forward to their New Year’s Eve wedding since my first meeting with Chris. He and Sunday wanted their wedding to be the ultimate celebration, and I can honestly say that it was! As the crowd counted down the last seconds of 2011 and celebrated the ringing in of the new year, I couldn’t have been happier for these two. Their wedding was one for the books, and I’m excited to share it with you!

In our first meeting, Chris told me that he and Sunday did not want to see each other before the ceremony. But after discussing logistics and realizing that their wedding ceremony would end long after the sun had set, it was decided to coordinate a first look. It was such a special moment, and Sunday told me later how happy she was that it had worked out in that way. I always love the first time a groom sees his bride.

Because we had ample time for portraits, we were able to sneak Sunday and Chris away to nearby neighborhood The Preserve for their portraits. We were racing a setting sun, but I am so happy that we were able to pull them away and give them somewhere special for their photographs.

Sunday and Chris’ wedding ceremony was held at the beautiful Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama.

The Wynfrey Hotel was a beautiful setting for Sunday and Chris’ wedding reception. The formal details and sit down dinner perfectly fit the feel of their wedding. I loved how the table settings tied into the New Year’s Eve theme and pulled together their entire paper suite from the save-the-date cards all the way down to the table assignments.

In October of this year, Chris was admitted to the hospital for a migraine. After some tests and a diagnosis, he was quickly scheduled for surgery to remove a brain tumor. Yes, a BRAIN TUMOR. It was a really scary few days, but the surgeons were able to successfully remove the tumor. Chris was back to work just three weeks later and by all accounts is doing great. I tell this story because talk of “in sickness and health” was a recurring topic throughout the day. One of my favorite moments was when Chris’ brother and best man, Marc, stood to give his toast. As he recounted the days surrounding the surgery, emotions shifted between laughter and tears (mine included). Marc’s toast will go down as one of the best I have ever heard.

Remember when I said that Sunday and Chris wanted their wedding to be about celebrating? Well, celebrate they did! Their wedding reception at The Wynfrey is one of the most fun I have been to. A big thanks to Chris with Amerson Events for doing a great job! Guests were dancing from the first song and didn’t stop until well after the new year.

I LOVE this picture! Chris’ 91-year-old grandma was right in the mix all night. When I headed out well after 1 a.m. she was still smiling and having a great time.

If you know Chris and his love of technology and social media, you know why I think this photo is hilarious. There was even a #hashtag for those tweeting about the wedding which made it so fun to keep up with the excitement of the day!

Champagne toasts at midnight!

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by Amanda

9 comments

Sam - Awesome job on this wedding!! Actually felt like I was there as I was browsing through the photos, great job, keep postingJanuary 18, 2012 – 6:59 pm

Ashley - Looks like such a fun wedding!! They make a beautiful couple! Great job Amanda!!January 9, 2012 – 11:26 am

Maggie - Beautiful couple and wonderful pictures!I feel like I was at the wedding. I love they got married on New Years. What a neat idea. I love all the dance floor footage. Great job like usual!January 9, 2012 – 11:05 am

katie o. - What a fantastic way to ring in the new year! What a fabulous wedding!January 9, 2012 – 9:54 am

Deb - I don’t think there is a better date for a wedding than New Year’s Eve. What a celebration! I love the holiday touches from the poinsettias to the sparkle. Beautiful wedding and beautiful photos.January 8, 2012 – 9:54 pm

Allen - One of the best weddings I have been to in a long time-thanks so much. Congratulations to a cool couple! The pictures are wonderful!January 7, 2012 – 10:19 pm

Rossi - These are all great photos. Every single one of them! And I am not saying this simply because Chris is one of my best friends and favorite people. That wedding was beautiful, the reception was a blast, and your photos brought it back to life. I also really enjoyed reading your commentary. Very sweet and so true about how easy it is to like Sunday and Chris! Sunday looked beautiful–those eyes are amazing!January 7, 2012 – 10:14 pm

Melissa - so so sweet! love those photos of everyone ringing in the new year!January 7, 2012 – 3:15 pm

