Vanessa + Andi Sneak Peek | Rancho Santa Maria Polo Club | El Paso, TX

Vanessa and Andi’s marriage was blessed by a Shaman under a beautiful tree at the Rancho Santa Maria Polo club in El Paso, Texas. I loved every mintue of shooting this beautiful celebration of love. Please enjoy these sneak peeks from their awesome day!

 

 

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More to come!!!

Valerie + Andy | Castle Ballroom | El Paso

Valerie and Andy are the sweetest couple who shared a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Shalom Christian Church in El Paso, Texas surrounded by their friends and family.

Valerie started her day at Xtremes Salon along with her sister and mother. They had a chill morning as the stylists pampered the ladies for the special day ahead. Valerie’s long dark hair was curled and her make up carefully applied. She’s a natural beauty who looked stunning after Ana, the stylist, had finished. Her sister, Brenda, and their mother, Lucy, posed for a cute picture under the hair dryers before we headed to Valerie’s house to step into her dress and add the finishing touches.

The bride’s mother helped her get dressed and pinned her “something old” to her dress for safe keeping. Valerie looked stunning in her wedding dress. The dress was unique with beautiful lace overlay and layers soft tulle fell to the floor. The silver beaded belt added a little bling to the already beautiful dress.

When she was dressed and ready her father, Jerry, got the see her for the first time. These are always such special moments. I love to see the dad’s reaction to seeing their daughters for the first time in their wedding dresses. It never disappoints!

It was a rainy wedding day for Valerie and Andy, but that didn’t stop them from having a beautiful celebration. We arrived at the Shalom Christian Church and everything was set up and ready for the vows to be exchanged. The handsome groom beamed as he waited for his bride to join him at the altar. The bride made her way down the aisle to meet Andy. They walked hand in hand up to the stage where the minister lead a God-filled ceremony. Andy and Val’s relationship is one that is centered around Jesus and their church family. They have strong family and church family realtionships that will be ready to lend support whenever its needed.

After the ceremony the rain was still falling in Fabens. So, we had to get creative with the photo locations. We decided on The Fountains because we knew it wouldn’t be muddy! So we could keep the brides dress as clean as possible. This place actually worked out really well and miraculously it was not raining when we started shooting!

Later in the evening, wedding party and guests began arriving to the Castle Ballroom in El Paso. The room was beautifully decorated to kick off the celebration for these newly weds! I was super impressed with the milk and cookie bar that was the bride’s brilliant idea. They had all kinds of cookies and every kind of milk in cute little glasses! It was a lot of fun for both the kids and the adults at the party.

After dinner was served, the DJ turned up the music and the party kicked off with the first dance for the new husband and wife. Both the bride and groom shared special dances with their parents. Afterwards, the guests had a blast dancing and partying the night away. Everyone you and old was on the dance floor! El Paso really does now how to party.

Take a look at some of my faves from Val and Andy’s day!

Getting ready

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Shalom Christian Church | Fabens, TX

 

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The Fountains | El Paso, TX

 

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Castle Ballroom | El Paso, TX

 

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The Milk + Cookie Bar

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Vendors:

Venues: Shalom Christian Church, Castle Ballroom
Hair & Make Up: Xtremes West Salon, Ana
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal, Vera Wang, White Collection
Florist: Angie’s Flowers
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Cakes: The Cake Lady, Irma Holder
DJ: DJ Munchies (Luis)
Milk & Cookie Bar: Elegance by Susy

 

El Paso International Museum of Art | Stephanie + Stephen

Stephanie and Stephen had such a amazing and intimate wedding at the International Museum of Art in El Paso, Texas. Take a look at some of my favorite images from their day.

Meeting the future Wattys

Stephanie and Stephen are both doctors who have been transplanted to El Paso.  Stephanie has a Phd in Art History and Stephen is a medical doctor, so these two are quite a team! They have been dating since college and they decided to tie the knot in El Paso. I was so thrilled to meet them. I just felt good vibes immediately when we sat down at Trade Craft for coffee. They also let me know that one of the groomsmen was also from Georgia like me! Even further evidence that this was going to be a great wedding fit!

