A Coastal Wedding Love Story at Emma’s Bay House | Louisville Wedding Photographer on the Road

 

When love brings two rival football fans together, you know it’s going to be a memorable day.

This Fall, I had the incredible opportunity to step away from the hills of Kentucky and head south to the stunning shores of Fairhope, Alabama to photograph the wedding of Zach and Emma. The couple said “I do” at the charming Emma’s Bay House—an intimate, waterfront venue with sweeping views of Mobile Bay, perfect for a romantic destination wedding.

As a Louisville wedding photographer who often travels for weddings, I absolutely love when couples bring me along to capture their love stories in beautiful, unique locations. Whether I’m photographing in Lexington, Louisville, or traveling to Destin, Florida and the Gulf Coast, I bring the same passion and attention to detail no matter the backdrop.

A House Named Emma — For a Bride Named Emma

It was pure serendipity that the venue, Emma’s Bay House, shared the bride’s name. Nestled in the heart of Fairhope, Alabama, this venue is a hidden gem for anyone dreaming of a Southern coastal wedding. The waterfront venue, framed by blooming magnolias and soft golden hour light, made for the most dreamy portraits. The bay breeze and the laughter of close friends set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

 

 

Coastal Details + Kentucky Charm

Emma’s wedding dress was the perfect blend of clean, modern lines and Southern elegant charm. The silhouette was timeless and sleek, letting the structure speak for itself, while the statement poofy sleeves added just the right amount of drama. She paired it with a cathedral-length veil that floated behind her like a Southern fairytale. It caught the coastal breeze in the most magical way—classic, bold, and completely unforgettable.

 

 

 

             

While many beautiful moments happen during the ceremony, I typically share fewer photos taken inside churches to respect the sacredness of the space and the preferences of my couples.

 

Their wedding day was filled with heartfelt moments, happy tears, and that undeniable Southern charm you find from Fairhope to Destin—a vibe that resonates so well with my Kentucky wedding couples, especially those planning destination weddings on the Gulf Coast.

 

 

Just photographed my first post-wedding hair chop and honestly, 10/10 recommend. Emma ditched a few inches of hair (and dozens of bobby pins) between the ceremony and reception. Bold move, but she pulled it off like a pro—and I got to capture the whole transformation. Brides, take note: nothing says “I’m married now” like a fresh cut and zero regrets.

 

 With the sun setting over the bay, their first dance felt like something out of a movie. Under twinkle lights and a sky lit with the last few seconds of sunset, they danced like no one was watching—except, of course, everyone was. With the bay as their backdrop their first dance was effortlessly romantic and just the right amount of Southern magic.

 

 

 

Traveling Wedding Photographer | Based in Louisville, Serving the South

I’m so grateful that Zach and Emma trusted me to travel from Louisville to Alabama to document their wedding day. I specialize in weddings throughout Kentucky, but I also love capturing celebrations in Florida destinations like Destin, 30A, and Fort Walton Beach, as well as Alabama Gulf Coast towns like Fairhope and Orange Beach.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Florida or Alabama, or looking for a Kentucky-based wedding photographer who travels, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a backyard wedding in Louisville or a beach ceremony in Destin, I’m all about telling your story in a way that’s timeless, candid, and true to you.

Let’s Make Magic — Wherever You Say “I Do”

Zach and Emma’s wedding at Emma’s Bay House reminded me why I do what I do. Being invited into such an intimate part of someone’s love story—especially in a place as stunning as the Gulf Coast—is the greatest honor.

If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Kentucky who travels to Florida and beyond, let's chat! I’m always up for a road trip, passport stamp, or Gulf breeze.