Julie + Jacob

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A gorgeous venue, a couple that was meant to be and a lots of family and friends … even the heat could not take away from Julie and Jacob’s wedding. Julie and Jacob first met when Jacob was living in California. At first, the distance deterred Julie, but once she gave in … the rest as they say is history.

And now for Hampton Road Studios top three things we loved about their wedding!

Julie and Jacob were married in Micah’s Meadow at Mathews Manor in Springville, Alabama. The Meadow was a beautiful setting for their ceremony. The Meadow was nestled in the tree with a stream running beside it. The stone alter, along with the vine trimmed arch, was the perfect backdrop for their vows.

Julie and her dad were brought to the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage. Every little girl dreams of her fairy tale wedding, and seeing Julie arrive in a carriage got everyone a little choked up. She was gorgeous as she arrived!

Two pastors, who mean a lot to Julie and Jacob, officiated the ceremony. The pastor who opened the ceremony is a former patient of Julie’s and one of the reasons Julie and Jacob ever went on that first date. Having him participate in the service and hearing his inspirational words, was so sweet.

Congratulations Julie and Jacob!

Shay + Jesse

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We met Shay & Jesse a little over a year ago. Getting to know them has been a wonderful process as they are two of the most caring and loving people we have ever met. They have always made us feel like a friend and we are truly grateful for that.

As their wedding approached the excitement grew. We knew that they were planning a very romantic ceremony, which was to be followed by an awesome party at Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The party was without a doubt one of the most joyous occasions we have ever been to.

Here are 3 things we loved about Shay & Jesse’s wedding:

1) Their love for each other was written all over their faces. As Shay walked down the aisle and Jesse saw his bride for the first time that day he could only try to hold back his emotions. Everyone in the room could feel their love for each other. It is a refreshing reminder to Ashley and I about what true love really is.

2) Their garter removal was the best ever. They made it last and were both very funny and animated as Jesse removed the garter from Shay’s leg. Every time we watch it we can’t help but laugh. Love you guys!

3) Dancing – The group dancing was highly energetic and everyone was having a blast until the last song was played. Shay and her bridesmaids even performed a choreographed dance to Dream Girls. The guests loved it.

Shay and Jesse, we are beyond ecstatic for you both as you start your new life together. We hope this film helps bring you back to that day over and over again. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us the pleasure of being a part of your wedding.

-Matt & Ashley

Julie + Tommy

Julie and Tommy were married at Rainbow Manor in Rainbow City, Alabama, northeast of Birmingham. Julie is one of those people you instantly love! Her sweet, caring spirit and the smile on her face made her glow all day. Tommy may be the shyer of the two, but he could not hide his nervous excitement.

We narrowed down our top three favorites of their wedding …

Julie and Tommy’s highlights gives you a glimpse into our most favorite part of their story …  their love for each other. Their love is about more than just this single day we got to share with them, it is all the days leading up to it. The happy and sad, the easy and tough, the laughter and tears. It is all of those that have bonded them together and the result is written all over their faces.

As Julie rode in the limo from her house to the chapel, they passed by her parents house. Her dad was on the front porch to wave as she rode by. You can hear her yelling to him and he did not leave the porch until the limo was out of sight.

Daddy-daughter moments at weddings always gets to me (Ashley). At 3 minutes and 12 seconds in their highlights, Julie’s dad carries one side of her train as Tommy carries the other. The symbolism and sweetness of this moment gets to me every time I see it. One of my favorite wedding moments of all time!

Congratulations Julie, Tommy and Ashley!

Becca + Brandon

Becca and Brandon were married at Huckleberry Farms in Jasper, Alabama. I knew the moment I walked into the room with Becca and her bridesmaids, it was going to be a fun day. She was so calm and everyone was having fun hanging out together.

I have narrowed it down to our top three favorites from Becca and Brandon’s wedding …

Brandon and his groomsmen were serious about making sure they looked good for the wedding. From making sure their ties fit right to searching YouTube to learn to fold the pocket squares. All of their work paid off!

I love the look on Becca’s face as her veil was put on and she saw herself in the mirror! The excitement of seeing herself as a bride, and getting ready to see Brandon for the first time, makes me smile every time.

Becca, Brandon and their friends had a blast dancing at the reception. Once they started dancing, they did not leave the dance floor until the night was over. It was so much fun!

We loved being a part of Becca and Brandon’s wedding. They are two of the sweetest people and were so excited to be married! Congratulations Becca and Brandon!

 

Real Wedding Tips | Drinks At The Ceremony

We love outdoor ceremonies. The lighting, the beauty, the intimacy. Living in the south and filming southern weddings also means (for most of the year) it is hot! However, brides do not have to give up their dreams of an outdoor ceremony. Just add a few details to make it comfortable for their guests during their outdoor summer wedding. My favorite trend I have seen at a number of our couple’s weddings lately, is to have drinks for the guests as they are being seated. You can see the joy on the guests face when they see the drink table, especially the guys in suits.

This vineyard wedding, chose to serve cucumber and mint infused water and lemonade to their guests. They even incorporated wine crates to tie in with the vineyard atmosphere.

This wedding on a horse farm chose to serve their guests lavender lemonade. The burlap linens on the table matched the backdrop of the ceremony and the linens at the reception. Keep the drink table’s decor consistent with the wedding, so it fits perfectly in with the day.

Head over to our Pinterest Summer Weddings board to see more ideas.

Also, here are the recipes for the drinks mentioned above.

Cucumber and Mint Infused Water

1 gallon of cold water
5 slices of cucumber
4 fresh mint leaves
ice

Combine all ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator to allow flavors to infuse. Serve and enjoy!

Lavender Lemonade

2 1/2 cups of water
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
2 1/2 cups of cold water
1 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
ice

In a large saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat. Add lavender. Cool to room temperature. Strain. Stir in cold water and lemon juice. Chill and serve over ice.