Becky + Erik :: Dallas Wedding at Marie Gabrielle

So, here's the follow up wedding story. Such. A. Special. Day. One of those weddings I will never forget. A magical fall wedding at Marie Gabrielle with people with a true spirit of love. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of it. This is a big post. No apologies.

*Big thanks again to Andy Emery of Right Angle photo for second shooting with me. Always on top of his game!
























See more by checking out their slideshow!

Their Team:
Ceremony- Sherryl, www.incarnation.org
Reception- Lisa at Marie Gabrielle
Floral Design-Heidi Black of Lilac & Co. <---- Amazing job!!!! <--------- Cakery- Dallas Affaires, Margaret Gragg
Reception Band- Cuvee/Haley Harper with Absolute Entertainment
Getting ready and post wedding accommodations- The Stoneleigh Hotel
Hair and Make-up-Osgood-Oneil Salon (Nicole and Kim)
Dress Designer/Boutique-Priscilla of Boston,

Becky Ennis:: Bridals (Dallas Urban Bridal)

Wow. Becky has one of those spirits...those ways about someone you can't quite describe, but you try with words like: true beauty, grace, fire, intelligence, and lovely. This bridal shoot was especially important to me because about 5 months before Becky's wedding, I called to check in with her because I hadn't heard from her in a while. She confessed to me that she was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and would be undergoing chemo and could I wait until after the wedding to shoot her bridals (her last treatment was scheduled for the Tuesday before the wedding). I said "yes, of course" and muttered some other condolences. When I hung up I simply weeped. I mean full on weeped. I hate cancer. I knew her Mom had passed away 12 years ago from the same, mean disease. It made me miss my own Dad and Grandpa and everyone I know that has been touched by cancer. I did seem to utter that if she changed her mind, we could shoot whenever she wanted.
A few months later Becky contacted me and said she did want to give it a try. So, between chemo treatments, we schedule her bridal shoot at a super cool urban (ghetto, Dallas skyline, Chihuahua pack of dogs running down street) location that I had been eying. To my delight, Becky obliged and just trusted me. I knew I had to rock these for her. I was happy that even though she is a self-confessed "bridge person" she went to a fun more dramatic place for this shoot. It was of course our record setting rainy October. She overcame the rain. She overcame her cancer (at least in some significant small way) and she would have her dream wedding, just like she planned, with her sweet caring groom, Erik. (which by the way, I can't wait to share!) So thanks Becky, for allowing me into your life. For teaching me about love, commitment, and courage under challenge. Thanks for letting me attend a wedding where everyone in some small way, remembered that this was far more than a party for party sake, but a chance to show deep love and compassion to those who mean the most.










Huge thanks and shout out to Andy Emery (Rightangle Photo) for assisting me for the day. That last image was shot just before we left and was his idea! I couldn't have done it without you! (who else would stand on a rooftop ledge 3 stories up with windy gusts to hold a flash for me?)

Brooke Stateham + Matt Thomson [Fort Worth Wedding Photographer]

Brooke + Matt had a lovely wedding despite the rain. In fact, if you are considering a reception at the Reata downtown, I'd reconsider booking me (K*I*D*D*I*N*G) because I've photographed two within a month of one another and it rained both times! Sorry ladies!!

Things I loved about this wedding in no particular order!:

All the J Crew goodness! The wale ties, the bridal gown, bridesmaids and flower girl dresses (all with pockets) all game from J Crew!
During the Ceremony Sgt. forgot to tell everyone to sit down and they just kept standing after the bride came down the aisle for the ENTIRE first half of the ceremony!
That Matt must've cried at least 5 times during emotionally powerful events
That the Best Man teared up during his toast, too. 2 peas, he and Matt!
The FOB's hat
The awesome necklaces the girls changed into for the reception
The simplicity of the day
The rain (ok, it was love hate, but I love the romantics in the downtown streets of fort worth--at this point it was POURING)
The amazing "real" first dance with the street musicians on the way to the reception.
Shooting with my good friend Stacey Pinkey who capture some great images including image #'s: 1, 8, 9, 11, 19, and 27


































See their slideshow and link up their full set of images on their online proofing site!

