I can’t even tell you what a wonderful wedding day it was for so many reasons! Normally it’s the bride and groom who are surrounded by their closest family and friends, but that day it also was me who was surrounded by those wonderful people. Technically Lacon is my husband’s niece but based on the age it’s more of a cousin relationship so we’ll just say it was my cousin’s wedding. So we not only got to enjoy the party to the fullest but I also got to be present at every moment of the wedding with the bride and groom. Such special time! We traveled to Hartselle, AL a few days before the wedding and got to explore a little bit. On the morning of the wedding we got enjoy some family time and then I left to where Lacon was getting ready. Quail Creek Resort and Conference Center is such a unique and beautiful place and I wouldn’t mind photographing a wedding there every weekend! Well, that would mean we would have to move to Alabama or visit our family there a lot but in either case, I would enjoy it :). But seriously, such a beautiful, spacious and cozy place at a time. They have 3 different spaces that made it perfect for a wedding. Number one was a cozy Inn that we (the whole extended family) were able to stay at. Number two was a chapel – probably my favorite building! The style of it was contemporary with hints of history. Most of the bride and groom portraits were done there and it was totally perfect! There is an outdoor ceremony space as well but people of faith would definitely chose a to utilize that chapel for their ceremony. And finally, a pavilion – fun, large space with lots of natural light! The reception took place inside the pavilion and people definitely enjoyed being inside of it or hanging out right by the lake and being able to see right into it through the large side doors and observe all the fun. So as you can understand, the space was amazing, but the people who were there were a LOT more interesting to me than anything else. Witnessing my cousin getting married and observing the whole family during this process was so amazing. I hope I am able to conserve this feeling for a long time and see other families that I photograph as my own – feel their feelings, understand their excitement and tears, and share the deepest joy in that day.
Now to our bride and groom :). Lacon and Andy met at work and Andy fell in love! And I understand him very well – gorgeous, kind and with that oh-so-sweet southern accent Lacon stole my heart too! February 14 was their dating anniversary and such a perfect opportunity for a proposal. They knew they didn’t want to have a long engagement, so here we were just a few months later watching them getting married! When I saw Lacon in the morning, she was excited. Andy was nervous. I understood both of those sides but was definitely more sympathetic with Andy. I would super nervous on my wedding day so the emotions were very familiar. But I think the moment they saw each other everything got better and we had such a lovely time together. And as I have mentioned, the Chapel’s grounds were totally my favorite spot at the Quail Creek Resort. Roses and clematis bloomed just on time for the wedding and became such a beautiful part of the photos. But even without them there were still so many pretty corners to use for photos. The ceremony was performed by uncle Joe. Beautiful message was definitely appreciated by everyone. And then it was time for celebration! Fun finger foods, cookies and milk and most amazing bride and groom cakes are definitely something to remember. Good conversations, dancing and just simple time together as a family were so enjoyable. I am so happy Lacon and Andy trusted me with their wedding memories and had me there to witness it all! Look through some of their wedding moments and say your Congrats to them!
Bride and Groom getting ready at Quail Creek Resort and Conference Center
My morning has begun at the Chapel where Lacon and her bridesmaids were getting ready. Such a beautiful place! Her jewelry and shoes were simply amazing and the flowers that were put together by the ladies from Quail Creek Resort were stunning too!
So here they were – all ready to see each other!
1st Look and Bride and Groom Photos at the Quail Creek Resort and Conference Center
The weather was perfect and the sunshine was SO happy! The mood was just the same for this gorgeous couple!
The groomsmen looked sharp and the bridesmaids were simply angelic! Their long mismatched pink dresses were so stunning!
And hey-hey-hey!!! My lovely assistant Megan snapped a photo of my family, and I couldn’t resist to share a few of my boys too.
And I am totally biased but here they are – #familygoals #relationshipgoals – Lacon’s mom and step-dad. So cute!!!
Now as all the family photos were taken care of, we went inside and got ready for the ceremony.
Wedding Ceremony at Quail Creek Resort and Conference Center
Everyone has arrived just on time and were all ready to witness Lacon and Andy to get married. Photographing guests faces were totally different for me when I know exactly who they are. So special!
And they are officially married!!!
Wedding Reception at Quail Creek Resort and Conference Center
The reception took place at the pavilion and everything was decorated SO perfectly!!!! Check out those golden and pink details and you will fall in love with them as well!
The food was very much appreciated and enjoyed :)!
That cake canopy!!!! I was in love!!!
And Lacon’s uncle giving them instructions with the groom’s cake cutting :D!!! I think this might be my favorite photo!
And then we were able to sneak out for a few sunset photos and get some of a different location perspective! Can you see the mountains in the background?! So beautiful!
The party was fun! The day was amazing! I will enjoy these memories greatly and I hope Lacon and Andy enjoy the photos as well and can relive their beautiful wedding day any time they look at the photos!
Thank you so much guys for having me and God bless you!
What a day it has been!!! Thank you so much guys for having me at your wedding! I wish your all the best and God bless you!
Vendors:
Wedding Photography | Yana Shellman Photography
Wedding Venue | Quail Creek Resort and Conference Center
Wedding flowers | Quail Creek Resort and Conference Center
Bridesmaids’ dresses | David’s Bridal
Bride’s Dress | Still White
Hair and Make up | Brittianna J
Invitations | Zazzle
Band | East Coast Entertainment
Tuxedoes | Jos. A Bank
Cakes | Sandra Shaneyfelt
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All images are copyrighted to Yana Shellman – fun, sweet, energetic photographer serving as a South Jersey and Philadelphia Wedding Photographer. She adores photography that shows natural and loving relationship of people. Clear instruction, genuine laughter, and long-lasting sweet memories is what you will get with Yana as your wedding photographer.
http://www.yanashellmanphotography.com
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If you have questions or would like Yana to record your special event, please drop Yana a note at yana@yanashellman.com or contact her through the contact form.