bride and groom – Jess Jones Photos Blog

Katelyn + Caleb | Mountain Shadows | Hamiton, GA

Katelyn and Caleb shared a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Mountain Shadows Community Church in Hamilton, GA. It was a gorgeous forest theme. The church grounds are already beautiful, but Katelyn added her special touches to make it one-of-a-kind. The Georgia weather was pleasantly mild and the sun was shining! It was the perfect Saturday.

I’ve known this family for 12 years and I love them so much! Katelyn is such a gorgeous young woman and I’ve the opportunity to watch her transform into the stunning woman that she is today. Photographing this wedding was very special to me. My last photo memory of Katelyn was when I photographed her senior portraits. She wanted a Lana Del Ray theme and we totally pulled it off. I don’t often photograph senior portraits, but those were some that I’ll never forget!

Katelyn and her bridemaids prepped and applied their make up as I arrived. Mac Steedly was busy working away with the girls hair. He did an amazing job with the flower crowns. The bridesmaids wore a gorgeous shade of lavender and they all had flowers in their hair. Katelyn wore a beautiful flower crown made of eucalyptus and white flowers. The girls had a blast sharing laughs and tears that morning. Katelyn was definitely surrounded by all the love!

Caleb and his groommen were prepping for some special photos of their own. They’re all pokemon lovers, so they each wore their favorite pokemon shirt under their suits to pose for a photo. Caleb looked handsome in his Gentry Shops suit and bowtie.

Katelyn’s dress was gorgeous and was MADE FOR HER. It oozed fairy tail forest wedding. Wasn’t super over the top, but its was lovely and she looked gorgeous. Everytime I look at the photos of Katelyn, I’m like #FLAWLESS.

After she was all dressed and ready for the ceremony, Katelyn shared an awesome first look with her dad and brother. Who were about equal in their enthusiasm. Runs in the fam fo sure!

The ceremony was lovely, the beautiful decor was provided WM Events. Lana del Rey was playing over the speakers as the guests arrived and took their seats. Caleb waited eagerly to see his bride for the first time as she made her way down the aisle. The couple shared a sweet marriage ceremony surround by their closest family and friends. Officiated by Don Butler.

The reception was getting started. Kately and Caleb entered and hopped right into their romantic first dance to Ed Sheeran’s Tenerife Sea. These two are such a sweet and fun loving couple. They seemed to enjoy every minute of their day.

The father of the bride, Jesse, couldn’t let Caleb one up him while dancing with his daughter, so Katelyn and her dad showed everyone their dance skills and boy was it awesome! They started out in a sweet and typical wedding waltz, but then quickly shifted to an AWESOME choreogrphed number to a medly of fun party songs! Check out the video of the whole dance here. That dance set the tone and everyone was out of their seat and on the dance floor! The DJ, George Cotton, did an awesome job getting the party started and demoing the dance moves!

When the time came for the ceremony to wind down the newlyweds were whisked away for their honeymoon through a sea of sparklers! Always a favorite shot for me!

I loved being a part of this special wedding! It was such a blast. I’m wishing Caleb and Katelyn and happy, fun filled, and long lasting marriage! And a fun time in their new state, Texas!

Check out these highlights from Katelyn and Caleb’s day!

The Fab Vendors:
Venue: Mountain Shadows Community Church
Coordinator: Linda Butler
Minister- Don Butler
Event Design: Leigh Clemmings with WM Events
Hair Styling: Mac Steedly
Make up: The Bride!
Dress: An Affair to Remember
Bridesmaids dresses: An Affair To Remember
Tuxes: Gentry Shops Formalwear
Cake: Columbus Corner Bakery
Florist: Sarah with WM Events
DJ: George Cotton

Lance + Kristi | Flint River home | Thomaston, GA

Kristi and Lance shared a fairy tale wedding at a secluded home of a family friend along the Flint River in Thomaston, GA. It was one of those places deep in the Georgia woods where you’re not sure if you’re at the right place. The wood cabin was nestled in the trees on the bank of the Flint River.

The yard was beautifully decorated with big light strands that criss crossed over the farm house style tables that were decorated with beautiful green garland and long wooden candle holders. The decor created the perfect forest wedding vibe.

