Soft Florals & Natural Hues Wedding Inspiration | Gulf Coast Wedding Photographer
Recently, I had the opportunity to put together a group of F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S vendors to construct a shoot that showcased a classic, clean, and timeless vision for the modern bride. Over the years, I've learned that I tend to gravitate to a "less is more" style, as it exudes such class and timeless appeal. For this shoot, I knew I wanted to incorporate very soft fabrics and florals, with natural and simplistic elements for the table settings. I could not be more overjoyed with how my vision came to light with this fabulous team. The shoot took place at Pinzone's Italian Village in the most breathtaking nook of charming downtown Fairhope. If you're ever in the Fairhope area, Pinzone's is a great aesthetic for a quiet dinner date out. If you're getting married in the Fairhope area, it's an even better place for a rehearsal dinner.
Many thanks to Laken and Lauren of Something Borrowed Blooms for their fabulous Olivia Collection of florals. If you haven't heard of them, I absolutely urge you to check the concept behind their floral business out. They have started a floral rental company (yes, you read that right) in which they rent out S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G premium silk floral collections for weddings. If you're a bride with champagne taste, but looking for where you can save a bit, they are absolutely worth checking into.
The paper goods for the shoot were designed by the immensely talented Kristian & Kortney Cleveland. Kristian & Kortney are a mother-daughter team at Impression Paperie who specialize in premium custom paper goods. I've had the pleasure of photographing several weddings which incorporated their work, and let me tell you, these ladies go above and beyond to cater to the vision of their brides.
Makeup for the shoot was done by Caroline Carpenter. Caroline is passionate about makeup and incredibly talented with a brush in hand. I cannot wait to see where the industry takes this girl.
Bella Bridesmaid of Mobile provided the breathtaking dresses. If you friend me on social media, pretend you don't notice when you see me sporting the gown Elizabeth is wearing for the next formal affair I attend. I'm pretty sure I've been dreaming of the chocolate-charcoal off-the-shoulder dress since this shoot.
What I'm Loving: Fairhope, AL
Growing up in Louisiana, travel along the Gulf coast was pretty frequent for our family. After meeting Preston, who's originally from Alabama, it became even more frequent for me to take those little two and a half hour drives from Louisiana to Alabama. With a compilation of family, Preston's military career, and many friends there, we still visit quite frequently. In the company of our visits, we almost always find time to stop into Downtown Fairhope. If you're not familiar with this cute little All-American town, it's a must-see visit for a dose of classy, Southern, and small town America. Best part is, it's a stop on the way to Gulf Shores or Florida--so I highly recommend a little stop in on your next trip. Even moreso, if you're looking for a quaint little girls' weekend of good food, classy fun, and great shops, look no further.
I'm always looking for the best places to eat when we visit places, so I thought I'd share with you a few of our consistent favorites when we are in Fairhope. My all-time favorite is Local's. Seriously, I don't think I visit Fairhope without popping in for a meal there. Local's prides themselves in local, organic, grass-fed meats, game, and fresh local veggies for their deliciously crafted burgers and the best shrimp and grits around. Wait, it actually gets better when I tell you that you can bring your own alcohol. As if the food weren't fabulous enough, the fact that I can pick up a nice bottle of wine from Red or White Wine Bar down the street and bring it into the restaurant with no corking fee, pretty much makes it a forever love affair.
Speaking of, if you do make a weekend visit to Fairhope and need a swanky place for great atmosphere and fabulous, affordable wine selection after dinner, I highly recommend taking a stroll a few blocks over to Red or White.
If you like things a bit crunchy from time to time in your life, I also highly recommend taking a stroll a few doors down from Local's over to Rosie Bluum. Essential oils, organic makeups, body things, are just a few of the treasures to find if you need a few organic, California-esque vibes in your life.
Lastly, if you ever do decide to stay in Fairhope for longer than a few hours and need a second fabulous meal option, Pinzone's is another must. Their romantic outdoor courtyard, fabulous wine selection, and delicious Italian make for a super romantic date night or classy girls' night. In their case, the pictures below simply speak for themselves.
If you find yourself in Fairhope, let me know if you've loved any of these suggestions! I'd love to hear about your experiences. Happy, happy day, my friends!
