Marriott at Grand National – Opelika AL Wedding – Pam & John

Pam & John were married on a delightfully cool day in … JULY! Actually, not very cool at all! But they are so in love, I bet you’d never notice it in their photos! It was your typical Alabama July day (with the requisite afternoon rain shower), and they soaked up every minute of their happy celebration! The Marriott at Grand National was a wonderful setting for both Pam & John to get ready. The superb staff and gorgeous hotel helped the day go off without a hitch! bridal wedding details I loved Pam’s details – the sparkling adornments around her waist were a common theme throughout all the details. bride getting ready She had a lovely team of ladies helping her get ready in the bridal suite. wedding rings on bouquet Just look at her ring! I might have been a tiiiiiny bit jealous over that diamond!
bride reading vows This was one of my favorite moments of the day – Pam was reading over her heartfelt vows she wrote to John and their children.We took a few photos on the balcony, and even got to wave at some of the guests enjoying the pool!Like I said, these ladies were lots of help! There were so many fun moments like these.Poor John grabbed the wrong jacket and had to sneak back out for the first look – we barely missed him! But thankfully, we were able to capture his first reaction to seeing his beautiful bride.Pam & John were such great sports despite the warm weather. I had a hard time getting them to stop talking and smile for photos! Shade was hard to find on the Marriott grounds, but thankfully we found this beautiful spot near one of the holes behind the hotel! The (few) golfers that drove by were graciously patient with us. Thankfully we were on the part of the hole where you tee off.. it might have been a little dangerous otherwise!
I just love their wedding colors! They flow perfectly together.This group was a joy to photograph! They all enjoy being together and their smiles came naturally.Before long, it was time for the ceremony to begin! The bridal party walked from a nearby clubhouse together.There were many tears in this ceremony – where there is love, there are tears!This moment in prayer was especially touching! I even caught one of the mama’s wiping her tears from the audience.Pam & John were announced as Mr. and Mrs. before the wedding party and guests proceeded to downtown Auburn for a reception on the Acre patio.The tablescapes were so beautiful! I loved how they had clearly been well thought out.Especially the individual placesettings, which featured a name card, thank you note, and menu for the evening.I wasn’t able to get an image of the hors d’oeuvres before the guests enjoyed them, but they were clearly a hit!The guests enjoyed mingling before taking their seats and preparing for a delicious meal.The patio was the perfect size for their wedding reception – I can only imagine the possibilities this space could have! Of course, the Acre staff was wonderful, as usual.The cake looked delicious! John’s mother made it, and the hydrangeas were the perfect accent.
Pam & John departed from their wedding to spend over a week in Cabo! I tried to convince them to take me along, but it wasn’t very successful :) Pam & John, thank you so much for asking me to photograph your wedding! It was a joy getting to know you both, as well as your sweet families! I wish you the best as you begin your life together.