dustin + cassidy wedding

I knew leading up to Dustin and Cassidy's wedding that it would be nothing short of EPIC. And friends, it was. Dustin and Cassidy are a special blend of charisma, fun, and sentimentality- and together they have touched a lot of people by just being them.

Their early December wedding was at First United Methodist Church in Lubbock, and the Christmas poinsettias that decorated the sanctuary perfectly complimented the rich wine-colored dresses and snowy white muffs the bridesmaids carried. Cassidy was essentially the most perfect snow queen I have ever seen- in a white lace dress with a keyhole back and shoes dripping in rhinestones. 

We were granted some beautiful sunlight for portraits before the ceremony, but after the sun went down, the real fun began. Seeing as Cassidy is the owner of Dance Warehouse (recently voted Best of the West AGAIN), there were several choreographed dances at their fabulous reception- including one that Cassidy had no idea was coming. It was the sweetest moment to see little dancers (along with their teachers- many of whom were bridesmaids) flood the dance floor to perform for the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Some of my favorite images from this wedding were the dancing photos that I was able to do some light painting with. I love these because they really capture the feeling of the reception- what a celebration!

Thank you, Dustin and Cassidy, for trusting us to capture such a special day- you are truly #perfectlypeters!

Hair: Ciara Brashers and Shyla Wilson, Encore Salon

Makeup: Libby Griffith

Cakes: Marla Felton

Band: Soul Grammar

Floral: Grayce Floral

Reception: Overton Hotel

Linens: Red Letter Linens

Stationery: Little White Invite

Ice Sculptures: Lubbock Ice Chef

Transportation: White Knights Limousine

Video: Adam Paul Stone Productions

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

cassidy's bridal session

I've had the privilege of working in some beautiful spaces lately with some wonderful people. I've known Cassidy for a few years, and was SO excited about her bridal session. Cassidy owns Dance Warehouse Studios and so we had to incorporate her red toe shoes! It was so much fun- I'm thankful that she let me play with all the yummy light inside the studio. We almost played too long and missed a gorgeous sunset- yes, we actually ran to our final spot to snag the perfect sunset photos. (High fine to Cassidy who can run in a wedding dress and still be beautiful!) 

Cassidy and her husband Dustin were married earlier this month- wedding photos to come! 

Erin + Blair Engagement

We had the PERFECT cloudy morning to shoot Erin + Blair's engagement session- and they were the PERFECT couple to pull off some ideas the had been brewing in my brain. So thankful to get to work with awesome clients/friends like these! Enjoy!

kindahl + bogdan • wedding • the legacy

Shawn and I had a wonderful time photographing the graceful and elegant Kindahl and her witty and handsome groom, Bogdan. These two were married at the Legacy Event Center, which was the perfect setting for their candlelit Christmastime wedding.

I could not get enough of the rich cranberry colors mixed with the evergreens! Bogdan is from Romania, and so there were a few fun nods to his heritage- including an amazing Translyvania cake (with a smoking moat!) by Jennifer Cisneros. This wedding was expertly planned and coordinated by Jill Leven of Eat, Drink, and Be Marry. These guys had the BEST wedding band from Caldwell Entertainment- who even escorted the couple to their getaway car in a New-Orleans style grand exit.

Congratulations, you two! Thank you for the honor of photographing your wedding day!

Stationery: Little White Invite

Planning: Eat, Drink, and be Marry

Hair: Ashley Williams, Roxi's Hair Studio

Makeup: Brenda Becknell

Wedding Dress: Bella's

Cakes: Jennifer Cisneros and Simply Decadent Bakery

Catering: Heart and Soul Cuisine

Entertainment: Caldwell Entertainment Players

Floral: Dayspring Designs

clay + krista • wedding at the legacy

I always tell couples that one of the things I love about weddings are all the things you can't plan. That's right- me, a self-professed control freak- likes the unpredictability of weddings. Really. 

I'm not saying I enjoy added stress in any way- but I do love how little surprises allow us reflect on the most important things, rather than all the other stuff that sometimes gets in the way. Krista and Clay's wedding day had a couple unexpected twists that came in the form of wardrobe malfunctions. Just as Krista was almost into her wedding dress, the zipper broke. And at almost the same time, across the hall, one of the groomsmen realized that the sole of his shoe was no longer actually on his shoe. Rather than panic (she could have and no one would have called her crazy), Krista waited gracefully as her team of helpful family and friends made it work. Thankfully, Nesley (the wonderful coordinator at the Legacy) had a giant fix-it kit that not only took care of the zipper, but the shoe as well. It was probably only a 20 minute span, but I was amazed at how Clay and Krista just didn't let if faze them. They were still getting married. And that's what mattered. 

We loved shooting this wedding. I adored the florals by Candelaria Designs and the gorgeous merlot color of the bridesmaids' dresses- perfect for a fall wedding. Krista's father officiated their ceremony and it made it extra special, and I just loved photographing all of her tiny cousins who were having the time of their life on the dance floor. 

