This summer we had the pleasure of coordinating the wedding of an awesome couple in Birmingham, Alabama. We got to learn about some beautiful venues there, including the one Karlene and Ryan chose for their big day. This couple is absolutely adorable and we can’t wait to show you how their big day went!
Getting Ready
The day started out with the girls all getting ready at one of the bridesmaids parents houses. It was the perfect place for them to spend the morning hanging out, sipping mimosas and getting beautified.
The girls all wore matching blue robes, that you’ll see later are the same color as their bridesmaid dresses.
With a little help from mom, the dress goes on! Almost time to head out on the trolley to go see her groom, but first…
…a quick reveal to her girls (who are in awe of her beauty on her wedding day) then a heartfelt first look with dad.
Meanwhile, Ryan is putting on his finishing touches at the church while he waits for his bride to arrive.
First Look and Couples Photos
Karlene arrives at the church and Ryan is all ready and waiting. The excitement on her face and the awe on his when he sees her is everything we hope for in a first look!
After the first look, the couple wandered around the church and snagged some shots together before their big moment at the altar. Both the inside and outside of the church has such pretty places for wedding photos.
Wedding Party Photos
Now it was time for the wedding party to join! The blue bridesmaids dresses, paired with the white and blue bouquets were a great compliment to the guys in their black tuxedos and blue bowties.
Special Moments
Almost time to make it official, but before that a quick letter exchange between the bride and groom and a prayer with the girls.
Ceremony Details
Wedding Ceremony
Here comes the bride! All the guests watched as Karlene made her way down the aisle to her groom.
And then they were married! Off to the reception via trolley transport.
Wedding Reception Details
The Florentine is a stunning venue and one of Birmingham’s most beautiful and historic buildings. The ballroom is classic elegance that can be transformed into any look that you want. Karlene and Ryan went with white and blue flowers, placed in gold vases and accents.
The guestbook at the entrance, along with a bridal shot of Karlene greets the guests as they arrive and grab a cocktail.
The 4 tier cake has an intricate design and tasted as good as it looks!
Wedding Reception
Ryan and Karlene arrived at their reception venue ready to mingle with their guests. Upon their entrance, the newlyweds shared their first dance and then a special dance with their parents.
After a little bit of dancing and chatting with their guests, Karlene and Ryan headed over to cut their cake.
After a little more dancing and fun, it was sadly time for the night to end. The favors went out for the guests to grab as they left. And these weren’t just any bottle of wine, this wine was made by the groom! They had 3 different varietals including Sangiovese, Rosé and Cabernet Sauvignon and each type had a different photo from their engagement shoot in Venice, Italy. Dreamy!
After picking their bottle, the guests lined the streets of downtown Birmingham and waved ribbon wands as the newlyweds headed off to their vintage getaway car.
Congratulations to Karlene and Ryan! We loved being part of your day and are so thankful you choose us to make it happen.
Vendors:
Church – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Reception Venue – The Florentine
Cake – The Florentine
Florist – Michael Sanchez Designs
Photographer – Kelli & Daniel Taylor Photography
Band – 2nd Coming
Hair/Makeup – The B Team
Officiant – Rev. Bill Blackerby
Caterer – Corretti Catering
Trolley – Rare Transportation
Getaway Car – Coats Classic Cars
Videography – Maxim Media
Wedding Planner – Alex Kournetas with Vision in White Events