Alabama Wedding Photographer

Inquire 

arrow

sarah van hecke photography

THE JOURNAL

See my latest work and world travels here! 

Local Birmingham couple laughing together during their engagement photoshoot at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Weddings

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Engagement | Birmingham Alabama Wedding Photographer | Emily & Brody

When I first met Emily on our consult call, we immediately clicked. She has the sunniest, bubbliest personality and is just SO easy to talk to, so I already knew I was going to love getting her and Brody in front of my camera. Their Birmingham Botanical Gardens engagement session only confirmed it! Emily & […]

arrow
Grace and Lake kiss at sunset beside the lake during their Steelwood Country Club wedding.

Weddings

Elegant Southern Wedding at Steelwood Country Club | Alabama Wedding Photographer | Grace & Lake

Steelwood Country Club was such a beautiful backdrop for Grace and Lake’s wedding day! Located in Loxley, Alabama, just a short drive from Fairhope, Steelwood has that classic Southern charm that I love so much. From the beautiful grounds to all the gorgeous little spots for portraits (and trust me, we took advantage!), it was […]

arrow

Family

Walters Family Newborn Session | Auburn, Alabama

A Meaningful Newborn Session with a Family Close to My Heart There is something incredibly special about walking into a newborn session and already feeling a connection. This sweet session was exactly that. I have known the Walters family for more than 10 years, which made documenting the arrival of baby Josie even more meaningful. […]

arrow

Family

SpringHouse Maternity Session | Sarah & Trey

From Engagement Photos to Parenthood One of the things I love most about photographing growing families is seeing the journey come full circle. It feels like just yesterday that we were capturing the excitement of their engagement session and wedding day. Now, they are preparing to welcome a precious new baby, and the joy and […]

arrow

Weddings

Julia & Jones | Fountainview Mansion Engagement Session

Romantic Engagement Photos at Fountainview Mansion Some engagement sessions feel more like an evening spent with old friends than a photoshoot, and that was exactly the case with Julia and Jones. We met at Fountainview Mansion, the stunning venue where they’ll soon become husband and wife, for an engagement session that felt effortless from beginning […]

arrow

Weddings

Hannah & Creed | Gulf Shores Engagement Session

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of photographing Hannah and Creed’s engagement session. I have always had a soft spot for engagement sessions- the anticipation toward the wedding, and the excitement of the season always fill them with energy and joy. This one felt extra special because I have actually known Hannah for years! […]

arrow
Bride and groom walking together at Sanctuary Golf Club

Weddings

Sanctuary Golf Club Garden Wedding | Captiva Island Wedding Photographer

A refined pink garden wedding at Sanctuary Golf Club on Captiva Island, filled with joyful moments, thoughtful details, and effortless Florida elegance.

arrow
wedding invitation flat lay

tips

The Ultimate 2026 Wedding Planning Timeline & Checklist

Feeling Overwhelmed? Start Here. You just got engaged—congrats! Now comes the fun (and sometimes chaotic) part: planning a wedding. If you’ve already typed “wedding planning checklist” into Google at 2 a.m., you’re not alone. As a wedding photographer who’s been part of hundreds of love stories, I’ve seen the good, the stressful, and the beautifully […]

arrow
engagement session where the woman is being lifted

Weddings

“We’re So Awkward in Photos”: Why That Doesn’t Matter With the Right Photographer

Spoiler alert: You Don’t Need Experience, You Just Need the Right Photographer

arrow
cocktail hour in Captiva FL

tips

How to Actually Enjoy Your Cocktail Hour (Yes, You Too!)

Cocktail Hour Isn’t Just for the Guests—Here’s How You Can Enjoy It Too Cocktail hour might just be the most underrated part of a wedding day. It’s that magical window where the ceremony glow lingers, golden hour kicks in, and everyone finally gets a drink in hand. But too often, the couple misses it entirely—off […]

arrow

Hello

welome to the blog

I'm Sarah and I'm so happy you're here. This blog a journal about my work, my life, travels, fashion, and style. Stay a while and say hello!

Learn more

arrow

Search

browse by category

Weddings

Portraits

planning tips

editorial

Learn more about the SVH Experience

arrow