It’s always an honor when I’m asked to document someone’s wedding day.  But for some reason, when there are only 10-12 people attending… it turns into a super honor.  That’s how I felt all day long at Leah & Jordan’s Lake Tyler Petroleum Club wedding.

I LOVE this next photo.  It may be my favorite of the day.

What if you could only have 12 people sit and watch you get married?
Could you do it?
Would you want to?

There are so many misconceptions about what having a small wedding or ceremony might mean for your day.  Leah & Jordan proved that if you decide to have a small ceremony…. you can still have just as much fun. :)

You can still get your toe nail painted as your something blue.

You can still get photos laughing with your bridesmaids.

You can still have La Tee Da Flowers CRUSH your bouquet & arrangements.

You can still have your grandfather perform the ceremony with his super old manuscript.

You can still get yummy and delicious cakes from Designs by D’Anne.

You still get to walk down the aisle.

You can still have your grandmother tell your grandfather “Take a picture! Take a picture!”

You can still have a pretty great ceremony that ends with man & wife.

You can still take photos of the two of you looking gorgeous.

You can still have awkward photos of you saying “I once caught a fish this big.”

You can still get a killer ring shot on the book your grandfather has used to perform wedding ceremonies for over 50 years.

Leah & Jordan didn’t choose a smaller ceremony because they didn’t have any friends.
(They just finished med school and residency. They actually have like a billion friends.)

They didn’t choose a smaller ceremony because they don’t like people.

They didn’t choose a smaller ceremony because they could not afford a bigger one.
(Remember, they are doctors.  Wait… They just FINISHED med school.  So yeah… never mind.  Still broke.)

They chose it because it was a good fit for them.

That is the takeaway.  Plan your wedding how YOU want your day to go.  If you want 500 people to watch you get married.  Fine.  Invite 800 guests.
IF you want 12, then invite 12.

Weddings have become a circus, and I don’t think they were ever intended to be that.

So my advice to you guys is this… The next time you get in an argument over a planning detail.  Don’t ask yourself “Do we really need 12 elephants or will 6 be enough?”

That’s not the question.  The question is…

Do we want any elephants at all?

Sarah & Caleb were married 1 year ago on July 4th.  They were kind enough to drop some knowledge on what being a newly wed couple is like.  Read on if you want to make your first year of marriage a bit less bumpy.

What do you miss most about the single life?
Scheduling things on my own time. Having more options to do things I used to when I was single, work out, have a girls weekend, spend the weekend at my parents, or simply to go shopping for “wants” without feeling I have to consult with another’s schedule or consider our budget.

What’s your best cheapo/ fun date idea?
A campout. Could be after a long hike, or driving to a really cool location and setting up tent for the night or simply having a picnic with the tent set up for shade, we even set our tent up on the front porch in record low temperatures and spent the night out there – and just to live on the wild side it was a weeknight! Wherever you set up camp, make sure to stay long enough to star gaze and having a fire with s’mores is a MUST! This date can be done all year round, but my favorite time is during the fall.

What has been the best thing about your first year of marriage?
The best thing about the first year of marriage has been coming home to my best friend every night. Having that person to share frustrations with, get angry at, bounce ideas off of, share joys and encouraging each other through life’s ups and downs. Being married is just another example of God’s love for us.

What’s been the hardest part about being married?
The hardest part of being married for me has been a lack of “me time”, so very similar to what I miss most about being single. I lived on my own for 5 years, independent and financially stable. I didn’t need anyone to do anything for me. I could pick up and have a weekend with girlfriends at a bed and breakfast in a fun town, or sleep in until 7:30am (yes, that’s late for me!) Being married, is a give and take, and for all the things my husband and daughter add to my life, I’m happy to give up some of my girls weekends and sleeping late occasionally.

What surprised you the most?
It wasn’t so much that I was surprised by it than it was a huge realization. After a particularly difficult discussion (one of our first since being married) we headed to bed and I recall thinking… “He’s not leaving… I need time to process this conversation…he’s not going home…this is his home… Oh my gosh!” When we’re dating we had the luxury of our own homes. When we had discussed something difficult, there was time and space in between the next time we saw each other… Now that we’re married, it’s a little different. Still learning.

What have you fought about most and why?
Expectations I had about being a wife and mother. I have a wonderful example of what that looks like in my mother. I failed to realize that before she became the awesome mother and wife I witnessed while I was growing up and that I know today, she had to go thorough the first few years of marriage as well- figuring out who she was as a Mrs. and as a mother. I fight with myself about not meeting preconceived expectations which I place upon myself, which in turn effects our communication.