Foilage Salon

I met Stephanie and the bridesmaids at the Foilage Salon in El Paso. They all laughed and chatted in various stages of hair and make up. The styilists worked on styling applying make up to the ladies to prep them for a day full of photos.

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El Paso International Art Museum

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Internation Museum of Art in El Paso

Stephanie’s theme for the wedding was art deco style which I love! The little touches from her rhinestone shoes to her finger waved hair were just perfect.

The three tiered art deco style cake was made by her talented mother and I cannot rave enough about it. The details were everything and it was delicious! If I ever get married, I’m seriously calling her mom for this cake!

The ceremony and reception area was decorated with beakers, test tubes, old science and history books and other science things that I don’t remember from chemistry class! I loved photographing them. What a unique way to decorate a wedding. I loved all the little touches representing both their passions and personalities that they thought to include.

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Bridal Details

Stephanie’s dress fit her like a glove. She looked so glamorous when everything finally came together. The bridesmaids dressed were all different shades of gold and added a beautiful texture and color to the bridal party line up.

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Prepping the Bride

 

 

Stephanie’s mother helped her make a few final touches to her bouquet by added her family’s heirloom jewelry. The bridesmaids gathered all around Stephanie to get her looking perfect before she met her groom.

Stephen and his groomsmen dressed handsomely in traditional black suits pinned with white roses dipped in gold glitter. The were all ready to go when they arrived at the venue for the ceremony.

Before the ceremony began, Stepanie opted for a first look with her father who looked so happy to see his beautiful daughter all glammed up and ready to walk down the aisle.

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Guests rose from their seats as the bride and her father appeared at the top of the steps. Escorted by her father down the steps of the museum, she met her groom as he beamed at her from the altar. They had a sweet and emotional ceremony. They both wiped away tears as they read their vows to one another. They exchanged rings and kisses and were pronounced husband and wife. They seemed to skip back down the aisle as they made their way outside for the pictures.

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Husband and wife ventured around the museum with me as I photographed them enjoying each other’s company in the after ceremony glow.

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The new husband and wife rejoined their guests the same way Stephanie had entered the ceremony. Hand in hand they made their way down the stairs to greet their eagerly awaiting family and friends. They held their sweet first dance to Shining Star by The Manhattans. They both looked so happy and relieved to enjoy the party!

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Beautiful toasts were made by the maid of honor, best man and the bride’s father. The bride’s father handed a special lock and key to the groom that he held onto for Stephanie for this special day. Details like that special token from her father made this whole day so special.

The guests and newly weds mixed and mingled and shared blesssings and well wishes. When it was time to part for the day, the guests lined up outside of the museum steps with bubbles in hand.

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As the guests starting blowing their bubbles and the Wattys ran hand in hand through the bubbles grinning from ear to ear.

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And they were off to their Hawaiian honeymoon!

Wishing this awesome couple a life time of happiness!


 

Makeup and Hair: Foliage Hair Salon and Day Spa
Venue: The International Museum of Art
Cake Artist: My Sister’s Bakery (Mother of the bride: Debbie Strauss)
Wedding Dress: Absolute Bridal (Midland, Texas) Essence of Australia
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu’s Fashion Lounge
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Catering: Around the World Catering
Officiant: Minister Barbara Perez

Steph & Stephen Sneak Peek

I’m a little behind on posting this sneak peek, so there a few more images in here than I would normally share. This was a wonderful and unique wedding at the International Museum of Art in El Paso. It had all the art deco touches that I’m obsessed with plus some really cool science nods in the decor! Please enjoy a few of my favorites from Stephanie and Stephen’s wedding.

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Krystina + Anthony

I was so thrilled when Krystina and Anthony wanted me to photograph their Hollywood wedding. I’ve known Krystina since my days serving at Houlihans in Columbus, Ga. She was the manager at Houlihans for a while until she moved on to other adventures within the same company. What always stood out to me about Krystina is that she truly lights up the room. She has this wonderful presence and its hard not to have a smile when she is around. Also, she had this amazing pair of lace up boots that I’ll never forget! Ha-ha! She loves Dr. Who, Disney princesses and all things cosplay. She’s a kid at heart and I know Anthony will never have a dull moment with Krystina by his side.

