Even though this wasn’t technically a wedding, it was absolutely a celebration of one! This sweet couple were planning to get married in Texas where they live, but the bride’s parents, Shannon and Chad, wanted to bring everyone together here in their hometown of Cullman, Alabama before the big day for a Cotton Creek Pre-Wedding Celebration.
Her parents wanted to celebrate with the people they did life together with, and who were there for the nitty-gritty, formative years of life. There is something so special about celebrating with the people who have been part of your story since the early days. These were the people who they had raised their children alongside, gone to church with, laughed and cried with, walked alongside each other through different seasons, and shared all those ordinary, everyday moments that end up meaning so much. The bride’s parents brought in the amazing Anita Kanellis of AK Brides to make it happen. Anita, along with the most stellar vendor team ever, brought the whole vision to life.
Cotton Creek Pre-Wedding Celebration
I didn’t know the Witcher family before this celebration, but it didn’t take long to realize how lovely they are. The entire evening was full of warmth, laughter, emotion, and so much joy. On top of that, it was absolutely gorgeous!
The hats, the dancing, the laughter, the beautiful details, and the people who filled the room made this feel like so much more than just a party. It was a celebration of family, friendships, and all the years of life that brought everyone to this moment. There was plenty of fun, but there was also the kind of emotion that comes from being surrounded by people who truly know you.
One of the most meaningful parts of the evening for me was getting to connect with the bride’s mom, Shannon. We bonded over the loss of our moms and the particular ache of planning and celebrating important milestones like weddings without them there. Those moments can be bittersweet, but every now and then, there are those little God-winks, small moments that happen to remind you of all the love and memories, which always have a way of showing up when you need them. During our conversation, we talked about how a long-lost friend of your mom might suddenly turn up and share stories you had never even heard before. What a gift to discover another little piece of someone you miss so much, right when you wish you could talk to them most.
I love that weddings and celebrations like this make room for moments like these. They bring people together and create space for stories, memories, tears, and laughter. And as a photographer, getting to witness and preserve those moments is one of the reasons I love what I do.
The Vendor Dream Team
Of course, a celebration this beautiful doesn’t come together on its own! Anita brought together an incredible team of talented wedding professionals who made the evening feel effortless, thoughtful, and downright spectacular between the stunning florals, cocktail wall display, and all the thoughtful design details. I’m always grateful when I get to work alongside vendors who care about their clients and their work as much as I do. This team absolutely delivered!
Photographing this Cotton Creek Pre-Wedding Celebration was such an honor. I may not have known this family before this evening, but I left feeling so grateful to have met them. I hope I get to see the precious Witcher family again!
Cotton Creek Wedding Vendors:
Planner: AK Brides
Venue: Cotton Creek
Photography: Je Vois Photography
Floral Designer: Lillie Janes
Rentals: Decor To Adore | Prophase Design Studios
Caterer: Happy Catering
Lighting: Decor To Adore
Band: Nationwide Coverage
If you’re planning your own wedding, please contact me today to start a conversation about how I can capture your beautiful memories! I can’t wait to hear from you!
You can view more gorgeous weddings and special moments I’ve captured over on the blog!
Classic Birmingham Winter Wedding at The Fennec