The bride, her mother, sister and daughter, Talley and friend Dayna were upstairs getting their hair and make-up ready for the day. Family and friends gathered at the home helping with final prepping of food and finishing touches on the ceremony area.

Lance, his father, and Lance’s two sons, Rhett and Wyatt, were getting dressed down stairs. Lance and his dad helped the boys get their little suits and ties on. And upstairs, Lance showed me a couple of his best tips for fabulous wedding day hair. I believe the key is “low and slow” ie. Low heat, slow power. I could be wrong. Ask Lance. He has great hair.

The first look was approaching. I took the groom out to the river bank to wait for his bride to come down. I could see his nervous excitement waiting to see Kristi for the first time in her beautiful lace wedding gown. Kristi walked down the hill towards Lance who was facing the river. She tapped him on the shoulder and the look on their faces was pure joy. It was so sweet to see how happy they make each other.

Then the fire ants happened! We had a little WTF moment when Kristi had stepped into some ants. But her groom helped her dust them off and no brides were harmed during the photoshoot. We continued to take the rest of their wedding portraits as the rain clouds started rolling in. We all sprinted back up to the house at the first sign of rain drops.

It was still raining as guests were arriving. The bride was visibly bummed. I was so hoping the rain would let up in time for the ceremony. Miraculously, about ten minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start, the clouds started parting. This is not the first time this has happened at a wedding I’ve photographed, and it always seems like a miracle to me. It gives me chills thinking about the perfect timing and the perfect lighting that followed.

There was still fog hanging in the air throughout the trees. When the clouds parted this amazing warm glow enveloped the ceremony. Lance walked down the aisle with Rhett and Wyatt in each hand. The flower girl, Talley, left a trail of petals for her mother. They all waited for the beautiful bride to make her way down to the ceremony escorted by both her step-father from the house and then father who walked her the rest of the way down the aisle to meet her groom.

The short and sweet ceremony was officiated by a family friend. The couple read each other their vows through tears and laughs. They exchanged rings and shared that sweet first kiss after being pronounced man and wife.

The guests gathered round the homemade beer taps, cheese and charcuterie table. The string lights overhead made the wedding seem like a magical forest wedding. Guests mingled and chatted over dinner. The bride’s sister, gave a really sweet toast to the newlyweds and then read their father’s speech as he looked on. A couple of the groom’s friends said a few words and cracked some jokes to the new couple. Everyone could agree on how happy the two of them were together and were all thrilled to have them together.

Kristi and Lance shared their first dance as husband and wife to Chris Stapleton’s “More of You”. Then both shared a special dance with each other’s children. The band played to get the party kicked off and everyone was on the dance floor having a blast. The new siblings had run off to play some music of their own as they hijacked the drums from the band during their break.

It was time to cut the cake and as all the kids gathered round trying to get the first piece. The couple exchanges bites…nicely.

One of the bride’s friends, Katilynn, had a little fun on stage as she sang an amazing version of “Me and Bobby Mcghee” while everyone danced and sang along.

The full moon emerged from the trees and it was time to take their final exit of the night. Instead of sparklers the guests tossed lavender as they ran through the hall of people. And it smelled ahhh-mazing!

Kristi and Lance dance the night away with their closest friends and family. I’m so happy to have shared the day with these two. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness!

Here’s a peek inside their special day!

The fabulous vendors:
Venue: Family friend’s home
Hair and Make up: Katherine Benson
Dress: BHLDN
Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal
Cake: Sent From Heaven Sweets
Florist: Branches
Band: Loose Change

Chad + Lindsay | Oakhurst Farms | West Point, GA

Chad and Lindsay shared a wonderful wedding at the gorgeous Oakhurst Farms in West Point, GA. The venue is surrounded by rolling green hills dotted with cows that meander the property. There are flowing willow trees on the edges of the pond and yellow sunflower fields. The venue is privately secluded in the Georgia country side.

I found the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready upstairs in the bridal suite. The bride’s dress, shoes and jewelry sparkled. Downstairs the reception room at Oakhurst was decorated with gorgeous fall flowers and crystal vases on the round tables waiting for guests to arrive.

