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. :)

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 :)

I hope it’s ok, but I’m gonna show you some of the big piles of purple that La Tee Da Flowers brought to my last wedding.  Barbra & Thomas seem to outdo themselves every wedding I shoot with them.  I have no idea what half of these arrangements are called but I’m pretty sure if you give them a call they will explain every flower related wedding question you ever had. :)  Seriously, call them. 903-566-1566

Nikki & Jonathan had a great wedding at Jonathan’s parent’s house over the weekend.  Let’s jump right to the photos.

Actual Size. :)

Nikki is one of those girls who looks fantastic no matter what she is doing.  Including just staring out into space.

A few from their First Look

Barbra & Thomas from La Tee Da Flowers totally outdid themselves on this one.  I may come back a do a whole post just on the florals from this wedding later this week.



Wedding Cake “mis-hap”.
Thanks Nikki & Jonathan for the great day.  I’ll have some Mug Machine, SuperSquare, and wedding album goodness for you later this week so keep stalking the blog.

I had such a great time with Brandi & Nathan.  Here are a few of my favorites from their day.  Check back Friday for Mug Machine goodness.

I showed up about 5 hours before the wedding and La Tee Da Flowers had already been there, made everything purdy.  Brides, when picking a florist, make sure they arrive with plenty of time to spare.  I’ve worked with some who show up 1 hour before the ceremony.  (Not cool.)

First Look time.

Brandi’s son then crashed the First Look party.  (In a good way.)

Brandi’s son then crashed.  (In a good way.)

The reception went on FOR-EV-ER.  (In a good way.)

Brandi checking a song request with CMB DJs