Terrance & Kara’s Gilded Lily Affair

On November 18, 2023, love took center stage at the enchanting Gilded Lily in Irondale, Alabama, as Terrance Johnson and Kara Johnson exchanged vows and celebrated their union. What began as a chance encounter at Best Buy blossomed into a beautiful journey towards matrimony.

The Gilded Lily was the perfect mix of rustic charm and urban chic. Imagine high ceilings, chandeliers, and a piano decked out with treats! Add in gold chairs, draped with pearls, and big windows letting in all that natural light. Plus, let's not forget the vintage vibes with those exposed concrete walls and the nearby train tracks – talk about the ultimate photo op!

Kara's squad rocked matching blue gowns that perfectly synced with the groomsmen's bow ties and vests, not to mention the Delphiniums in the bouquets and boutonnieres. DIY antique decor added that extra flair, because why not DIY when you've got style for days?

The tears flowed, my friends, but they were tears of pure joy! Terrance and Kara couldn't hold back the waterworks during their first look, and Kara's dad? Well, let's just say he needed some tissues too as he proudly walked his daughter down the aisle.

And can we talk about the reception entrance? They rolled in to "Int'l Players Anthem" by UGK – setting the vibe just right! Then, cue the clouds (smoke machine, of course) and "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Kem for their first dance. Magical doesn't even begin to cover it!

But the real magic? It was in the candid shots – those genuine moments that just can't be staged. Armed with my trusty 85mm and 24-70mm, along with some killer lighting gear, we captured it all. From the laughter to the tears, every shot tells a story.

Sure, we had our challenges – hello, daylight savings time! But when you've got clients as awesome as Terrance and Kara, anything is possible. And boy, did we make it happen in under 4 hours!

Terrance summed it up best: "We looked through them and we love them! Appreciate you again for capturing our big day! 🫡"

Terrance and Kara, your love story is one for the ages. Thanks for letting us be part of the ride!