the one where Karsi and Cole get married on Valentine's Day

I got a call on Monday about a wedding that Thursday. They were engaged and didn’t want to wait. So, why wait? Parents are all here in town, let’s do this! Karsi and Cole were married on Valentine’s Day. And I was the lucky girl that got to photograph it.

There’s something about “intimate weddings” that are quickly becoming my favorite. I think it’s the closeness of the people that are there and how the details of the day are not important. It’s the commitment, the love, the emotions. All my favorite things rolled into one day. I was so happy!

After the ceremony we spent a few extra minutes together just making some lovely images. They had allowed some time afterwards before they met with family and friends. I loved that! It doesn’t take much to make a lovely memory. Just some love and light.

Best wishes to Karsi and Cole! May your have a wonderful like together filled with TONS of laughter and love!

Kristin

Karsi got ready at her friend’s house. Hair and makeup and a quick dress change.

She had ordered the dress for a wedding later that year, so she wasn’t completely sure it was going to fit. No alterations, you see. There wasn’t any time!

But it did! I think I have a picture of every bride getting dressed grabbing her chest. LOL. In Karsi’s case, it’s a thing. No matter what the outfit. I was told she has a conversation with “the girls”. LOL

Well hello there pretty girl!

These two have grown up together. Good friends. Good enough that they practice good hygiene and proper leg moisture together. Way to go!

They chose their home church as their wedding ceremony location. Pastor Stacy Ward married the two and it was just them and their immediate family only. (And me of course.)

Karsi comes from a large family. This is her nephew and the only boy in his family. Super chill and such a little chunk! He was flirting with the bride before the “I do’s”.

The flowers were perfect. Pretty in pink and oh so lovely!

a little nerves are eased with a sweet joke by the pastor.

One of my favorite ceremony pictures ever! Normally, I’m pushed up against a wall, a baptismal font, perhaps a huge flower display. Not in this case. I stuck my camera on silent mode and clicked away, holding it above my head until I was sure I had something.

Cole was so sweet during the vows! Lots of love between these two!

One of my favorite ring shots EVER! YES!

The family in the hallway watching. On the left is Cole’s sister. On the right, Karsi’s.

More rings and vows were exchanged and said and then?

we pray. We prayed over these two and the room was quiet. I don’t remember what was said, I only know it was a beautiful moment. When you invite Jesus to your ceremony, you are starting out your married life right.

Some more laughter and they were pronounced husband and wife!

I LOVE how he held her face! I’m such a sucker for the first kiss!

lots of hugs and good wishes were waiting for these two in that hallway!

These two were definitely very happy and very loved!

If you are planning an intimate event wedding, click here to learn more about what I offer. It’s so important to have these images to remember your day!

the one where Kody + Lauren get married

Someone’s back from their honeymoon and it’s time to share the wedding photos!!! I’m so excited to share these. I’m so excited to share LOTS of photos of many weddings this summer, but I’m starting with this one. I know, out of order and I’m sure to piss someone off, but a girl who’s behind has got to jump in when she can and start swimming. I’m swimming.

Lauren is family. Kalyn, my oldest and Lauren went to school together at Cooper when we moved the girls to public school. They attended St. Joseph for elementary. These two grew up together, played ball games together, went to prom and danced with boys together. And even though they attended different schools, they always stayed friends and for that, I’m very thankful. The Heinrichs are good people. Good family and I love them so.

Okay, on to the pictures! Because let’s face it, that’s all you really wanna see, right?

Lauren started her day off with breakfast. Her and the bridesmaids went to

Kody met the guys @ 4ore Golf for some laid back fun. I met them there for a while to see who the best golfer indeed was.

Lauren’s dress was simple elegance at it’s best. BEST I tell you!

When I quizzed Lauren way back, about the type of wedding she would wanted, all she could say was “dripping in romance, elegance and completely different” then what she had witnessed before. And she’s witnessed a few, let me tell you. So, when I walked into the bride’s suite at Kitalou, I saw the bouquets and knew she had nailed it. DONE! BRAVO!

and Lauren’s bouquet was AMAZEBALLS! I’m sorry! But just gorgeous! All you other bouquets can just quit because YOU’VE BEEN BEAT!

and can we just talk a minute about these shoes? I mean seriously!!!! Jessica Simpson never disappoints.

