Janet Butler 
Alabama’s one of the few places where, in the middle of November, you could hang a wedding gown on tree branches and have it come out unscathed; this bride did just that, in her formal yet carefree wedding in Birmingham, as captured by photographer Stephen DeVries. The groom does his part — the men in this large wedding are all in tails and white tie, a traditional touch that never goes out of style. After a suitable time set aside for primping, the bride dons her lacy gown, gathers her maids, and poses for a photo to show them off: silvery silk gowns, with creamy lace for the juniors — and short pants for the ring bearer. It’s a striking picture, indeed, against the backdrop of a stately house and fall color in the trees.
Once at the church, the girls pause, hands joined around the bride, to send her off with a prayer; the groom and his men wait in a stately room to the side of the sanctuary. In a romantic setting complete with timbered ceilings and spotlights, the pair say their vows. Then, it’s time to celebrate! The five-tiered wedding cake, white from base to tip, is a winner, as is the three-layer chocolate groom’s cake (frosted in white chocolate) beside it. The band gets into the dancing act as well…enhanced by fun props such as oversized sunglasses for all. But, all too soon, the evening winds to a close; beneath majestic chandeliers, the bouquet and garter are tossed, and the newlyweds leave in a shower of flower petals for their new life together.