Thanks for choosing us, Clay and Krista! Blessings and may you always choose to focus on what is most important!

grady + saraneil • wedding

There is such beauty and intimacy in a small wedding- especially one at the St. Paul's Chapel here in Lubbock. Fewer guests mean less rush, less worry, and the promise that there will be time to enjoy all the faces who have come to see you wed!

Shawn and I loved getting to photograph Grady + SaraNeil's wedding a few weeks ago. It threatened rain all day, which led to some beautiful cloud cover, and then the sun came bursting through just before sunset. It was incredibly refreshing. 

Grady + SaraNeil are the type of people who make you feel comfortable just being around them. SaraNeil is smart, and sweet- and has the best laugh- especially when she is laughing at Grady. Grady's love for his bride is pretty obvious when you see them together. Photographing it all was just wonderful.

Thank you for inviting us in on your special day, and congrats!

Brent + Lea • Wedding • Bella Vie

This wedding was special in the sense that it wasn't just about the awesome couple- Brent and Lea- it was about the new family they were establishing that day- if you saw their engagement session you were introduced to sweet Emily, who never takes a bad photo. :) I couldn't get over Brent's reaction to seeing Lea for the first time in her dress, or his reaction to seeing Emily in hers- or Emily's reaction to seeing Brent + Lea together- it was all pretty fabulous. These three fit together so perfectly- and the celebration they had was perfect!

This was my first time to shoot at the new venue Bella Vie here in Lubbock- and oh my goodness, the natural light inside the building was so wonderful! It also helped that Brent + Lea had a pretty incredible team of decorators (Imagine If out of Midland) making sure everything looked perfect.

Brent and Lea could not have been nicer or more gracious- and all the while there was so much going on, you could see that they were truly excited to be married. The three went on a pretty epic trip to Hawaii that I oohed over via Facebook- which they totally deserved. 

Thanks for trusting us with your wedding photos- congratulations!  

Phillip + Michelle • Wedding

One of my favorite parts about being a wedding photographer is that inevitably, at some point during the wedding day, it hits me- this is is a truly special event, and I get to be a part of it! I actually had several of those moments on Phillip + Michelle's wedding day.

These two are so intentional and true romantics- it was easy to be caught up in their love story. The way they approached their wedding day made it so special. Michelle had hand written notes for almost everyone involved that day, and each wrote their own vows which were so full of love and grace.  Phillip + Michelle were married just a couple weeks ago at First United Methodist Church here in Lubbock, and their reception was at McPherson Cellars. Rain threatened all day long but held off just long enough for us to get photos and some beautiful cloud coverage. 

We so enjoyed being a part of this wedding and couldn't be happier for these two! Congrats!

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church, Lubbock

Reception: McPherson Cellars

Coordinator: Jill Leven of Eat, Drink and Be Marry

Cake: Simply Decadent

DJ: Bo Garza

Photobooth: Fun 4 All

Floral: Market Street

Jonathan + Kara • Wedding • Christoval Vineyards & Winery

I have been so excited to share these images with you. Jonathan + Kara's wedding was at the Christoval Vineyards & Winery just south of San Angelo, Texas. You guys- this place is beautiful- and worth the trip if you like to sip. ;) 

Jonathan and Kara are a truly carefree, fun-loving couple who seem to draw everyone in and make them feel important and welcome- and that is exactly the feel that their wedding day had. Add to that a perfect blush pink Monique Lhullier wedding gown, the most gorgeous spring florals accompanied by some golden antlers- perfect for a Texas couple- and you have one amazingly beautiful day. The ceremony was officiated by Jonathan's cousin, making it extra personal- and in lieu of a unity candle, the couple chose to plant a tree using soil from each of their hometowns- the perfect way to symbolize a new beginning. 

These two chose some stellar vendors and people to make their wedding day happen- and we loved getting to capture it all. You guys- isn't Kara just gorgeous?!? Enjoy these!

Venue: Christoval Vineyards & Winery

Floral & Design: Sunni Graham + Emily Reid of Gypsy Floral

Coordination: Mary Bailey, Traditions Weddings and Special Occasions

Hair: Ceelie Hetzel

Makeup: Emily Pembrook

Cake: Halfmann's Cake Cottage

blake + barakha • wedding

Barakha's first email to me said, "Have you ever shot an Indian wedding before?"...and I think my response went something like, "OHMYGOODNESSNOBUTITOTALLYWANTTO!". Thank you, Barakha, for trusting me through my giddy excitement. :)

I really have always wanted to photograph an Indian wedding. You guys- it was awesome. I was a total culture-sponge. I loved getting to see all of the different traditions, the beautiful saris, and the warmth and wit of the Indian people. 

Blake may be one of the most hilarious people I have ever photographed- he kept us laughing the whole day, and watching he and Barakha together was so neat. They compliment each other very well. These two actually merged their cultures for their wedding ceremony- incorporating traditional Indian and Christian elements. I loved getting to witness and photograph it. 

Here are some of my favorite moments from their day. Hope you're ready for photo-overload!