Ryan + Bailey • Wedding • Spirit Ranch

Ryan + Bailey had a perfect wedding at Spirit Ranch. These two kept everything so consistent with their style- which made for a very laid-back, fun event.

Bailey wore her mother's wedding dress- which was so, so perfect on her. She walked down the aisle with bare feet which is perfectly Bailey.  I loved that these two asked their guests to keep from photographing their ceremony so that they could truly be a part of it- you would be amazed at how many phones and iPads I have to work around during the average wedding ceremony. They also let their wedding party sit on the front row during most of the ceremony- which made it really intimate and special. This is the first wedding I've ever shot where the bride and groom played rock, paper scissors to see who read their vows first! It was cute and a perfect representation of these two. 

At the reception, guests played yard games while they ate delicious breakfast for dinner (such a genius idea!). I was thankful the couple let us steal the for a few minutes to get some portraits with the setting sun. Excited for these two! Congrats and KCCO!

Chris + Rae Dawn Elope! • Caprock Canyons State Park

For as long as I have known Rae Dawn, she has been a fun, no-fuss, adventurous person- and so when she told me that she and Chris had decided to elope, I was not surprised at all...and of course I was hoping I'd get to photograph it! Photographing an elopement has been a bucket-list item for me for a long time (and I'd love to do more, hint hint!).

These two were married at a beautifully scenic spot at Caprock Canyons State Park last Saturday- and it was such a beautiful thing to witness. The day before the wedding, they decided to invite their parents to be there- and it was so special to photograph their reactions to all of the events. It made it such a personal, intimate time- and I'm so thankful that she and Chris allowed Shawn and I along on this special day.  

Congratulations, you two! Thanks for letting us tag along!

Heath + Danielle • Wedding

Ya'll, there is something about a small town West Texas wedding that is so close to my heart. Heath and Danielle were married earlier this month at a tiny, beautiful church in tiny, beautiful Wilson, Texas. The entire town came to celebrate. I am not kidding- the ENTIRE town. There were so many people in that little church that they had to have overflow seating to accommodate everyone- that is some serious love + support! It was a beautiful, sweet ceremony- and then, the entire town went to celebrate at the reception. Let me tell you, feeding that many people is quite a task- and these guys did it with style, laughs, and lots of small-town hospitality. It really was an incredible day to witness. These two are so much fun and really majored on the majors. They focused on what was important to them, and let everything else just be. That, my friends, is a great way to start a marriage. Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Talkmitt!

michael + lauren • wedding • first united methodist church, lubbock tx

My favorite moment of Michael and Lauren's wedding was before the ceremony during their gift exchange. They were on opposite sides of the door, so there is no way Michael could have seen Lauren's face when she opened the earrings he'd gifted her- but it was clear that he totally nailed it. She was beaming and instantly put them on. That moment was so full of anticipation- such a confirmation that this was so right and just about to happen...that's the kind of thing I most love to capture. 

These two had a beautiful wedding. All of Lauren's planning came together so perfectly in a day full of special moments and gorgeous details. I'm honored to have photographed it. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. U!

I loved working with Turquoise Video Productions at this wedding. Check out their video sneak peek HERE!

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church, Lubbock

Reception: Frazier Alumni Pavilion

Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo, Neiman Marcus

Groom + Groomsmen: Jos. A. Bank

Bridesmaids: J. Crew

Hair: Ashley Williams @ Roxi's Hair Studio, Kali Hale @ Davidson-Taylor

Makeup and Coordination: Brenda Becknell with Robert Spence Agency

Engagement and Wedding Bands: J. Keith's Jewelry

Programs: Barque

Invitations: Miss Social Butterfly

Floral: Lou Dee's Floral and Gift

Cake: Marla Felton

Catering: Top Tier Catering

Videographer: Turquoise Video Productions

garrett + brytni • destination wedding • playa del carmen, mexico

I am convinced there isn't a more beautiful landscape than the turquoise-blue water of the Riviera Maya. It's stunningly beautiful. Add all your closest family and friends, and it becomes quite magical. Shawn and I got to be a part of Garrett and Brytni's wedding celebration- and I can't tell you how honored we felt to be there- to witness the joy and laughter and gorgeous scenery firsthand.

I'll look back on this day and think of all the laughter we got to photograph. This crew was so laid-back and just straight up happy to be in paradise. There were great food and drinks, some hilarious scripture translation, scantily-clad onlookers to the ceremony, and mad dance skills. Garrett and Brytni- thank you so much for having us along- and congratulations!

aaron + krysta • wedding • lubbock, tx

Aaron and Krysta's wedding was held at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church here in Lubbock just a couple of weeks ago. It was a b-e-a-utiful day, and this group was so pleasant to be around. Nothing but happy, helpful, excited people running around- I loved it! Most of all, I loved getting to see the way Aaron looked at Krysta. It was like she was a precious pearl, almost too beautiful to touch. During their first look, they were so precious to each other- such a beautiful example of Christ in their relationship! Here are some of my favorites from their big day.

I loved all the touches of Autumn- the wheat used for decorating came from Krysta's Grandfather's farm!

Krysta looked so, so pretty.

Oh, the pocket squares. Guys- just F.Y.I.- this is an issue at almost EVERY wedding I've shot this year. Truth- no one ends up using them. The instructions are vague. If you want to have pocket squares, bring and iron and fold them in advance. Here are the guys giving it their best effort:

A few from their first look- 

I always love it when the parents pray with the bride and groom during the ceremony.

I love Krysta's expression in this one- "You better not..."

Congratulations you guys! 

lacey • bridal portraits • lubbock wedding photographer

Lacey married Marcus just a few days ago, and so it's finally safe to share her gorgeous bridal portraits!

We shot these on a very blustery day in Lubbock. Right in the middle of our photoshoot, Lacey's veil took off with the wind! Much to our amazement and shock, it flew over a two-story building and landed about 100 yards away, perfectly unharmed. I knew it was windy in Lubbock, but I've never seen anything like that before!

Regardless, Lacey looked beautiful. Hair by Natalie at Kadiza.