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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Happy Memorial Day dear friends! 

Although we have been staying in, and staying home

 it seems that love is still in the air !  

It has been tough on so many of our brides to reschedule

 their wedding but I think it has made us all 

appreciate the little things so much more. 

My cup runneth over &  I can't wait to get back
to doing what we love ....in sharing

 a very special day with couples 

who pass through our gates. 

I have had time to appreciate some of the lovely pictures from weddings past 

and all of the little details that make our weddings so memorable. 

We have had the honor of sharing in the day of Health Care Workers, 

First Responders and Military Heros...never knowing how different 

their life, and ours would be.

In discussing with our upcoming brides I think they all have come to 

realize "quality over quantity" for it is the pictures 

that you have to keep your memories alive after the day is over.

 A great photographer is priceless. 

It is all the little details...Focusing on what 

is really important in planning your day

No matter large or small, organizing a wedding

 is most important for your important day! 

  Flowers, Cake, the dress, the food, 

the décor and transportation…all needing a clear sense of your vision, 

so it won’t look like it is just thrown together. 

Planning time is never wasted time!

Love is patient love is kind, it always protects, always trusts,

 always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

                        1 Corinthians 13:4 7-8

And the two shall become one.

                        Ephesians 5:31 

I look forward to the weddings in our future  
and we will appreciate all of these days a little bit more.

Lori Sparkman Photography

I hope you are all okay, I hope those you love

are safe and well, and I hope you’re 

weathering this storm with your family. 

What an unprecedented time.   

My cup runneth over & 

Wishing you a joy-filled Memorial Day weekend ...hugs! 

Be sure to join us on Instagram too!   https://www.instagram.com/aldasmagnoliahill/

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Savor This Moment

Savor This Moment

 Embracing the special moments of Your Wedding Day

A sundown kiss  

 

“There are many wedding pictures that will catch your eye,

but only a few will tug on your heartstrings…look for those moments.”

A very special mother steps in for the "Father Daughter Dance" 

            Today I am sitting here waiting on a client to walk in my door and I will share my peach tea with her as we begin to plan her wedding.  The flowers, the cake, the dress, but there are a few things that will make this wedding different from any other. Ever.

             I love weddings and have my dream job as a planner for that special once in a lifetime day.  Weddings are such an affirmation and hope for the future …a lot goes into the planning of that day!  Social Media is full of wedding day visual decorating ideas, dress inspirations, hairstyles, color palettes, and tasty options for a reception.  As a wedding planner for over ten years, I have ten years worth of ideas as  a lot can be seen and noted, but not all treasured

memories can be pictured on Pinterest…some things are just felt with the heart.  

These are the things that only your wedding will possess.

The "we did it" moment walking back up the aisle is all smiles ...so sweet holding hands!

 What is missing from all these resplendent Instagram and Pinterest ideas, is the heartfelt tangible sentiment that is the most important part of a wedding…things to make a wedding like no other…your wedding, your family, and your new husband!    I have been a silent witness to these sweet personal moments…sometimes tearstained; ideas that make wedding day, a wedding of their very own that is sentimental, meaningful and heartfelt.  

Revel in the fact that there has never been a wedding like yours

 and embrace just what will make it memorable.   Savor those moments.

A Little Bit of Christmas

After I finally thawed out from the cold this weekend, 

I wanted to share a glimpse of our Christmas decor. 

 So many families came for pictures with our red truck

 and enjoyed a sunshine but COLD day.

Lori Sparkman Photography

This sweet fellow just melts my heart!

100 years...that is how old we are!  

Driving through the front gates, Miss Magnolia wears her winter scarf.

Several of the families that came for pictures had been married here. 

The boat house wears twinkle lights all year long.

Buddy kept a roaring bonfire for us to warm up by.

The "Wedding Crashers" had to swim 

and check out the Christmas tree in the wooden dory boat.

The red tuck looks so cheery with Christmas lights. 

We have wedding planning meetings during the holidays, 

so the front porch is decked out and ready for guests. 

The kitchen gets a splash of Christmas too.

One hundred years ago, kitchens were rather small. 

As if stepping back in time, 

our kitchen is all original.

Since we are on the Historic Register it still seems to work. 

Silver gets a fresh polish this time of year.

The breakfast table window is filled with photos from Christmas past. 

Most family and friends

 come in our laundry room door on the back porch, 

so we have a splash of Santa there too. 

The wooden  Christmas tree filled with suckers is from my children's past 

and now gets to be enjoyed by their little ones. 

My vintage Santa mugs are perfect for this little table....It stays ready for a party!

More family photos this afternoon..not quite so cold and the sun is shining! 

 This wonderful old estate is made to share the past with the present. 

I will be ready to warm up by a cozy fire again tonight! 

Thanks for stopping by...

 Hope you all are enjoying this Christmas season !