I had not met Anthony before, but had seen the happy pictures of him with Krystina. What I did know about him was that he was a magician and a member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood. I immediately pictured card tricks, top hats and doves flying out of hats! And secretly really hoped all those things would be part of the wedding. 🙂 I was a slightly off with all my preconceived ideas of a magicians wedding. There were no doves or bunnies. When I met Anthony, the first thing I noticed was his huge smile. He was friendly and had a welcoming disposition about him. He also didn’t have a dove in his pocket…I don’t think.

The morning of the wedding, I flew into LAX very early from El Paso and ubered to Krystina and Anthony’s apartment. I waited for the wedding party to get prepped for the day and admired the neighbor’s prized “Sprite tree” in the yard. And by sprite tree, I mean the lady had hybrid lemon limes growing on her tree, but I digress.

We headed to the wedding venue, Wattles Mansion, in Hollywood. The giant house was a beautiful, Spanish style home that sat on top of a hill overlooking downtown Los Angeles. The front of the house was lovely, but the real beauty of the mansion was the stunning backyard. The back side of the mansion was slowly being overtaken by creeping green ivy. Three tiers of brick steps lead up the rose garden on the top level. The symmetry of the place was a photographer’s dream. Tall palm trees lined the aisle and string lights hung from the balcony.

I found, the bride and the bridesmaids had begun hair and make-up in one of the sun filled upstairs rooms. The bride started out the day wearing one of her favorite outfits…her Star Trek uniform. As fun as the Star Trek was, her second outfit change was the real show stopper. Her wedding gift from Anthony was a stunning white floor length Catherine D’Lish gown. The gown was made of delicate sheer white fabric and had long bell sleeves with ostrich feathers embellishing the ends. All you can do in a gown like that is just be fabulous and twirl around the room. Check and check.

Anthony and his son, Luke, arrived and they were dressed and ready to go in their tuxes. Luke was too cute in his mini tux and Anthony was all smiles ready to marry Krystina. As soon as Luke and Anthony arrived, Luke wanted to run upstairs and see Krystina. He gave her a big hug when he found her. Melt!

When the rest of the groomsmen arrived, they met Anthony upstairs. They finished tying bowties, fastening cuff links and buttoning vests. The men shared some whiskey on the rocks as they waited for the ceremony to begin. Even little Luke got a toast in for the big day. (water of course).

Meanwhile, the bride and bridesmaids were having pizza delivered a couple rooms down. The bride loves Anthony, but the side love story of the day here is really pizza. I mean everyone loves pizza. I can’t recall a time where pizza has broken any hearts…Unless you went to get a slice and the box was empty. J

The bridesmaids finished getting ready in their blush pink dresses. And then helped Krystina get her La Soie wedding dress on. The dress was perfect. The sweet heart neckline and the light and airy delicate fabric of the skirt looked stunning and fit her perfectly. The bride’s mother helped zip her up and place the long veil just right.

Shortly before the ceremony the bride’s father stepped in to see his daughter for the first time in her wedding dress. He looked genuinely proud of her and gave her a big hug and kiss before he walked her down the aisle.

The wedding guests had taken their seats and the ceremony was getting started. The bride’s step father, Ellis played and sang some jazz tunes while the guests were being seated. He was definitely a crowd favorite and received much praise at the reception for his talent.

The groom’s father was officiating the ceremony. He and Anthony made their way up the steps to the front of the gardens to wait for Krystina’s entrance. Two by two the wedding party entered and made their way up the steps of the gardens.

When the wedding party was in place, a song was heard from an unknown location. The guests looked around to see who and where the singing was coming from. They found the bride in the second-floor window looking out and singing Can’t Help Falling in Love to Anthony before she walked down the aisle.

Krystina made her way up the steps of the gardens with her father to meet her groom who wiped away tears as he watched his bride join him at the altar. The bride’s father and mother gave her a kiss and took their seats. Anthony’s father proceeded with the ceremony. The couple read their own vows to each other and Anthony had his bride in stitches with laughter.