Gulf Shores Family Portraits
Because she will only be this age once. She'll only fit in your arms in that way for so long. She'll only excitedly proclaim, "Choo-chi!" in that way that her words are not yet pronounced for so long. But you'll always have the photos--and always, always, she'll be your baby.
I've ranted many times of the importance I feel in professionally photographing family regularly. Authentic, lifestyle photographs that bring out the emotion, age, and relationships that intertwine the family unit. They're heirlooms, my friends--time capsules that, ten years from now, you might not remember otherwise.
This is part of my family. You've seen them before, because well, we do this regularly. We do it because we believe in it. We believe in the documentation, the frozen moments in time, the art of it all.
Amanda is my first cousin, but is really more like a sister, honestly. We're five months apart in age and have experienced so many monumental life events together. She had my godchild, Isla, a year and a half ago, and has brought so much added joy into our family.
These are my two sisters--Shelli and Delaini. You've probably seen them on here before, also. Shelli is in school at LSU working towards her Master's Degree and Delaini is heading to junior high. 
I scooped up my Isla-girl for a few photos of her and I. We just couldn't let good hair and a happy baby go to waste as long as there was still sunlight out...
But my favorites, always my favorite, are the time captured between momma and baby.
Late Summer Sessions: Alabama
This summer has been one filled with travel and I can't say I have a single complaint about it. We spent the end of May in Alabama recharging from the crazy Spring season, then I spent last week in Chicago at a photography workshop soaking in all of the goodness world renowned wedding photographer, Jasmine Star had to offer. Preston is finishing up his degree in addition to working almost full-time. He's also back in the military drilling with the good ole' USMC once a month AND helping me with the business--so we will take travel in between those happenings whenever we can get our hands on it! I'm remarkably grateful for the busy Springs this little business I've grown has had the opportunity of experiencing, and if you happened upon my post from last Thursday, you know I'm equally thankful for the opportunity to recharge this creative brain to be the best that I can be. I'm a firm believer in the notion that you can't genuinely shed creativity and art onto the experience of life if you don't take some time to EXPERIENCE LIFE. (:
With that being said, I will be working in Fairhope, AL for a couple of weeks in early August and am thrilled to be offering Late Summer Sessions at special, generally not offered prices! Why? Because I love you AND I just adore this beautiful coast we live along. I'll be offering sessions in the Baldwin County area, mostly in Fairhope, and even Gulf Shores upon request. Here it is...
Who are these sessions offered to?
I'm so glad you asked! They're open to anyone I would normally photograph! Families, children, seniors, couples, maternity, etc.
Where will the sessions take place?
This offering is for the Downtown Fairhope area; however, we can discuss the possibility and logistics of anywhere from Gulf Shores to Mobile, upon your request.
I see that the offer says, "Starting at $300," does this mean I get JUST a sitting fee for this price?
NOPE, it sure doesn't! While prices can and may vary upon individual request, with every collection purchase of $300, you will receive a session/outfit planning consult via email, 30 minutes of shooting time on the day of your session, and 30 edited high-resolution images. Additional factors such as alternate locations, additional outfits, and more edited final images may be added to the session at an additionally quoted price.
Will you help us style these sessions like you do your full sessions?
Yes, of course! I consider it a trademark part of my art to assist clients with achieving a certain feel from their session. They will be soft, elegant, and simple--of which I'll lead the way to helping you achieve in a way that's perfectly you. Because simple never goes out of style.
Do I have to be from Alabama to take advantage of this fabulous offer?
Nope, you sure don't! I know many of my Louisiana loves make summer trips to the sandy shores of Alabama over the summer, too. If your family is vacationing in the Gulf Shores/Fairhope area (or even if you're passing through) and want to take advantage of this offer, you're more than welcome to jive with it! Same applies for my friends in the Florida area, who are only a short drive away.
When and how do I book?
You can book NOW by emailing me at KALI@KALINORTON.COM and we can get you all set up! The sooner you book, the more options you'll have for availability, of course. A 25% retainer will be due along with a contract for booking your session, then the remainder of the balance will be due the day of your session.
For additional questions you may have about my lifestyle sessions and how things work, you can check out my extensively answered FAQs here!
I so look forward to meeting you, working with you, and documenting a fine art collection of work for your family to cherish for years to come.