The groom and his groomsmen were found watching football as they put their suits on. They may or may not have been prepping with some Crown apple shots. I was instructed not to tell the bride. So, Lindsay, the guys were totally sober pre-wedding. 😉

Lindsay’s mother and bridesmaids helped her get into her stunning Winnie Coutour dress. It fit her like a glove. (but not like an OJ glove!) The bride looked perfect. The couple’s son, Brantley, ran into the room and greeted his mom with a big hug after Chad had helped get his little suit on! (a regular suit, not his Iron man suit unfortunately) Swoon!

The bride and groom opted to share a first look before the ceremony to get the nerves out and relax the rest of the day. So, after the group photos Lindsay made her way out to see Chad for the first time on their wedding day. They were both so eager to see one another. I loved seeing their excitement. Chad walked up behind Lindsay and tapped her on the shoulder and as she slowly turned around their reactions were priceless.

Even more priceless, was watching them read their letters to one another. I was crying!

After most of the initial butterflies had flown away. It was time for the ceremony to get underway. Chad and Brantley waited at the altar as Lindsay’s father escorted her down the stone aisle as their loved ones looked on.

They shared a lovely ceremony as their favorite people stood beside them and sat before them. They were pronounced husband and wife and shared that sweet first kiss. The couple cheered and practically skipped back down the aisle.

The DJ and the Chris Collins band were setting the mood as the guests arrived into the reception. The wedding party and the newlyweds waited upstairs to be announced into the party. The guests cheered and clapped as Lindsay and Chad made their way down the staircase and into their first dance.

After a delicious dinner was served the bride danced with her father and then Lindsay, Chad and their son Brantley shared a sweet and tearful family dance together.

The bride’s cousin gave a beautiful toast and made mention of their late aunt who clearly was missed by a lot of people on that special day.

Lindsay and Chad cut the cake and sweetly fed each the cake. Smart man! When it came time to toss the bouquet and garter the singles gathered round and were ready to pounce! One of the groomsmen made a valiant slide effort to make his catch.

At this point the bride had already changed into her party dress that showed off her ahhh-mazing legs! And fun story about this party dress…it was borrowed from one of my previous brides, Amanda Cooper! The strapless dress with fluffy white feathers for a skirt is the ideal wedding party dress and I love that it had a previous story. Amanda danced the night away in it and so did Lindsay. One more borrow and it could become the Sisterhood of the traveling Party Dress!

It was time to party! The Chris Collins Band got the party started and everyone was on their feet dancing. The DJ had all the ladies doing the Wobble and having a blast.

Once the party was winding down the couple made their final exit through their guests holding the dazzling sparklers.

The Edenfields had a gorgeous wedding and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this special day! Wishing these two the best of what life has to offer them in their new chapter!

#edenfieldpartyofthree

The fabulous vendors:
Venue: Oakhurst Farms
Event Coordinator: Kristin Gallatin (Gagallatin@gmail.com)
Hair and Make up: Robyn Cook at Jean Eve Salon
Dress: Winnie Coutour
Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Sue Anne Rathel
Florist: Denhams Florist
Band: Chris Collins’s band
Minister- Frank Macon
Videographer: Brett Wink 7th Wink productions

Amy + Anthony | Macedonia Hills | Newnan, GA

Amy and Anthony shared a sweet, but rainy wedding day at the beautiful Macedonia Hills wedding venue in Newnan, GA. They say that rain brings good luck and a cleansing start to a new chapter in life. I don’t think this couple will need luck, but they had plenty of it either way!

Before I continue the rest of the blog let me get this cheesy joke out of the way. Their wedding was ‘PRICE’less. (Get it?! Their last name is Price.) I know. Don’t care. And one more thing, I’m hoping Anthony, the writer, doesn’t judge my writing skills too much!

Back to the blog. The wedding venue was beautifully and thoughtfully decorated with the bride’s vision. Pink peonies dotted her bouquet. Eucalyptus was abundant and filled the empty wine bottles that decorated the farmhouse tables and vintage furniture provided places for guests to lounge.

Amy and her beautiful bridesmaids spent the morning getting ready and doing last minute final touches. The groom’s daughter, Isabella, spent the morning with the ladies as well. Amy’s sister and Maid of Honor, Kathleen, helped Amy get into her gorgeous-curve-hugging wedding dress. She applied a gaurdian angel pin near her heart. Their parents were certainly there in spirit.

