new ideas for your wedding ceremony • unity in glass

Shawn and finally got to visit the downtown farmer's market here in Lubbock last Saturday (I tend to want to sleep in on Saturdays since I'm usually shooting a wedding)- and I was pleasantly suprised in more than one way. Fresh organic produce, a coffee bar, handmade soaps and other wares greeted me. And so did Heidi Knight- who owns the ever-awesome Tornado Gallery with her husband. After talking for a while, she introduced me to Lee Ware who is creating some seriously beautiful works of art in his glassblowing studio (Sandstorm Glassworks) behind the gallery.

One of which caught my attention- and I knew I had to share it with you all! 

Lee is creating custom unity sculptures for couples. Instead of using a boring candle or sand (not always the best idea in windy West Texas), you can have a custom made, one-of-a-kind piece of art that was specifically created for you- and you get to take part in it! It's very simple.

You get to select the colors and combination of glass crystals, which Lee will ship to you. Mix them during your ceremony much like you would do with sand, and mail them back to him the the pre-paid envelope provided. He then creates your unity sculpture and you have something beautiful to remind you of your commitment always. Aren't they beautiful?

Above images from www.unityinglass.com, shot by David Ingram.

Lee invited me to come back this week to watch the whole process- and of course I brought my camera! Watching him (and Heidi- who is his assistant) create was completely mesmerizing- and such an involved and skillful process. I was amazed at the amount of timing, planning, and artistic sense that it requires. It is clear that Lee has years of experience by the intentional way in which he works.

To see more information and photos of Lee's work, visit www.unityinglass.com.

richard + joni • the legacy event center • lubbock, tx

I'm so glad to have been able to capture Richard and Joni's wedding day at The Legacy. It was a gorgeous September day- and everything went so smoothly. I loved photographing these two. Richard's expression and love for Joni was so evident in his interaction with her that day- and Joni seemed to breeze through the day...enjoying every moment. Joni had her hand in all the details and decor, which were so personal and beautiful. They ended the night with a suprise for their guests- a mariachi band! Everyone loved it- hope you do too!

matt + pataya • newlyweds • lubbock, tx

Matt + Pataya were recently married on a beautiful beach in Florida and weren't quite ready to pack up their wedding attire for good yet (you'll understand when you see Pataya's dress!). So, I had the pleasure of photographing these two looking very stylish, and with their sweet puppy. We had a great time together and they were so pleasant to be around. Here are a few of my faves!

Pataya's hair + makeup were done by the talented Chelsea at Kadiza Hair Studio. 

What a good looking couple! Love that grey suit of Matt's.

Their dog Abby was so well behaved and sweet!

jordan + casi • wedding • thunderbird chapel- norman, ok

August was a very special wedding month for me- first, Mari got married (in the post below), and then it was Jordan and Casi's turn! If you haven't heard me talk about Casi yet, you don't know that she interned for me last year- and was totally essential to making our lives run. I can't say enough about her character, attitude, and wilingness to help. Plus, she is a pretty talented graphic designer (she designed all the stationery for their wedding). 

Jordan and Casi were married at the gorgeous Thunderbird Chapel outside of Norman, OK. When she first showed me this venue I flipped out! It is such an ideal wedding location, and I'm so glad they chose it. Being with these two on their wedding day and getting to capture it all was such an honor. It was clear they were both ready- really ready- to finally be married. All day, the clouds above us had threatened rain- and rain it did! We even attempted some portraits outside (thank you, ladies, for giving it a shot with me!), but as soon as we made it out, we were rushed back in because of the downpour. The beautiful thing about it was that the wedding went on, they were married, and a celebration ensued! Though we couldn't be outside, we had the most beautiful chapel to shoot in. Watching Jordan and Casi after the ceremony was such a great reminder of what it's all about- of course- the wedding day, but more importantly- every day after that. The sense of contentment and excitement about their new adventure was encouraging and exciting. 

