I love shooting bridal sessions, I really do. But I always get a bit nervous before each one as there is something almost sacred about the bridal gown, and being one of the first to see the bride in that once in a lifetime dress. It adds so much gravitas to the goal of getting it right… just right. It’s such an honor to be trusted with these kinds of memories, and I always imagine what these images will mean to the bride and groom, and the family that the two of them coming together create. Karina is a beautiful girl… and an absolutely stunning bride. The gown she chose is such a classic, and it will definitely stand the test of time. She is an veritable vision in lace. We chose two locations, the always lovely Warwick Melrose Hotel… and the adorable Dragon Park, which just radiates with romantic mystery.
JACQUELYN AND STEPHEN’S ELEGANT AND CLASSIC DALLAS WEDDING
I first met Jacquelyn and Stephen at their beautiful home… newly designed and built by the amazing Moore Design + Build team. In fact it was one of these gentlemen who referred me to Jacquelyn and I am so glad that he did. To say that they are a stunning couple would be an understatement, and they are charming and easy to talk to as well. We started talking and a couple hours later I knew that what this couple wanted were simple, elegant wedding photographs that would capture the day that was so important to them and their families.
They had planned an elegant ceremony and celebration of the joining of two lives for Saturday, May 18th, and there was so much love and respect between this couple and their entire families that my job was going to be a joy. From the evening of their rehearsal dinner at the Zodiac Room downtown I saw the love between Jacquelyn and Stephen and it was an honor as it always is to hear friends and family talk about the couple and how much they mean to them. The ceremony was held the next day at a beautiful Catholic Church with a gorgeous sanctuary.
Before we get to the actual ceremony however, I have to share some images that are among Celeste and I’s favorites… taken before the ceremony at the Maid of Honor’s apartment, Jacquelyn’s sister, Leah. By the way, talk about a truly beautiful family, Jacquelyn, her mom Tina Marie, and her sister Leah quite evidently share the same gorgeous genes… and these ladies are not just beautiful, but stylish as well… and as you will see they certainly know how to choose their dancing shoes.
Now on to their lovely ceremony…
The reception was actually the first to be held on the roof of the Wyly Theater in downtown Dallas. The Dallas skyline made a beautiful backdrop for what turned out to be a fabulous party. The Walton Stout Band had everyone on their feet and the energy and fun in the room were palpable! Dayme Mullins Walther, their amazing planner, had everything running as smoothly as silk and the catering by Wolfgang Puck Caterers was delicious. I’m going to let the images speak for themselves, but I will say that Celeste and I both agreed that their reception was one of the most fun we had ever attended. One of the absolute highlights of the evening was the dabke, a dance of Lebanese origin, that the bride was excellent at leading. Everyone joined in and had such a great time and it brought so much joy and energy to the reception! We watched the couple exit the theater at 1 AM to a shower of rose petals and I think I can safely say that a wonderful time was had by all!
My wish for you Jacquelyn and Stephen is that you will always be as happy as you were on this day!