welcome to my journal

Some weddings designs just stop you in your tracks. Caroline Stearns with Elowen Wedding Company put together the most beautiful wedding editorial at The Conservatory at Crosswicks this month and it was one of those jaw dropping designs – rich colors, elegant details, and a French chateau backdrop that made everything feel like a dream.

The Conservatory at Crosswicks: A Birmingham Wedding Venue Worth Knowing About

If you haven’t heard of The Conservatory at Crosswicks yet, let me introduce you to one of Alabama’s most stunning wedding venues. This French chateau-style estate brings European elegance right here to Birmingham, and it photographs absolutely beautifully.

The architecture alone is worth the visit, but combine that with multiple ceremony and reception options, gorgeous grounds, and spaces that work for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations? It’s quickly becoming a favorite among Alabama couples looking for something truly special.

Getting Ready in the Bridal Suite

We started the day in The Conservatory at Crosswicks’ bridal suite. It’s a beautiful space with plenty of natural light for those getting-ready photos. There’s something special about beginning your wedding day in a space that feels both luxurious and comfortable, and this suite delivered on both fronts.

The room has great light, which is always at the top of my priority list as a photographer. Those soft morning moments before the ceremony started are captured beautifully in this space.

A Vision Brought to Life by Elowen Wedding Company

Caroline Stearns of Elowen Wedding Company created a wedding design that was anything but typical Alabama pastels. We’re talking rich, saturated colors. Textured details. Elegant arrangements that felt both romantic and bold.

Caroline’s planning expertise really showed – every element of the day flowed seamlessly, and the design was cohesive from getting ready through the last dance. When you’re working with a planner who understands your vision this well, it makes all the difference.

The Back Lawn Tablescape

Here’s where things got really stunning. The back lawn at The Conservatory at Crosswicks was transformed into an elegant outdoor reception space, and the tablescape was absolutely gorgeous. Rich-toned florals, textured linens, and thoughtful details created a look that was sophisticated and romantic.

The cake setup on the back lawn was another showstopper. Against the backdrop of the property and that beautiful Alabama light, everything photographed like an editorial spread.

Front Lawn Perfection

The front of The Conservatory at Crosswicks is where that French chateau architecture really shines. We set up the bar on the front lawn, which not only looked incredible but also gave guests the perfect backdrop for cocktail hour.

And those portraits on the front lawn with the chateau behind them? Some of my favorites from the entire day. The architecture, the manicured grounds, the warm Alabama light – it all came together beautifully.

A Colorful Alabama Wedding Done Right

The rich color palette was bold and confident. The elegant details were thoughtful without being fussy. The French chateau setting provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration. This is what I love about Alabama weddings – couples aren’t afraid to do something different, to choose colors that speak to them, to create a day that breaks away from traditional expectations.

Planning Your Conservatory at Crosswicks Wedding

If you’re considering The Conservatory at Crosswicks for your Birmingham wedding, here’s what you should know:

The Versatility: Multiple spaces mean you can create different experiences throughout your day – like the back lawn for dinner and the front for cocktails.

The Architecture: That French chateau style is unlike anything else in the Birmingham area. It photographs beautifully from every angle.

The Grounds: Well-maintained lawns, beautiful landscaping, and spaces that work for both ceremonies and receptions.

The Light: As a photographer, I’m always thinking about light – and this venue has it. Natural light in the bridal suite, gorgeous golden hour on the lawns, architectural elements that create beautiful shadows and depth.

Creating Your Colorful Alabama Wedding

This design by Elowen Wedding Company is proof that Alabama weddings don’t have to fit a certain mold. Rich colors work. Bold design choices work. Trusting a talented planner and choosing a venue that elevates your vision? That definitely works.

If you’re planning a wedding in the Birmingham area, I’d love to chat about documenting your day. There’s something incredibly rewarding about photographing couples who invest in beauty, emotion, and creating an experience their guests will remember.

Cheers to Elowen Wedding Company for creating such a stunning celebration, and to the wonderful vendor team for bringing it all together so beautifully!

Vendors:

Venue: The Conservatory at Crosswicks

Photography: @emilygreencreative
Floral Design: @blooms.by.brint
Stationery: @cindycherryfinestationery

Content Creator: @bloomcreative__co
Cake: @cakes_by_ally
Rentals: @decor2adore
Bridal Gown: @fleurdeviebridal

---

Planning your Alabama wedding? Let’s connect about photography that captures the real beauty and emotion of your day – whether you’re getting married at The Conservatory at Crosswicks or another stunning Birmingham venue.

#TheConservatoryAtCrosswicks #AlabamaWedding #AlabamaWeddingPhotographer #BirminghamWeddingVenue #ColorfulWedding #BirminghamWedding #BirminghamBride #ElowenWeddingCompany #AlabamaWeddingVenue #SouthernWedding