Lauren Bee

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.

Filtering by Tag: Hampton Cove AL photographer

Modern Elopement, Destination Wedding Photographer - Jan + Matt

I met Jan when she phoned me last Fall to schedule a session with her daughter. Jan lost her husband, Phil, to cancer just a year earlier, and she and her daughter needed a bonding experience to help ease the grief of losing this important man. Having lost my own dad a few years back, I completely understood. I I gave these two ladies my best and produced for them some beautiful portraiture that they both love.

A few months later, Jan told me about her best friend, Matt, a good man who had helped Phil during his illness, had stood by when Phil was laid to rest, and then supported Jan through the horrific grief that followed.  Jan hashed through and Matt was there for her every step of the way.  Before they knew it, they'd fallen in love.  Jan let me know that Matt had proposed to her, and she wanted to know if I would travel with her to Florida to photograph their elopement.

I said "YES!"

For months I kept their wedding a secret from everyone (including mutual friends) before traveling to Cape San Blas, Florida (with my family in tow, under the guise of "it's just summer vacation").  I have never in my life been so touched by a couple saying their vows to each other.  The emotions were so raw and wonderful and overwhelming, the exquisite pain of Jan's and Matt's shared past, sublimely mixed with the overwhelming joy of hope and promise and renewal and life.  They (with their sweet girl, Ruby) stood on that beach, hearts laid bare, creating a new covenant before God, their words mingling with sand and tears, and salty air... and it was perfection.

I am continually humbled to be asked to bear witness to such a miraculous thing as two lives being joined in marriage.  That I get to forever capture and protect these precious moments, turning them into tangible memories, never to be forgotten .... that in itself is a rare, rare gift, to be treasured.

Thank you so much, Jan and Matt, for allowing me to be your wedding photographer.  From my frail human heart to your beating warrior hearts, I speak blessings upon you both and pray for your many happy years together.

Huntsville Wedding Photographer -- The Patterson-Redwine Wedding

I can't think of a better way to begin the destination wedding photography life than to photograph my beautiful cousin marrying her high school sweetheart. 

Zach's and Kayla's is the most adorable story:  he believed she was out of his league, but with much coaxing from friends he plucked up the courage and asked her to prom;  she was in need of a date, so she agreed -- and voila!  Her heart was won.

Their Mid-West, Missouri wedding was pure perfection.  Pink lace, romantic flowers, subtle elements of sparkling gold -- and of course a dashing groom and absolutely stunning bride.

Pratt-Rann Retro-Vintage Engagement Session -- Fort Payne Alabama Fine Art Portrait Photographer

Photographing Anna is always a treat.  Not only is she gorgeous -- all feminine curves and stunning blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty -- but she's fun.  And Kind.  And sassy and sweet and pretty much all things wonderful about a human being.

Josh is one lucky man.  And he knows it.  Seeing a fella as smitten with his fiancée as Josh is with Anna... well, theirs is a fantastic marriage just waiting to happen!  (Lucky for me, I get to photograph their wedding this coming May -- I can't wait!  *squee*)

Oh, and have I mentioned these two have style?  We're talking a classic, classy, retro-vintage vibe that evokes a 1950's flair the likes of which Frank Sinatra wishes he could have capitalized on.  These two were born just a few decades too late -- but I won't complain.  I'm so thankful I was privileged to photograph their engagement session, located at Big Mill Co. Artisans & Antiques in Fort Payne, Alabama -- replete with Harley Davidson, victory curls, and sexy red lipstick.  ;)

If you're looking for a photographer to celebrate your special relationship -- your engagement, upcoming wedding, or an anniversary -- I specialize in portraiture for couples.  Check out my Connection Sessions!  And when you're ready to book, give me a ring.  I'd love to work with you to plan truly unique photography for the ages!

Let's chat!

Falling For The Freyenhagens -- Huntsville & Hampton Cove Alabama Family Lifestyle Photographer

I really love the Freyenhagens -- and you will too, once you peruse through their delightful family photos, taken at Huntsville's own Hayes Nature Preserve in the Owens Crossroads/Hampton Cove area.  Not only are they a crew of fun-loving goofballs, they really, really love each other.  I'm talking tight-knit family love of the supreme kind.  This is a bunch of uber delicious saps, and I wanna stick 'em in my pocket and take them everywhere with me!

Okay, that was a little over the top, I know.  But seriously, this family, y'all.  I mean just look at them smile and laugh and have a wonderful time together!

This little mister is his daddy made over!

This little mister is his daddy made over!

The Autumn color in Huntsville, Alabama was absolute perfection!

The Autumn color in Huntsville, Alabama was absolute perfection!

Leaves hold endless fascination apparently

Leaves hold endless fascination apparently

These two were so much fun -- and clearly smitten with each other.

These two were so much fun -- and clearly smitten with each other.

I'm a sucker for daddy-daughter photographs.

I'm a sucker for daddy-daughter photographs.

This mommy and son bond.... I can't even take it.  So precious.

This mommy and son bond.... I can't even take it.  So precious.

Want to book your very own family lifestyle photography session?  I'd love to see you in the Spring -- or Fall!  I'd love to hear from you -- let's plan your very special moment as a family.

Moore Family -- Golden Hour Lifestyle Photography, Madison AL

In the photography world, "Golden Hour" is a term used to denote that most magical of moments, about 30 minutes before sunset or after sunrise.  No, it's not, strictly speaking, a full hour, but that's beside the point.  The point is how beautiful and golden it is at this time.  Skin tones are peachy and warm, eyes dance with light, the air around us takes on a hazy, almost other-worldly feel.  It's the most beautiful time of day.

Now add in something even more magical: the bonds of family and lifetime love and deep, lasting commitment -- and do you know what you have?  You have the True Golden Hour.  This is the most wonderful thing.  And when I'm able to capture all of it -- the light, the love, the pure, sparkling joy -- through the lens of my camera, I swear it's like I've died and gone to heaven.  It's lifestyle photography at it's very best, showcasing the most sublime of human bonds.  Pure happiness, I tell you.