Jamie & Pierre | Joyful Talladega Bottling Works Wedding | Alabama Wedding Photographer

Some weddings feel less like a beginning and more like a beautiful continuation of a story that’s already been unfolding—and that’s exactly how Jamie and Pierre’s Talladega Bottling Works wedding felt. After first saying “I do” in her parents’ backyard in 2019, November 8, 2025 was their long-awaited day to finally gather all their favorite people in one room and celebrate the way they’d always dreamed.

As an Alabama wedding photographer, days like this—full of family, faith, and big personalities—are such a gift to capture.

From Savannah to “She Left Brunch as My Fiancée”

Jamie and Pierre’s story started through a mutual friend on a night out in Savannah, Georgia for a birthday celebration. What began as a fun night with friends turned into something much more—a partnership built on faith, laughter, and shared adventure.

Their proposal story is perfectly “them.” On September 1, 2019, Pierre asked Jamie to go to brunch at Cheyenne Mountain Resort. They’d been there before for Mother’s Day, and Pierre knew then that it was the place. With a stunning mountain backdrop and incredible food, it already felt special—but this time, he made it unforgettable.

He hired a photographer, talked with her parents beforehand, and even disguised it as a celebration for Jamie’s promotion at work. As she turned to walk up onto the patio to open a “gift,” Pierre dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. He loves to say, “She came to brunch as my girlfriend and left as my fiancée,” and honestly, it doesn’t get sweeter than that.

Jamie describes Pierre as having a heart of pure, solid gold—always helping, always serving, never sitting still (even in his sleep). Kids and animals adore him, and he goes above and beyond for everyone, from family to complete strangers. Pierre says Jamie is the life of the party: social, outgoing, and always bringing joy wherever she goes.

A Colorful, Family-Filled Day at Talladega Bottling Works

Talladega Bottling Works in downtown Talladega, Alabama was the perfect backdrop for their celebration—industrial charm, warm brick, and a space that could hold their big, blended, joy-filled families. Guests were seated at their reception tables for the ceremony, so the whole day flowed seamlessly from vows to dinner to dancing without anyone needing to move.

Their color palette—burgundy, canyon rose, peach, sage, and olive green—brought a rich, romantic warmth to the space. Sola wood florals added texture and longevity to the arrangements, and every detail felt thoughtful without being fussy.

I started the day photographing Jamie’s dress, rings, bouquet, invitations, and special heirloom pieces. Some of the most meaningful details were the memorial cufflinks: one set for Pierre, made with his father’s ashes so his dad could be “by his side” as he walked into this day; and another set for Jamie’s dad, created with his mother’s ashes. Jamie also wore a ring with two hearts holding ashes from both of her grandparents—tiny, powerful reminders of the people who helped shape their story.

Private Vows, First Looks, and Layered Family Stories

Jamie and Pierre’s families carry deep, layered stories—adoption, half-siblings, reconnections, and loved ones traveling from across the world to be there. Jamie’s dad, Sam, adopted her when she was young, and he is the only father she’s ever known. Her half-sister Taylor would be flying in from Hawaii to meet the rest of the family for the first time. Pierre’s father has passed away, and his mother would not be attending. Through it all, one thing was clear: this day was about love, grace, and the family that chose to show up and stand beside them.

Before the ceremony, Jamie shared emotional first looks with her dad and mom, gifting them those meaningful cufflinks and a private gift for her mother. She and Pierre also planned a special moment together—not a traditional first look, but a quiet corner-by-the-door moment where they could hold hands without fully seeing each other, read their private vows, and pray together before walking into the ceremony.

Those minutes were some of the most powerful of the entire day—just the two of them, steadying their hearts, inviting Jesus into the center, and remembering why they were there.

A Faith-Filled Ceremony and Ring Warming

Their religious ceremony was led by their pastor, Timothy Embry, in the same venue where their church meets each week. Because they serve as campus serve team directors, this space already felt like home. Their church is all about building strong families, and Jamie and Pierre live that out not just on Sundays, but in the way they love, serve, and show up for others.

One of the most meaningful parts of their ceremony was the ring warming. Before exchanging rings, they passed their wedding bands to selected family members to “infuse” with blessings, prayers, and hopes for their marriage. Whether passed hand-to-hand at tables or gathered close, it was a beautiful, tangible way to involve the people who have walked alongside them.

Pizza, Pom Poms, and a Packed Dance Floor

After the ceremony, the room seamlessly transitioned into reception mode. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner from The Classic Melt food truck—wood-fired pizza that kept everyone happy and full. The colors from their palette carried through the décor, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

DJ Fred from MixProAtl kept the dance floor full all night. There were heartfelt speeches from the parents of the bride, the Matron of Honor, and the Best Man, along with special dances: a father/daughter dance, a mother/son dance, and a sweet dance between Pierre and Jamie’s mom in place of his own mother.

One of the most fun details of the night was their send-off. Loyal Alabama fans through and through, Jamie and Pierre chose crimson and white shaker pom poms for their exit. Guests lined up, cheering and shaking their poms as the couple made their way out—joy, team spirit, and celebration all rolled into one perfect ending.

A Celebration Long in the Making

More than anything, Jamie and Pierre were excited to finally have everyone together in one place. They’d already been married since 2019, but this day was their chance to celebrate with the people who had supported them, prayed for them, and loved them through every season.

They’re the couple who is always on the go—working music festivals, traveling to new states, visiting SEC stadiums, serving at church, playing pickleball, and spending time with their nieces and nephews. Their friends joke that you never know what city they’ll be in next. But on November 8, 2025, everyone knew exactly where to find them: right in the heart of Talladega, surrounded by family, faith, and so much joy.

Their Talladega Bottling Works wedding was a beautiful mix of story, legacy, and celebration—a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful weddings are the ones that honor where you’ve already been, as much as where you’re going.

If you’re planning a wedding at Talladega Bottling Works or anywhere in Alabama and you’re looking for an Alabama wedding photographer who will tell your story with heart, I’d love to chat with you about your day.

Vendor Team

• Venue: Talladega Bottling Works – Talladega, Alabama

• Planner/Coordinator: Michelle Pickney, Bella Event Planning

• Catering: The Classic Melt Food Truck (wood-fired pizza)

• Florals: Sola Wood Flowers

• DJ: Fred Tian, MixProAtl

• Hair & Makeup: Courtney Windham

• Live Painter: Mallory Walls, Artistry Mall K