Before the Ceremony Begins

 Lori Sparkman Photography

Before the ceremony begins,

 the photographer has time to catch 

all the little details of the wedding. 

It is hard to believe that September is just around the corner

and our fall wedding season blossoms in fullness.

  

I have heard from so many of my brides

 that the day was over all too soon ...

over in a flash ...

after all the planning.

 Lori Sparkman Photography

The brides personal bouquet is to be remembered, 

and captured in a lovely photo... just sitting there looking pretty.

I especially love the magnolia leaves 

and fern fronds in this one.

 Lori Sparkman Photography

With roses in her collar, Delilah our sweetheart 

English Suffolk draft horse

 knows it is wedding day 

and she has an important job to do. 

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 Wedding signs are out, 

and this one is most appropriate 

for the day and these times. 

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 Capturing the bride and groom 

in a sweet private moment. 

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 First look ?  

Seems to put a bride at ease 

and I love this romantic 

dash across the lawn.

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 There are never too many pictures

 of just the two of you...

 Lori Sparkman Photography

And with your girls

 Lori Sparkman Photography

A few pictures of a handsome groom

 before the actual ceremony are treasured.

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 Stepping in the carriage...

Time to get in the carriage and go to the altar.

Treasure this sweet moment! 

 Lori Sparkman Photography

Such a beautiful wedding and stunning bride!  

Venue Alda's Magnolia Hill 

Planning Alda's Magnolia Hill 

Florals Alda's Magnolia Hill 

Photography Lori Sparkman Photography

Catering : Vibrant Occasions Catering

Hugs!

Pssst: Did you know Alda's Magnolia Hill  is on Instagram? 

You’ll find me on Instagram here:  Alda's Magnolia Hill 

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Welcoming Spring on the Porch & Gratitude

Hi friends! With Easter only a week away, I thought I would share how Spring 

has blossomed and bunnies have multiplied . 

 The dogwood wreath on the front door is

my spring inspiration for I just love Dogwood trees. 

When the first buds of spring peep through their winter sleep, 

I start fluffing the pillows on the porch.   

 As the miracle of spring unfolds, I like to think of my front porch 

as a cozy resting spot in which we find the reassurance 

of new beginnings especially this year. 

Bunnies seemed to be popping up on the porch everywhere...

It was so nice to have a clean fresh porch! 

 If you have known me very long, 

you know I love a porch, and the gatherings on the porch.

 This forced quiet time has certainly let us keep busy

with projects like installing a new front porch and painting it. 

 Living in a hundred year old house there is 

always something that needs some refreshing. 

A fresh coat of paint will feel smooth and cool to summers bare feet.  

 I found it was too easy to become overwhelmed,

 and stressed watching the news on the 24 hour television

 that was holding me captive. 

 I had to turn it off and get busy while limiting

 myself to checking in only once a day. 

The porch seems a nice diversion to step away from all the news. 

Quiet reflection on the porch... Reading a good book, 

counting my blessings, and especially missing those I love... .

 The rocking chairs got a fresh coat of paint too. 

They were a Christmas gift from my husband the first year in our house.

Miss Magnolia finds herself all alone these days

except for a few left over jonquils. 

Enjoying the last camilla blooms from

 time spent on the porch. 

Notes to self while under "house arrest" ....enjoy the gift of the day. 

 My heart is saddened by the loss of a lifelong friend

 to the virus. Yet I am so full of gratitude 

with her gift of friendship through the years. 

" No disaster can overtake you, 

No plague can come hear your dwelling;

For He shall give His angels charge over you, 

To keep you in all your ways. "

Psalm 91:10-11

Stay well, sweet friends, stay well.

The Charm of a Bridal Portrait

Perhaps nothing expresses a brides style more than the dress
she wears on her wedding day.
A wedding portrait to be shared at the wedding reception
gives a glimpse of the next chapter in her life.

No more cold studio shots, photographers are
taking a step back in time with the outdoors as their background.

Drew Cason photography

 Sophisticated and elegant,
Here is an outdoor album with just such ideas for a portrait....

So many choices bedazzle the bride but when her eyes fall
on the perfect dress, she feels confident in her choice.

Ashley Murphy images

A romantic lace dress and abundant bouquet
is all that is needed for a portrait in our vintage carriage.

Lance Shingleur Photography

This classic train of the dress is showcased against the stillness of the lake.




Of course the groom is not allowed to see the dress before the wedding,
but it is most helpful
to have the hands of mother or a treasured friend
 for a bit of assistance dressing for the portrait session.

Once the dress has been final fitted  a bit before the wedding day
is time to make the portrait appointment .

Edwardian inspired outdoor photography
 depends on the weather...not rainy, but not too sunny.
A good photographer knows the perfect lighting.

Ashley Diggs photography

A glimpse of a brides personality shines
 through the portrait with their love of horses. 

Gorgeous smile and a strand of pearls...
A portrait is a good time to try the perfect
 hairstyle and makeup for wedding day.

A sweet glimpse of things to come
on wedding day
with Blue,
our French Percheron horse.

A look of English nobility with this
small side chair portrait underneath draping trees.

A look that appeals to brides with the water and floral decor on the  boat. 

Any bride can tell you that they never felt more radiant
than in their wedding dress
surrounded by roses and draping greenery.

The sweet personality comes out of the bride
when animals are in the background of this swooping lace gown
with tiny covered buttons dressing the back.

Delilah, our English Suffolk horse closes her eyes
 when she gets a kiss from a bride who loves horses.

Magic in the garden when this bride lifts her bow
eyes her aim
 and showcases her archery skills.

Step into the garden with our ivy clad garden wall
for a memorable classic clean and elegant portrait.

Hollywood glam in this portrait looks
as if straight from a movie.

A simple walk through the woods on a richly shaded trail
with the textures of a lace gown
 is the 18th century blending of earth and nature.

This is a wonderful time in life, showcase all the smiles of the wedding to come.

"Every girl has a fantasy of elegance 
And there is a moment when it comes true."
                                                           - Jessica McClintock




Blessings on your day,