Until we meet again <3

Seeing 2017 go so soon.

We’re going to close this year with all the sessions neglected on the blog. We were able to fulfill some of last years hopes and dreams (booking a solid summer, traveling ect.) but we didn’t get any better with blog upkeep. Don’t fret though, it’s in the works.

We are forever grateful for those that have followed our journey, encouraging words are some that stick with you for life. & a huge thank you to the wonderful friends we met and photographed this year. Seeing so many faces in front of my lens brings so much joy to my heart. Like, I love y’all for real. I love hearing your love stories, your triumphs, your good news, I love being able to give you moments that you’ll look back on in 10-15 years and smile over. It brings me the purest type of satisfaction to see so many people in love or growing families, joining families, remembering families & to be able to put your personalities into one little photograph. Y’all are the real MVP’s!

Have plans for 2018?

This year I will be back at it when the weather warms up. But, with my family. I plan to fill weekends with your beautiful faces but I intend to photograph my kids, boyfriend & family more than I ever have before. A promise to pick up my camera daily and photograph the tiny little moments that usually only I see. Because kids aren’t kids for long. I plan to continue to travel. And I hope to expand into food photography wildly this new year!

So, let’s look back at Southern Cotton’s 2017!

Double J Farms-Northern Alabama Summer Vows

Jeremy Proposed!

“He made the 7hr drive home from work for Thanksgiving and picked me up. When we got back to my house he had my brother distract me while he set everything up for the proposal. He had taken wooden boards and drilled holes in them for Christmas lights that spelled out “Will You Marry Me?” and he brought me out blindfolded and then asked. It was so sweet. I said yes, of course, and then we went out to a nice dinner.”

Amber & Jeremy went on to be married. It was a beautiful summer day. Amber glowed from beginning to end, truly! Amber is also a very talented bride, as she and her bridesmaids put together most of the center pieces and decorations for the reception! They decided to be married at Double J Farms, here in Northern Alabama. And what a beautiful place! I could not have asked for a more stunningly sweet little bride for the day!

Amber & Jeremy, I wish you both a lifetime of bliss! I pray that you’ll continue to console and love each other like I saw you do that day. You are both so perfect for each other! And I can NOT wait to have y’all in front of my lens again! xoxo

 

An Alabaman’s California Wedding

Sarah Gilbert & Scott Ping

The Meeting:

“January 2007 I visited my sister at Ft. Hood, Texas.

One of her friends, Scott, invited me to go bowling with a group of people. We talked all night and he eventually got my phone number. We spoke often through texts and myspace.

I wasn’t looking for a relationship, but he really opened my eyes and I fell for him. Instead of flying back to California I decided to stay and moved in with my sister.

Scott and I became inseparable and on February 21st we were official. Eight years later we had the wedding on our Anniversary.”-Sarah

The Proposal:

“We rented a mountain cabin expecting to have our first white Christmas!

Unfortunately a rare storm hit and melted everything.

That night after dinner Scott suggested we go outside and roast marshmallows. With another let down, the fire was too wet to light. I tried to help for a while then gave up. Scott was determined. I let him continue as I stared at the clear sky and drank Meade.

‘Babe,’ he said. I turned and saw him still kneeling by the wood. ‘Will you marry me?’

After seven years, I was waiting for this and so excited blurted, ‘FINALLY!'”-Sarah

The Wedding:

February 21, 2015

At The Marina Village, San Diego CA

My little planner bride was so easy to work with. Lists are her thing, which makes us very compatible. She’s also a “DIY” girl, which makes her very lovable. Scott & Sarah’s colors were White, Gold and Champagne. Very classy. Her dress is from Cruz’s Bridal in Santa Clarita, CA. Her bridesmaids dresses, shoes and tiara are from David’s Bridal. The girls hair and makeup were done by Glam Dolls in San Diego. Marina Village also provided the catering, cake and desserts. Their DJ was Joe Valencia of Twilight Sound. Their officiant was Roger from Great Officiants. They made accommodations through The Seven Seas Best Western there in San Diego. Beautiful hotel grounds. And they registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Ping!