I can’t believe a whole year has gone by since this incredible wedding. Susan and Matt booked with me almost a year in advance and at their engagement session, I was so happy to see how easy they were to photograph, how joyful they looked in each other’s company and how at peace they looked while in an embrace.

At some weddings, I only spend about 6 hours at the event, and at other’s, like this one, I’m there for nearly the entire day. I remember preparing with extra water, pain meds and an extra pair of shoes for my long day ahead and I also remember the ice pack treatment I had when I got home, but this long day of work was SO WORTH IT.

We started out the morning at Hickory Street Annex where Susan and her 10 bridesmaids and mom were getting ready. I love, love, loved photographing her gorgeous bridal details. Her floor-length lace-trimmed veil paired with her Badgley Mischka shoes, Chloe perfume and pearl jewelry complemented each other so perfectly. She had a great mix of girlfriends who were super helpful with the getting ready shots and before we knew it, Susan was in her gown and it was time to get to the chapel.

Susan and Matt had an early afternoon ceremony at the stately Perkins Chapel on SMU’s campus. The sun was out on the warm mid-May Saturday and everything was in bloom. When we arrived, we set out for the bride and groom to have a private moment together without seeing each other. I LOVE the look on Susan’s face the moment she felt her groom’s hand in hers. Susan’s tearful vows were enough to make my eyes water from the back row, and the entire chapel all the way to the last pew was filled with people cheering when they made their way back down the aisle.

Luckily, we had some cloud coverage during the family portraits outside (seriously, everything went perfectly that day) and I was thrilled knowing that I had plenty of time for wedding party portraits and bride and groom portraits. Susan and Matt’s wedding gallery is overflowing with a variety of bride and groom portraits for three reasons: 1.) They allowed ample time for them 2.) They were so go-with-the-flow and trusted my suggestions 3) They allowed themselves to be unabashedly head over heels in love, camera be damned. Because of this, their wedding gallery has some of my most favorite portraits EVER. Several of them, really. Her brother and his wife stayed with us to help fluff her gown and veil so my second shooter and I both got to photograph, making for double the angles and time to pay attention to detail. And afterward, we still had time to get to the reception and photograph all of the details while the bride and groom enjoyed the end of cocktail hour with their guests.

At their reception, hearing the speeches and seeing them interact with their guests just made my heart melt. All day, they just looked SO happy, and that’s a beautiful thing to witness. It’s literally part of my job to watch all of these sweet moments unfold and capture them. So worth the months of planning, the nightly ice packs, the hours editing and getting up the next day for another wedding! :D I’m a lucky girl.

 

Vendor Love:

Planner: Jimmy Garcia

Makeup: Blushington Dallas

Florals: A Man and Woman Floral Design

Ceremony Venue: Perkins Chapel

Reception Venue: Hickory Street Annex