On September 6th, 2025, I had the absolute joy of photographing Alexa and Marc’s wedding at Martingayle Plantation in Shorter, Alabama. This venue was seriously a dream. It’s about 3.5 hours from my home, so I packed up my gear, grabbed a hotel, and made the trip down to capture their day. And let me tell you… it was SO worth it.

When I pulled up to the plantation, I was immediately greeted by the sight of cows roaming the fields and even a baby calf right by the entrance! 🐄 Talk about the perfect Southern wedding charm. If you’re looking for Alabama wedding venues with character, Martingayle Plantation is one of my new favorites.

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Getting Ready & The Sweetest First Looks

Alexa booked me for 8 hours of wedding photography coverage, plus a roll of 35mm film photography for that nostalgic, timeless vibe. I always love mixing film and digital, it adds so much dimension to a wedding gallery.

The morning was full of emotions. Alexa had a first look with her dad that had everyone tearing up, followed by the sweetest first look with Marc. She carried a wildflower bouquet tied with a handkerchief embroidered by her Mimi, such a sentimental touch. The wildflowers weren’t just pretty; they also represented the ones Marc often picks for her since he works in forestry. Those little personal details are what make photographing weddings so special.

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Couples Portraits with the Cows at Martingayle Plantation

Before the ceremony, we stepped out for couple’s portraits in front of the fields and the cows decided to join us! Rosie, one of the cows, walked right up to the fence, curious about Alexa’s dress, while the rest of the herd gathered close behind her. It made for the most unique and charming wedding photos. I love when animals become part of the story, and at Martingayle Plantation, you truly get that Southern countryside magic.

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Martingayle Plantation Ceremony in Shorter, AL

Their ceremony took place in front of the gorgeous white house, with rolling fields and grazing cows in the distance. Alexa’s four bridesmaids wore sage green dresses and carried wildflower bouquets to match hers, while Marc’s groomsmen stood by his side looking sharp.

Her niece Sophia was the flower girl and stole the show (and my heart!) with her bubbly personality. The two ring bearers added comic relief—one even turned around mid-aisle and walked back, and everyone cracked up.

As we wrapped up family portraits before the ceremony, storm clouds rolled in fast. Within minutes, rain was pouring, and Alexa thought her dream outdoor Alabama wedding might have to move inside. But luckily, the storm passed just in time. The ceremony went on outdoors as planned, and the post-rain glow made everything feel even more magical.

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Reception with a Live Band & Sunset Portraits

The reception kicked off with a live band that had everyone dancing. After Alexa and Marc’s first dance, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner before cake cutting. Just as the sun was setting, we slipped outside for portraits, and wow! Sunset wedding photos in Alabama never disappoint. The golden light on the plantation’s grounds made for such dreamy images.

At the end of the night, Alexa and Marc had a fun bubble exit, and before I left, I spotted string lights twinkling across the property. We snuck in one last round of portraits under the lights, and those images feel like the perfect ending to their story.

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Why I Loved Photographing This Shorter, AL Wedding

Alexa and Marc were such a joy, funny, lighthearted, and full of love for each other. Their wedding at Martingayle Plantation in Shorter, AL had everything: meaningful details, stunning scenery, a little weather drama, and so much laughter.

If you’re planning a wedding in Alabama and looking for a photographer who blends candid, true-to-color images with the timeless feel of film wedding photography, I’d love to capture your story. Whether you’re getting married in Shorter, Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, or planning a destination wedding in Alabama, I travel all across the state and beyond.

👉 See more of my work and inquire here: www.abbysatterfieldphotography.com

👉 Follow along on Instagram: @abbysatterfieldphoto.film