I had a lot of favorites, so get ready! First, their vendors:

Wedding Gown: Impression Bridal, OKC 

Men's Suits: Jos. A Bank

Bridesmaids Dresses: Modcloth & Asos

Florist: Buy For Less

Cake: Buy For Less

Venue: Thunderbird Chapel

Catering: Thunderbird Chapel

Special Music: Joshua Tullis

Hair: Morgan Bilderback, La Foi Salon

Makeup: Jordan Moore

Oh my goodness, Casi looked stunning....

Getting caught in the rain resulted in some very funny moments- imagine us all huddled around the bride, trying to keep under the umbrellas and her dry!

Both Jordan and Casi said this was their favorite moment of the day

Jordan: The most memorable part of my day was seeing Casi walk down the isle. I also really enjoyed just getting to spend the day celebrating with friends and family.

Casi: When those double doors swung open, my dad and I were standing there with the entire chapel staring at us. It was an overwhelming feeling of love knowing everyone was there for Jordan and I. And seeing the smile on Jordan's face when he saw me for the first time.

Casi: The sugar cookie favors shaped like Oklahoma and Texas. They were made by a group of ladies who used to bake with my aunt Judy. She passed away in November so it was very special to me. It helped me feel like a part of Judy was there with me.

This was the first "choreographed" garter toss I'd ever seen. Every single guy out there immediately walked off once that garter was in the air. It was hilarious!

Jordan and Casi- thank you so much for your trust in me. I feel so blessed to know you both and to have been a part of your big day!

zach + cassie • wedding • the legacy, lubbock tx

I have been so blessed by this couple throughout their engagement, and was not suprised in the least when their wedding day was just wonderful! These two were married at The Legacy in Lubbock. It was a very special, personalized ceremony that was so neat to experience. One of my favorite parts of this day was getting to watch Zach and Cassie experience it all. Cassie is so full of joy and laughter- and Zach is such a kind heart. Their excitement and emotion was written all over their faces. 

They also selected a great group of vendors- it was such a pleasure to work with Jill Leven of Eat, Drink and Be Marry, and Lindsay Haworth of 41 Productions!

Ceremony: The Legacy

Reception: The Frazier Alumni Pavilion

Wedding Gown: Allure, Bridal Boutique, Lewisville, TX

Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal

Groomsmen Suits: First Class Tuxedos

Florist:Box of Rain

Cake: KP Creations

Catering: Top Tier Catering

Special Music: Mark Tatum & Danielle Neudorf

DJ: West Texas DJ Service

Hair: Lauri Wood

Makeup: Brenda Becknell

Wedding Stationery: Eat, Drink, and be Marry

Coordination: Jill Leven, Eat, Drink, and be Marry

Video: 41 Productions

If you chose to do a First Look, would you recommend it to others? Why?
Cassie: Yes, most def. I was so anxious to see him that it really calmed my nerves to see him before. Also, I felt like I took in more walking down the aisle because I wasn't just so nervous about seeing him. I saw everyone in the audience, my bridesmaids, my family, Zach's family, the flowers down the aisle, and of course Zachry down the aisle waiting for me. I would for sure do the First Look- it just made the ceremony so much more enjoyable and laid back for me.

These photos are of each of their parents' weddings. Loved it!

What was the most memorable moment about your day?
Cassie: The most memorable moment for me was listening to Zach say his vows to me and seeing him so emotional about what he was saying. It was really special to hear his promise to God and his promise to me- it was surreal.

Zach: The most memorable moment for me was when I saw Cassie walking down the aisle. It became very real to me and I got pretty emotional.

Zach + Cassie chose to gift their parents with flowers and a thank you note during the ceremony. It was so sweet. This was also the first ceremony I've seen where a pastor used a giant ball for an illustration! It was awesome.

Love this advice from Cassie:

Walk slowly down the aisle and take in everything! Also, be yourself during the ceremony- if you aren't a serious couple, don't be so serious! We had fun during our ceremony- you can too!

The Frazier Alumni Pavilion looked great. I loved the light flooding through the large windows. 

