Worth a Thousand Words

TWO EXPERT BRIDAL PHOTOGRAPHERS REFLECT ON SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE WEDDING-DAY MOMENTS THEY CAPTURED DURING THE PAST YEAR.

WRITTEN BY RACHEL BURCHFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY FINCH AND ANN-MARIE WYATT

Wedding photographers are faced with the daunting task of recording one of the most special days in their clients’ lives. In 2020 and 2021, thanks to the pandemic, the wedding industry and photographers came under more pressure than usual as business dwindled and big celebrations were altered or postponed. Here are two bridal photographer’s takes on some of the unforgettable weddings they took part in during the past year.

Macy and Kyler Mahar downsized their May 2020 wedding. After their ceremony, they were surprised by would-have-been guests who parked outside to congratulate them from a distance.

Macy & Kyler Mahar

MAY 29, 2020 BRIDE’S AUNT’S HOME

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANN-MARIE WYATT OF TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY

“It was just such a treat to be able to come out of quarantine for Macy and Kyler’s wedding. The last wedding we shot prior to that was March 14 right before the abrupt shutdown, so we were very thankful to be able to work again! The whole wedding day was so intimate we almost felt intrusive, but yet it was so special because everyone was so thankful to be there. It was truly a special day, and I am so thankful we were there to capture it.

“It was Macy’s birthday, which made it even more special! Also, another cool touch was Macy’s family surprised them by inviting all the guests that couldn’t attend to park along the drive and send well wishes as they exited.” Serenity & Cameron Pierce

SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 THE LOFT BY ARBORS OF AMORY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY FINCH OF FINCH COLLECTIVE

“Serenity and her husband, Cameron, came to me about a year before their wedding day in 2019 and booked me as their wedding photographer. At this time, they were one of my first couples to lock in their date on my calendar over a year in advance, and I was so excited to walk with them through their engagement photos and all their big day planning!

“Then when March 2020 happened, they originally waited to see where the world would go with it. They decided a month or two before to downsize to the Loft in Amory. Their September day was warm and sunny with not a cloud in the sky. The architecture of downtown created a unique scene for their portraits that really stands out from a lot of weddings I find myself doing. Instead, it’s a very rustic and industrial style flowing around their day.”

Savannah & Tanner Blacklidge

NOVEMBER 14, 2020 THE JEFFERSON

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANN-MARIE WYATT OF TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTGRAPHY

“Savannah and Tanner have such great chemistry! They made some of the most memorable portraits the entire day and had so much fun the entire time.

“Their ceremony was outside The Jefferson by the lake. Right as they said their vows there was the most amazing sunset taking place. Even at one point, a flock of geese flew overhead. It was such a magical ceremony that photos could never give it justice. You just had to be there.”

“William and Smith Ann were my only couple from 2020 to move their original wedding date, and to be safe they pushed it a year ahead. Let me tell you — worth the wait! William and Smith Ann are high school sweethearts, who, after attending Mississippi State together and moving to Memphis, were so ready for this day. When I went to get William ready for their first look, I asked him, ‘How are you feeling?’ And he replied, ‘Nervous. Do we have any tissue for this?’ It was the sweetest thing to hear him say and then even more precious to get to be there when he first laid his eyes on his bride. You could just feel the joy in the air around these two the rest of the day. The way they giggled and wiped their tears during the ceremony then danced the night away until their sparkler send-off. It was just a beautiful experience to be a part of.”

Smith Ann & William Drummond

APRIL 24, 2021 THE TUPELO COTTON MILL

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY FINCH OF FINCH COLLECTIVE

Erin & Addison Meeks

FEBRUARY 6, 2021 DODSON FARMS IN STARKVILLE

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY FINCH OF FINCH COLLECTIVE

“Addison proposed to Erin during their graduate photos outside Mississippi State’s chapel. The tulips set the scene, and he did the rest. Of course, she said yes. They were married on a cold and drizzly Mississippi day, and they lived up every second. Though Erin’s plan was to add sleeves to her sleeveless dress, she decided a fur shawl would do the trick. Their bridal party was large at about 18 people total. They were married in Dodson Farm’s open-aired chapel, and the reception lasted well beyond my work hours! Their bridal party size and good attitude despite the weather made the day just unforgettable.”

Mary Holt & Cameron Dodd

JANUARY 30, 2021 PLEIN AIR

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANN-MARIE WYATT OF TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTGRAPHY

“Mary Holt and Cameron have such a sweet love for each other. Their first look was pretty amazing. Cam was nervous with excitement, and when he turned to see Mary Holt his face was the best! Their first look was so romantic, Mary Holt’s veil was blowing in the wind. It was such a pretty picture moment. I know they thought it was special, too.”