Suede and diamonds baby. Now there’s a name of a new country band. Or a great online boutique. LOL

Mommas were everywhere this day! Cari is on the left, with Shelley, Lauren’s momma on the right. I think they were discussing body parts or dancing. Not sure.

So much laughter this day!

This is study visually of how bridesmaids put on their heels. Comments?

why hello there, pretty bride.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Lauren and Kody were having a nuptial mass @ 5 PM at St. Elizabeth’s. We were worried all week about the rain and even though pictures at the church are great, she really wanted a natural element. This was the prefect stop. We were here once before for prom pictures. I think? Wait. Maybe that was Summer Zoe. Either way, it worked great! AND THE SUN SHINED THROUGH!!!!

Such lovely Heinrich Girls!

Once we scooted Lauren to the church, Kody showed up with his guys. They smelled soooooo good! Gosh! And looked so nice!

We then met his mom and dad at the church for some photos. Quick and easy and don’t make ‘em sweat. That’s my motto.

Kody had some downtime while guests arrived and I’m guessing he was discussing the mass. Who knows? What I do know is he has such a way with people and such a good listener, he makes you feel like you are the only one in the room when you are having a conversation. Great trait to have. I need to shut my mouth and listen more to folks.

Just DO IT. Too funny!

See! Gorgeous day!

THIS MOMENT!!!!

and from this point on the fun began! If you’ve ever been to mass, you know they can last a while and yes, when getting married, there are still vows, but you have some “down time”. Lauren LOVED her wedding! She talked to Kody during the downtime, waved at me a time or two and just enjoyed every second of it. LOVED watching her!

This little guy loved mass as well.

ring time, vow time…BAM!

MARRIED!!!!

We took a few quick portraits and then headed to Kitalou for the PARTY! And what a party it was!!!!

I’ve spoken about a Grand March before on this blog, but I’ve never photographed or witnessed one this large. Like in tunnel dancing large. It went on for well over 20 minutes and people were just loving it! Me? I got pinned a time or two like that Centipede game from the 80’s. HELLO! CRAZY! So much fun though!!!

Check it out!!! So many people!!!!

And then, it was dancing time…the two of them and then their parents. JUST AWESOME! Oh, and cool moment…

When Lauren danced with her dad, everyone sang!!! It was a song many folks know and they belted it out in their best celebratory voice. I loved it!

I’ll try and post the photograph that inspired this image. It’s missing eye black to be authentic, but the spirit still shines through.

I LOVE HER SO!!!!

They ended the evening with a dance just the two of them. Well, and me and some family. LOL

Congrats, you two! We love you madly and wish you LOTS of babies and LOVE in your futures!!!

I’m trying to add more details to my blog posts to help future couples dream about their days. Here’s some quick questions I asked Kody and Lauren.

What was the most memorable moment of your day?

Kody: seeing Lauren for the first time in her dress as she walked down the aisle with Burt. 

Any advice for future bride/grooms? The day goes by faster than you can imagine so try to take in as much as you can and have fun. 

Funniest moment of your day? Hearing from Burt that his sister and brother in law got a vehicle stuck while attempting to go to the Heinrich house and him pulling them out on a flat bed trailer. 

What were your songs? Our first dance was to Trains I’ve Missed by Walt Wilkins, For the father/daughter dance, High Cotton by Alabama and then for the mother/son dance, You Got A Friend In Me from Toy Story, by Randy Newman.

If you could do it all over again, would you change anything? No. Was a great day. 

Where did you go for your honeymoon? Lake Tahoe, NV (I hear there was a glider involved? If you run into them, ASK. Such a cool thing to do if you aren’t scared of heights. Yep. I is scared.

the one with the wedding of Renee + BJ

Renee and BJ are truly passionate people when it come to the following: church, family and each other. I first sat down with them earlier this year and they were planning for a September wedding. Fast forward a couple of months and I received a message asking me if I had time in June instead? Her dress was ready, they were ready, why not go ahead and get married in June? So, they did. And lucky for me I got to be a part of it.

Lately is seems everyone is getting married outdoors, in barns, fields, in wedding venues. Renee + BJ were adamant about receiving the sacrament of marriage for their wedding so their ceremony took place in church. When we first sat down to discuss wedding details, I could easily tell how much these two love their church!