What was the biggest thing you were nervous about? How has it turned out?
A friend of mine just reminded me of one of the things I was nervous about before getting married: making lunches for my husband during the week and planning the week of meals for our family.  It seems so funny now to think about how worried I was, but I wanted to make sure I was taking care of my family and doing a good job of it by the way of cooking meals which I enjoy and keeping a warm, inviting and clean home. My husband and daughter help out so much and even without me asking them to do it. From doing the dishes, to making the beds, vacuuming, helping me cook, washing, drying and folding the clothes, they make being married and family life easy and enjoyable. I feel so blessed!

Do you have any advice for couples who are about to blend a family?
My husband always went on “Dad and daughter dates” before he and I got married. I encouraged them to continue these dates afterwards as well so that they can have one on one time and further their bond without me in the picture.

I am an educator and have seen many of my children from divorced households and the gambit of relationship dynamics pass through my classroom. Remaining positive and complimentary of the child’s parent(s) is essential. Nothing negative should ever be discussed in front of the child/ children.

I read many books about blended families and even books about the specific role in which you are about to take on. Read books about the your children/ stepchildren and the emotions they could experience. (The five Love Languages of Children is also a great book!)

Lastly, the biological parent needs to be sensitive to their spouce’s, the step-parent’s emotions. It is important for the husband and wife to continue to go on dates. The spouse/ stepparent needs to feel validated and a respected part of the family. This can be very tricky. Communication is key and it also requires the spouse (stepparent) to be sensitive and very understanding.

Happy 1 year of marriage guys.  Thanks for opening up and giving us a little peek into your life.

When you get married on the 4th of July and have a family full of service men, you know it’s going to be a great day.  I was giddy that this next image was one of the first I fired off that day.

Sarah & Caleb said their vows at the fantastic Lake Tyler Petroleum Club. (A fantastic venue with lots of options for your wedding day.)

Family, history, legacy.  These are all things that Sarah values.  (It’s part of what attracted her to Caleb.)  Much of her jewelry belonged to her grandparents and her friend even MADE her this frame.  How incredible is that?

Basically every wedding has the same story.  Boy & girl like each other.  Boy & girl get married.  It’s the easiest story to tell, see, and document.

The thing is, sometimes that’s not the most interesting story of the day.

I love getting to know my couples in a way that helps me figure out the part of their story that they value the most.  What’s really important?  Is it the flowers?  Is it the dancing?  Is it the vows?

From my first phone call with Sarah, I was able to pick up on her commitment to Caleb.  But when she spoke of his daughter she spoke with a sense of respect and love that made it very clear:  She is joining both of them in life.  They are becoming a family.  She is aware of the impossible yet very tangible dynamics of becoming a mother.

All throughout the day, I found little moments where Caleb & Sarah gave time, space, and respect for Savannah to soak in the moments.  Not to force the day and union on her like two grown ups in charge.  Instead they welcomed her into their day.  They asked for her to be a part of it.  At times they literally held her hand as she navigated this emotional day.

I love seeing a groom’s reaction to his bride.  The next best thing though is seeing a father look at his baby girl.

Yes please.

Go team America.

Hey you know who La Tee Da is right?  They kinda kick butt at making flowers look fantastic.

I caught Caleb having a little chat with Savannah right before the ceremony.  My heart turned all mushy.  I love it when dads “gets it.” When they realize that no matter how hectic and crazy a moment is, the main thing our kids need is us to connect with them and let them know we are with them.

Then Savannah came out and Caleb went to meet her and walked her down the aisle.  (Because he wanted everyone to tear up a bit.)

Right when Sarah was about to walk out, it hit her.  Sometimes this happens to brides.  And I’ll be honest.  Sometimes it leads to brides just crying all the way down the aisle.  I love everything about these shots.  I love that Sarah is completely overcome with emotion.  She is fully aware of the moment and understands how amazing their story is and that this is happening.

Her father gets it.

Her father knows his daughter enough to know that right now she needs him to look at her and reassure her.  That no matter how hectic and crazy the moment is, the main thing she needs is him to connect with her and let her know he is with her.

Caleb gets it.

He knows his bride so well.  He knows that she is full of emotions and he never once took his eyes off her.  He was locked in, he was steadfast, he was fully present.

When you marry a military man on the 4th of July at the lake, and a boat drives by during your vows with “I’m Proud to be an American” blasting front the speakers, all you do is smile and know you picked the right day.

Sarah’s brother was deployed 2 days before her wedding.  It was a tough break for their families, but it’s also what they do.  They serve.  They answer the call.  They go.

(They also Skype.)

The Fatt Apple makes yummie food.  Need proof?  Look at how happy these kids are.

The rest of the night was filled with people saying wonderful things, lots of dancing, and expositions in the sky.

