A Summer Afternoon at The Old Greenhouse

When we received the opportunity to attend a styled shoot at the beautiful venue, The Old Greenhouse in Arab, Alabama, we jumped at it!! We didn’t have a wedding or any portrait sessions on that day, so we were open. The only styled shoot we had ever experienced was one that we arranged, and it was a fantastic success, thanks to some exceptional vendors (Kendal Perry-A Wedding Planning Studio, Cocoon Silk, Burch Inverness, Bella’s Bridal & Formal……). Attending a styled shoot hosted by and planned by somebody else, dare we say, seemed even MORE exciting!! All we had to do was bring our camera’s and click away??? We were ALL IN!!!

Arab, Alabama is a little bit of a drive for us but it’s such a lovely one! Driving through Alabama farmlands on a beautiful Sunday afternoon was very relaxing. We may have left our house a little later than we should have and, of course, the phone battery that we were using for directions died just about the time we crossed the Arab city limits and we MAY have gone a little off the map and seen more of Arab than we intended, but all we had to do was input the info into our other phone and recalculate. You know that feeling in high school when you walk into a classroom and class has already started and the teacher is already lecturing, and everyone stops, turns and stares when you walk in? Luckily, we didn’t have to walk in front of anyone to get to a table and slide into our seats! But all was good!

We had the pleasure of listening and learning from the pros from AL Weddings, Alex & Sara Lucas…BONUS! On top of that there were about 16 other wedding photographers from all over Alabama. There was a goody bag, snacks and cold, refreshing bottled waters. THIS was going to be a good day!

After getting some great tips from Alex & Sara, we broke off into groups and were led through the main event room of The Old Greenhouse. It’s gorgeous! Very rustic with hints of classic and traditional with lights strung throughout to give it that party glow. From there we were taken outside to discover the grounds of The Old Greenhouse! It was like we had passed through the wardrobe

into Narnia! Rolling hills, a tree lined pond, barn, pavilion and an open green field! This place was a hidden gem.

Then is was down to business. Four (stunning) models were present and all decked out in beautiful gowns and tuxedos. There was cake, special little desserts, floral, an incredible table setting…there were even several invitation suites for us to play with! Not to mention the timing of this event couldn’t have been better! The sun was exactly where a wedding photographer wants it, setting not too low, not too high and spreading the perfect glow over everything and everyone!

For 2 straight hours we posed, set up and shot….and shot some more! All photographers collaborated to arrange and pose and share ideas. And y’all, the models!!! They were A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!! It was hot and humid and more than a few little flying bugs came to join the fun and the sweat was pouring, but these guys never once stopped smiling and not once complained! They didn’t miss a beat and followed our lead even when all of us were hitting them up like paparazzi! As you can see in the images below, this styled shoot was a MAJOR success!

Thanks to all the fabulous vendors, models and Samantha Southerland Photography for hosting such a beneficial and beautiful affair!