BJ had plans that morning to get spiffy at his local barber shop, Trenscutterz. They h ave a cool street feel, almost like a car shop or pit stop. From the lighting to the hair blower, super cool.

Meanwhile, across town, Renee and her girls were hanging out getting gorgeous.

Renee’s dress was AMAZING! It was a full lace gown with gorgeous details and it could literraly stand up by itself the skirt was so full! It yielded such a classic feel.

and can we just pause this blog for a moment in honor of these KILLER shoes? Huh? Can we?

notice that manicure job on that ring finger? Why hello there! What are you waiting for?

The bride’s bouquet featured succulents and flowers. Renee had a cactus theme, beautiful types, in the details of the day.

Check her out. Okay, make up is done, but hair isn’t complete and she’s in a robe, yet? GORGEOUS!

The mood of the day was definitely happiness. Yep. These girls were happy!

BJ noticed the flags were not flying so he absolutely took time to make sure they were.

and then a bridesmaid showed up with a shoe for him to sign. How cool is that?

She’ll always have his love note on her shoe! They opted to to see each other before the ceremony.

This little ring bearer quickly stole my heart. Just look at that face!

I mean, seriously, Renee. YOU SLAY!

and then she read the note BJ wrote her on her shoe and totally messed up her eye makeup. Okay, not completely, but still!

They looked FANTASTIC with her dress!

Momma fighting back tears…

altar selfies, too cute! Hey guys! Where is this selfie? I wanna see!

She was waiting to see the bride in her dress! I think everyone was!

and then she appeared!

and BJ lost it a little bit. A guy that cries, gets my vote and heart, any time. LOVE!

from there, things went along nicely. We had some readings, a few prayers, a great homily from Father. Just a great wedding mass in general.

I love it when a priest lets me get close. The closer the better!

Now that they are married, let’s have a quick chat. Right? Cuties.

swooning over here as I look back on these images. Such a great wedding day!

a little breath spray and

a kiss!

I’m so happy for these two!

BJ threw his bride in his cop car and off they went to a reception!

Here girls have game. Attitude game.

One of my favorite shots of the day!!! Who am I kidding? I have too many favs to count.

So after a few more pictures of just the couple, we then went inside and celebrated with great food and dancing!!!

I’m composing this on my iPhone and the square space app on my iPhone kept screwing up.  The joys of technology, right?  

This wedding was one of my favorites this summer. Maybe it’s because I’m Catholic?  I truly love my church and the sacrament of marriage is a big deal to me. A blessing really that I love.   Maybe it’s because these two are expecting a baby?  It’s 6 months after their wedding and they are expecting a baby this year and that simply warms my heart.  Maybe it’s something simple, like those killer shoes. 😏

the one where Katy + Chris rehearse at FUMC

When I started photographing weddings, my goal was to photograph a wedding at FUMC.  It's a gorgeous downtown church with beautiful stained glass windows.  I felt that was the BEST wedding in Lubbock and I wanted to be the best.  Well, over the years of this gig, I've photographed dozens of weddings there.  

Then a change hit about 5 years ago and everyone started getting married in venue barns instead of church.  So, when Katy told me she planned on getting married at FUMC, I was THRILLED to be back indoors.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good "barn wedding" but air conditioning is always an issue and you know, there's something very charming about a girl getting married in the church she grew up in. 

AND, her reception is in a gin, so there!

Love Does,
Kristin

the one with Tatum + Callan getting married at St. Joseph's Church in Rhineland

These two give me ALL the feels!  Like ALL of them!!!  This is Tatum and Callan and their wedding was so much fun, filled with dancing and the BEST wedding food, I've most likely ever had.  And please believe me.  I've had TONS of wedding food!  Expensive wedding food, cheap wedding food, no wedding food, different wedding food than the guests, etc.  You get the picture!  I've had it all!  And if you've seen me and looked at my belly, then you know I LOVE TO EAT!  Take my word for it, Rhineland's wedding food is the BEST!  

Okay, on to the pictures! 

Tatum's gorgeous ring! I try and photograph these during the bridal prep time. You know for insurance purposes should you lose it or just because I adore diamonds! I like photographing weddings for all the emotional feelings, but golly, I REALLY love photographing diamonds!

This is Haley, who's wedding I photographed last summer. And who is so much fun I want to quit my job and just hang out with her all day. ALL DAY.