I found Anthony and the rest of the groomsmen in basement of the main house. They were watching football and relaxing before the big day. Anthony had awesome cigar boxes for the guys that held special gifts like a tobacco pipe, aviators and bracelets made by his future bride. He handed them out to each groomsman and let each one know how much he appreciated them and was grateful that they could make the trip to celebrate.

The rain still hadn’t let up and I needed to find a covered spot for the first look. The rustic barn on the property fit the bill. Anthony faced towards the open barn door looking out over the field. Eager to see his bride that he loves so much. You can just tell from the way he talks about her.

Amy entered the barn to find her groom waiting. She crept behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. Their reactions were priceless. They both have so much love for one another. It’s refreshing to see their connection. They admired each other. Anthony gave Amy a twirl to get the 360 view.

They took turns reading their vows to each other. I photographed their genuine emotions and it filled my heart to witness.

Before the ceremony, Anthony shared a first look with his daughter. Cue the water works! His reaction to his daughter pulls my heart strings. It was definitely one of the best moments from the whole day. What a great dad. As they shared a moment together on the front porch, Isabella gave her dad a special token that had ‘always your little girl’ inscribed.

Guests were beginning to arrive and take their seats as the rain was still coming down. The wedding party lined up with their super cool clear umbrellas and made their way down the hill. One by one, the bridal party took their places next to Anthony as they waited for the bride to enter. I kid you not, as soon at the ceremony was beginning, the rained paused and the sun peeked through the clouds long enough to complete the quick ceremony.

Amy looked stunning in her fitted lace wedding dress as she walked down the aisle surrounded by family and friends. She met her groom at the altar where they shared a sweet union officiated by one of the groomsmen, Jared Engel. They cheered as the ceremony completed. It was official…#PromotedtoPrice!

The newlyweds entered the tent to share their first dance as husband and wife. They swayed to the music in each other’s arms. Smiling from ear to ear.

Guests dined on some delicious treats from the ‘Good Food’ food truck. Amy’s sister, Kathleen, and the best man, Luke, gave a special toasts and well wishes to the bride and groom. Meanwhile, Kids slipped and slid around the dance floor. They were having a blast. The DJ had everyone on their feet at some point in the celebration.

As the sun was setting and creating a beautiful pink and purple sky through the rainy mist, guests lined up with sparklers and the newlyweds charged through pausing to share a kiss.

When the sun sank behind the pine trees, the guests turned their attention to a really sweet slideshow showing Amy and Anthony’s lives before and after they met. Following the slide show, Anthony, Amy and Isabella shared a family dance. Isabella totally stole the show with her tie-dyed shirt and sick dance moves!

This was such a fun and thoughtful wedding down to every little detail. I’m so happy that the talented Amy chose me to be her photographer.

Remember, if it rains on your wedding day its good luck. Fortunately, these two were good sports about the weather. There’s not much you can do about it except embrace it and be in the moment!

Cheers to The Price’s!

First Look

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!

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.

Peter + Sacajawea’s Sneak Peek

I’m very excited to share the sneak peeks of this beautiful El Paso wedding. Peter and Sacajawea are currently living the dream on their honeymoon to Bora Bora! (Totally jealous). So, I’ll start this post out with a couple of palm trees, so we can all just imagine were laying on the sand looking at this view.

I don’t want to give away too much now, but once I’m done editing, you can find the whole wedding here.

Jess

Nancy + Andy

The vibe of this wedding definitely didn’t start like it ended! And it ended with a bang!

I began the day at Nancy’s house as she got ready for the day without all the hustle and bustle that normally occurs during wedding prepping. It was just Nancy, her mother, father, brother and niece that helped her get ready. Her mother, Gracie, helped the beautiful bride put on her wedding dress from White Lace Bridal Boutique in El Paso. Her train was long and the top of her dress was full of rhinestones and sparkles. She wore beautiful blue shoes with a crystal pendant on the tops.

The first time her father, Jose Silva, stepped into the room to see his daughter after she was dressed was full of quiet emotion. There wasn’t a huge outburst but you could tell by the look on his face that he was holding back tears. Nancy hugged her father as Nancy’s brother entered to see the final results.

The finishing touches were applied when her father and brother put on Nancy’s earring and her mother helped with her beautiful diamond bracelet.

Nancy’s niece, Naomi, helped Nancy put on her sparkly white flats so that she could comfortably and stylishly, walk around. Then she helped her put on her garter that was adorned with a blue flower.

