Wedding Photography
Irealle & Andrew’s Mountain Top Anniversary Session
After 10 Years, Andrew & Irealle are still choosing one another and what a more beautiful way to commemorate their love than with this beautiful family photoshoot. Originally from New Orleans, Irealle and Andrew now reside with their 3 children in Hoover, Alabama. I was unfamiliar with the area so when Andrew suggested we have their session at the Oak Mountain State Park, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Let’s just say at the end of the session, Irealle and I both gave him his props for choosing such a great location.
Located in Pelham, Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest park stretching 11,861 acres. Oak Mountain’s trails were recently named one of “The Crown Jewels” by Runner’s World Magazine, listing them among the Top 25 Best Trail Runs in America.
One of the things I loved most about this session is that it was a family affair. Irealle’s mom and Andrew’s parents all came along for the occasion. We loaded up three cars and made our way to the park.
The long windy trail leading up to the top of the reserve definitely built anticipation for the gorgeous views waiting for us at the top. We started out the session with Irealle’s portraits. Robed in a gorgeous blazer style dress completely embellished with pearls and jewels and a deep-V neckline, Irealle was a beauty. The wind and rain were not our friend so a time was had honey keeping her hair and veil in place but we prevailed!
After her portraits, we then went into the family photos. Aubrey, Ava and Amir were absolute troopers. Aubrey and Ava, two little ladies and Amír, the perfect gentleman posed and cheered on Mommy and Daddy the entire time. Irealle always dreamed to have a wedding photo under her veil like the one pictured below with Ava. Aubrey played shy when Mommy asked her to dance with her and smiled and giggled as her mom twirled her around. Amír was not a fan of the girls having all the fun with Irealle and proclaimed, “That’s my Mommy!” He demanded he have his moment.
Once we were finished with the family portraits, the kids retreated to the car to warm their fingers and toes and the three of us headed into the wooded area to snap some portraits of Irealle & Andrew. I’m definitely a fan of capturing beautifully posed portraits, but candids have a special place in my heart. I loved being able to capture their goofiness authentically. How inspiring it is to see they can still put those big smiles on one another’s faces after 10 years.
After their session, I have a new found love for shooting wedding portraits and shooting in nature. This location was a hidden gem like most of the best spots are - you just have to be willing to explore.
I stepped out of my comfort zone with this session, with it being my first wedding/anniversary shoot. I absolutely love how their photos came out and can’t wait to share my next one like this.
Thank you to Irealle & Andrew for trusting me to capture such precious memories. Cheers to 10 years plus many more 🥂
