Charleston Girls Trip

Last weekend my friends and I decided to escape cold & dreary Charlotte and head to Charleston! It was sunny and warm all weekend so we really got to maximize our time there. We ate the yummiest food at the cutest restaurants, shopped at local boutiques, rode bikes along the Battery, and did lots and lots of walking (RIP our feet lol). It was everything I’d hoped it would be and more!

Friday night we went to Felix for cocktails and dessert. I was so excited to go there and it did not disappoint! Saturday morning we woke up and had a little photoshoot to update our headshots (it’s been five years for me!), then strolled around the beautiful streets South of Broad. After awhile, we stumbled across Harken Cafe and stopped in for coffee and a bite to eat. I got the seven layer bar and it was A M A Z I N G. We sat at a table by the open French doors and enjoyed the warm breeze. I could’ve stayed there all day! After running back to the hotel to change, we spent the afternoon shopping around King Street and the French Quarter. Later, we watched the sunset and had cocktails at the rooftop bar of our hotel, The Citrus Club, and ended up staying until they closed (oops!). Then we headed to The Darling for a late dinner and a few more drinks.

On Sunday we had a fun morning dancing around in our hotel robes and taking pictures. Then we hopped on our bikes and made our way to The Battery. We rode all around the peninsula but my favorite areas we went through were South of Broad and the area surrounding College of Charleston. Then we stopped by Caviar & Bananas for a little snack. I had to stop myself from ordering way too much because everything looked so good! And I got to see the Meeting Street Inn, which is where my parents honeymooned almost 30 years ago.

We stayed at The Dewberry and I truly cannot say enough good things about our experience there. The service was impeccable! From the front desk staff, to the concierge, to the servers at the Citrus Club, to the valets, to housekeeping- everyone we came into contact with was friendly, kind, and went above and beyond to make sure our stay was great. They offer complimentary bikes and they even have a driving service where they will drive you wherever you need to go in one of the hotel Volvos! We LOVED the Citrus Club rooftop bar and the Living Room downstairs. Delicious food and drinks, beautiful decor, and a great location were a few of the reasons that we chose to stay there, but the staff is the reason I’ll never stay anywhere else when I visit Charleston in the future. They’re the best of the best!!!

It’s hard to believe this was my first time visiting the Holy City- I’m in love with it!!! Thank goodness it’s only a quick drive away because I plan on going back as often as possible. Enjoy a little peek into our dreamy weekend! Most of the photos are from my camera but there are a few iPhone shots scattered throughout.

An Interior Designer's Cozy Mountain Brook Cottage

Alyssa Mccourt is a talented interior designer who graduated from Samford University this past May. Her Mountain Brook cottage is full of historical charm, character, and gorgeous natural light. I’ve always admired her soft confidence and incredible style, so of course she was the first person I thought of for a home tour! We had a great slow morning hanging out, making coffee, and catching up on life. Alyssa’s home is refined yet cozy and warm- the perfect combination, if you ask me! It was a JOY to photograph her and her precious pup, Reese, in their little home! Enjoy this little peek into Alyssa’s space, as well as some advice and stories from the resident herself!

Tell us a little about the process of finding your place. I have lived in Birmingham for nearly 5 years and during that time always wanted to live in Mountain Brook. I had passed the cottages on Montevallo Road countless times and always said “that would be the perfect first home out of college.” My senior year at Samford I was on Zillow looking at homes for sale in Birmingham (I had no intention of moving from my old apartment, I just love to look!) I saw the 1 bedroom cottage on Zillow and immediately called the rental management company to get details. That day I filled out an application and 3 days later I got the keys. My old lease wasn’t even up but I couldn’t pass up on such a cute place and AMAZING location! I moved in this past April.

