Janet Butler
A bride and groom who do a “reveal” in church, long before the guests arrive, are the centerpieces of this album of an Alabama wedding from Stephen DeVries. You’ve got to love the gathering of everyone’s flowers in a row, brightly colored daisy faces shining. The bride, of course, is already as radiant as the summer day, with a no-fuss cascade of curls and delicate sandals to keep her cool. The “mermaid” lines of her dress give her a nice flouncy train — and what girl could resist twirling a bit just to see that flowing skirt billow around her feet? The groom’s in an understated black tux with the merest band of blue satin trim — a unique look with subtle color — while the ladies echo that with plain black satin dresses trimmed with variegated ribbon colors.
Two tiny flower girls and a dapper ring bearer are excited about their roles to come; a few prayers in the bride’s room, and the ceremony begins. The couple light a unity candle, are introduced as Mr. and Mrs., and pause for a few outdoor pictures before wending their way to the “log cabin” overlooking their outdoor reception site. In sight of a beautiful pond and piney woods, they do everything outdoors: cut the cake, feed the guests yummy kebabs and cheesecake, invite photos with miniature cameras, and start the dancing. As the sun sets, torches are lit, strings of lights glow from a footbridge and the reception tent, and the couple toss bouquet and garter. At last, in a flurry of bubbles, they’re off — on their first day of a bright future together.