As Mr. Tigner was about to announce them man and wife we looked to the right of the couple to find one of the groomsmen was fainting! Fortunately, there was a doctor on the guest list and she rushed to his aid. He seemed to be ok and possibly had just over heated from standing in the hot sun. He was a good sport about it and later feigned fainting as the wedding party was announced at the reception.

The ceremony resumed and finally Krystina and Anthony were announced husband and wife!

A delicious dinner was served at the reception as the wedding party was announced and took their seats. Disney theme songs played softly in the background. The bride and groom sat slightly above the guests as they listened to their friends and family make both hilarious and heartfelt toasts to the newlyweds.

After dinner, the party moved into the Mansion where the Tigners shared their first dance as a married couple. They had a blast dancing to Flight of the Conchords and to me, it looked slightly choreographed, but maybe they just got skills like that! They ended the dance with a perfect dip! The bride followed with a sweet dance with her father. And Anthony and his mother kicked it up a notch with an impressive swing dance! Definitely, a talented family on both sides!

Next, it was time to toss that bouquet to the all single ladies. The bride took to the front balcony and tossed it from high above the guests. After a scramble, one lucky lady was the victor. As for the garter, I’d say that Anthony was very polite in removing it from under all those layers of white fabric. The single guys clustered up behind him, but in the end, it was a young man that won the title of garter catcher.

The dance floor opened, the wine flowed and people were having a blast mingling, dancing and taking photos in the photo booth.

Cutting the cake was tragic for Krystina, because she had to destroy her beautiful Dr. Who telephone booth! The pain on her face was visible as she sliced into the blue phone booth.  They didn’t hold back in smashing the cake in each other’s faces which always is more fun than being gentle with it!

The party continued into the night. As I was leaving, one of the last images I captured was of the new little family taking a picture together in the photo booth. It was a sweet moment and they seemed to have tuned out the party breifly and just enjoyed the present and their new journey together.

I’m sure that they’ll live happily ever after. Wishing this new couple, a long and happy marriage.

Please enjoy some of my favorite shots of the Tigner’s day.

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Venue: Wattles Manison
Cake: Rai Antoinette Cakes
Dress: La Soie
Bridal Shoes: Steve Madden
DJ: Vox DJS

 

Brittany + Jordan

I started out the day with Jordan and his groomsmen at Jordan’s apartment. I could tell that Jordan was eager to get the day going. He was chill, but ready to marry his bride. The groomsmen helped each other figure out suspenders and cuff links. The hot New Mexico day was already sweltering as the groomsmen gathered outside for a final group picture before my second shooter and I headed to meet Brittany and her the bridesmaids.

We arrived at Brittany’s father’s beautiful New Mexico home. Brittany’s mother, sisters and friends were having their makeup done and helping Brittany get ready for her big day. The gorgeous blush colored bridesmaid dresses hung in the living room window. The bride was calm and quiet that morning. Unfortunately, she was not feeling 100%, and was just taking in the flurry of activities going on around her.

Brittany’s best friend, mother and sister helped her get her gorgeous dress on. The ruffles, the buttons and the sweetheart neckline of the stunning dress fit Brittany like a glove. She wore her ‘something blue’ on her feet. Her blue cowboy boots peeked out from under the ruffled skirt.

The sweetest part of the morning was Brittany’s father’s first look. As he walked in to see his daughter for the first time, his eyes welled up as he said he wasn’t going to cry. He gave Brittany the sweetest embrace and held her for a minute (while the rest of the room teared up). 🙂

As the ceremony was approaching, we headed to the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum. The ceremony area was set up beautifully under the purple toned Organ Mountains and big blue sky. A sparkling crystal chandelier hung from the ceremony arch that was covered in lush green and blush florals.

Instead of a first look, the bride and groom opted for a prayer together as they stood on either side of the beautifully carved wooden door of the venue just before the ceremony.

The wedding guests started to gather and take their seats. The music started up as the groom and his father, who officated the ceremony, entered. The sun beamed down as the guests rose to watch Brittany make her way down the aisle escorted by the father.