Ring lights are the best. I wish I could walk around with one in front of me all day. I love them so.

Does anyone else want a ring light? Ring lights are the best. I wish I could walk around with one in front of me all day. I love them so.

See, now don't you wanna join me in my "quit my job" idea? She's this fun all the time!

Hello, pretty shoes! I couldn't decide if I should keep them in color or black and white...hmm...

But they are seriously so dang pretty. This is what you call a "sexy shoe".

and once I saw the dress...I knew why those shoes were so S E X Y

HELLO!

Check out this dress!!!!

So much stunning detail in this piece. I can’t remember the name, but it was divine! I highly approved. It wouldn’t work for every body type, but girls, you know how to dress yourselves to look good, so choose a gown that flatters YOU. This is exactly what Tatum did.

Since the wedding and reception were on the same property, I snuck over and checked it out while the girls were getting ready. It’s a church gym/activity center and girl, this place was dressed up and ready for a party!

But back to that ring light…

I’m not sure who was doing hair and makeup, as I’m horrible at networking with folks, but they were very good. So good that many of the girls who are pros at makeup, would allow this team to do theirs. They highly recommended them. I’ll see if I can’t get their contact info from Tatum and include it here later.

The flower girl was enthralled at everything that was going on. She was getting her makeup done as well and very excited to be a part of the day.

She kept watching and studying everything around her. And I was in love with her sweet pink toes!

The dress detail and the hair detail were just inspiring me to take more and more photos.

I hardly wear any makeup in real life, but I’m seriously in love with it. LOOK at all these brushes! So much fun watching this creation. I follow a few you tube makeup people just because it’s so dang cool.

When the boys arrived, we were already 1/2 way through our day. I swear guys have it so easy on wedding day. Just make sure you shower and grab your stuff, right?

I know you’ve seen these robes before. Flowers on a pretty robe for the girls to wear before hand. YES. I get it. It’s been done. But come on! They are so pretty and everyone feels pretty in them. So who cares if it’s been done before, it works. I like it. I approve. BRAVO, Tatum!

These two hand wrote letters to each other and then read them before the ceremony. They opted not to do a first look, so the only pictures before hand that I would call “camera aware” were of the bridal parties. Nothing with the bride and groom. But these two? Definitely thinking about each other. I mean, I respected their privacy and all, but those letters? The small part I read? Super good. I hope they keep them and treasure them forever. I wish I had done this with Devin. LOVE!

I mean, seriously…how pretty are these girls?!?!

Tatum was simply chilling enjoying the conversation and waiting for her time to shine.

Momma and the dress. Now this is important. Sometimes. Every bride is different. But I think, as a mom of two daughters, that I would definitely want to be there when my girl’s get dressed. There’s a transformation that takes place once that gown is put on. I mean, you just feel different, look different and it’s more real. Like HELLO! Baby girl is getting married!!!

THESE SHOES!!!!

Haley, her SIL helped her with her shoes and had to let her ring shine along with all that gorgeous BLING!

And Mr. Callan? Yeah, you are turning out super fine. Just sayin…

These two celebrated a full Catholic Wedding Mass.

As she was waiting for the church to fill, and fill it did indeed, Tatum waited in the crying room. A few nerves, a few laughs…

The friends and family that these two humans had involved with their wedding were just AMAZING! So much fun and so much love!

And this church? My home church is St. Joseph in Slaton. I’m Catholic as well. And I’ve always loved weddings in a church. Don’t get me wrong, the wedding venues are gorgeous and great location for many folks. I like the variety in choosing a wedding location these days, but I was married in my church, so when I get to document a hometown church wedding, I instantly feel at home and happy.

That glass though. HELLO!

No, Callan was NOT bending down to catch his bride…

this sweetie had a long walk and needed a friendly face. Too precious!

When it came Tatum’s turn to walk the walk, all eyes were on this groom. How would he react? Would he cry?

He held it together, but I’m pretty sure he was having trouble breathing. LOL

A quick glance at her girl posse.

They had a kneeler during mass and I loved the interaction between these two.

Just a gorgeous space for the sacrament of marriage. BRAVO!

I mean really? How cute are these two?!?!

Blessing the rings with Holy Water.

Not everyone was as entertained as I was.

That light pouring through the church windows was so enticing, I could hardly take my eyes off the crowd. This is Tatum’s mom and dad during the mass.

