April 27, 2025, was pure magic. I had the absolute honor of photographing Mikaila and Ben’s wedding day in beautiful Grant, Alabama, and I don’t think we could have asked for a more perfect day. Sunny skies, emotional moments, tacos for dinner, and even a few surprise donkey noises during the ceremony. It was truly a wedding I’ll never forget.

If you’re new here—hi, I’m Abby! I’m a wedding photographer based in North Alabama, and I love capturing real, emotional, joy-filled wedding days just like this one.

You can check out more about my work at www.abbysatterfieldphotography.com!

Now, let’s dive into Mikaila and Ben’s sweet, woodsy wedding day…

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Getting Ready at the Family Property | Grant, Alabama

We started the day at Ben’s family property in Grant, where Mikaila and Ben actually live too. It was the perfect setup with wide open spaces, trees everywhere, and that quiet peacefulness you only get out in the country.

I began the day photographing all of Mikaila’s gorgeous wedding details. Her soft, neutral color palette was so dreamy and fit the nature-inspired vibe of the day perfectly. While I was capturing the details, I noticed something extra special, Ben had secretly written “I love you” on the bottom of Mikaila’s wedding heels! Cue all the tears.

Mikaila’s dress was absolutely stunning; elegant, soft, and perfect for a woodsy, outdoor ceremony. She got ready surrounded by her bridesmaids, her mom, and lots of laughter.

Instead of doing a first look with Ben, Mikaila decided to do a first look with her dad and it was every bit as emotional as you’d imagine. Her dad even gifted her a silver sixpence as her “something old, new, borrowed, and blue.” (Side note: we later realized he forgot to slip it into her shoe before the ceremony, but don’t worry, we made sure it found its rightful spot afterwards!)

Mikaila also wrote heartfelt letters to both of her parents, which they read in front of her before the ceremony. Watching her mom and dad tear up as they read her words was one of the sweetest moments of the whole day.

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Tears, Family Portraits, and a Private First Touch

Before the ceremony officially kicked off, we snuck in a few family portraits at the house. It was during this time that Mikaila’s aunt saw her for the first time and immediately burst into tears. (Honestly, the emotions were already running so high, and the ceremony hadn’t even started yet!)

After family photos, it was time for Mikaila and Ben’s private first touch. They stood back-to-back, holding hands around a corner where they couldn’t see each other. They each read letters they had written for the other—and it was just them, me, and the quiet around us. It was such an emotional, tender moment to witness. No first look, no pressure, just pure connection.

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A Woodsy Wedding Ceremony Under the String Lights

The ceremony took place right there on the family’s property, tucked away under a canopy of trees with string lights twinkling overhead. It was magical. The most unique and special touch was their guestbook: instead of a traditional book, they had guests sign small squares of fabric. Later, those squares will be sewn into a quilt that they can keep forever. It was honestly one of the cutest and most meaningful guestbook ideas I’ve ever seen.

Ben’s face when he saw Mikaila walking down the aisle? Completely priceless. He definitely cried, and honestly, so did pretty much everyone else. Their sweet flower girl wasn’t totally sure about her job and decided to hang out at the top of the aisle instead of walking down, which had everyone cracking up and made for the cutest photos!

One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when Mikaila and Ben planted a sapling together. Instead of a traditional unity candle or sand ceremony, they chose to plant a tree, symbolizing the roots they’re growing together. (Such a perfect touch for a nature-loving couple!)

And, because this was real life, the family’s donkeys could be heard in the background making hilarious noises during the ceremony. It added the perfect bit of realness to an already heartfelt day!

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After the Ceremony: Portraits, Old Cars, and Sunset Drives

After the ceremony, we gathered everyone for family portraits, bridal party photos, and couple’s portraits. Mikaila and Ben had a bridal party of six: three bridesmaids and three groomsmen. Ben’s dad stood proudly as his best man, and Mikaila’s cousin served as her maid of honor.

For their couple portraits, we started at the ceremony site while the evening light was still perfect. Then, we hopped over to take a few extra special shots with a beautiful car. Originally, Ben’s granddad had been restoring a classic car for the big day, but it wasn’t quite ready yet, so instead, we used another gorgeous, sleek car on hand. (Honestly, it worked out perfectly!)

By the time we wrapped up portraits, the sun had dipped behind the trees, so we packed up and headed just eight minutes down the road to their reception venue, Ridgeline, on Swearengin Road.

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Taco Dinners, Hand-Drawn Portraits, and First Dances | Scottsboro, AL

The reception was so cozy and full of personal touches. Dinner was catered Mexican food (tacos!), and yes, it was absolutely delicious. Nothing beats tacos at a wedding if you ask me!

One of the coolest details at the reception was a hand-drawn portrait that Mikaila made herself of her and Ben. It was so realistic that guests kept doing double takes!

After dinner, it was time for cake cutting. Mikaila’s family made both the wedding cake and the groom’s cake—a birthday cake-flavored wedding cake and an Oreo-flavored groom’s cake. Both were mouthwatering!

Next up: first dances. Mikaila and Ben danced together, followed by Mikaila and her dad, and Ben and his mom. Every dance was full of emotion, and you could feel how close their families are.

After the dances, it was time for a few toasts, followed by the garter toss and bouquet toss, both of which brought tons of laughter and energy to the dance floor.

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Sparkler Exit + The Start of Their Adventure

As my coverage wrapped up, we gathered everyone outside for a sparkler exit. Mikaila and Ben smiled and laughed the entire way through it—an absolutely perfect ending to a beautiful day.

Now, Mikaila and Ben are off on their honeymoon adventure where they will be backpacking with no plans, just seeing where the road (and trail) take them. I can’t think of a better way to start a lifetime together.

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If you’re dreaming of a cozy, emotional, and joyful wedding day like Mikaila and Ben’s in Grant, Alabama—I’m your girl! I specialize in capturing real, heartfelt moments for couples who want their wedding to feel true to them. Let’s chat about your wedding photography dreams at www.abbysatterfieldphotography.com!

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