The venue:

Nature, nuptials, newlyweds

The picture taking usually begins the moment I step out of the car. This day, I remember sweating…a lot…and walking swiftly from my car to reach the cool of the A/C. May or may not have not taken a picture of the outside of the building 🤷🏽‍♂️. Don’t worry I got the important stuff! Truly a beautiful wedding site for a smaller intimate wedding ceremony space. You’'ll notice the venue as you scroll throughout the whole gallery. This Dallas venue combines art, nature, and class into the perfect versatile wedding space!

I hope you feel something through each of these photographs—examining each touch, smile, and glance traded between loved-ones and friends. May you get a glimpse of how the day felt.

Getting Ready:

Get ready, 'cause here I come

A fun, spunky bride! A handsome, sharp groom. Chloe and Jared brought the party with her! the “getting ready” time is essential to the wedding day for obvious reasons. Hair, make-up, the hype-man, the jams in the background (T-swift is a distinct memory I have) keeping the vibes alive—all key parts of a good time in preparation for real good day.

But none of that is as vital as having your people around to support you. When narrowing down the people who will stand beside you on your day, remember to choose people who love you and who will support you not only on your wedding day, but also throughout your life and marriage! This day is YOUR day. Choose your boys, your girls, your persons you want with you on your journey of life!

The First Look:

Private moments, brought to life

During a first look or first touch, I always attempt to not make a sound. We’re talking real “fly on the wall” type behavior. I can recall a couple times clumsy me has tripped, ruffled too much in the grass, or bumped into the literal nothingness. I probably wasn’t as loud as I was in my head, but since I was trying to not even breathe too loud, my brain still thinks I was too loud.

Gitty, joyful, emotional—just some words to describe Chloe and Jared’s first look. Awkward yet endearing, they fumbled with words, unable to articulate the magnitude of this moment. Yet, in the language of their eyes, in the gentle touch of their hands, they speak volumes – of love, of hope, of a future woven together in shared dreams.

The Ceremony:

Just our friends, family, and God

An eternity, it seems, on a wedding day. The groom waiting—anticipating the welcome of his bride walking down the aisle. I have attended, photographed, and sang in countless weddings in my 28 years of life. I can tell you that every. single. time. I still get a little emotional during the ceremony. Like, every time. It’s almost a bit embarrassing 😅.

The vow exchange, the stolen glances between lovers, the walk down the aisle—all of it is a great bundle of emotion! And one thing about me, I LOVE experiencing, remembering, and delivering emotional moments in B&W. Ideally, my galleries are 50/50—B%W/color and some may disagree 🤷🏽‍♂️ but everyone is entitles to their opinion . . . they’re wrong, but it’s fine.

The Wedding Party:

People, pals, party

Find your people! Do life with them! Pick the ones that make you better. The ones you’d want to stand next to you in the hills and valleys of life. And when you find them, hold on to them, invest in them, and watch your life be all the better because of it!

This bridal party was one for the books! Full of life, color, laughter, JOY!

...all together now...

The Reception:

Cute, classy, cocktail hour!

Cocktail hour is underrated, personally. A time to enjoy some classic cocktails, hors d'oeuvres that make your mouth salivate, and enjoy the finger-picking strings of the harp. These pictures remind me of the sounds that I heard during this time. I mean, the pop of the cork removed from a new bottle is always a good sign of a successful celebration. Crazy how photos can do that. The soft glow of twinkling lights, the gentle murmurs of conversation, the cheers before the cheers, guests mingling shyly and amicably— all of these cherished moments captured with photos that will hold memories forever.

*clink* ☺️🥂

Beats, bliss, and burgers?

This reception was a PARTY!! I wish I could have recorded some of the speeches 🤣 because some did give me a chuckle. First dances were heartfelt and moving. Proud parents joined their children in graceful movements across the dance floor as they ponder with expectation of the legacy they may one day leave behind. First dances happened of two people beginning a new life—leaving the night with a new ring on their left hand is always delightful.

The DJ really kept the party jumping! If you want a banger of a wedding reception, a skilled DJ is a non-negotiable! This will get the guests moving for sure, but, what will keep them there? Smash burgers delivered at 10:30pm to give the people a little more oomph to keep their feet light and their bellies full! Truly a great end to a beautiful wedding day! Celebration and congrats to the Newlyweds! Yay for marriage!

The Newlyweds:

Sunset with your forever person

Everyone’s favorite time of the wedding day! Well, maybe just every photographer. Couple photos! Those 15 minutes of stolen away time with the newly wedded couple is my personal favorite time. Away from the noise, commotion and into the seclusion with you, your person, and my camera.

Enjoy these moments of tender embrace that speaks of a lifetime of love that will continue to grow with age. Moments where C + J become lost in each other's embrace. Here in these fleeting moments, surrounded by the whispers of nature and the promise of forever, it would be a tragedy to open my mouth and break the silence. Most photos you will see are not posed, but given loose direction—up to the interpretation of the couple. I’ll be there as a guide, but mostly just to capture the magic happening in front of me