OK. It’s time again for that killer blog series: My Favorite Part of A Wedding.

Today’s topic: Bouquet Toss

Ah, yes. That moment in every wedding, where single ladies either get way too excited about it or vomit at the shear thought of it.

Quick history lesson:
Tossing the bouquet is a tradition that stems from England. Women used to try to rip pieces of the bride’s dress and flowers in order to obtain some of her good luck. To escape from the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and run away.

First of all, this sounds AMAZING! More like this please.

Somehow, the toss has evolved into this thing that now guarantees that the lucky lady who catches it will be the next one married. Because you know… magic.

So even though it’s a bit corny, I do love this little moment when your girlfriends get a chance to go all Hunger Games during your reception.

I love when there are literally dozens of competitors.

I love when they stretch their arms like NFL wide receivers.

I love when the girl that does NOT catch it is more excited than the girl that does.

I love when the girl you think is going to catch it does not.

I love the taunting that is often performed by the victor.

I love when the girls trip over themselves trying to catch it.

I love it most of all, when a girl falls to the floor, and a bride is willing to meet her down there for their photo together.

I also love when a lady has so much swag and confidence, that she knows she can jump, hold her red solo cup in one hand, and snag the bouquet with the other.

But seriously. Here is the key that I have found after shooting hundreds of weddings: some people love it, some people don’t. But you know your girls better than most. If you think they will enjoy it, then by all means, go for it. If you know they hate the idea… punt it. Sure it’s your wedding, but these are your closest friends. The goal isn’t to embarrass or shame them because they haven’t found someone to file taxes with jointly.

And, sure it’s a glorious moment for the winning lady, but it’s not like catching your flowers actually empowers the girl with the ability to become the next one married.

Or does it?

Because you enjoyed this, I know you’ll want to see more in this series. Click here for more words and pretty pictures.

Hey hey, the people have spoken and here are the winners for this years contests.

Engagement: Natelee & Josh. There is something super timeless and perfect about a couple hugging while the dude makes his girl giggle.

Rings: Melanie & Aaron used these drinks during their ceremony. I’m glad their ring photo was able to include them as well.

Brides: Liz braved the stupid hot afternoon June heat for her bridal session. It was worth it. (Right Liz?)

Random: I LOVE this shot of the bride’s sisters and mom documenting their day.

Mug Machine: Hair makes the best prop.

Wedding: Breelyn & Tyson had the most perfect outdoor wedding ever. It’s only fair that their perfect outdoor photo win.

Each year it’s so hard for me to narrow down the categories and pick only 10 photos per section. This year I’m giving you a little peek behind the curtain at some of my other favorites that were not able to make the cut in wedding related categories.

Lots and lots of eye candy below. Enjoy.

Thanks to everyone who voted and a HUGE thanks to all my 2015 couples. You guys are super generous to allow me into your lives on these intimate days. You are the best.

It’s that time again. It’s time to look back at some of the best photos from 2015. Everyday we’ll be taking a look at a new category. Voting is open till 8am and the winners will be announced Monday. 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 theirday. Here are a few of my favorites form the past year.

1. Talia & Andrew (Stonegate Mansion)

2. Stephanie & Max (Lake Tyler Petroleum Club)

3. Breelyn & Tyson (Chapel Creek Manor)

4. Katie & Trevor (THE SPRINGS Event Venue)

5. Kallie & Chase (Pecan Springs Ranch)

6. Shelby & Damon (The Arbor)

7. Chelsea & Ryan (Stone Oak Ranch)

8. Melanie & Aaron (Le Beaux Chateau)

9. Chasity & Adam (The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)

10. Heather & Austin (Castle on the Lake)

It’s that time again. It’s time to look back at some of the best photos from 2015. Everyday we’ll be taking a look at a new category. Voting is open till 8am and the winners will be announced Monday. The winning entries will each receive a 16×20 print.

Today’s category: Random

Sometimes it’s the unexpected moment that stand out the most to me from a wedding day. The things you don’t plan for, the tiny details that bubble up to the surface and make your day that much more unique. Here are a few of my favorites form this past year.

1. Decisions
EVERY bride makes odd faces on her wedding day. It’s just part of having 1 million decisions to make. Talia’s was my favorite. She’s such a strong decision maker and always knew what she wanted along the way, that this little moment just made my day.

2. Creeper
That super tender moment after you just were joined in holy matrimony when it’s just the two of you… and that creeper in the corner.

3. Ladies Man
Already killing it on the dance floor.

4. Change
Any bridesmaid who can change a diaper when he girl is wearing THAT should win an award.

5. Details
Kelsey’s father had overseen the construction of the new sanctuary. The completion came down to the day of her wedding. I love that everything was so new and last minute that they forgot to take the stickers of the windows.

6. Nap
Sometimes your brides run your bridesmaids ragged.

7. Savior
I had noticed the cake leaning earlier in the day. During the reception I was looking at it and actually saw it falling over. I ran 20 feet across the room, grabbed the ring bearer’s pillow along the way and caught it before it toppled over. Thus saving the wedding, their marriage, and all of humanity.

8. Ink
Best garter shot ever?

9. Faces
Getting married is a serious commitment. You’re still allowed to be silly though.

10. Selfie
Wedding selfies are great. Wedding selfies with your face full of food are even better.

It’s that time again. It’s time to look back at some of the best photos from 2015. Everyday we’ll be taking a look at a new category. Voting is open till 8am and the winners will be announced Monday. The winning entries will each receive a 16×20 print.

Today’s category: Wedding Rings

I love trying to capture what is unique about a couple and work that into a photo of their wedding rings. Here are some of my favorites from this past year.

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

1. Glass

2. Jenga

3. Cork

4. Bling

5. Engaged

6. Horn

7. Caps

8. Mickey Mouse

9. Fight

10. Cards