A few of Nancy’s bridesmaids showed up at the house to help with last minute details. After everyone was prepped and ready to go, Jose, Nancy’s father, helped her into the black Charger that was waiting to take her to the ceremony.

We caravanned to San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, where Andy and the groomsmen were already waiting. Another wedding had just finished up and that party was right outside the church taking pictures and and mingling. The priest was preparing for Nancy and Andy’s ceremony.

Their ceremony quickly got underway not long after we arrived. It was a traditional catholic ceremony. There was a simple guitar player at the side of the sanctuary playing soft music between prayers. Both Nancy and Andy’s parents along with the wedding party sat in the the front rows behind the couple as they prayed and took communion. A couple of members in the wedding party participated in the ceremony by reading scriptures. The maid of honor, draped the ceremonial lasso around the couple for unity and the best man presented coins to the bride and groom for good luck.

The newly-weds completed their prayers and were announced husband and wife. They marched out of the sanctuary followed by their family and friends. I caught Andy as he wiped his brow as they exited the church. Following the ceremony they spent some time in the church’s foyer greeting friends and family.

After the ceremony, it was time to load up and head to take pictures of the wedding party. We went to Memorial Park and I began lining up the bridesmaids in their blue lace dresses. The groomsmen arrived and made a bee-line for the snack truck. Andy was kind enough to bring Nancy and bite of hamburger and a blue slushee to re-energize. I managed to squeeze the whole wedding party under some shade and snapped a few fun pictures of them before everyone melted in the heat.

I took Nancy and Andy to their own photo spot at the El Paso Rose garden. As we walked through the garden, I snapped pictures of them dancing and enjoying each other’s company among the pink roses with the appropriate titles.

It was time for us to head to the reception, the Mariachi trio was playing at the door as Andy and Nancy entered the EPIC rail yard. The reception area didn’t need much decorating, because the place is so awesome already, but they had some roses and succulents scattered throughout and painted blue vases on tables that tied the decor together. There were beautiful carved wooden elephants that greeted everyone as they signed the guest canvas. Trains were passing by the windows right out side the receptions room. They weren’t loud, I don’t even remember hearing them over the DJ’s music.

Dinner was served and it was the groom, Chef Andy’s, own recipes. A delicious herbed chicken served with perfectly seasoned veggies and mashed potatoes. People lined up to be served and then hit the bar for refreshments.

After the announcing of the wedding party, I quickly grabbed Nancy and Andy and ran up to the rooftop and took a few more awesome pictures of the couple in the setting sun. The buildings of downtown El Paso stood off in the distance and the Franklin Mountains were directly behind them.

Nancy and Andy shared their first dance, followed by heartfelt father/daughter dance and Andy’s dance with his mother, Gloria who cried as she danced with her son.

I think the coolest part of the night was when the DJ pulled out a huge bin of those long colored balloons. Almost everyone was out of their chairs swinging balloons in the air to the music. The colors of the lights and the balloons accompanied by the awesome music really got the party started! (I’m sure the open bar helped too 😉 )

I had never seen a reception with such a cool party atmosphere. It was definitely REALLY fun. Young and old alike had a blast dancing and swinging the balloons through the air.

I have to give the DJ, Rhythm and Dance Factory D.J. Service, some props because they did an amazing job keeping the party going and their lights were amazing! They were an awesome team.

Another part of the reception that I thought was really cool, was when the DJ had Nancy and Andy make a bridge with their hands as they stood high up above their guests in chairs. The party single-filed under the Diaz bridge and snaked around the room until the song ended.

After the dance train, it was time for the garter and bouquet toss. The bride tossed the bouquet from high up on her chair to her single ladies and the groom flung the garter into the small crowd of single gents, but not before he wore the garter on his head.

At midnight, it was Nancy and Andy’s actual 10 year anniversary of being together, so they shared that moment together dancing and then invited the other couples to join them on the dance floor. Everyone had some dance skills. Must be in the El Paso water.

I left the reception with everyone still partying into the night.

Cheers to Andy and Nancy!

