The White Room in Cahaba Heights carries several designers including Rivini! This past week I photographed Tori wearing three Rivini gowns. We were able to use the area in front of The White Room–the weather and the light were perfect for an outdoor photo session. Here’s one of my favorite photos from the shoot and a slideshow that may inspire you to purchase a Rivini gown…so feminine and sexy.
Tracy Murphy, owner of Southern Events, has moved her location and changed her main focus to consignment bridal gowns and event planning. With the help of Laura Eason Artistry (very talented make-up artist) and Robin of LaReunion Cafe (catered lunch), we had a most enjoyable Monday. Our model is Shelby who won Most Photogenic (with an image created by yours truly) in the Miss Alabama Teen contest in the fall. Shelby’s sister, Katie, and Tracy’s children were excellent observers (spring break allows us to play with more kids!). David Schlueter of Buck Creek Stained Glass came by to see Buddy and me work. (We’re going to be photographing David on his Harley soon–watch for photos!). This photo is compliments of David…
At work
Shelby by Window Light
Buddy and I were talking recently about the weddings we’ve photographed over the past couple of years, and he was struck by the fact that we don’t have a slideshow of some of our favorite images from the many engagement sessions, bridals, and weddings we’ve photographed over the past couple of years. I took a few minutes to put together my first effort — we love looking at the images from all of our weddings; we always feel more energetic when we see the excitement in the faces of our brides and grooms along with the members of their families and friends. Come along with us on a brief journey back in time…
My plan is to do a longer version with even more weddings…watch for it coming to a blog near you!
In Birimingham, Alabama, there is a stylish bridal salon run by Carolyn and Cathy Kelley…The White Room Bridal Salon. Last week, Carolyn and Cathy hosted a Judd Waddell Trunk Show. Judd Waddell is a very talented designer whose gowns are worn by celebrities all over the US. The White Room model, Madeline, is a high school senior and has a Carrie Underlood look about her. She looked fantastic in every gown she modeled. Madeline’s hair and make-up were expertly done by Brittany Benton. We at Gretchen B Photography are honored to create these images for The White Room–here are some of my favorites photos and a slideshow to showcase three of Judd Waddell’s gowns. (I had a great time with Brittany and Madeline, both from Hoover High School–my son graduated from Hoover in 2009, and my daughter is a freshman.)
Brittany and Madeline getting ready
On Saturday, Anne Barge was at The White Room Bridal Salon meeting and greeting the many brides and their mothers who are very familiar with her high quality and beautifully designed gowns. As you will see from the slideshow, her designs range from the very ornate to the elegantly simple. As a Birmingham wedding photographer, I can always tell when a gown comes from The White Room Bridal Salon. Carolyn is an expert seamstress; she and Cathy are totally dedicated to ensuring their brides are absolutely stunning. Emily Thompson was our stunningly beautiful model for a few of Anne Barge’s gowns. Enjoy!
Gretchen B Photography is unveiling a new look–cleaner lines with a bit more sophistication. Please let me know if you like the new look! We are, of course, keeping our purple and green color scheme. We are in process of making the many changes so please bear with us if you see some of the old branding on our marketing materials.
Also, we are gearing up for the next couple of bridal shows! Look for us at the Embassy Suites in Hoover hosted by Perfect Wedding Guide on Sunday, February 20, and at The Harbert Center on February 27. You can click on the links to register! Brides who schedule appointments on the day of the show will receive a show special…come see us! Let me know if you read this on the blog, and you’ll get an extra bonus!
Yes, I have a studio. Why? You ask…most all the other photographers talk about available light and natural photography and maybe even environmental portraits. All wonderful ways to produce photographs. I use available light, too–it’s whatever is available at the time! A variety of studio lights and the control of those lights give me the option of creating the feeling or mood that suits the subject. For example, one of the most fun lights I have is the beauty dish. As the name might imply, the beauty dish is used for a more high fashion look. It’s perfect for high school seniors and brides (unfortunately, it doesn’t do much for those of us over, well, let’s just say 30).
Beauty Dish and Fan for High School Senior Portrait
High Fashion Bridal
Strobes are fabulous for working children…kids move! One of the most delightful things about kids is that they can’t be still for very long. Strobes allow me to stop the action while it is taking place but also to show the action. Also, well placed strobes can mimic window light. Working in a studio allows me to schedule sessions any time during the day without worry about changing weather and light conditions…very convenient for my clients! Strobes are very useful for the high key look that is so popular…all the attention is on the subject.
Going for the twirl!
A quiet moment
My continuous or constant lights give a more intimate feeling to the portrait and are perfect for babies and couples. The light is soft and very natural looking–makes images pop in both color and black and white.
I'm telling this story...
Sleepy Time
I won’t go into environmental portraiture now, but watch for another post on finding and taking advantage of quality light!
In August we were honored to work with many different wedding vendors for Alabama Weddings magazine including Bromberg’s, Hot House Design, Kathy G & Co, Ivory & White, Aztec Events & Tents, M. Elizabeth Events, Mr. Burch Formalwear, Jessica Biddy (make-up), Angels Cakes & Confections, BBJ Linens, Sonia Davis Designs, The Sonnet House, and Main Street Productions.
The models, Audrey Moore and Will Smith, had never worked together before, but you couldn’t tell that from the way they were able to look like a “couple.” What a pleasure to photograph the results of all the efforts of these professionals. Enjoy the slideshow produced, of course, by Main Street Productions! Look for us in the upcoming issue (to be released in January 2011) in the Signature Style Series!
Alabama Weddings Behind the Scenes at the Sonnet House from Main Street Productions on Vimeo.
I think every bride deserves her own magazine cover so I’m creating one from the bridal session! Take advantage of this special offer! I’m including a 16×20 magzine cover at no charge for all brides who book with me before November 15, 2010! Check out the cover I designed for Hannah Morrison. It made a unique and eye catching display at her wedding reception. She and her mother both have told me that many guests asked them where they could buy the magazine! 
Want to be on your own magazine cover? Call me today for a no-obligation appointment. We are quickly booking for 2011! Our specialty is photographs that show the emotions of the day…our ultimate goal is for you, your family, and your friends to be able to feel your wedding day!
Check out Hannah’s very own magazine cover!