More cute moments with the couple.

The neat thing about a Catholic mass is time. Typically at a wedding, I have only 15-20 minutes and that’s a rush to get people in the crowd responding to what is going on around them. With a Catholic Mass, you have more time to capture those involved.

When he grabbed her face for the kiss…ALL THE FEELS!!!!

Yep. He’s feeling proud!

A quick walk about and back inside for Family Photos.

I could have photographed these two all day long, but we had a party to go to. A BIG Community PARTY to celebrate these two.

Let’s roll!

We started with the cakes. And it was so packed it took me a while to roll back there by them. This place was FILLED wall to wall with people and food and just merriment!

I used this photo as their gallery cover. I LOVE it!

Munday is a Catholic Community, a TEXAS Catholic Community with ties to Eastern Europe. I didn’t ask, but the Bufkins more then likely had relatives that came from there. Whatever the case, have you ever heard of a Grand March? From my research of photographing them, having one at my own wedding and dancing in them, it’s a way to KICK off a big celebration and get everyone on their feet and ready! And if everyone is on their feet, they can then move the table and chairs they were sitting at and make more room for dancing! LOL. Tatum and Callan had a Grand March at their reception and it was so much fun! Basically they end up in the middle at the end of this dance (and they play polka music) and then the circle around them, collapses on them, AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER until the couple starts their first dance. it’s crazy! It’s energetic! And it’s so much fun!!! I highly recommend it for those of you that are on the fence about having one at your wedding. SO MUCH FUN!!!

Here’s the collapse before the couple’s first dance. What did I tell you? INSANE!

I loved the lighting in the middle of the dance floor. Well done, decorating committee!!!

The moments between Tatum and her dad were so precious. I wonder what they talked about?

These two here? (Haley’s mom and step dad… Kamille and Steve) When you see them, hug them for me. They totally took care of Summer Zoe and I. We were so hungry and the food was going fast, they grabbed us some plates and saved us a couple of chairs. We were staying at the same house in town, but Summer and I left after the reception to head back home. We had plans with family the next day and wanted to dodge the deers on the way home to spend time with them. CRAZY! I know.

We danced well into the evening and part of the next day. NOT KIDDING. And I loved every second of it!!!

And I’m sure these two loved it as well. It sure looked like it by the photos I made with them.

We handed some folks some sparklers and prayed to God that they wouldn’t light us on fire, and cheered as the couple left the building.

Best wishes you two!!! May you have a long life filled with lots of celebrations and love!!!

Thanks for reading, folks.

Love does,
Kristin

the one with Courtney + Kristopher's wedding at Autumn Oaks

Warning:  I'm writing this blog post while listening to sappy wedding music.  So, it may be a bit sappy.  But none the less, HEARTFELT!

Courtney's baby sister, Tori Kay went to school with. my girls.  All the Kay girls are gorgeous blondes with a zest for life that is crazy infectious!  Laughter + LOVE are BIG in this family.  BIG.  I found myself right at home and loving every single moment of this gorgeous West Texas affair!  

Autumn Oaks is the place I have previously bragged about.  Well, their grass at least.  I love this space!  It's easy for a photographer to go barefoot and there's ample room to get all kinds of photos during the ceremony.  I like it when brides plan their weddings here.   Lubbock is really pulling out all stops in the wedding game in the last couple of years, don't you think?

Lots of love and work went into this wedding, from all family and friends,  The attention to detail was AMAZEBALLS!  So much thought was behind so many things.  For example, many weddings have a space of honor for family and friends that have passed.  Courtney + Kristopher had a table with frames and trinkets, but each frame was hand-picked according to the person of honor and the trinket as well.  It was so cool!  And I mean, I seriously can't quit thinking about those strawberries that were yes, covered in chocolate.  Typical I know, but NO.  Not the Kay Wedding, the strawberries had mini-chips on top of them!!!  TO DIE FOR should have been their hashtag for life.  Just saying.

Best Wishes to these two for a long and happy life together.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such cool humans and so much fun to work with.  I loved every minute of it!!

Love Does,
Kristin

PS. Scroll down for picture commentary because I'm "feeling it" today.  

The Dress

Courtney wanted a dress like a princess and boy did she deliver! So, so pretty!

I’m a sucker for layers and texture and this dress delivered!

