Emma and Coleman’s Hope Farm wedding in Fairhope, AL was the perfect reflection of who they are as a couple: relaxed, joyful, and completely focused on enjoying the day with the people they love most. Their celebration combined a beautiful ceremony at St. Francis at the Point with a reception at The Hope Farm in Fairhope, two incredible locations for a classic Eastern Shore wedding.

I also had the pleasure of photographing their rehearsal dinner the night before, which gave me the chance to meet their families and wedding party before the wedding day began. I always love when this happens. By the time I arrived on the wedding morning, so many of the faces already felt familiar.

Getting Ready in Downtown Fairhope

Emma and her bridesmaids started the day at the cutest little Air BNB on Fairhope Avenue. I’ve passed it so many times and never knew it was there! It was actually perfect for her day as the colors in the home went with her wedding palette. We had an extra easy morning because hair and makeup were done early – girls, this is soo helpful for the flow of your wedding day! Huge thanks to Brushed and Blushed! Meanwhile Coleman and the guys got ready nearby at Jubilee Suites. Having everyone in Fairhope made the morning easy and kept the entire day feeling relaxed, which fit Emma and Coleman perfectly. After getting ready, we headed to St. Francis at the Point for portraits and the ceremony.

A St. Francis at the Point Wedding

Before the ceremony, Emma shared a sweet first look with her dad, followed by her first look with Coleman. Emma cried a few happy tears she’d been holding in all morning and then we recreated an old photo of her with her dad sitting on a church pew – I love these! Once Emma and Coleman saw each other they were ready to go! Knowing they could spend the rest of the day together now that they were so excited about! We were able to photograph their bride and groom portraits, wedding party, and family portraits in and around the church before they officially said “I do.” Emphasis on the IN as we had a lovely south Alabama heat advisory. Emma quickly discovered the floor vents for the A/C to help her stay cool between portraits, haha.

St. Francis at the Point is such a beautiful setting for a Fairhope-area wedding. Its classic architecture and peaceful surroundings created a timeless backdrop for Emma and Coleman’s portraits and ceremony.

Planning their first look and portraits before the ceremony also meant that once they were married, they could head to their Hope Farm wedding reception and start celebrating with their guests.

Wedding Reception at The Hope Farm in Fairhope

Following the ceremony, everyone made their way to The Hope Farm in Fairhope, Alabama for the reception. The Hope Farm is one of my favorite Fairhope wedding venues because it brings together beautiful design, incredible food, and an atmosphere that feels elevated without being overly formal.That balance was especially fitting for Emma and Coleman. Their laid-back personalities carried throughout the entire wedding day.

The reception was all about celebrating, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the evening together. We admittedly were pretty nervous that we were going to catch an afternoon thunderstorm as the sky got dark and we could hear some thunder in the distance (or just the garbage truck as the bridesmaids said, haha) BUT the nearby storm actually cooled it off and even gave us a rainbow for the outdoor reception!

You can tell how much everyone loves these two! One of my favorite reception moments was when Emma’s girls brought out feather boas and party accessories and danced around to her to “Dancing Queen”. Emma was so excited and they had the best time on the dance floor! The band was so good too! 

Emma & Coleman’s Fairhope Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Photography by Toni
Planner: Meredith Ivy
Ceremony Venue: St. Francis at the Point
Reception Venue & Catering: The Hope Farm
Florist: Vinson Floral Design
Cake: Couture Cakes
Invitations: Carlson Craft
Ceremony Musician: Benjamin Rollings, Pianist
Reception Band: Groove Factor
Rentals: Gulf Coast Rentals
Transportation: Gulf Coast Tours
Hair & Makeup: Brushed and Blushed
Bride’s Dress: Bella’s Birmingham
Bride’s Jewelry: Marquirette’s Montgomery
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse