A few days ago I got this perfect E-mail from Lindsey.  She sent it to me about a week after her wedding when she saw her album sneak peek.  Take a look.

“You know, I have to admit, I was VERY nervous that I would not like ANY of the pictures of me.  I am SUPER self conscious, and pretty much hate every picture I see of myself.  However, I am not claiming that I now think I am a super model or anything, but, I do love how you captured the way I felt in each picture you took.  Thank you! ” – Lindsey

E-mails like this totally  make my job worth doing.  I love that I was able to make her feel that way, but even more I love that Lindsey “gets” it.  My photos are not designed to make you look like a Cosmo cover.  They are not retouched to the point that you confuse them with something form glamor shots.  They are a reflection of who you are right now.  Of course I try to capture and document you from flattering angles and in ways that make you look your best, but at the same time as a bride, you need to come at this expecting realistic results.

You are are who you are and that’s fantastic.

The most ironic part is this whole day is about someone committing to you and saying I choose you above all else. But even then in the midst of all this, for many girls the insecurity about how they look still make them feel “ugly” or “not perfect”.   Your groom is choosing YOU.  He is standing up in front of everyone, in an uncomfortable suit you have chosen no less, and declaring YOU as his most favorite girl in the planet.  Stop and think about that.

You have being chosen.

You have been declared a perfect fit.

You are his super model. :)

Jessica & Jason had the perfect country / home / farm wedding this past weekend.  Much blog love will be bestowed on it later this week.  These will have to hold you over for now. :)

I have been so swamped the last couple of weeks that I have not had a chance to blog Mug Machine photos from the past few weddings.  Here are just a few of my favorites from the past 2 weeks worth of weddings.
(Oh, and current brides…. it’s not too late to add some Mug Machine goodness to your wedding.  Have your people call my people and we’ll work out the details.)

2 bridesmaids and super planner Kelly of East Texas Events.

You can pick your friends….

Father of the bride.  He refused to get in the booth for 30 minutes.  He finally gave in and we got this shot.

4 Kids

Get your tickets to the gun show.

Last week Sara had her birthday party.  She is totally into Tangled and decided that was going to be her “theme”.

Side note: I’ve realized that girls birthday parties are like practice weddings.
You spend more money than you should.
You invite people you feel “obligated” to invite.
No one is as impressed as you think they will be at your “event”.
Kids and parents argue over the details of the day.
Once everyone leaves you still have to clean up.

Here are a few shots from Sara’s 6th practice wedding.

This photo proves 2 things.  Danielle is awesome at cakes.  Sara is mediocre at smiling. :)

If there is one thing weddings have taught me, it’s that when you present forks like this, everyone KNOWS it’s a fancy event.

We then painted on the walls.  Rapunzel style.

Each year I am given the task of designing the invitations to all 4 birthday parties.  This year Danielle told me that Sara had done her own.  She drew each of these invitations and made sure everyone got a unique one.  (I’d like to see one of you super brides out there try that!)

Lindsey & Jonathan had a small wedding at Elmwood Gardens.  It was such a great laid back day, I wish all weddings could be as fun and chill as theirs was.

So I don’t think I have ever started a wedding post with a shot of the bride without her makeup on…. but Lindsey’s expression when she saw her bouquet was too good not to show.  La Tee Da Flowers ALWAYS gets this reaction from their brides.  I love being in the room when Barbra walks in each wedding.

Jonathan’s father recently passed away so Lindsey surprised him with these cufflinks at their First Look.

Jonathan is a DEA special agent so these seemed fitting.

Lots and lots of First Look chatting, laughing, & smiling.

TC Makeup came down from Dallas and did a terrific job.  (She also finished on time.  A HUGE plus when considering a makeup artist.)

Designs by D’Anne did they cakes.  She also just got a new website so get over there and take a look.

I love love love these fingerprint trees couples are having at their weddings.
All The Single Ladies….

Reason 385 you need to hire a PROFESSIONAL DJ for your wedding:  About 5 seconds before the last dance was about to start Lindsey turned to Casey of CMBDJs and said, “can we change our last song to something fun and fast?”  (They had chosen a slow song a few weeks ago during one of their consultations.)

He asked her if she had a favorite and she said “uh…..”
1/2 a second later Casey suggested a song and had the whole place jumpin’
Every photo you see below happened because Casey knew just what to do and was able to react and make it happen in about 10 seconds.
The lesson?  Book a real DJ.

What song did he play?  You’ll have to call him to find out. 903.724.3192 :)