Jordan smiled as he watched his bride walk down the aisle towards him. She met Jordan at the altar and Jordan’s father officiated a beautiful ceremony. They shared prayers and blessings and tied the unity cords to symbolize their new life together as their closest family and friends witnessed. They were pronounced husband and wife and sealed their new union with a kiss. Walking hand in hand back down the aisle they started their new life together.

The couple shared a few moments together under the purple and pink Organ Mountains. They kissed and danced in the sunset on the covered bridge as we catured all the sweet moments before the excitement of the reception began.

Back at the reception, family and friends were eager to welcome the newly weds. The room was beautifully decorated with string lights over head, blush sequin table cloths, gold accents and beautiful flowers on every table. The cake table was covered with a variety of delicious-looking cupcakes. All the kids (and maybe even some photographers) were staring. 🙂 The cake was a beautiful three tired simple design that made a sophisticated as it towered over the cupcakes.

The wedding party entered the room and everyone stood and cheered as the newly weds made their way in. A delicious dinner was served followed by Brittany and Jordan’s first dance as a married couple. They danced under the lights to My Best Friend by Tim McGraw. Brittany shared a sweet dance with her father and Jordan danced with his mother who looked so happy to dance with her son.

Toasts by the bride’s father, maid of honor and best man happened next. The messages for the new couple were a mixture of fun memories, thanks and well wishes for Brittany and Jordan. The new couple finally cut their wedding cake and they fed each other a bite of cake with no shenanigans!

The dance floor opened and guests of all ages had a blast dancing the night away until it was time to send off the bride and groom to their honeymoon. The guests gathered outside and lined up with their sparklers. Everyone cheered as the couple walked together through the sparkling corridor.

The day was filled with so many memories and moments shared between friends and family. It was a gorgeous wedding and I’m so happy to wish The Browns a long and happy life together!

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Florist- Barb’s Flowerland
Wedding Dress- Allure Romance from Ella Blue 
Bridesmaids’ dresses- Ella Blu
Tuxes- Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Cake-Let Them Eat Cake 
Venue- New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
DJ- Sight and Sound Entertainment 
Hair styling- Duncan Noble Rejuvenating Spa
Rentals- Enchanted Occasions

Check out the whole wedding here.

Sneak Peek from Krystina and Anthony’s Wedding

From Las Cruces to Los Angeles.

7 hours before I began shooting this wedding I was in Las Cruces New Mexico photographing another wedding! It was a crazy weekend, but I’m blessed to be able to travel and see new places and do a job that I love. It’s even more special when I get to photograph the wedding of a friend!

This beautiful wedding took place at Wattles Mansion in Beverly Hills and it was absolutely stunning. The grounds of this venue are impeccably groomed and it was the perfect back drop to Krystina and Anthony’s nuptials.

Take a look at these sneak peeks from the Tigner’s wedding.

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Way more to come!

Once the photos are complete, you can find the images here.

Sneak peek for Brittany and Jordan

It’s been a whirlwind week in wedding photography land. From Las Cruces to Los Angeles all in the same weekend!

I photographed Brittany and Jordan’s wedding last Saturday and then 6 hours later I was on a flight to Los Angeles for a wedding the next day. I’m a little behind this week, but I’m excited to share a couple highlights with you from last Saturday’s wedding in Las Cruces, NM.

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Once they’re completed, you’ll be able to find the full gallery of photos here.

Tom + Kim

This was one magical wedding.

It took place in Sedona, AZ. This was my first visit to Sedona and to say I was in awe would be an understatement! This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. When I woke up that next morning in my Airbnb and stepped outside I literally got chills looking at the massive landscape. It was like looking into a postcard. The reds, oranges, yellows and pale greens were stunning. I felt really small looking at the expanse.

So, when I broke out of my landscape daze I drove over to L’Auberge de Sedona. A beautiful luxury resort where the wedding would take place. I found Kim in her room. Her mom, grandmother and aunt were helping with her hair when I arrived. The room was bright and airy with beautiful clean modern decor that somehow still worked with the rugged, outdoorsy surroundings. Kim applied her own makeup beautifully with a little help from the magic of Youtube. 🙂 Penn State played in the background above the fireplace.

While Kim was applying her make up I went to take a look around the resort grounds. There was a beautiful stream running through the property. Large boulders clustered on the banks overlooking the rushing blue waters. The green trees hung overhead with sunlight peeking through the leaves. It was November in Sedona and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect.

