{Real Plus Size Wedding} Botantical Garden Wedding in Alabama | Jewels Photography

 

First looks are such a special time for a plus size bride and her groom to really just enjoy each other.  I didn’t get a chance to do one but I swear if I could do it all over again I sure would.  This couple really embodies what it makes to have a first look and had a blast with it.  Jewels Photography did a great job capturing it all.

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From the Photographer: We started out the morning at the Embassy Suites in Birmingham. The bride, mother of the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girl spent the morning getting hair and makeup done before heading over to the garden where the bride would dress in her wedding gown and meet her groom for their first look.It was a peaceful morning with only a few people roaming the beautiful garden. Standing in the middle of the rose garden with no one else around, Billy waited patiently as Alex made her way to him. I brag about first looks in almost every blog, and this is another one to add to the list as to why I love them so much! Smiles and laughter filled the air as the couple embraced this special moment.The wedding party soon joined the bride and groom for their portraits before the ceremony. As pictures were wrapping up and it was almost time for the ceremony, Billy surprised Alex with her wedding band she had not seen as their family stood around watching this touching moment. She was so surprised and happy if you are not able to tell in the photos! I love capturing sweet emotions like this.

The first time I had to hide the wedding rings from the bride when I was taking the detail shots, which I am in love with!Birmingham Botanical Gardens is on the top of my list for being one of the most beautiful places for weddings. It is filled with spectacular scenery as it sits without having to decorate on your own. From the roses that witnessed the first look to the lotus flowers that witnessed their first kiss as husband and wife — it is breath taking! The garden even had pumpkins arranged in the entrance perfect for a fall wedding. Add a few hydrangeas and roses and it’s complete.Billy and Alex exchanged vows right next to the lily pond. Alex walked down the aisle with her oh-so-handsome nephew by her side. Filled with cuteness, he gave her away with a handshake to the minister and a kiss for the bride — not before a little mishap as he lifted the veil that shared a few laughs, but hey what can you expect when your a little shorter. Great memories! Her father joined them in marriage as their family and friends gathered around.

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In a sweet garden ceremony, the couple were now husband and wife.The reception took place in the auditorium of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. With a blue and white theme, Alexander’s The Great Events designed a wonderful reception hall. Hydrangea centerpieces filled each of the guest tables. A buffet style meal catered by Alexander’s The Great Events included pasta, shrimp, dips, fruits and veggies, and his famous sweets station complete with chocolate dipped pretzels, marshmallow pops, and cake pops. The wedding cake topped with roses was provided by Olexa’s Catering in Mountain Brook.The guests danced the night away with entertainment provided by Shell Entertainment. Remember that too-cute-to-be-true ring bearer? Well you can say he stole the night away with his own MC skills. The DJ kindly gave him the mic and let him go. He even led all the wedding guest in a fun dance of the Hokey Pokey. The night ended with a bubble departure and a drive in the prettiest decorated getaway car I have ever seen. Alex wanted her car that was going to be driven to their Walt Disney World honeymoon to be pretty — to say the least it was gorgeously decorated with bouquets of flowers personalized window decals.

 

Vendor Love: Photographer:  Jewels Photography // Caterer: Alexander’s The Great Events // Floral Designer: Alexander’s The Great Events // Event Designer: Alexander’s The Great Events // Reception Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens // Cake Designer: Olexa’s Cakes and Catering // DJ: Shell Entertainment

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Shafonne Myers is a certified wedding and event planner who longed for bridal inspiration that looked like her. She has created a website and magazine that brings bridal inspiration to plus size brides. She does speaking engagements educating the world about plus size brides and self confidence.
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