jacob + julie • wedding • roswell, nm

Looking back on this day, there are two things I know I will never forget- the way Julie looks at Jacob, and the way Jacob looks at Julie. Maybe it's because I've known Jacob since college- and been able to see glimpses of his life story- but it was so, so special to see how they treasure each other. It's clear in the intentional ways they approached their wedding day, their thoughtful gifts to each other, and the way they were sure to greet their guests lovingly. 

Shawn and I totally loved being with these guys on their wedding day- the weather was beautiful, and we had some beautiful things to photograph. Congrats, you guys- we are blessed to know you and so excited for you!

mike + lauren • engagement • lubbock, tx

You guys- I'm not sure there are more patient people out there than these two. We had to reschedule their shoot twice because of the random torrential downpours Lubbock experienced last month...making it weeks later than originally planned. However, I am so, so glad we did! Our weather last week was simply beautiful- I always forget how much I love shooting this time of year. It's cooler, and there is an exiting crispness in the air. 

I can't wait to shoot Mike + Lauren's wedding this next June- after getting to know them better, I just know it will be such a wonderful time- full of celebration. We ended their engagement shoot at the park where they got engaged (after a well-arranged scavenger hunt planned by Mike). It was perfect.

Thank you guys for being so patient and so much fun! And congratulations!

brady + haley • engagement • lubbock, tx

The rain cleared up (seriously, I feel like it's been wet here for 3 straight weeks...) just long enough for Brady + Haley's engagement session last weekend. It was actually wonderful weather- the sun was shining but the moisture kept it nice and cool. I totally enjoyed getting to hang out with these two and their adorable dog, Zeus. They both grew up in the same small town but didn't really know each other until Brady happened to be back in town after he'd left for college. In fact, these two have spent the majority of their dating/engaged life living in separate towns- something that I have a lot of respect for. So, I can imagine how excited they will be when they are finally one and living in the same place! 

Thank you guys for a great session- you make me want to plant a willow tree in my front yard!

lane + joni • wedding • seminole, tx

One of the first things that Joni told me when we met was that she wanted to get married in the church she grew up in- the same church where her parents were married. I immediately related- Shawn and I were married in the church I grew up in and there was so much sentiment in that location for me, our wedding couldn't have been anywhere else! There is something so special about bringing all of the new people in your life back to the place that built you. 

Lane and Joni (and their families) are exactly the kind of people I really love getting to work with. They're intentional, traditional in the things that are most important, and plan a wedding knowing that it is a celebration of what God has done. I so, so enjoyed photographing this wedding. 

Joni has a very classic style and it was incorporated beautifully into everything- from her dress, to the black and white bowties and men's suits, to the gorgeous table decor at the reception. This crew was so much fun and knew how to live it up on the dance floor- I had the feeling no one really wanted to leave! Thank you, Lane and Joni, for the honor of photographing your wedding!

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church, Seminole TX

Reception: Wingate by Wyndham

Wedding Dress: Steven Birnbaum, Stardust Celebrations

Groom/Groomsmen Suits: Vera Wang

Bridesmaid's Dresses: David's Bridal

Hair: Lindsey Cooper

Makeup: McKinley Lofties

Stationery: Hodgepodge Design

Floral: Lou Dee's Floral and Gift Center

Cake: Cakes by Alison

Catering: Pot Belly Slim

Videography: The Modern Blue

jake + lauren • wedding • kent hance chapel

Jake and Lauren's wedding was one that reminded me how much I love what I do. I just never get sick of watching two families come together, two people be genuinely excited and anticipating this next chapter of their lives, and all the gorgeous details that make the day special. When we arrived I realized fully just how intentional Lauren and her mother had been in their planning when I saw all the beautiful details throughout the chapel. Pretty gold, ivory and white pillows lined the benches at the entrance. College Flowers did a stunning job with the florals- and there were so many sentimental details as well- such as Lauren's mother's pearls wrapped around her bouquet.

Jake and Lauren chose to do a First Look, and I loved what Lauren had to say about it: "I had never thought about doing a first look before meeting Lissa but after hearing the idea I am so glad we did. I knew I would cry during the ceremony and I knew if the ceremony was also the first time I saw Jake I would cry even more! Having a chance to see him beforehand didn't eliminate the tears at the ceremony but it did allow me to be able to focus a little more on the ceremony itself and what we were doing. The best part of doing a first look was getting to be with him alone for just a few minutes. It's the only time we had together, just the two of us, all day until after the reception was over. It was also very handy to be able to go straight to the reception because we had already taken all of the wedding party and family pictures!"