I found Tom near the restaurant of the resort. His suit was a light brown tweed with a deep red pocket square accent. The boutonniere was made of succulents. We walked around the resort grounds exploring a bit more. I took some shots of Tom while we anticipated the first look with Kim.

I met back up in Kim’s room to find her stepping into her dress. Her mother, Marianne, helped to lace her up. The dress was a gorgeous David Tutera design. The full skirt had an almost a peachy shade of tulle underneath the white lace. She wore cowboy boots with white knee high socks. The boots even had little hearts on the backs.

The first look was fast approaching. Tom waited for Kim down the steps in the grassy area above the stream. His back was to her as she made her way down the steps to him. Kim’s emotions began to show as the gap closed between her and the groom. Her eyes teared up as she approached Tom to tap him on the shoulder. They turned to face each other with smiles and kisses. I snapped pictures as they told jokes and laughed at one another under the green trees.

Kim shared a first look with her father, Don. He met her at the bottom of the stairs to see his daughter before she walked down the aisle. The father of the bride was dressed in his finest western wear. Complete with Texas star bolo tie.

The both sides of the family came down to meet and greet their new family members. Hugh, Linda, Marianne and Don all looked thrilled and proud of their children. Tom’s mother, Linda, gave Kim a beautiful keepsake box with a silver bracelet inside that said “Family” on it. Along with a cream colored shawl perfect for the cool Sedona nights.

Friends Ari, Kibs arrived on the scene to share some laughs with the bride and groom before we all headed to the ceremony.

It was time for the ceremony and we climbed the steps to the overlook on the resort grounds. The view over Sedona was breathtaking. The Reverand Sterling waited as the wedding guests took their seats. Marianne and her mother, Ruth, walked in first, arm in arm. Next, Tom escorted his mother to her seat next to Tom’s father, Hugh. Tom then took his place next to Rev. Sterling. Everyone stood as the stunning bride was escorted down the aisle by her father.

Tom and Kim exchanged vows that they had personally written to each other. When it was time to exchange rings they were passed through friends and family to be blessed with loving thoughts and prayers for a long happy marriage. The rings were attached to a handmade crocheted pillow made by the bride.

Instead to the typical unity candle or sand mixing, they painted a canvas with garnet and gold (Florida State colors, of course). The canvas had a silhouette of the couple that would be peeled off when the paint dried.

The bride and groom shared their first kiss as a married couple and the bubbles started blowing! The newlyweds turned and marched back down the aisle as husband and wife.

For Tom and Kim’s pictures together as a married couple, we had to go big. You can’t get married in Sedona without taking pictures in nature and in one of the many vortexes. So driven by Don in the Jeep, we headed to picturesque location number one. The sky was a pale blue, the mountains and plateaus behind the bride and groom almost looked like a fake background. It was surreal. On the way to the vortex, we saw a glimpse of a partial rainbow!

Once we arrived at location number 2, we climbed the steep rock stairs to the top of the Airport Vortex. We had 360-degree views of the city and the great landscape that stretched out on the opposite side. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel any magical powers at the top of the Airport vortex, but we did take some unbelievable pictures!

Friends and family were all gathered and waiting once the bride, groom and photo crew arrived back at L’Auberge. It was a beautiful nighttime setting with a long table where everyone sat under a rustic chandelier of Edison bulbs.

Toasts were made to the newlyweds and dinner was served. The filet at dinner was delicious.

Guests took turns writing words of wisdom to the new couple inside the silhouette on the canvas from the ceremony. We all laughed, told stories and chatted over dinner. Tom and Kim cut the cake and of course smashed a little in each others’ faces…gently!

This whole evening took place on the eve of the largest supermoon since 1948. The moon was amazing as it peaked through the trees above. It was a beautiful ending to the start of hopefully a long and happy marriage. What a time to be alive!

Please take a look at photos from the Williams’ special day.

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See the rest of this picturesque wedding here.