Jody - Amazing Amanda!! You did a FANTASTIC job capturing this beautiful couple :) I know they are going to LOVE them!! Excellent work!January 7, 2012 – 2:30 pm

my favorite things | scripture with pictures

January 4, 2012 in my favorite things | photography | products

Like many of you out there, I too have a slight obsession with Etsy and Pinterest and all things crafty and creative. I am the ultimate non-DIYer, so I love to come across random finds and marvel at the creative genius behind them. Last month, I followed a link in a tweet from my neighbor and inspiration blogger, Paula. I sat at my computer with the biggest smile on my face as I browsed through her new venture, Scripture with Pictures. What a great idea! I immediately added the shop to my list of favorites and hoped for an excuse to return.

Fast forward a few weeks to a play date with some girls from my photography lunch group. Using this photo as inspiration, we set up our own Christmas backdrop and took turns photographing our little munchkins. You can’t tell in the photo below, but there is twinkling bokeh behind the baby. I didn’t intend any grand plans for the photos, other than to have them as a keepsake from our first Christmas. But then, as I browsed the photos on my desktop, it hit me.

I contacted Paula hoping it wasn’t too late for a last minute gift idea. She came through for me and delivered the most cherished gift that I both gave and received this Christmas — yes, in addition to giving one to each of our parents, I gifted one to myself too :)

To me, there is no occasion in which a framed photo is a bad gift. But adding a touch of personalization through scripture is so perfect. These frames are beautiful and unexpected, and have been added to the list as one of my new favorite things!

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by Amanda

13 comments

Gail - Oh that is SO sweet!!January 17, 2012 – 8:35 pm

Dana - I love Paula and her new scripture frames!! That is the perfect picture/scripture combination, so lovely :)January 12, 2012 – 10:50 am

Deb - One of my all-time favorite gifts! Thanks for the info on the shoppe, too.January 8, 2012 – 9:59 pm

Ashley - I love it!! That little model makes it even better!January 5, 2012 – 10:23 pm

Jill - I love it so much!! My favorite picture of Ava!January 4, 2012 – 2:56 pm

katie o. - Adorable. Such a precious gift!January 4, 2012 – 2:06 pm

Tereasa - Great idea…just precious, lil Ava and the frame with the special saying!

Isn’t motherhood just wonderful!!!!January 4, 2012 – 1:08 pm

Kristin Nicole - Oh so cute! This might be a New Years gift to myself!January 4, 2012 – 12:43 pm

Amanda - It came with the frame, mat and scripture all put together in a beautiful little package. I inserted my own photos :)January 4, 2012 – 11:56 am

robin - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!January 4, 2012 – 11:43 am

Melissa - Love this Amanda…Does the frame come with it or did you purchase it separately? I think I need some. :)January 4, 2012 – 11:13 am

Jenny Davis - I’m a fan! Love your work… That is such a sweet idea… Just gorgeous. Found you through “showit.com”. Hoping to have my own “show it” site soon. How much did getting the site change your business? (If you don”t mind me asking).January 4, 2012 – 11:09 am

april - LOVE them!!January 4, 2012 – 10:40 am

a look back at 2011

December 30, 2011 in my life | photography

Saying this has been a big year for the Pair family is really just restating the obvious for the umpteenth time. But it has! When I look back at 2011, I am humbled by the numerous families and couples who have invited me into their lives. But the birth of daughter in March and our subsequent lives over the past nine months are the memories I hold dearest. In true Amanda fashion, I have had my camera glued to my side in order to document the everyday moments I most want to remember. I would love to share what we are up to more often, but there are simply not enough hours in the day to cram it all in.

So, I thought instead of my regular year-ender slideshow, I’d mix it up and share some of my favorite personal photos from the year. You may have seen some of these before, but most are being shown for the first time. Thank you for continuing to check in from time to time and following along in our crazy adventures. Happy New Year everyone!

Pair Family 2011 from Amanda Pair on Vimeo.
Michael Castro: The First Time (The Music Bed).

(Any photos not taken by me personally were taken by the talented ladies behind Ashley Warren Studios and Wynter Photography, or my dear husband and family members and friends who got suckered into it.)

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by Amanda

19 comments