These two had an intimate and sweet ceremony- which led into a warm and welcoming reception where all the guests were fed delicious food and enjoyed each other's company. Marla Felton created an exquisite cake for Lauren and Jake chose an ice cream cake- which was the perfect compliment! I have to say that we loved listening to the musician, D.G. Flewellyn- he was fabulous! 

Thanks so much, Jake and Lauren, for having us on your wedding day. I so appreciate your trust and congratulations!

Ceremony: Kent Hance Chapel, Texas Tech University

Reception: The Overton Hotel

Wedding Gown: Sophia Tolli, Bliss Bridal

Bridesmaid's Dresses: David's Bridal

Groom/Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse

Hair: Gavino Salon

Garter: HannaBellaDesigns, Etsy

Bride's Ring: A. Jaffe

Groom's Ring: Benchmark, J Keith's Jewelry

Bride's Headband: Bliss Bridal

Wedding Stationery: Miss Social Butterfly

Unity Sculpture: Unity In Glass

Florist: College Flowers

Bride's Cake: Marla Felton

Groom's Cake: Cold Stone Creamery

Catering: The Overton Hotel

Trolley: CitiBus

adam + megan • wedding • louise hopkins underwood center for the arts

How much would I love to photograph a wedding inside of one of my favorite art galleries in Lubbock? VERY, VERY MUCH. That gallery would be the LHUCA, and the couple that let me do that would be Adam + Megan. These two were very intentional about many aspects of their wedding, which really made it a fun experience. It was also incredible to watch them during their ceremony, where emotions ranged from nervous anticipation, to pure enjoyment, holy reverence, and joy. Loved it all.

Oh, and you also need to know that Megan spent 10 hours adding the gemstones to her wedding shoes- that's a serious DIY! Thanks, Adam + Megan for having us- and congratulations!

jacob + julie • engagement • lubbock, tx

These two are getting married in less than a month- and photographing them on a beautiful, unusually mild West Texas day was all I needed to remember the excitement and anticipation of being so, so close to that big day. I've known Jacob since college- and loved getting to meet his bride, Julie. These two laughed so much (and so well) together- it's easy to see why they are tying the knot. It won't be too long before you're seeing them as a bride + groom- but until then- enjoy their engagement session images!

rob + marci • wedding at spirit ranch • lubbock, tx

Rob + Marci had one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have had the pleasure of photographing. It was perfectly timed with the sunset, and as the Texas heat cooled down, these two said their vows and then got to celebrate the start of a lifetime together! Thinking back on this wedding, I don't think I'll forget the images of Rob looking at Marci- even when she didn't happen to be looking back- he just gazed at her with a huge smile. The excitement in both of their faces was palatable. 

Not only was this ceremony beautiful, but every other aspect as well- including the details and the fabulous people we got to work with. Marci told me she took a calligraphy class- and did all of the hand lettering you'll see. Such a great idea! 

At the reception, the Maid and Matron of Honors did a personalized rap to the theme from "Fresh Prince of Bel Air"- and it made for the most wonderful start to the party. There were many more great moments- but I'll just let the photos speak for themselves. Congrats, Rob and Marci!

david + kay • engagement • lubbock, tx

David and Kay are true Renaissance people. I'm not sure they would say this about themselves, but I will. :) They love music, stories, history...and are romantics at heart (not to mention they both have professional careers). I so appreciated that they trusted me despite any nerves they had about their engagement shoot. They've been together for 10 years- and there is something so easy and wonderful about photographing a couple who has a long history of standing together. It's a settled satisfaction- a level of comfort that is so enjoyable to capture. I loved photographing these two- thanks for trusting me, you guys!

ted + jen • engagement • lubbock, tx

There is something about Ted and Jennifer that is just so easy, so comfortable. They are laid-back and happy together. It rained for days (literally) before this photoshoot and so we had this crazy, cool cloud cover that is typically nonexistent in Lubbock, Texas. This session was just the refresher I needed before busy season was upon me. Thanks, guys, for a great session!