Congrats guys!

justin + layne • proposal • galveston, tx

I still can't believe it- my baby sister is engaged! Ok, so she's far from being a baby anymore, but she is the youngest, as is her fiancé, Justin. We are so, so excited to have him as part of our family, and to see Layne as a Mrs.! 

It all went down at sunrise on the beach (nice job, Justin!). I didn't get to capture the proposal, but we arrived just after to meet a very excited Layne and a relieved Justin. Here are a few photos. Congrats you two! Love you!

lindsey • bridal • lubbock, tx

This beautiful bride got married recently and so I can share her bridal photos with you now! Lindsey has such a bright spirit and great attitude. I had so much fun spending time with her and her Mom the day of her shoot. Enjoy!

allen + paige • fancy booth • lubbock, tx

And now.....the images from Allen + Paige's Fancy Booth! Some of the most hilarious people I've ever gotten to photograph-

alex + kendall • engagement • lubbock, tx

TTU Alumni Alex + Kendall live in Houston but wanted to shoot their engagement pictures at the place it all began- the Texas Tech campus! So, they made a special trip down and we planned a session very reflective of Lubbock. Of course, the West Texas weather decided to come along, and during this session, we experienced pretty cloud cover, crazy winds, beautiful sunlight, and yes...even rain. Through it all, they had the BEST attitudes, and I was so thankful to be working with such fun people. Alex is a huge TTU sports fan, and by a stroke of luck we were able to get into Jones Stadium for a few shots. 

Thanks so much, you two, for a fun session! Congratulations!

ben + shelby • wedding • panhandle, tx

Get ready all your Pintrest-ers! You are going to love this wedding. These guys totally outdid themselves with special handmade details that spoke to their personalities and style- and of course, I loved photographing it. Beyond all that, though- I was totally blessed by Ben, Shelby, and their families. They are God-loving, fun, graceful people and I felt so honored to be a part of their day. After it was all said and done, I was saying goodbye to Ben's parents (whom I've known for a long time), and his Dad said in the most genuine way, "Thank you for all you've done for our family". I felt so thankful to be working with people who really grasped my vision for this little business of mine- to capture the most important parts of people's lives- the relationships, the places and things, and the beauty in it all. Here are just a few (haha) of my many favorites from Ben + Shelby's wedding.

Ceremony: Square House Museum Conway Community Chapel, Panhandle, TX

Reception: Carson County Veteran's Memorial

Wedding Gown: Oleg Cassini

Groom/Groomsmen: Louis Raphael, Groom's vest sewn by his mother

Bridesmaids: David's Bridal

Florist: Marcie Williams

Catering: The Bohemian Kitchen (THE BEST wedding food I've ever had- EVER! If you are in the Amarillo area, check them out!)

Hair/Makeup: Trisha Barbosa

How cute are these puffed heart boutonneirs?

Ben + Shelby's first look was quite a special one. I could tell the importance of what was about to happen was really hitting Ben. When Shelby entered, all tension was replaced with excitement! Here's a note they wrote about the first look to parents of the bride + groom who may not be all that excited about a first look- I thought it was helpful:

Parents: It allows the pictures to be taken before the wedding while everyone is looking fresh and all pics can be scheduled so no one has to sit and wait and the couple can head to the reception and not keep guests waiting. The couple also can keep the moment special and private and really savor it not have it while so many are looking on and they can't talk to each other. It also allows them to be emotional in private so they can enjoy the ceremony more.

Ben's grandfather was a photographer in the 1950's through the 1980's and he always encouraged doing this and felt like he got better pictures of the couple and their reactions doing it before the ceremony. 

Ben's Dad officiated the ceremony and so it was extra special. There was not a dry eye in the room, including Madi (I shot her senior pictures in August).

The details were amazing- hundreds of handmade paper flowers covered the tables along with colorful florals in vintage tins.

They had these mason jars sandblasted with 6 different custom designs- they were so cool!

Congrats you two! Thanks so much for letting me capture your special day!