Vendors
Flowers: Angie’s Flower-Erika Pegueros-dreamweddingselpaso@gmail.com
Cake: Angie’s Flower-Erika Pegueros- dreamweddingselpaso@gmail.com
Hair: Sol Hair Illusions, Lupe Solis, https://www.facebook.com/solhair.illusions
Wedding Dress: White Lace Bridal Boutique, http://whitelaceboutique.com
Bridesmaid dresses: Bridal-Novas, Silvia, https://www.facebook.com/Novas-Bridal-Wear-Evening-Wear-Collections-165539690153896/
Tuxes: The Tux Shoppe, Chito Aguilar, www.elpasotuxshoppe.com
Mariachi: Mariachi Trio-Los Aventureros, David Martinez, www.facebook.com/triolosaventureros.com
DJ: Rhythm & Dance Factory DJ’s / Pro DJ Rentals, https://www.facebook.com/RDFactory/?surface=rese

Matt + Maegan

This is a special wedding to me, because it was the first wedding that I booked in El Paso. It actually kind of fell into my lap. It happened when I was out with some girlfriends for dinner. {Bear with me, I’m throwing out a couple names} Our waiter, Josh, was the bride’s brother-in-law and he mentioned that his wife (Cassandra) and her sister (Maegan) were opening Small Cakes, a cupcake shop in El Paso. So, naturally, I asked if they catered to weddings and gave him my card…just in case. He replied saying that his sister-in-law, Maegan was recently engaged and in need of a wedding photographer herself.

She contacted me not long after and soon Maegan and Matt were set on June 11, 2016. I was ecstatic and not only, because cupcakes were going to be involved, but more so, because I felt like I was getting back into my groove of what I gave up to move here. It was at least a step in the right direction.

When the wedding day finally arrived, my awesome second shooter (Megan) and I met Maegan [lots of Maegans] and her bridesmaids at the Hotel Indigo where the hair and make up team was already at work beautifying the ladies. The room was bright and full of love from her best friends and family. I began photographing the details from the dress to the shoes to the jewelry. Megan, went to photograph the guys, who were mostly busy trying to remove gobs of hair gel from the groom’s son, Jordan’s hair. ha-ha!

Maegan and Matt both spent some time through out the day to write a letter to each other that they would only open if times got tough and I hope they never have to open it! They also spent time finalizing their vows that they would read to each other later in the day.

Megan photographed the guys in front of this awesome mural behind the Hotel Indigo as they took turns zipping around the parking lot on a motorized scooter.

Back in the bride’s suite, the bride’s daughter, Olivia, had just arrived and was so thrilled to see her mom. “You look so pretty, mommy!” Olivia exclaimed when she saw Maegan in the make-up chair. It was so sweet, it made my eyes get a little misty. (It never fails, I always cry at weddings.)

More tears were caused by Maegan’s mother, Sandra’s, reaction to her gift which was an embroidered handkerchief that read, “Mom, to dry your happy tears on my wedding day…” I guess I needed one too! Her mother’s reaction was so sweet. I knew that gift meant a lot to her. I even got emotional looking back at the photos as I was editing.

Maegan’s beautiful best friend gave her a tiny little book on a keychain with quotes for a happy marriage inside. She had everyone in tears with her speech and surprise gift.

My second shooter, captured Matt’s sweet reaction as he opened his boutonnière. Maegan surprised him by attached a picture of his parents who had recently passed away. Even though Matt wasn’t one to really show his emotions in front of everyone, looking back through the images, I could see that he was really touched by the gesture. His parents were definitely felt throughout the day.

After everyone was finished prepping, we all headed to the beautiful, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing for the ceremony and reception. It was a gorgeous ceremony that was set up on the back patio of the venue. The ceremony overlooked the surrounding desert and mountains. Trains were passing back and forth in the distance.

The wedding party entered the ceremony followed by the beautiful bride who was escorted by her father, John Hurst. Matt beamed as he watched his gorgeous bride walk down the aisle. The groom’s sister lead with a few words in memory of their parents. And under the beautiful green vines and bright orange flowers the couple read their sweet vows to each other. After exchanging rings and sealing the deal with a kiss and slightly battling the wind. Maegan and Matt were wed and waltzed out of the ceremony on cloud 9!

After, shooting the rest of the wedding party and some family pictures. I quickly grabbed the couple and we shot their portraits in the desert as the sun was setting. It was a really gorgeous moment. The light was perfect.