Skies only West Texas can offer baby! LOVE! Momma and bride had to check out the ceremony site. Decorating had just begun.

Kylee Martin, (I’m sorry I don’t know your married name!) did the makeup and was fabulous! I watched her play ball and knew she could dribble, but contour? Yep. She’s good!

THIS! Laughter and tears all day! I love weddings where people are being REAL.

Gorgeous blonde hair!!!

It’s amazing how many things look fabulous on a gold charger plate.

The guys arrived a bit later and once I met his momma I realized that she was REAL as well. Hugs for her boy!

Courtney + Kris did not see each other before the ceremony, however they did send each other notes. So, so sweet! Most guys don’t react much, but here’s one of Kris “being REAL” even though there’s men in the room. Gotta love that!

Real dads are HEROS.

BOOM! These dresses!

Thank you Summer Zoe for your mono-pod action!

After a few minutes of gorgeous lit photos, we popped inside to start an AWESOME party!

Um, see! Those strawberries I was talking about? YES!!!

LOVE all the faces in these photos. So much family and hugs for everyone! Courtney’s grandma was there and not in the best of health, but definitely in the best of care. Lots of love was surrounding this woman!

When the toasting started, I was stuck on the floor. I always get myself in the weirdest positions. But it proved to be a good space to get all the action.

Sisters give the best speeches!

When your dress is a princess dress, it makes for the BEST dancing pictures!!!

Work it!

and no wedding reception is complete unless someone is flipping their mane!!! HELLO! LOVE!

Can’t you just feel the fun we were having?

Sparkler send off and BAM! Kiss you man and go away!

and they lived happily ever after!

the one where Jake + Ashton get married

Sometimes there's a wedding or event in my life that I don't want to share on my blog.  I want to keep it to myself and languish in it.  Just let it sit and be a part of me instead of a part of  my world.  Jake + Ashton's wedding was just that.  It was a weekend where life slowed down, for me anyway, and I got to just be in the sunshine with good people loving each other.  

A little back story.  

Ashton's mom + dad are old friend's of ours.  Devin, my hubby and Shawn, Ashton's dad, played softball together.  For years.  Or for long enough to win a city championship.  My hubby still has the t-shirts to prove it!  When Raquel called to let me know her baby was engaged, I was so happy.  It was a milestone that I knew someday would happen in my life.  They were raising girls, Devin and I are raising girls.  And we hope and dream and wish for them.

When the wedding rolled around, I was so happy for them!  Both sides of all the families where there to celebrate and be together!  It was awesome!  Add to that the sunshine and me being in a new space, well, I made some pretty pictures with these people.  And I was sad to say goodbye.

Much love to Florida and my lovely friends there...

the one where Kati + Kirk get married at Cotton Creek Barn in New Home

Christmas came and went like a BEAST!  I had sessions up until the day before and did I tell you?  We are redoing our farm house.  Coming down to the end stuff and it's getting intense.  So, blogging a wedding is a wonderful distraction for me, you know while watching football.  I'm literally sitting in the floor of my rental house watching Minnesota play Philadelphia play for the NFC Championship.  Philly is looking good.  

This is Kati + Kirk.  Kirk is a bull fighter and Kati is a teacher.  They are totally smitten with each other and it shows every-time they touch or look at each other.  It's so sweet.  Kati's dad was a police officer.  He was killed in the line of duty when she was little.  Her dad's friends made the trip from Houston and they were her "something blue".  You'll see a photo below of one of the ring bearers carrying a sign with "her something blue" on it.  Too cute!  The officers even danced with the bride during the reception in place of her father.  Pretty neat, if you ask me.  

Kirk's family is down-home country, even herding some pigs the morning of the wedding and fixing a fence.  When you have animals, crops, farms...there's no vacation days.  Even on weddings.  Even on your son's wedding!  Mom was letting sleeve hems out of groom's jackets and resewing them up so everyone looked their best.  Yeah.  She's good.

The wedding was held at Cotton Creek in New Home.  Plenty of little nooks and crannies to photograph around.  Such a lovely rustic feel.  I do wish they would install some lights down by that north barn door where everyone chooses to get married.  It would spot light the bride and groom in such a sweet way.  Sure, I can shoot anything and make it work, but golly it would be nice if the bride and groom were the BRIGHTEST thing in the room.  Are you reading this Cotton Creek?  I mean to a photographer, LIGHTING IS EVERYTHING.  We crave it, chase it, create it.  