How would you describe your style? I love transitional style. I think it is something special when you can design a home that is classic and traditional but still feels up to date no matter how long you keep it. There a lot of Birmingham designers that do this so well! I have found when I try to add trendy pieces to my home I quickly find the urge to replace them. With transitional you can add subtle touches of other styles while still retaining a classic feel.  I’m currently working as a commercial designer but do residential “e-design” on the side because it is my passion! When I’m working with clients I try and steer them away from trendy design by explaining how classic can still feel modern and will stand the test of time.
What makes your house feel like a home? When you come in my home you will see there are a lot of personal photos and art! I love having pictures of loved ones on the wall to remind me of fun memories and make the space personal! My boyfriend’s grandparents own a frame shop in Daphne, Alabama so she gives me a lot of gorgeous framed photos in the prettiest wooden frames which I’m very grateful for!! Another thing that makes me feel at home is when it is clean! A clean home is a happy home in my mind. There is nothing better than a freshly cleaned home with lots of natural light flooding in!! I also can’t get enough throw pillows and blankets! I recently invested in some Schumacher fabric for two throw pillows for my couch and love the brightness they bring to the living room!
What tips do you have for making a rental feel like home? Renting can be hard because you feel like you can’t change enough to make it truly “yours” so I have used a few tricks to make it feel more catered to my style. One of the things I hated about the house was the kitchen flooring…it wasn’t that I didn’t just like the pattern or colors but it was so old that it was faded and chipping…not a clean look. SO For only $50 I went to Home Depot and bought peel and stick “marble” tile and covered the old flooring in my kitchen and bathroom. I did it all by myself in 4 hours, which makes me even more proud of how it turned out! Another tip I have which is the most important to me is being thoughtful about the items you are purchasing for your home. I love to buy antique items for my home because it gives them a story, making me feel more connected to them. When you walk in to my house there is an antique secretary desk. Which I love not only the look of, but also the story behind it. I bought it last fall while antique shopping in Fairhope. We went to about 6 different stores just browsing, sipping coffee, and when I saw it I knew it was a treasure. It makes it so fun when people ask me about pieces with a story because I get to relive the fun of finding them all over again.  And you can’t beat the quality of antiques! Furniture just isn’t made that way anymore!
Share a few of your favorite places to shop for home decor in Birmingham! I love Hen house Antiques in English Village, Stock and Trade, Patina, Shoppe Bham and Architectural Heritage!
What do you like best about living in Birmingham? I grew up in Fort Worth, TX, which I loved, but once I came to Birmingham I knew there was a good chance I would never be leaving! There is a charm that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. I love the southern charm the homes have and even the people! I can’t imagine a better Sunday than strolling through mountain brook or walking Reese on Jemison trial! I have seen so much change in Birmingham since I moved here in 2014 and love that it continues to get better and better!
What would your advice be for making the most out of a small space? Organization is key! When I first moved in I was constantly complaining about the linen closet and pantry being unusable because they were so small and frankly a very odd shape…but after living in it a few months I purchased lots of wicker baskets and command hooks to organize and everything fits perfectly now! I also love opening the doors when the weather is nice because the fresh air moves through the whole home! You can’t get that with a large home! When I moved in I had a major closet downsize which forced me to get rid of a bunch of clothes that I hadn’t worn in years…I’m so happy I did! There is something very freeing about getting rid of things in your home that don’t serve a purpose!

Margaret & Jake | Southside Baptist Church

Ooh man, let me tell ya- I have been obsessing over this session for the past week! I am dang excited to be finally sharing it today!!!

These two are clearly naturals in front of the camera! And their relationship in itself is just adorable. Jake makes Margaret laugh like it's his job and the way she looks at him is just the sweetest. It was so fun to catch up with them and hear all about their semester abroad in the fall as we walked around the beautiful Southside Baptist Church in downtown (shoutout Madison Walters for recommending this location to me!!). They spent those few months living in London and traveling all around Europe on the weekends- what a dream, right?! The places they experienced abroad were clearly breathtaking, but I am happy they're finally back in Birmingham though so I could finally get them in front of my camera!

Marg + Jake, y'all are awesome. Thank you for such a fun afternoon!

