Ali & Clayton

Genuine. That’s what Ali & Clayton are, in so many forms of the word. These two say what they mean and mean what they say. They laugh loudly. They have deep, meaningful friendships. They love unapologetically. They show emotion in such a raw and authentic way, and their authenticity showed during every phase of the wedding day. From start to finish, this wedding day was Ali & Clayton to a T. The getting ready portion of the day, with Ali and her girlfriends sipping mimosas and blaring loud music and Clayton and his groomsmen watching football and exchanging witty banter, was just what we’d expect from them. Ali’s personalized gifts for her parents and future in-laws and Clayton’s effort to make sure everyone was included and that we snapped a photo of guests who traveled far to be with them… that’s Ali & Clayton for you.

But, for us, the real noteworthy moment was the first look. The emotion was so strong and so real. They didn’t care who was watching or what was happening in the background. We are convinced that Eric could have played a tuba solo while Jamie ribbon danced around the ceremony space during their first look, and they wouldn’t have batted an eye. Because they were so hyper focused on one another. It was really moving to watch Ali walk toward Clayton with tears in her eyes, and then the force with which he embraced her when she turned him around… y’all. It was a first look we will certainly never forget. They love each other so, so much.

Ali & Clayton tied the knot at the Harbert Center in Downtown Birmingham on the coldest day of the year. Okay, we actually don’t know if it was really the coldest day of the year, but it sure felt like it. It was absolutely frigid. Ali & Clayton were troopers, though, and braved the cold to get some natural light portraits, and they handled the light-speed portrait session like pros! Clayton was dapper in his classic tux and Ali’s lace gown with cap sleeves and fur shawl was winter wedding perfection!

Then came the reception. This was a special one. The band, Rhythm Nation, had everyone on their feet. By the end of the night, so many guests had kicked their shoes off and were breaking a bit of a sweat. Not because it was hot in there (remember, this was the coldest day of the year!), but because nobody could resist busting a move. It was such a celebration, and we didn’t expect anything less from Ali & Clayton. They live their life in the moment, and that moment was for celebrating. And they are definitely a couple to celebrate!

Ali & Clayton, we think the world of you guys! We admire the way you love each other. How you pick on each other, give each other a hard time, but then hold each other so tight and love with all you’ve got. You two share an amazing friendship and a ferocious love, and we’re so happy for you both. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to be a part of your big day!

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