It’s that time again. It’s time to look back at some of the best photos from 2016. Everyday we’ll be taking a look at a new category. Voting is open till 8am MONDAY morning. ALL the contest winners will be announced Monday at 10:00am. The winning entries will each receive a 16×20 print.

Today’s category: Wedding

All the other stuff is great, but really, when you get to the bottom of it, weddings are all about two people getting married. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of photographing couples on their day. Here are a few of my favorites form the past year.

1. Beach (Key Largo Lighthouse)
All Ali & Greg wanted was a wedding on the beach. They nailed it.

2. Dance (The SPRINGS Event Venue)
First dances are one of those moments in your wedding day where it really does feel like a movie.

3. Ring (East Texas Arboretum)
I always love snagging that moment when a couple realizes this is legit and really happening.

4. Walk (Wildcatter Ranch)
I mean… I’ve seen a lot of wedding walks. It’s tough to top this location.

5. Lanterns (The Landing at Joshua Farms)
Thank you Rebekah & Matt for allowing me to feel like I was in the movie Tangled.

6. Verse
Cassi & Justin come from a long line of strong marriages. This arch made such a great anchor for the whole day and ceremony.

7. Dino (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
Come on. Seriously. Dinosaurs. Rebecca & Tony took the “something old” to a whole other level.

8. Alone (Bella Sera Ranch)
There are few things I enjoy more than a bride and groom alone on their wedding day. (#FirstLook)

9. Snow (Harmony Chapel)
Of course it snowed for Katherine & Josh’s December wedding. That’s snow. Real snow.

10. Fireworks (Bella Sera Ranch)
I love how the fog caused the whole sky to light up for Morgan & Trevor’s New Year’s Eve wedding.

Get Excited!  It’s your chance to help someone win a 16×20 print!  Voting is open till midnight.  Tell your friends.

Today’s category: Wedding Rings

I always feel a couple’s ring photo should be a reflection of them.  You should be able to look at it and see a little glimpse into who they are and what they love.  Here are a few of my favorites form this part year.

Take a look at the entries then vote at the bottom of this post.

1. Green: Blake works in visual effects, I wanted him to be able to drop his rings into any film he made in the future. ;)

2. Chop: Gabby & Kendal met in Hong Kong.  This one was too easy.

3. Meds:  Right before the ceremony Jaime got a crushing headache.  These were the magic pills that saved the day.

4. Bible: Travis & Heather’s whole life revolves around the words in this book

5. Knot: Shelly & Caleb used this rope as a part of their ceremony.

6. Shades: Thy & Jonathan entered their reception rockin’ these shades.

7. Baseball: Alex played baseball all through college so Lauren gave him one with their name on it.

8. Bling: Krystle’s ring was kinda blingy.  I put it with more shiny things.

9. Yoshi: Tara & Lee love to play Mario Kart and these are their favorite characters.

10. Sword: Joe is in the Air Force.  That means he has cool weapons.

Dee & Dustin had such a great first day of marriage at Bella Sera Ranch in Palestine, TX.  It was full of laughter, pizza, and dancing.

Anytime I see 1D stuff I photograph it.  Why?  Because when I look back on my wedding photos I wish there was more New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, and Hanson products in them.

Few brides can pull off a red dress.  Dee is totally one of those brides.

These two had a great First Look.

Dustin was super sweet and had a little gift for Dee.

Lots and lots of dancing and party times courtesy of CMB Music.

One of my favorite moments from their day was when all the guest were sent out to get ready for the getaway.  I looked up and found Dee & Dustin dancing in an empty room.  They spent a good 3 minutes there.  It was totally a Disney magic moment.

Of course they had The Mug Machine.  Of course it was a blast.  Here are a few of my favorites.

i’ve known gabby since she was this little.

i met her because i thought her oldest sister was hot.  (i later married her oldest sister.)

more than any other bride i have followed gabby’s journey towards marriage and been there for the ups and downs.  it was so special to be there on her wedding day at bella sera ranch.

gabby and kendal met in hong kong where she teaches english.

gabby gave me her shoes like this.
i said can i take them out of the bag?
she said do whatever, i trust you.
this is what i did.

nothing like having twin daughters help you get ready.

sara, my 7 year old, loved having aunt gabby fix her hair.

petal’s florist did the amazing job they always do.

gabby was so so nervous leading up to her first look.  i loved seeing kendal melt those nerves away as he held her.

i typically don’t post many “formals” but this bridesmaid was too attractive to pass up.  (the little boys aren’t bad either.)

jo loved getting dressed up.  he kept channeling his inner tony stark.  (his words)  he loved it until the bridesmaids started telling him how handsome he was.

fine! fine! since you asked, i’ll show you all 4 of my kids.

gabby & kendal had a herd of nieces and nephews walking down the aisle.

it was about a billion degrees below zero outside and some of the inside cowards were taunting the faithful of us who endured the cold.

i love this photo of them after the ceremony.  gabby has the best laugh.
kendal’s brother in law dropping the perfect out of focus photo bomb.

the toasts were perfect, they included stories of them making out and bible verses that morphed into 3 sisters rapping.

before returning the get-a-way car my kids and i decided to give it a little test drive the next day.

gabby, i’m so so proud of you.  i love you dearly and know you and kendal will make me many many glorious nieces and nephews to spoil.

I totally love me some Jessica and Austin.  these two had an epic wedding at Bella Sera Ranch in Palestine and I was just giddy that they let me in on all the fun.

Check out all these tiny little details and touches.
Wedding Tip 639: If you are giving your groomsmen a gift….

… make sure they are old enough to use it without cutting themselves.

I LOVE this shot of Jessica screaming at her girls on her way to her First Look.
Keep Austin Weird.

Petal’s Florist did such a great job with all the arrangements.

Lots and lots of dancing and mucis thanks to P3 Pro Sound.

Aggies doin’ what they do.

Here’s my number… so call me maybe.

Thanks again for trusting me with your day.  You two were terrific.