These two did have the cutest little people at their wedding.  That's what I fondly call flower girls and ring bearers.  These two were so adorable!  Completely adorable!   Be sure and find their picture below in my sneak peek.  

Enjoy!

Kristin 

the one where Taylor + Tyler get married at Kitalou Gin

I think I've blogged this wedding before.  In fact I know I have.  Kitalou Gin, which is where this wedding took place, needed images for promotional purposes so I rushed the sneak peek to get them a few to show their adoring fans.  But I don't like the rush.  I like to sift through the memories of that day and pull out the little nuggets that I think tell a great story.  To have the pictures tell the store. I fall short over and over again.  When I'm going through the editing process I see missed opportunities  where i was second off, maybe in the wrong place, didn't let a scene sit a few seconds longer.  And then there are times where I get so many great moments that I have trouble narrowing down what I want to share.  I think that's the case with this wedding.  I've known the fabulous Hurst family for ages.  They've raised two beautiful daughters who bring so much joy into so many people's lives.  They are "good people", the kind of people you are proud to know and love.

Taylor and Tyler, I wish you an enternity of happiness and joy and please, pretty please, have tons of babies for all of us that love you, to love on.  

Love Does,
Kristin  

I was able to make the rehearsal the night before.  We quickly realized that as pretty as the lighting was in this space, we would need to block some of it from burning out eyeballs. This is why you rehearse.  

 

Gotta love a cowboy in a hat.  

 

The next day was WINDY.  Lots of walking back and forth between the seed barn and bridal suite.  

 

Poppin' bottle can be tricky.

 

I'm not sure I had seen anything like it.  Taylor's dress WAS such a pretty gown.  The brocade so pretty and had such a heavy drape to it, 

 

the one with a wedding at Kitlou Gin in Idalou

I recently photographed a wedding out at Kitalou Gin.  It's a new wedding venue out in Idalou and a few weeks before the wedding, we scouted the place to see about photographing her bridal session there.  This photo above was taken during that time.  This photo below was taken about 2 weeks later a few minutes before the "I do'".  HELLO!  Talk about a transformation!  

Taylor +. Tyler were married here in this space.  They placed church pews in the first row for the family to sit close by.  That same family was filled with tears as they said their vows under a lovely chandelier.  They broke bread together, prayed together and then after their first kiss, walked back down the aisle as husband and wife.  What a day!

I'm only sharing a few here right now.  I have several more weddings to blog as well as this one.  I just wanted to share the transformation and a few special photos of this couple's special day.  

Congratulations!

Kristin

the one where Taylor + Tyler rehearse

She's getting married tomorrow!  I have no time to write kind words right now.  I'll have to write them tomorrow when I share her wedding images.  But I'm so dang excited about tomorrow!

Love Does,
Kristin

the one where Rachel + Taylor get married at the Apple Orchard

Rachel and Taylor were married this summer at The Orchard outside of Idalou.  It was a very hot day so with an outdoor ceremony...well, you know how that is in West Texas.  MISERABLE.  But this day?  Nope.  This day, even though the sweat was dripping down my body in places I had forgotten about, this day was superb.  SUPER with a B folks!  Rachel and Taylor are loved by so many people, and good people too.  I mean, I didn't FBI check them or anything, but I love people who are real and who look you in the eye when you are talking with them.  People who don't have a pretentious bone in their body and make you feel like you've been friends with them forever.  THAT'S the kind of people Taylor and Rachel have.  

The toasts were heartfelt and so special and the celebration was perfect.  I so enjoyed myself.  It wasn't that hot, even.  I I mean it.  After the ceremony, the land cooled and we enjoyed ourselves.  WAIT...I almost forgot the most fun thing ever!!!!  The Hurrah!!!  Rachel and Taylor had a hurrah!  And the band that played?  AMAZEBALLS! They had folks coming up to them from the East Coast telling them how well they played that song.  They had to learn it just for this wedding reception.

I can't thank them enough for trusting me with this day.  I tried really hard to make pictures that would last forever and be timeless, not trendy and ones they would be proud to show future generations when they are asked, "Mom and Dad, tell us about your wedding day.  What was it like?"

Love Does,
Kristin