Let me set the scene: It’s too early on a Friday morning in February. My kids are running through the house like lunatics in that fresh burst of morning energy, and I’m trying to have a cozy five minutes with my caffeine before I kick it into gear so that I can get everyone ready and out of the door for school in the next 30 minutes. 

As one does, I take a little scroll through Instagram while sipping my coffee. I see a message pop up from someone named Danielle. Even through a written message, you can tell that she is a tad frazzled. The words that stuck out to me were “available tomorrow” and “something has happened with my wedding photographer.” It turned out that the photographer she had booked had a last-minute complication and could not travel to Mobile for her wedding. (Here is my shameless plug to ensure you have a mutually agreed upon contract signed with all your vendors.) At this point, I was sure Danielle was not who she said she was and was scamming me somehow. When she mentioned that she had booked a two-night stay for the other photographer at the Battle House Renaissance Hotel and could change the reservation to my name, I was double sure I was being scammed and suggested we meet over coffee so that I could see if she was real!

Fast forward an hour, I get to Carpe Diem Coffee, and Danielle messages and asks if her two friends who flew in for the wedding could join us and that they would likely arrive before her. Soon after, two literal bombshells of women walked through the door, and I thought, “There is no way these models are her besties.” They might as well have walked out of a Victoria’s Secret ad. They were, in fact, her besties, and Danielle arrived shortly after them and no less stunning. 

We talked about Danielle’s wedding and how Bellingrath Gardens only allows weddings in the spring season. Still, they made an exception for her because of some venue hiccups she had along the way, and I got to learn about her and Ryan’s journey from long-time friends to soulmates. After that meeting, we both felt confident that our paths crossed not by coincidence but because the Lord saw it fit to have us connect in such a pivotal way. As fate would have it, her wedding day was the first Saturday I had off in a while.

By 11:30 PM the same night, we had signed a contract and handled payment, and I had three long phone calls with their fantastic wedding coordinator, Macie. I created a photography timeline and hired an assistant and a second shooter for the day. I was climbing into bed at the Battle House Hotel with an early alarm set. 

I first met Dani’s fiance when I went to capture photos of him on their wedding day. It was clear from the start that Ryan was completely smitten with his bride-to-be, and they were such a dream couple to work with. Ryan’s two young sons were so excited to add Danielle to their family, and the love surrounding their new little family unit was palpable. 

They rented out Dauphin’s restaurant to wrap up the evening with a seated dinner overlooking the Mobile cityscape for all their wedding guests. A Mobile, Alabama staple, Dauphin’s provided the perfect atmosphere and incredible food it is known for. 

Although Danielle and Ryan’s last-minute situation wasn’t ideal, I am so glad she found me when she searched Instagram for local wedding photographers on that fated Friday! I would gladly take 50 more couples like Dani and Ryan without a second thought. They were a stunning couple and a delight to work with—a photographer’s dream! I am thankful that I now get to call them friends.

Here are more of my favorites that tell the story of their day. Let me know which ones you think are going in frames!

Photographer: Jesi Wilcox Photography Instagram @jesiwphoto | Ceremony Venue: Bellingrath Gardens & Home | Reception Venue: Dauphin’s Casual Fine Dining | Hair & Makeup: Kelly Manganello of Kendra K Beauty | Planner: Macie Campbell | Getting Ready Location: The Battle House Renaissance Hotel | Bridal Gown: Morilee | GroomsSuit: Bespoke by Tom James Clothing | Florist: Sarah Stockton @sarahbethsflorist | Caterer: Dauphin’s Casual Fine Dining | Jeweler: Jewelers Trade Shop