Unveiled {Dallas Ft. Worth Bridal Show}

I'm not much for doing bridal shows, I'll admit. But, when the opportunity presented itself to participate in this event; I was unequivocally IN! It will be more of an "experience" and less of a big crowded show. There will be amazing features like: 2 bridal fashion runways, a wedding trendspot area (where you'll find my booth), a cocktail, ceremony, and reception experience (see the possibilities), Club Groom (where he can just hang out and look at the "guy stuff" among many other cool features.

Here are the details:
http://www.unveiledweddingevent.com/
October 4, 2009, 11am - 5pm
Dallas Convention Center
650 S Griffin St
Dallas, TX 75202
Tickets-$15 at the door or $10 if ordered in advance at their website

I've got three free pairs of tickets to give away (which admit 2 people, worth $30), because I LOVE meeting new people!

To enter: Simply comment below (only if you can make it to the show) and I'll select 3 lucky winners on Tuesday, September 29th at 9 AM. Please enter only once and you must include your e-mail so that I can contact you for your mailing address.

p.s. I'll have some great giveaways at my booth and an exclusive offer you will not want to miss!

Fabulous Ring Bearer Pillow {Dallas Wedding Trends}

I came across this beautiful and simple pillow and thought it would be dreamy for a tiny tot to carry down the aisle for a Fall or Winter wedding. Definitely check out the Etsy shop of missmosh to see other fab pillow ideas. I'm sure she could customize them to work for ring bearer's pillows by adding a simple ribbon to tie them on with.

Feeling crafty? Check out this DIY link from The Storque and make your own! You'll definitely want to make several and have the design show-up going down the aisle and as comfy party decor at the reception!

Idea: Box for Guestbook table

I was shopping for some items for my upcoming bridal show on www.Stampington.com, Unveiled when I came across this cool old fashioned "seed box" I instantly thought it would make a cool box for gift/guestbook/foyer table. You could have one section for guests to drop cards, one for well wishes written by guests (in addition to or lieu of a guest book) and the other could house get-a-way bubbles. Or better still, just fill the glass sections with rose petals for your guest to throw at your exit. Lots of options for a pretty garden or vintage inspired theme

The Wedding of Lindsay Thiessen + Adam Bruntz

Things I loved about this wedding:

1. Lindsay's dress had intricate beading, but I LLLLOOOVEED the pleats!
2. The fact that a big beautiful church such as St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton wasn't especially restrictive with photography allowing us to get gorgeous face and wide shots at the ceremony.
3. The funny speech about it being the last time Adam would have the "upper-hand" on Lindsay!
4. The deep purple callas, can't go wrong with a classic flower in an eye popping color
5. That Adam could dance--I had no idea! I love surprises.
6. The super delish chocolate fountain with TONS of goodies instead of a groom's cake.The best I've had--no lie.
7. The cute, color coordinating card/picture given to them by a kiddo I used in the ring shot.
8. The way the guys fought over the garter like girls usually do for the flowers!
9. The sweet, vertically challenged grannies taking pictures.
10. The way the ring bearer grabbed a handful of Lindsay's bottom while they danced!
11. That they left on a horse drawn carriage, since that's where Adam proposed.








Check out more awesome images that tell their wedding story on their slideshow here.


Ceremony- Saint Elizabeth Ann Seaton, Keller
Florals- Central Market, Southlake
Hair & Make-up- Bryana Fairchild (a former bride of mine!) of Salon Rene
Bride's Cake- Sweet Memories (Susan Clark)
Chocolate Fountain station- A Taste of Chocolate
Reception- Omni Hotel, Ft. Worth (Fort Worth Ballroom). Coordination by Leslie Kruger

Katy Bess + Jeff Gott {Southlake Wedding Photographer}

It was great to be back at St. Martin in-the-Fields to photograph Katy + Jeff's wedding. I actually shot Katy's matron of honor, Megain Timmons', wedding there just 3 short years ago, so it was fun to be back!

Beautiful Bride:

Handsome Groom:

The ladies doing a classic "Katy" laugh (see below)!

