Destination Session: Gulf Shores, AL Anniversary Session w/ Nancy + Brian | Indianapolis IN Portrait Photographer

Nancy is one of those clients you can’t say “no” to. If she likes you, she’ll never let you go. When I say “you can’t say ‘no’ to her”, I mean she is the most magnetic, fabulous, loving, fun, and thoughtful human being that you will ever cross paths with. So, when she has a wild idea, you make it work, because she is so much fun to , not only photograph, but to be around. 

Nancy and I met when she applied to Fearless (the first round). She told me that she was thinking about canceling because she was nervous about the shoot. Which is a pretty common feeling that a client gets in the field of photography that I’m in. But, she showed up anyway:) 

We’ve done three sessions now. Two boudoir and the third is this shoot with her equally as amazing husband, Brian. She texted me one day last winter. “Hey! Do you want to come and stay with us in Gulf Shores this spring? It’s our 20th wedding anniversary and we want to be photographed on the beach. You can bring Andrew!” At first I thought it was a joke, but she was very serious. 

During this time in 2024, I took a break from my photography career. I had just finished the first round of Fearless and the gala. Honestly, I was burned out af because I had worked really hard at booking sessions, planning an event, executing said event, and having to explain my worth to problem clients. It would make anyone want a break. 

I spoke to Andrew, my husband, about it and we planned our route to Gulf Shores in the spring. We drove from Indianapolis to Gulf Shores, Alabama in one day. Realizing we would arrive a day early we stayed at a haunted bed and breakfast called The Hotel Magnolia, we arrived late and the lobby had this fantastic fragrance that’s reminiscent of dragon's blood. When I was told it was a room spray by Claire Burke I immediately bought it. The bed and breakfast was an older Victorian home that was renovated to attach to a modern building for events. The pool was gorgeous surrounded by exotic potted plants and outdoor kitty cats. I feel like I might have lived there in a previous life. It gave a 1920’s era artist’s house vibe. 

We met Nancy and Brian at their condo the following day. Those 4 days are a blur to me now as I mostly spent them on the beach reading One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle. It was in the ‘thank you’ gift that Nancy so graciously and thoughtfully put together. It definitely enhanced my beach experience. 

Andrew rented a motorcycle to do some exploring while I planned my sunset session for Nancy and Brian. It was beautiful! They were so much fun to work with and before we knew it the sun was down and we were ready for dinner. This was the first session I had done that helped bring me out of my funk. 

On our last day we spent how I love to spend all my beach vacations which is, you guessed it! On the beach! A year later I’m craving that beachtime as we’re coming out of winter. Our time with Nancy and Brian was nothing short of fabulous with great food, great environment, and great company. 

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Bethany Quinn is the photographer behind Bethany Quinn Studios where she helps modern women feel more confident in their own skin through boudoir and equine photography sessions. We encourage you to grab a glass of wine or sparkling cider, hang out for awhile, and check out more that the blog has to offer! 

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