Today, my camera and I went to Edgewood to see Jan Moon of Dreamcakes fame where I met Avery who will be celebrating her first birthday. She and mom were in the store to order her birthday cake.

Baby Avery

Then I had the great pleasure of taking some photos of Jan with her wonderful brick wall as a background. Loved it! (I want one…a brick wall that is!).

What’s a visit to Jan’s with checking out the goodies?!

Next on the list was a visit with Katie and Shay at Engaged Library where I had so much fun taking a few photos of a door-to-door salesman as well as Katie and Shay. What a fun couple of hours!

Frequently, toasts are made to the bride and groom during the first half of the wedding reception. One of the most important traditions of the Maid of Honor is to toast the Bride. Any speech is better when it includes a variety of emotions–the wedding toast is no different. If you’ve known the bride since you were children, recount a funny story or two from your childhood that emphasizes your friendship and love for one another. Be sure to include various emotions in your speech. The best toasts include funny stories about growing up with sentimental friendship and love. The majority of Maids of Honor do bring notes and have rehearsed their comments while some prefer to be spontaneous and say whatever comes to mind. Most of us are uncomfortable talking in front of a large group…having notes and being well rehearsed will make your toast enjoyable by all the guest and especially the bride.

Wedding Toats by Maids of Honor

As a wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed many toasts. I’d like to share some ideas of things to share in your toast: what the Bride told you about the first time she met her Groom; how long you and the Bride have known each other and funny stories from your past; share an “appropriately” embarrassing moment that you and the Bride have shared; comment about what a great couple the Bride and Groom make, words of advice to the couple; a spiritual comment (if the Bride and Groom are spiritual); and your wishes to the couple (success, happiness, babies).

Follow these guidelines, and you are sure to be a hit at the reception!

Jenna Kate and Drake are just so dang cute together…I just love Drake’s “scruff” and his hat. Jenna Kate is beautiful in her lacy top and pink sweater. The skies were blue and the wind was blowing so it got a little cool on this Saturday afternoon in Calera. Here are a couple of my favorite photos and a slideshow of the highlights of our afternoon together. Enjoy!

Between the Cars

Beautiful Jenna Kate

On April 9, 2011, Jessica Simpson carefully draped her gorgeous wedding dress around her in a fabulously decorated golf cart which carried her away to meet her groom on the golf course at Vestavia Country Club. The groom, flanked by bridesmaids and groomsmen, eagerly waited for Jessica’s arrival. The adorable two flower girls and ring bearer preceded Jessica down the aisle while family and friends who had come from near and far watched while Jessica and her father approached the arch framing their minister and Jon. The flowers by Norton’s were absolutely gorgeous.

Danny Brewer with Feel the Beat had the guests on their feet for lots of fun dancing the night away. Donna is a co-worker and friend of Jessica’s–Donna created a beautiful (and delicious) wedding cake with chocolate buttercream icing. J Ross of Norton’s Weddings and Events accented the cake with orchids leading to the cake topper which was used by both Jessica’s mother and her grandmother! Here are just a few of our favorite images from a picture perfect wedding day celebrated by great friends and family.

Please take a few minutes to watch the slideshow of their wedding highlights. Congratulations to Jessica and Jon–may your lives be filled with love and respect for each other, for always.

A golf cart ride to the ceremony on the course

Vestavia Country Club with flowers by Norton's Weddings

Studying my bride

Beautiful spring flowers by Norton's Weddings

Yesterday was a very fun engagement session for us with Katelyn and Clay. They are going to be married in October this year. The first time Clay held hands with Katelyn was when they were at Vulcan Park! They are both so much fun and funny. There were a lot of laughs during our time together. What a great couple–they are both solid personalities, and I’m sure they will have a very happy life together. This video includes my favorites…

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.

Sam and Hannah were recently married and have chosen the images for their wedding storybook. I’ve been working with the design of the book which brought back some really fun memories of some of their wedding party members when we asked them to help us with creating some fun photographs with the sparklers. After the first image was made, several ran over to look at the back of the camera. They all became so enthusiastic, they went back to their positions and started making more “designs” with their lit sparklers. We had so much fun at this wedding! Looking at their photos brought back so many memories, and these particular images will bring back the sound of their laughter while they waved their sparklers in the air to spell a variety of words that are important to Sam and Hannah! Aah…I love weddings!

Let's spell love

Sam attended UAB

Hannah is too long. Let's spell Sam

A great attempt at XOXO

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

Last Tuesday afternoon, we met with Caitlin and Paul at Railroad Park across from B&A Warehouse (their wedding reception will be at B&A!). It was a beautiful afternoon with plenty of sunshine and warm breezes. One of my most favorite things about being Gretchen B Photography is celebrating new beginnings with our wedding couples. It brings joy to my heart as I photograph two people thoroughly enjoying each other. Watch this slideshow, and you’ll see what I mean!

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!