Dreamy Fairhope, Alabama Photoshoot with Ave & Liv: Coastal Fashion, Golden Sunsets & Luxury Cottages

Three models posing together in the Fairhope Collection by Ave & Liv during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, wearing white eyelet and blue floral dresses in front of a historic home

A Coastal Escape: Photographing Ave & Liv in Fairhope, Alabama

As a wedding photographer based in Wichita, Kansas, I’m always searching for fresh light, beautiful locations, and creative inspiration. This spring, I found it all in the charming bayside town of Fairhope, Alabama.

The soft coastal glow, moss-draped oaks, and serene waterfront views made the perfect backdrop for capturing Ave & Liv’s latest feminine, breezy collections. From downtown streets to the iconic Municipal Pier, every spot felt like it was designed for timeless, editorial-style photography.

Blonde model in striped set posing with a cruiser bicycle in front of Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, golden sunlight and palm trees in the background

The Fairhope Collection by Ave & Liv

The Fairhope Collection brings effortless summer romance to life with 31 stunning pieces — flowy maxi dresses, flirty mini dresses, matching sets, delicate florals, playful stripes, and lightweight eyelet lace. It’s the kind of collection that feels perfect for vacation photos, styled bridals, or destination sessions.

Shop the Fairhope Collection now!

Smiling model wearing a white eyelet mini dress and wide-brim straw hat during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot with Ave & Liv, palm trees and bicycles in the background

Two models in matching floral print mini dresses posing together outside a white cottage during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot for Ave & Liv’s Fairhope Collection

Close-up detail shot of white eyelet lace crop top and maxi skirt from the Fairhope Collection by Ave & Liv, captured during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot

Three models posing in white eyelet and blue floral pieces from Ave & Liv’s Fairhope Collection during a sunny Fairhope Alabama photoshoot in front of a historic home

Close-up of a white eyelet sundress with starfish cutout detail from the Fairhope Collection by Ave & Liv, photographed during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot

Two models walking together in a navy polka dot dress and white eyelet two-piece set during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot with Ave & Liv

Two models in blue and yellow striped maxi dresses with lace details and straw hats posing together during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot for Ave & Liv’s Fairhope Collection

Model smiling in a pink and white striped bow-shoulder crop top and tiered maxi skirt from Ave & Liv during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot at Lucia Bleu Cottages

“Ave and Liv Swim is all about celebrating how fun it is to be a girl—embracing femininity through ruffles, vibrant colors, and playful patterns—while delivering elevated quality and a flawless fit!”

Light green floral bow from Ave & Liv’s new swimwear collection tied on a white railing during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, with oak trees and blue sky in the background

Four colorful gingham bikini tops in green, pink, yellow, and blue hanging on a white railing during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot for Ave & Liv’s exclusive new swimwear launch

Model smiling and holding a large pink inflatable ring while wearing a green gingham ruffle bikini during a sunny Fairhope Alabama photoshoot at Lucia Bleu Cottages

Four models posing together in colorful gingham ruffle bikinis (blue, green, pink, and yellow) during a bright Fairhope Alabama photoshoot by the pool at Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages

Where We Stayed: Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages

Our home base for the entire trip was Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages, and it truly felt like stepping into a dream. These luxurious vacation rentals sit on the bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay, nestled among ancient oaks and magnolias. Just minutes from downtown Fairhope and an easy walk to the Municipal Pier, the location couldn’t have been more perfect for our photoshoot.

Each cottage offers a serene, Caribbean-inspired escape with king-size beds, soaking tubs, fully stocked kitchens, and private back patios that open to lawns with sweeping bay views. We loved the private plunge pools, high-end finishes, hand-carved details, fresh flowers throughout, a welcome bottle of wine, curated music, and even cruiser bicycles for exploring the Eastern Shore. The whole vibe is spa-like, romantic, and incredibly rejuvenating — ideal for a girls’ getaway, creative retreat, or styled shoot.

Waking up to coffee on the patio with views of the water and sailboats was pure magic and set the tone for every productive, beautiful day.

Book your stay at Lucia Bleu with Expedia HERE!

Lucia Bleu Cottages on the Bluff entrance sign reading luciableu.com during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, with the luxury white cottages visible through the trees

Charming white entrance of Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages with double doors and green wreaths during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, framed by palm leaves and oak trees

White Retrospec cruiser bicycle with brown leather grips in the foreground during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot at Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages

Bright sunlight streaming over the white architecture and wooden shutters of Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, creating a dreamy golden glow

Cozy white daybed with herringbone pillows and turquoise glass lamp inside Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages, captured during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, overlooking lush greenery

Detail shot of white Retrospec cruiser bicycles with brown leather seats and handlebar grips at Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot

Overview of the beautiful white Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages nestled among magnolia trees and palm plants during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, with white cruiser bicycles parked outside

White cruiser bicycles parked in front of the elegant Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages with palm fronds in the foreground during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot

Two white cruiser bicycles parked on the lawn in front of Lucia Bleu Fairhope Cottages surrounded by tall palm trees during the Fairhope Alabama photoshoot

Golden Hour Magic Over Mobile Bay

One of my favorite memories was watching the sunset over the water with sailboats gently floating by. The sky melted into the softest pinks and golds, reflecting across Mobile Bay while the pier created the most romantic silhouette. It was incredibly dreamy — peaceful, warm, and the kind of golden-hour light that makes everything feel magical.

Peaceful view of the wooden pier and calm water at sunset in Fairhope, Alabama during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, with a sailboat in the distance and soft pink and blue sky

Four smiling women taking a sunset selfie on the Fairhope Municipal Pier during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, with Mobile Bay and a vibrant orange sky in the background

A Sweet Farewell at The Kind Cafe

Before leaving town, we stopped by The Kind Cafe. I ordered the honey cinnamon latte, and it was absolutely delicious — the perfect balance of sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and smooth espresso. The staff was insanely friendly, and the whole space had the cutest, welcoming vibe. It was the ideal way to say goodbye to such a charming Southern town.

Three iced coffee drinks with colorful straws from The Kind Cafe in Fairhope, Alabama during a Fairhope Alabama photoshoot, featuring the honey cinnamon latte and signature blue sleeves

Watch the Behind-the-Scenes Vlog on YouTube

Want to see the full experience? Head over to my YouTube channel to watch the vlog from our Fairhope trip! You’ll get to come along for the photoshoot days, explore the cottages, catch the golden-hour magic at the pier, and even join me for that honey cinnamon latte at The Kind Cafe. It’s filled with all the behind-the-scenes moments, outfit changes, and coastal vibes you won’t want to miss.

Fairhope Alabama photoshoot vlog thumbnail featuring models in colorful gingham bikini tops during Ave & Liv swimwear campaign in Fairhope, Alabama

Watch the travel vlog now!

Fairhope, Alabama, completely stole my heart with its soft coastal light, friendly Southern hospitality, and endless photographic inspiration. If you love travel, fashion shoots, and dreamy destination content, I hope this post (and the vlog) encourages you to add Fairhope to your list. I can’t wait to share more images from the shoot soon and plan my next creative escape!

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