Finally, it was party time. The wedding party entered into the reception area of Ardovino’s and the newly wed couple impressed the whole room with their choreographed first dance. Followed by the sweet dance with her father. And, I think everyone had tears in their eyes when Matt and his sister danced to “Hey Brother”.

After the delicious dinner was served the party really got started. People were dancing, taking pictures in the photo booth and having a blast! Heartfelt toasts to the newly wed couple from friends and family lead to more happy tears and plenty of laughs from the whole room. Maegan and Matt cut their gorgeous (and delicious) wedding cake made by the very talented Honey Bee Cakes.

The wedding party ended the night on a high note with an awesome fun group dance… turned dance battle with several wedding guests to the 90s hip hop jam, “My Boo”. That dance perfectly summed up the mood of the whole night.

There was plenty of love felt throughout that whole wedding day and I’m very glad that I was chosen to be a part of it! I won’t forget that as I was telling Matt and Maegan goodbye at the end of the night she said it felt like fate that we met, because everything just fell into place beautifully.

I couldn’t agree more. Wishing Maegan and Matt a long and very happy marriage!

Enjoy these beautiful pictures from The Roger’s wedding.

Cheers!

Gina + Bryan

Gina and Bryan’s wedding started on a beautiful Georgia morning at one of my favorite venues, Standing Boy Creek Farms. Seriously, this place is so gorgeous, I highly recommend considering having your wedding here! It’s quickly becoming a very popular place, so book it early! Click here if you want a beautiful venue.

Gina and her bridesmaids, got ready in one of the beautifully furnished hunting lodges. Her sister applied her make up and coifed her hair into a gorgeous up do complete with baby’s breath.

As the ladies were getting ready, the bride’s daughter, Lexi, playfully examined her mom’s veil.

Gina wore a gorgeous lace dress designed by David Tutera found at Uptown Gowns in Columbus GA. She went with simple white flats as her wedding shoe and held a bouquet made of white lilies.
Check out the Uptown Gowns Here

These pictures of the bride and her daughter are definitely some of my favorites EVER!!

After I finished photographing Gina and the bridesmaids, I drove over to their house where the guys were prepping. They were ready to get shooting when I arrived, so we traveled down the dirt road where Gina had previously scouted photo locations that would be perfect for the Bryan and his buddies. The American flag in the back ground made a nice touch to commemorate Bryan’s military service. We could help but laugh at the strange sign we found in the woods and wondered, what had happened that lead to the posting of it!

When it was time for the ceremony the clouds rolled over the pine tree covered valley and provided some much needed shade! Luckily, the rain held off! 🙂 Guests listened to the sounds of the acoustic guitars as they waited for Bryan and Gina to enter the ceremony.

Behind the scenes, the bridesmaids were giving one last toast to the new bride!

Bryan waited at the alter for his bride and watched as her father walked her down the aisle. The ceremony was sweet and meaningful and I loved that Gina incorporated her sisters into the ceremony as they read a couple of meaningful passages before she walked out. The couple included Lexi into the ceremony with the building of the sand art. Gina and Bryan poured in the blue and white sand and Lexi added the pink sand on top.

I took the newly wed couples pictures amongst the Georgia pine trees. Gina’s long veil gorgeously blew in the warm breeze. The couple took a quick moment to walk and kiss and take in the fact that they were now man and wife.

The newly weds danced their first dance on the top deck of Standing Boy to Sparks by Parkway Drive.

The cakes perfectly joined (literally) Bryan’s interests and business ventures into the ceremony.

Gina and Bryan shared a champagne toast as guests enjoyed the delicious lunch catered by Trevor Morris, owner of Trevioli’s in Columbus, GA. Go check them out, for reals!

The bouquet winner was Emma and I’m sure it will be a little while before her wedding dreams become a reality. (No rushing, but if you need a photographer…). 😉

The newly weds ended the afternoon with a playful bubble exit under the pine trees and they lived happily ever after.

The End.

The Wrights (sneak peek)

What a gorgeous wedding tucked into the Pine Mountain, Georgia country side. The wedding took place at the Mountain Top Inn on a beautiful Georgia spring day. Megan looked gorgeous in her lace white wedding dress and cowboy boots and Davis looked dapper in his sandy suit and navy vest! The bridesmaids looked fantastic in their lavender flow gowns. More on the way, but for now enjoy this sneak peak of the Wright’s wedding!

Jess

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