Thank you two for letting me be a part of your day.  I left with a full heart.

I have looked forward to Jeff & Julie’s wedding since their awesome engagement session.  I knew it would be a chill day full of family and laughter.  (As every wedding should be.)

When I arrived Von Criswell (and bump) were getting Julie all dolled up.  Von does amazing make up work.  If you want your face to look better.  Book her.

Jeff has twin daughter’s.  They like to read.  They are smarter than men.

Julie & Jeff love to travel.  She gave him this great map with their date on it.  She also pinned where they were getting married.  Many more pins will follow in the years to come.  She also gave him a journal.  He may or may not have teared up.

Of we went to Roseland Wedding Chapel.  The perfect setting for their day.

Their First Look consisted of excitement and cheering.  Followed by lots of laughter.

A Touch of Nature did so great on all the florals.

Teenage girls doing what they do best.

This is where you stop and look at the explosion of awesomeness brought to you by the fine folks of Event & Company.  They helped with the planning leading up to the day as well as ran the whole day.  Good wedding coordinators are worth every penny.  If you are getting married.  You should book Even & Company.

I love that Jeff walked his girls in.  I love even more that his brother leaned over and cracked a joke when Julie was coming towards him.

Jeff may or may not have had to stop and bite his lip to be able to finish his vows.

Jeff’s father married them.  He is a preacher.  Jeff’s mother may or may not have ignored the preacher’s request for everyone to bow their head because wanted to take a photo.  (I don’t think she trusted my work.)

Mucho fun was had at the reception.  Fun props, couches, and games from Pursuing Eden as well as yummy treats from Steel City Pops.

How to kick off your reception in 3 easy steps.
1. Put on comfortable shoes.
2. Execute a successful twirl during your first dance.
3. Stuff your face.

I’ve started jogging lately.  The main reason I run is to be able to eat more wedding cake.  Thanks Luscious Crumb for make my work out worth it.

So many little kids at this wedding.  So many families.  It was like a scene out of a movie.  (A movie where CMB DJs provided a killer soundtrack.)

I can’t even begin to tell you guys how full my heart was when I left your wedding.  Thank you for sharing your day and the beginning of your story with me.  It was an honor.

hey remember when we were all in high school and we had a prom.  yeah that was fun right?  that prom didn’t just drop in at your high school.  there were a group of students (mostly girls) who made that night happen.  they slaved away for months to make it happen.

so, knowing that a prom takes a committee of people.  why on earth would you think you could plan a prom/church service/vacation/family reunion all on your own.

i am a pretty good photographer.  wait, scratch that.  i’m the best photographer ever.  but what i am not very good at is being a wedding planner or coordinator.  guess what?  your mom, aunt, bff, or cousin who is a sophomore in college is probably not the best either.  that’s why i always love it when brides hire a professional to help them plan and run their day.  it’s some of the best money you can spend when planning a wedding.

good planner make your life easier.  they are worth the money you pay them and then some.  maybe you don’t think you need one.  maybe you think you can handle planning this all on your own.  maybe you are right.  but i think a little help might be just what you need.

i asked super planner extraordinaire taryn coffey of event & company to maybe point out some signs that you may need a planner.  here is what she had to say.

So I’m sure it’s crossed your mind if you don’t have a wedding planner already- “Do I need a wedding planner?” It crossed my mind when I started planned my wedding, but I didn’t act on it, then…it was too late, which is the case SO many times.  So, here are some signs that you might need a wedding planner…

1. You already have full time job and so does your fiancé.

2. You don’t have time to research, read blogs, look for inspiration, and email all day every day.

3. You’re planning a wedding at a place that you nor any of your willing-to-help family members live.

4. You’re relying on another vendor (PHOTOGRAPHER) to handle your wedding day- one who is NOT a wedding planner.

5. Your fiancé is getting mad at you for not spending enough time with him and spending too much time looking at/obsessing over wedding stuff (ok, you might still do this even when you have a wedding planner, but it’s a legit reason).

6. You’ve booked your venue and date, but it’s been a few months and you haven’t done anything else beyond that.

7. You have no clue about what amount to budget for things.

8. You’ve developed ulcers from the stress associated with wedding planning.

9. Family tensions are starting to develop because of the wedding (WARNING: often occurs with female family members!).

10. Panic sets in when you start thinking about your wedding day.

Of course, there are many, many more reasons! Ultimately, you DESERVE to not be stressed about your wedding. You DESERVE to enjoy your wedding day!  Let a planner handle all of your stresses-you deserve to have fun planning your wedding! (And to be as happy as the bride in all the lovely photos Alex takes!)

seriously ladies.
call her: 903.521.9050
email her: Taryn@EastTexasEventandCo.com
make it happen.