Venue: L’Auberge de Sedona
Florist: Bliss Floral
Officiant: Rev. Sterling -Sterling Weddings of Sedona
Cake: Sedona Cakes
Dress: Brilliant Bridal – designed by David Tutera

 

The Kidd’s

I wish every wedding could be like the “breeze” this one was. I’d say the hard part was that five-hour drive to Odessa! The day I drove up to Odessa for Jacey and Oliva’s wedding there was a huge thunderstorm in El Paso when I was trying to leave. The streets were flooded to the point where I wasn’t sure if I should drive through them or not! There were ice plates (whatever those are…) on the highway. Cars were backed up for miles! It took me about an hour just to get out of El Paso and on my way to Odessa. I really picked the perfect time to try to get out of town.

I arrived in Odessa really late at night and I immediately crashed in my hotel. I finally got to actually see the town the next morning and the first thing I noticed were the oil pumps bobbing up and down. They look like little dinosaurs to me bobbing their heads up and down.

Festivities started early Saturday morning. I met Olivia and her beautiful bridesmaids at Charm salon. Olivia was getting her hair done when I arrived. She looked pretty chill. Her bridesmaids were scattered around the salon. Some were having their make-up applied, some were getting their hair braided and the others were chatting and waiting for their turn. They had some delicious-looking donuts to snack on and lots of coffee!

I photographed the bride’s gorgeous dress at the salon along with her cowboy boots that she’d wear under her dress.

I headed to the church to photograph the groom getting prepped. I first met the groom’s mother Ronnie who was beyond helpful showing me around the church and giving me a bit of the day’s rundown. Ronnie also helped me coordinate all the family groups for family photos for which I’m very grateful!

We went to find Jacey in one of the church’s back hallways. What I found was a big goofball! Jacey was joking and had everyone laughing as soon as I arrived.

I photographed the groom with his groomsmen (and groomswoman) out in front of the church. They all wore a beautiful shade of gray with purple accents and of course cowboy boots. They went back to resume their card game.

The bride arrived at the church with her bridesmaids in tow. She scrambled upstairs to the room where she would step into her dress. It took two bridesmaids working together to fasten all those buttons. The dress was stunning and fit Olivia like a glove. She did a little jig when she saw herself in the mirror for the first time.

The bride’s mom met her in the hallway while we were taking bridal pictures. She marveled at her beautiful daughter in her wedding dress.

It was just about time for the ceremony and I found Jacey and his parents down in the back hallway saying a prayer before he’d meet Olivia at the altar. Guests were filing into the sanctuary. Jacey entered with the pastor and beamed as he waited for Olivia to walk down the aisle. The violinist played and the guests rose to watched Olivia as she was escorted by her father down the stairs and up the aisle to meet her groom. Jacey grinned from ear to ear as he saw Olivia for the first time walking towards him.

Her father kissed her on the cheek and took his seat after he gave the bride away. The ceremony began and the pastor led the two lovebirds through the marriage vows. Olivia and Jacey said their I do’s and sealed their new union with a sweet kiss. They turned to face the crowd and sauntered back down the aisle hand in hand.

The newlyweds entered the reception and the groom’s father opened the dinner with a prayer. The guests dined on some delicious looking BBQ with all the fixings with some sweet tea and lemonade to wash it down. Dinner definitely had me dreaming of Georgia.

After dinner, the bride and the groom shared their first dance. Followed by Olivia’s dance with her father and Jacey’s dance with his mother. The bride and groom made their way around the room greeting guests and hearing their blessings on the new couple.

Olivia and Jacey each smashed cake in each other’s faces and then tossed the bouquet and garter to some eager catchers.

The Texas Longhorns and Texas Tech battle it out in the background of the reception. I mean, we’re in true football country. Fortunately, for Olivia, the Texans won! Maybe next year, Jacey?

The reception didn’t exactly end with the bubble exit, but it fits better in line with the story that way. 🙂

Here are the highlights from The Kidd’s big day.

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Venue: Golf Course Road Church of Christ
Dress: University Bridals and Formals 
Hair and makeup: Charm Beauty Salon
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse 
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Flowers: Donna Kidd (flowerlady12@hotmail.com)
Cake: Liz White ((575) 631 – 1708)

Check out the whole wedding gallery here.