Bre's Portrait Session | Grand Bohemian Hotel

Bre is without a doubt the sassiest, funniest girl I have ever met. She is always making everyone laugh and is definitely the life of any party. She also happens to be drop dead gorgeous & a natural in front of the camera!! I couldn't snap enough pictures this afternoon as we walked around the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook! It was hard for me to pick just a few to share :) Enjoy a few of my very favorites from her session!!

Kasey's Portrait Session | Oxford Exchange & St. Pete Beach

This. Session. Y'all, this day and these photos hold such a special place in my heart! They're in my hometown, they're of my lovely friend Kasey, and the sunset on the beach was SO dreamy. We started out the day at a Tampa staple- the Oxford Exchange. After chowing down on yummy salads, we headed over to the University of Tampa to walk the beautiful sounds a little bit. Then we drove over to St. Pete to watch the sunset on the beach. It was GORGEOUS. We kept looking at each other going "Is this real?!" Kasey girl, thank you being a great model but an even better friend-- your encouragement and love mean the world to me. So grateful for your friendship and your kindred spirit. I adore you!!!

Jessica & Jordan Engagement Session | Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Before their session, I had never met Jessica and Jordan. We have many mutual friends though so I had heard wonderful things, which had me excited to spend some time with them! And boy, did they live up to their great reputations- Jessica and Jordan are hands down some of the sweetest, most kind, friendly people I have ever met. Their love for each other and the Lord is so evident in the way they treat each other and everybody else. Also (as you'll see below) they are naturals in front of the camera!! We had the best time exploring the Birmingham Botanical Gardens together. I don't think we ever stopped talking and laughing! Jessica and Jordan, thank you for braving the cold that December afternoon and letting me capture y'all's precious love! I am SO excited to see how the Lord continues to bless your relationship in this sweet season of engagement!

hey there!

Hey there! Welcome to my website, I am so happy you are here!! I figured it's only fitting to use my first blog post to introduce myself and my heart behind this little business of mine. So, let's get started!

I'm Macey. I love Jesus, people, and photography.

I'm currently a sophomore business student at what I truly believe is the greatest school in the world, Samford University. Samford is a small Christian school nestled into the mountains of Birmingham, Alabama, where everybody knows everybody and there is always something going on. The community there is really something special- everyone there, from the students to the faculty, are friendly, encouraging, and kind. We are like one big family! And did I mention the campus looks like it's straight out of a magazine?! It makes going to class every day not so bad. I am so blessed to call such a wonderful place home.

I'm a grateful believer in Jesus Christ. When I was 16 I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. It was the best decision I have ever made and it has changed my heart (and my life) dramatically. I am endlessly grateful for the grace Jesus displayed for us on the cross, and his great love for us. He is sooo good to me it's unreal. I pray that this little business of mine glorifies Him and that I never lose sight of the fact that none of this would be possible without Him.

I'm a photographer. Eep, that still makes me so giddy to say!! I've loved taking pictures for as long as I can remember, but my passion really skyrocketed a little over a year ago when I got my first DSLR camera. I started learning how to use manual mode and taking pictures for friends before their sorority formals. It brought me so much joy to deliver beautiful images to them that they were excited about! Another thing I started doing was reading photography blogs daily, purely to admire all the beautiful pictures! I fell in love with the idea of capturing the happy moments of someone's life for them and knew I wanted to turn my passion into a career.

Recently, I was blessed enough to be able to upgrade my camera. That's when I knew it was time to go for my dream and start my business! Since I decided to go for it, I have learned so much already- how to use my equipment effectively, how to pose people, how to edit, how to create a website... the list goes on and on! I am so excited to keep learning and growing- I know I definitely have a long way to go! But for now, I am grateful to be right where I am.

 

My business is small, but I have big dreams for it. I hope that I can use my gifts to bless others with images they will cherish for the rest of their lives. I'll be sharing all about my journey as a new business owner, as well as all my sessions, here on the blog, so be sure to check back often!