While shooting my past two engagement sessions both brides commented to me how they are tired and slightly overwhelmed by everything they have been reading on the wedding blogs the frequent.

One bride mentioned that she can’t wait for “a stamp to just be a stamp again.”  (Rather than something she has to pick out, plan colors for, order hundreds of, and stick on envelopes.)  The other said she can’t wait for her wedding to be over so she does not have to keep checking them. :)

I have never planned a big wedding and I’m sure these sites contain a wealth of knowledge.  There really are so many little things that go into a wedding that it’s nice to get advice from those who have been there before.  Having said that, let me give you one tip.

Stop reading wedding blogs.

Even this one.

Seriously.  Take a step back.  Just be engaged.  It’s supposed to be fun.

There is a season and time for everything.  There is a time to plan and a time to enjoy.  I know that planning can be enjoyable, but if you find yourself getting frustrated of overwhelmed by what you “should” be doing then maybe it’s time to take a little break.  Try this.  Take a week off.  For one whole week don’t visit a wedding related site for any reason.  If and only if the world continues to spin, feel free to check back in after 7 days. :)

Happy planning and I’ll see you tomorrow. :)

Castle on the Lake is one of my favorite venues in the area and it’s located just outside of Jacksonville, Tx.  I love when brides choose to get married at wedding venues because they are well… wedding venues.  They are built and put together to help your day go smoothly and their on site staff help take care of so many things you did not plan for or expect.  Here are a few shots of it as well as a new promo video Vanessa McKellar just put together for them.

One of the coolest things about Castle is their HUGE bridal suite.  This thing just blows away every other location.  If you have ever been a bridesmaid you know just how crowded these “prep” rooms can get.  Not the case with castle.  I shot a wedding with 10 bridesmaids getting ready in this room and there was still plenty of room for moms, aunts, and grandparents to come in and visit.  It’s awesome.

They have a couple of options for your ceremony.  One is a big a big tree.

The second is a cool rock wall they just built.

Finally, here is a video that Vanessa McKellar just shot.  Brittan is the bride you’ll see.  (La Tee Da Flowers did the flowers.)She’s also the owner and runs this place day in and day out.  She is super nice and will totally become your BFF as she helps you put together your wedding day.  Give her a call and get this placed booked! 903.721.3593.

Castle on the Lake
http://www.jacksonvillecastle.com/
903.721.3593.

Jess & Rob on the happiest day of their lives.

Jessica’s dad gave Rob this guitar as a wedding gift.  He was giddy as a school girl.

Mother & Father of the bride.

La Tee Da Flowers

I have no idea what happened here but I love it.

If you are wanting the Mug Machine at your wedding go here to find out more info.
If you don’t want the Mug Machine at your wedding you wedding probably is not cool enough. :)

Warning:  Lots and lots of photos.  Don’t start looking unless you want to end up jealous of Jessica, Rob, and their amazing little Elmwood Gardens wedding.

We’ll kick it off with a shot of her bouquet.  Barbara & Thomas from La Tee Da Flowers outdid themselves on this one.  I don’t know what any of these things are called, but together they look amazing.  (I kept telling Barbara that I was going to eat the “little tomatoes”

Jess surprised Rob with these cufflinks.  She had me print tiny photos of him and his father who has passed away.  When he saw them for the first time it was a pretty intense moment.

Some First Look magic.

Some First Look tears.

Jessica got her dress from Weddings AtoZ Bridal Boutique.  They are located in Tyler and some of the nicest dress people I know.


The cake was done by Crumbs & Crayons and the decorations by La Tee Da Flowers.

Rob likes pirates.


CMB DJs was there and Casey kept everyone on the dance floor.

If you look near the back of the group you’ll also see my friend and videographer Jeff Heimer.  I LOVE working with great videographers at weddings.  I’ve said it a million times, but I’ll say it again.  Get your wedding filmed by a professional.

I adore this shot.  It’s one of my favorite moments at weddings.  Right before they run out for their get-away is a time that couples connect again and have one last “moment” before the wedding ends.

Thank you two for your trust and excitement about having me photograph your wedding.
You were a blast to shoot and I still have hundreds of photos to show you. :)
(I’ve already seen them and they are pretty good.)

Check back Friday for some Mug Machine goodness.

This wedding was basically an explosion of happy people, pretty, flowers, and laughter.  I wanted to get something blogged yesterday, but my monitor broke and I just got a new one in so I’m only unleashing a few images. (With many more to come this week.)  I also loved getting to work with some of my favorite wedding vendors.  Many many thanks to Elmwood Gardens, La Tee Da Flowers, CMB DJs, JMH Pro Video, & Weddings AtoZ Bridal Boutique.

Here is one image from the wedding, their Mug Machine, & their Rock the Frock session.  Enjoy.