Bethany + John Michael - Alabama Wedding

I was so excited that Bethany and John Michael chose me to be their wedding photographer. Bethany is such a special person to me, and it's been wonderful to watch her fall in love with John Michael. I didn't meet John Michael until the day of the wedding, but I could immediately tell that he loves Bethany, and loves her two babies. I think their new life together will be filled with love. 

Bethany's dress was so beautiful! I love seeing the different personalities that wedding dresses reflect. 

Little River, being just like mommy and putting on make up in front of the mirror before photos. Luckily, she just played with the brushes and didn't actually try to apply any. 

Bethany and John Michael didn't want to see each other before the wedding, but they wanted an opportunity to pray together. I love that these two took a moment to just be together with God before everything got hectic. 

She's so pretty!

Journey did an excellent job walking his mom down the aisle. 

Marry someone who looks at you like this. 

After making vows to Bethany, John Michael knelt down and spoke to Journey and River. It was a private moment, and we didn't hear what was said, but this moment got me right in the feeler. If this doesn't get you, you can't get got. 

The kids are suddenly disinterested. Haha!

The brand new family!

Dancing Danns

Isn't this an awesome photo? I love it! One thing that was super clear about Alex and Andrew was that they LOVE to dance. Most weddings have dancing, but these two were for real about it. They had an awesome choreographed first dance that was far more complex than anything I'm capable of. Later in the night they even had a dance off between the two of them - completely unprompted. I thought it was awesome. Alex had such awesome moves that people couldn't help but just clear the floor and let her do her thing. So glad I caught this amazing moment before it was over!

Alex & Andrew - Cullman, Alabama Wedding

Back in May I was honored to document Alex and Andrew's love story. Alex was my suite mate for a semester in college, though we knew each other before that. I was SO excited when Alex contacted me about wedding photography. She's so pretty and has great taste so I knew she'd have an incredible wedding. What I learned from rooming with Alex in college is that she has adorable taste, she's really good at math, she keeps her room really clean, and she loves Pretty Little Liars (don't we all). 

I didn't meet Andrew until we shot engagement photos (which you can view here: http://www.stephaniebengephotography.com/blog/2015/2/1/alex-andrew-nashville-engagement). When I met him I immediately liked Andrew. Andrew is really nice, likes his shirts well ironed, and takes a long time fixing his hair. 

It was such a pleasure spending time with these two, and with everyone else involved in making their special day happen. It was such a beautiful wedding and I'm excited to share it with you!

Adults color too.

Alex's first look with her bridesmaids.

First look with her dad.

First look with her man.

The bride and groom had some family friends who have the MOST BEAUTIFUL house. It took about 15 minutes just to walk around it and scope out photo spots. I couldn't even handle it. I'm so glad we were able to take a little trip out here because it was definitely some gorgeous scenery.

I'm not sure what the technical name for these little treats are, but they were incredible. They're like mini sweet potato pies. I ate way too many and I've decided I want to be buried alive in a pile of these little things and eat my way out.

The bride and groom dancing to Time of My Life. It was amazing.

This little guy was a real party animal, let me tell you. I couldn't get him to chill out.

Alex and Andrew hired an awesome band! They were so much fun and very entertaining.

Alex and Andrew are definitely the kind of folks who love to dance. Their first dance was amazing and choreographed perfectly. They had so much fun at the reception and it was obvious to me how much they enjoyed themselves. 

I'm so glad I caught this amazing moment (completely unintentionally by the way). Alex and Andrew were mid dance-off and I was snapping away. I didn't see this until I started editing. That woman behind Andrew with the look of horror on her face is his mother. This moment is my favorite.

Thanks to everyone who made Alex and Andrew's special day possible!

VENDORS:
Hair/Make UP: Jenna Nelson and Andrea Barnett with Salon Luxe
Ceremony: Cullman Church of Christ
Reception Site and Catering: TP Country Club
Cakes: Barnett Bakery
Band: The Flashbacks Showband
Wedding Dress Designer: Jason Alexander
Wedding Dress Shop: Something Blue - Hartselle, AL
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Bridesmaids, Inc.
Menswear: Jos. A. Bank