Grumpy flower girls:
Not so grumpy flower girls:

Fun candid of Paula Jefferson, who also happens to be my husband's boss and the owner of Paula Jefferson and Associates, a public accounting firm. Definitely get in touch with them, they've got great service and mad skills! (I'm totally biased, sorry!) Guess I wasn't being as sneaky as I thought! How is it that no one else even noticed me about 30 feet away?

Love this sweet glance I caught during the ceremony.

A little romance before the party gets going.During Final Planning meetings with my couples I always ask if there will be any fun surprises I should watch out for. Ummm, running into your reception with a football to "tunnel music" and spiking the ball would be one! (Jeff is a football coach and Katy is a big fan of the game.) I was wishing I didn't have my long lens on and could have gotten the whole scene of reactions!Katy, naturally giving the aforementioned classic "Katy" laugh. I love a girl who smiles as big as Texas!Nothing like a Texas Tech Raid Raider marrying a Texas A&M Aggie! So many hand signs being thrown up all night, you'd think it was a gansta rap video! (The Texas Version!)
Does anything beat a "First Dance?"

During the father/daughter dance, the music scratched and off came the coat for a hilarious dance to "I Feel Like a Woman." Apparently, FOB, Bob Bess is quite the closet Shania fan! When I look at these images, I think of how fun it will be for Katy to look at them when her Dad is old and gray. She will get to remember how he was willing to be silly and have fun with her on her wedding day. What a great memory and story that will be told for generations!!
There's nothing more fun than when a party is ON! Definitely hire Scott Shirley of Party Machine, he did a great job and had a great lighting (makes my job so much easier!)I was cracking up when I saw Katy's brother, Chris, diving for the garter. Looks like he'll be up next and I'd love to be there to photograph his wedding, ahem *cough* when the time comes. :)

Andy grabbed this great image showcasing the amazing Fort Worth skyline views atop the 40th floor of the Petroleum Club right before we left. OkAAY technically, we sat in an empty ballroom after a great party, on the 40th floor enjoying a piece of cake---before we left!


See the reset of the sneak peek at their slideshow here!

Their Team:
Church- St. Martin in the Fields, Southlake
Reception- The Petroleum Club, Fort Worth
Cake Design- Texas Star Bakery, Hurst
Dress Shop- Ocones, Ft. Worth
Florist- Out of the Garden
Ceremony Musicians- TCU, Brass Quintet check them out, you can hire a musician from their School of Music!
Reception DJ- Party Machine, Scott Shirley (DID A FABULOUS JOB!!!)

Summer Special! Beware, it's HAUTE!!!

*Please note this offer is only valid on new bookings without a contract/retainer for weddings taking place July 1, 2009-Jan 31st 2010.

Deanne Bolin + Chris Gardner Wedding

Deanne and Chris had lovely little southern wedding at Northwood Church here in Keller followed by a laid-back reception at the Stockman's Club in the Historic Stockyards Station in Fort Worth. I loved getting to design their invitation suite and see that design vision carried through the rest of their wedding (see previous post!)

Kim Kenney and her team from Timeless Elegance Weddings did a great job as the wedding consultants and I know it really put Deanne at ease to know she could depend on Kim. Her sister company Timeless Fiori did a great job with florals.

What I saw while Andy was working on the guys group photos:
What Andy was shooting!



Chris and Deanne took time to do a "First Look" session so they could spend some time with one another before the ceremony started. I could see this instant sense of relief and calm they both had after they saw one another.
Chris checking Deanne out from head to pretty little toes!




We had some quick fun down in the Stockyards in the B-L-Azing Texas sun!



I loved these watermelon pink roses Katie Hart attached to branches paired with hanging tea lights. A pretty and rustic centerpiece perfect for this venue!

Click here to see their wedding slideshow!

The rest of the team:
Invitation Suite: Me!
Bride's Hair and Make-up by Kelli Teague of Creative Concepts
Bride's Dress by Alfred Angelo
Bride's maids dresses by David's Bridal
Cakes provided by Texas Star Bakery
Music provided by close friend of the couple, Micah Burlam
Transportation by Access Limos