When Emily first reached out and mentioned her wedding would be in Birmingham at The Cathedral of Saint Paul, my heart skipped a beat. It’s not every day you get to document a wedding at a place filled with so much history, not to mention the most beautiful gothic architecture. The Cathedral of Saint Paul, first built in 1872, is located right in the heart of downtown. The stained glass windows, majestic domed ceilings, and lush courtyards make the cathedral easily one of the most beautiful buildings in The Southeast. I arrived early to the cathedral to scout out some spots for photos and was immediately overwhelmed with it’s grandeur. It also made me so thankful for this job and the incredible places I have been able to experience because of it.
Birmingham was the city where Emily and Zach went to college, met, and fell in love—so it only made sense for them to get married there. When describing how she wanted her wedding day to feel, Emily said “I want this day to feel summery and magical. I’m hoping for gorgeous, timeless photographs that capture our special day in classic ways and also in hidden moments. I want photos to show my kids and grandkids.” I couldn’t think of two more perfect words than summer and magical to describe August 20th.
Emily chose the most beautiful and elegant details for her Saint Paul’s Cathedral wedding in Birmingham. One of my favorite’s was her statement bridal cape by Essence Designs. Some of my favorite photographs were taken of her in her cape during the precessional and recessional. The stunning lace cape could not matched the majesty of the church more perfectly. Emily looked absolutely stunning walking down the aisle in it.
After the ceremony, I could have easily spent hours taking portraits of the two in and around the cathedral. I documented the two in the light of the stained glass, soaking in their first moments as husband and wife. We took more portraits outside in the courtyard, on the front stairs and in their vintage getaway car! After dinner and dancing, the two said bye to their family and friends as dried lavender was tossed—one of my favorite exits to date.
I can’t express how much it meant to be a part of Emily and Zach’s stunning Saint Paul’s Cathedral wedding in Birmingham. I can’t wait for their kids and grandkids to see these images some day.
Want to see another gorgeous and timeless 2022 wedding? Check out Julia and Bradley’s day on the blog here.
Venue: The Cathedral of Saint Paul // Planner: Grace and Truth Weddings // Florist: Stems and Styles // Dress: Something Blue Shoppe // Invitation Suite: Shine Wedding Invitations // Hair and Makeup: Mad Style // Ice cream: Big Spoon Ice Cream // Cake: Magic Muffins // Rental Car: Coats Classic Cars
