Shakeyta + Ray

I kept a secret! …a pretty big one. Every time someone asked me if I was going to Greece with Shakeyta and Ray for their destination elopement, I wanted to blurt out, “no!! they are getting married here.. but no one knows, so don’t tell, k?!” But, I resisted the urge and instead played my role as the heartbroken photographer, who wouldn’t be adding a European stamp to her passport. On the morning of the big day, I joined Shakeyta at the Tutwiler Hotel, to document her preparation. They planned to arrive at Avondale Brewery for their send-off party, but only after a first look and portraits. My favorite part about that time was Shakeyta’s energy. She was literally like a kid on a Christmas morning. I’m pretty sure that the only times she wasn’t smile was at my request. Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0037Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0038Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0040Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0039Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0042Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0044Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0041Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0090 Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0045My absolute favorite Birmingham vendor, HotHouse Design Studio, decorated their space and provided the florals. They never, ever disappoint.

Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0043Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0046Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0047Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0048Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0049Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0050Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0051Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0052Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0053Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0055Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0054Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0057Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0056Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0058Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0059Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0060Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0064Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0063Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0062Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0066Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0067“Send-off” ready!!

Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0069Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0068Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0070Shakeyta’s sisters received the greatest surprise. She pulled them aside and gave them notecards, asking them to be her bridesmaids. It was such a sweet moment.

Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0071Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0072Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0073Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0065Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0061Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0074Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0075Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0076Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0077Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0078Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0079Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0080They did end up heading to Greece the next morning for their honeymoon. But first, they partied the night away with those closest to them.

Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0081Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0082Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0083Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0089Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0084Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0085Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0086Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0087Birmingham Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography_0088 VENDORS: Venue: Avondale Brewery // Coordinator: Francesca Green // Bridal Attire: Ivory and White Bridal Shop // Makeup: Chris Garcia // Hair: Jakki // Florals and Decor: HotHouse Design Studio // Live Music: Heels and Chucks // Cake: Dreamcakes // Catering: Yellow Bicycle Catering // DJ: Michael Wheeler // Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas // Live Event Painting: Joy Varnell

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  1. Adrienne Fowler says:

    Oh my. I think my heart started beating a bit fast looking at these photos. Such a beautiful bride. I loved their engagement photos too. I remember the scene at El Bario. So glad you discovered your passion Latara and that God blessed us with such a talent. Lovely!!!

  2. Adrienne Fowler says:

    I looked again….absolutely beautiful. Every guest seemed to be having a great time. Congratulations and blessings to the couple.

  3. Ahsila DivaDoc T-c says:

    This is pure awesomeness!!! Love it!

  4. Lauren Trethaway says:

    How cool!!!! Such a HUGE surprise to keep!! Great job, yet again !!

  5. Quiana R Wright says:

    This wedding was beautiful from start to finish and you captured it effortlessly Elle! You are truly amazing!

  6. Kimberly Murray says:

    How fun! So when were the guests clued in that they were actually attending a wedding? When she walked down the aisle? And how cool that an artist was there to paint the scene!

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