Art, décor, family and photography- it's all part of me!
Shawn and I had a great time photographing Dustin + Kasey's wedding at the Legacy last month. As I was working on these images, Shawn came by and commented on how much Dustin and Kasey laugh together. And it's true- it's clear that they are truly friends, which makes for a great marriage.
One of the most special things about this wedding was that Kasey wore her mother's wedding dress! Such a cool detail and she looked beautiful. Congrats you guys!
October in the Hill Country. I am not sure there is a more perfect alignment of weather and location- it was so crisp and beautiful in the quaint little town of Boerne, Texas. Shawn and I got to photograph Chris + Olivia's wedding at The Marquardt Ranch earlier this month and it was a treat. Really- the food was EXCELLENT. That may have something to do with the fact that Chris is one of the owners of Green Vegetarian Cuisine, and they, of course, catered the celebration. It was the most delicious vegetarian (and in many cases vegan) food I've ever had! If you are in the San Antonio area- go check out the restaurant!
The wedding itself was so beautiful- the ceremony looked out over a cliff with an amazing view of the hill country- and the couple's laid-back yet sophisticated style was displayed in their details. I loved Olivia's dress and especially Olivia in it- such a gorgeous bride! Most of all, I appreciated Chris + Olivia's trust in us as their photographers. Many blessings to you both!
Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia
Bridesmaids: Alfred Angelo
Cake/Catering: Green Vegetarian Cuisine
Hair: Monet Antionette Dominguez
Event Coordinator: Amanda Blisset
Stationery: You've Got Paper
One of the hidden gems in our area is Ransom Canyon and Buffalo Springs Lake- it's just a few minutes outside of town, and it is such a welcome change of landscape- water, hills, TREES!
I was excited to shoot out there for Jared + Kara's wedding, especially knowing that their ceremony would be outdoors, overlooking the lake. The weather changed the plans, though- rain poured for several days before and even the morning of. Undaunted, the couple moved their ceremony inside, friends and family helped decorate, and it was no less perfect. We were still able to get some shooting done outside- the rain came shortly after we finished up!
I have to thank Kara for being willing to tromp through the mud in her wedding dress (thank goodness she was already wearing boots) to get a few images in the swings. It's one of my favorite images, and also one of those times I was really thankful we didn't end up with a muddy wedding dress :). Worth it!
The morning of Daniel + Morgan's wedding, we woke up to a forecast that read "freezing rain". Something about the combination of those words sent chills down my spine. Not just "freezing". Not just "rain". But "freezing rain"….ugh. As a former winter bride myself, I worried. When Shawn + I were getting married in December of 2005, I feared that some freak winter storm would happen upon a generally mild-wintered Panhandle of Texas. That people wouldn't be able to come. That somehow the dreary weather would turn my wedding day into a dreary wedding day. So, if I'm being honest, I was worried as we drove down the icy streets to the church where they were to be wed.
But as soon as we entered the room where Morgan and her bridesmaids were getting ready, a complete change occurred. Morgan's smile was filled with the excitement and anticipation of this special day- and her new husband-to-be. Her bridesmaids quickly voiced that they had no problem wandering outside to the 21 degree weather for the portraits they knew Morgan desired. And I couldn't wait to photograph it all.
By ceremony time, the small church had transformed into an intimate, warm gathering place for friends and family from all over the country. It was perfect. They exchanged rings and vows in candlelight- and then all headed out to Four Bar K for a wonderful party.
In the end, I was reminded of the simple truth that the wedding day is about the marriage, not the details, weather, or changing circumstances. It was truly a pleasure to photograph these newlyweds on their best day yet!
Side note: Morgan and Daniel had decided to forego a First Look until about a week before the wedding, when they changed their minds. They BOTH cited it as their favorite moment and Morgan had this to say about that decision:
"We were both VERY hesitant about the first look and we actually didn't decide to do one until a week before the wedding. I'm so glad we reconsidered and did the first look. It gives you the time you need together.. ALONE. Looking back, that was mine and Daniel's only alone time together during the entire wedding. The whole wedding we were running around, talking, dancing, taking pictures, etc. The first look allowed us that quality time we wouldn't have gotten.. And, Lissa gets some really great extra time to capture photos before the wedding that way your guests aren't waiting two hours at the reception!"
High five, guys!
Ceremony: Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church
Reception: 4 Bar K
Wedding Gown: David's Bridal
Bridesmaids: David's Bridal
Groom + Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse
Floral: United Market Street
Cake: The Cakery
Catering: 4 Bar K
Hair and Makeup: Morgan Bilderback, La Foi Salon
Event Coordinator: Melody Robie
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!