Mercedes and Jason are a beautiful couple… I blogged their romantic engagement session, and Mercedes gorgeous bridals shot at the Melrose Hotel, and I think it’s high time I shared their wedding day. Their ceremony outdoors on a beautiful August afternoon with golden light and their chic reception with a Dallas skyline in the background were elegant and full of passion just like the couple themselves. Their families were so full of love on their day and it is evident when you look at the photos. I am not sure I have ever seen a bride exhibit such a full range of emotion in one day, from tears of joy to hilarious laughter… It was obvious she was overjoyed to be marrying the man of her dreams, and the way Jason looked at her would melt anyone’s heart.

There is something special about the time the bride and her girls spend getting ready… It’s always one of my favorite things to photograph about the day. It’s so lovely to see female friends supporting each other and fussing tenderly over each other… celebrating love and beauty… and friendship.

We started out at the Omni hotel and traveled from there a short distance to the La Cima Club. There we settled in for more congenial fussing over the bride…mother, daughter, sister, and friends all doing their part…and a lot of laughter. Of course the putting on of the wedding dress is a time honored tradition…and for good reason… it takes a village.

Mercedes and her Dad obviously have such a tender and loving relationship… I just love the look on his face when he sees his little girl as a bride for the first time.

While the girls were getting ready, the guys were having photos taken and looking very handsome. They were also up to some pre-ceremony shenanigans involving the Mustangs of Las Colinas that we won’t mention… and one industrious groomsman even had to sew on a button.

Mercedes and Jason’s ceremony was in such a lovely spot, by the water with full benefit of the golden afternoon light.

When the ceremony ended and the guests were headed in for the reception, it was the perfect time for some outdoor (and a few indoor) shots of the bride and groom, the families, and the wedding party.

This was one of the most joy filled receptions I have had the privilege of photographing… and on top of that it was so beautiful… the whole place seemed bathed in a golden glow…

As the festivities continue, pay special attention to the Father Daughter dance. It was terribly sweet and then this sassy duo broke into a Latin dance that should have been on Dancing with the Stars… so, so lovely… and so much fun!

What an amazing night! When I think back on Mercedes and Jason’s big day, I remember love, laughter, tenderness and a lot of joyful emotion… oh and dancing… lots and lots of dancing. The couple now reside in Florida and I am thinking that Celeste and I may have to take a trip some time in the future to revisit this couple with our cameras. Much love to you both! XO