I first met these amazing brides while photographing Ajay’s proposal to Kate in the Smoky Mountains National Park early this year. If you haven’t seen those emotional photos- check them out here.
I love destination weddings where guests spend time getting to know each other throughout the weekend. Ajay & Kate planned a wedding in Gulf Shores, AL and most of the guests at their small wedding stayed with the brides in a house located on the beach. I met up with the brides on Friday night where I photographed everyone hanging out, eating pizza and getting ready for the big day. Everything came together beautifully on Saturday. Friends and family pitched in and it was the perfect example of a beautiful DIY wedding day. Ajay is a graphic designer and designed cool welcome bags for their guests including water, popcorn and salt water taffy with custom labels. Wedding decor included beautiful glass vessels, succulents in hand painted pots, white linens and a color scheme with gold, pale blue and neutrals. Ajay wore Chanel Gabrielle perfume (a wedding day gift from Kate), a custom crown made with succulents from Succulent Art Works on Etsy and a red and white wedding dress that moved beautifully in the wind. Kate wore a gorgeous Ann Taylor white suit and they had their first look on the beach overlooking the ocean where Kate drew a heart with their initials in the sand waiting for Ajay to meet her. We set off for photographs in the area including an insane historic fort I had scouted the day before- incredible location for photos! I loved all of the textures, tunnels and light at the fort with the dunes and coastal foliage.
The ceremony took place on the beach at sunset with wine and blankets for the cool breezes. Guests danced to “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac as Ajay & Kate made their way down the aisle together. Close friends and family officiated and gave readings during the sweet ceremony and everyone celebrated with a group photo afterwards as the sun set. The reception was held indoors where guests were treated to a Mexican feast and a beautiful three tier wedding cake with succulent accents made by a friend of the brides. Ajay changed into a black and white jumpsuit I am obsessed with. She said she wanted to wear it every day after the wedding and I absolutely think that’s reasonable. At the end of the night everyone hung out on the beach and warmed up next to the bonfire. It means a lot to me that I got to meet these brides and their friends and families and be a part of their proposal and wedding day! Thank you for having me Ajay & Kate! Enjoy a few favorites from this destination wedding in Alabama-
With Vanessa from Cut ‘N Up Salon and A Grand Affair Party Rental
Contact me at hellolove@leahmoyers.com if you are thinking about proposing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or having a destination wedding. I would love to capture it for you!
