A love letter from a Wedding Photographer in Fairhope, Alabama

One of my favorite photos of the day! Callie + Critter having a quiet moment before the celebrations. Wedding Photographer in Fairhope, Alabama- Michelle Hatcher.

The best day ever- being a Wedding Photographer in Fairhope, Alabama

I mean it when I say this was the BEST day I’ve spent being a wedding photographer in Fairhope, Alabama. These two were some of the most creative, laid-back and welcoming people that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I still remember the first emails I got from Callie- starting with the simple desire to capture the evening exactly how it would unfold, and ending with one of the best book recommendations I’ve gotten in years. (If you haven’t experienced “The Perfect Imperfect,” you should.) Callie + Critter’s celebration truly felt like a fever dream; as it would for any non-traditional wedding photographer in Fairhope, Alabama.

After just a bit of chatting, I could tell how deeply she valued capturing the intimate moments that are often overlooked. I knew that this would be a unique opportunity- and one that wouldn’t fit with just any wedding photographer in Fairhope, Alabama. There would be no strict timeline or traditional posed portraits- instead, I was able to document the day just as it was.. perfectly imperfect.

Wedding Celebrations at a Family Estate on Mobile Bay in Point Clear, Alabama

I keep saying “wedding photography,” but in truth- this day wasn’t a traditional wedding. Callie and Critter had the sweetest plans to include not only all of their friends and family, but also to hold events in cities that were dear to their hearts. While they’re currently enjoying life together in NYC- Callie’s family is in Texas, and Critter’s is right here in south Alabama. After a gorgeous formal event in Dallas, they came to Fairhope, Alabama to celebrate with the rest of their loved ones at the family estate. It just so happens this more casual celebration combined some of my favorite things, to give us this stunning opportunity to get creative with 35mm film and spend an entire evening celebrating these two at a beautiful family estate on Mobile Bay in Point Clear, Alabama.

No receiving line here! Callie + Critter walked right into the party to celebrate with their loved ones. Non-traditional Wedding Photographer in Fairhope Alabama- Michelle Hatcher

And it was time to party! Wedding Photographer in Fairhope, Alabama-Michelle Hatcher.

The Point of View from a Non-Traditional Alabama Wedding Photographer

I was in love with our  flexible timeline and every little touch they included in the evening.  Simply highlighting all of the smaller moments, from the hors d'oeuvres and fried chicken wings, family honoring the couple with songs and homemade cakes, or the hand-stitched table cloth covered in  well-wishes and cartoon sketches, to Callie’s beautifully reclaimed dress created from her mom’s wedding gown… and digging up the bottle of whiskey to share with all of their family and friends. I’m really not sure how to find the words to explain how beautifully all these individually insignificant choices connected both the quiet and the loud moments, or how to describe just how palpable the love was on the bluff that evening.

Not all wedding photographers in Fairhope, Alabama get to experience unique wedding celebrations like these.. or work with couples who are so creative and emboldened to do exactly what they want for their wedding day. I feel so honored that they chose me as their non-traditional Alabama Wedding Photographer, and I feel so thankful to have been able to be a fly on the wall for all of these moments. It was one of my favorite weddings to date, and such a significant evening for Wedding Celebrations at a Family Estate on Mobile Bay in Point Clear, Alabama. Check out some of my favorite snaps on both digital and 35mm film.

How to Find your Dream Wedding Photographer in Fairhope, Alabama

First off, do your research! Callie said that she’d searched high and low, but when she reached out to me, a few specific things made her feel like we were the right fit. I talk a lot about documenting rather than staging, explain how I love when everything feels relaxed on wedding days and use a rather laid-back approach. I also have a huge love for nostalgia, film photography and want to ensure that every single one of my clients is understood and appreciated for exactly who they are. Kind of like that amazing book (that you should definitely get a copy of), I much prefer the imperfect. It’s nostalgic, honest, joyful, and so insanely beautiful.

Especially if you’re looking for a non-traditional Alabama wedding photographer, focus less on the packages, and more on what makes that photographer love their job. Make a list of some words and feelings that really hit home to you, or think about how you want to feel on your wedding day. How do you want the photos to make you feel 10 or 50 years later? Do a little research and get to know the photographers that you’re interested in. I promise that you too, can find your dream photographer in Fairhope, Alabama. And if that happens to be me.. I can’t wait to meet you <3

You can submit an inquiry to work with me right here:

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