Haley and William | Birmingham AL Engagement Photography

Love? It has a funny way of circling back sometimes, and reconnecting us to moments we have long forgotten. I think lots of great love stories have a component of a redemptive arc, just like a novel. Haley and William embody the very best of that kind of love story. I met Haley, the bride-to-be, when we were in the same sorority. Although we were not in the same graduating class, our paths crossed and I saw her again when she was a bridesmaid in a wedding I was shooting. In fact, she went on to be in two more weddings I was photographing, and she even caught the bouquet at one! She held those flowers in her hands, and told me, “I want you to shoot my wedding when I get married.” Little did we know, that day was just around the corner. I recently met up with these lovebirds to capture their engagement, and hear about how they met, and their dreams for the future! Back in 2016, these two began their story at Auburn University, but life’s circumstances separated them. In May of 2021, William rekindled their initial connection and reached out to Haley, and started a new and unexpected journey for them both.

The following April, the couple embarked on a romantic getaway to Charleston, a city steeped in rich history and old-fashioned charm. Their days were filled with culinary delights at Sullivan’s Fish Camp and exploration of the picturesque Sullivan’s Island. On the second-to-last day of their Charleston escapade, William surprised Haley with an unexpected adventure – a catamaran named “Everything Zen.” With a charcuterie board and champagne in hand, the couple sailed the Charleston Harbor with a husband-and-wife team at the helm. The picturesque backdrop of Rainbow Row and the historic Charleston Harbor set the stage for what would be an unforgettable moment for both of them.

During this picture-perfect sail, William’s meticulous plan unfolded into a dreamy proposal! With the iconic Rainbow Row as a backdrop, Wiliam got down on one knee, and asked the question that would change their lives forever. Much to Haley’s delight and surprise, he had even arranged for a photographer to document the moment (the wife of the ship’s commander!). When it came time for me to do their engagement photos, I knew it would be hard to compete with such a moment (ha!), but I was thrilled to celebrate their love story with them. They chose beautiful, elegant settings for their shoot: a garden setting, and a downtown backdrop with architectural interest. What a story, and what a couple! 

Love stories deserve to be beautifully told and captured. If you’re on the brink of your own love story unfolding in Birmingham, would you allow me to be the one to document it?