I can’t believe I have waited this long to do this blog post. The last half of 2014 was a bit of a blur, but most likely I thought I had already done the post because I have used these images so many other places. Rachel is a stunning girl, and I had the pleasure of shooting her engagements, bridals and wedding as well as some blog photos for her and an extended family portrait for her mom… so needless to say she is one of my favorites. She chose the Audubon center for her session which was the perfect compliment to her modern and yet romantic style. I am so crazy about these images! It is one of my favorite sessions of my career and I am thrilled to have my favorites from this shoot in one place to share with you.
ASHLEY AND TREVOR’S DREAMY BEACH WEDDING
Ashley and Trevor are one of those couples who are so easy around one another, so affectionate and sweet, so obviously in love… that just being around them makes you smile. It was such a joy for Celeste and I to travel to Cancun to photograph their wedding day at the lovely Fiesta Americana Condesa Resort. Both Ashley and Trevor’s families are such warm, kind, fun people and there was so much love all around that we all just rode the wave of happiness. The light and the colors of a beach wedding are so exquisite, so bright and fresh and vibrant. The colors Ashley chose and her lovely, lacey empire waist gown and foot jewelry were perfect. And as they always say… a picture… or in this case a whole bunch of pictures… of all this loveliness, are worth a thousand words.
Girls are not the only ones who primp before the ceremony… over in the guy’s room there was some serious tie tying going on… also, notice the cool cuff links the guys wore!
Ashley did a first look in her dress with her Dad… which is always so sweet…
And then it was time to go down to the beach… where Ashley and Trevor’s life as husband and wife would begin by the ocean…
This was truly one of the sweetest ceremonies I have ever witnessed… so genuine and full of love…
Along with the shots of the girls preparing for the day… my favorite shots from any wedding are the romantic shots of the couple… and these are truly some of my favorites of all time…
Once the vows had been said and the kiss had occurred, everyone was ready to celebrate. There was a gorgeous reception set up on a veranda overlooking the beach, with the most beautiful flowers and linens. Notice the adorable cake topper from Etsy that says “To the moon and back,” which was one of my favorite details… and the couple had provided colored wayfarer sunglasses for every guest. As it turned out, umbrella’s might have been in order. As nature often does, a summer rain came through and tried to dampen everyone’s spirits… but this group’s spirit couldn’t be dampened. Even though it was necessary to move the party indoors Ashley and Trevor rolled with it with such grace and good humor… and everyone had a wonderful evening.
One of the best parts of any wedding reception is the dancing… and this group certainly knows how to hit the dance floor!
What a perfect wedding day… the rain didn’t even put a dent in Ashley and Trevor’s joy and they enjoyed every moment of their day. What an honor to be there to capture it for them… we wish you and your families every joy!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Mexico / Wedding coordination: Timeless Elegance Weddings, with Kim Kenney / Florals and Decor: Timeless Fiori / Videographer: Brian Gaffner / Dresses: Stardust Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Jewelry: Nordstrom / Save the Dates: Paper Planet / Details: Etsy / Photography: Tamytha Cameron Photography
RACHEL AND BEN’S ROMANTIC JUNE WEDDING
Rachel and Ben tied the knot in a lovely June ceremony at Marie Gabrielle in downtown Dallas under a beautiful canopy of trees. Every detail was the epitome of style and down-to-earth prettiness… words aren’t really sufficient. Rachel was certainly one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever seen and Ben made such a handsome groom. Surrounded by family and friends it was more than evident that as the adorable card on each chair said, “true love is a big deal.” This couple met at Texas Tech and it wasn’t long before Ben knew that Rachel was the one for him. They are so sweet and easy together and it’s a joy to watch, and if anyone near them might have lost hope in true love… odds are they will make you believe again. The group dressed for the big day at the Stoneleigh Hotel, a gorgeous 1923 Art Deco building which was the perfect backdrop for the photos of one of my favorite parts of the day. I have to say that I have shot quite a few wedding dresses, but this dress shot is my favorite one to date.
The girls definitely weren’t the only ones putting on their finest. Over in the guys’s space the proper way to tie a bow tie was proving to be a bit of a challenge. Notice the monogrammed bow ties that each groomsman is wearing… these are the kind of details that make a wedding so special. There is something very ceremonial about the putting on of the wedding dress… and something so nurturing about the way women come together to care for one another at these times…
The gray bridesmaid dresses that Rachel chose from BHLDN are so ethereal, and perfectly complement her Vera Wang dress that she had altered to her specifications.
I am always jazzed about shooting outdoor ceremonies, being an outdoor enthusiast myself, and this one did not disappoint. Details like the eucalyptus, fern and jasmine chandelier that hung above Rachel and Ben when they said their vows, the sprigs of lavender tied to the aisle chairs, and the soft guitar music playing in the background were so lovely and created the perfect serene environment for a wedding. There are few things prettier than crisp white chairs in a green space. All the stationary for the wedding set the tone for the day and the cards and fans on the chairs added just the right personal touch.
The stage was well and truly set for two people to join their lives together before witnesses…
After the exchange of vows and an amazing kiss, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor stole away to cool off before the group shots…
And then the time had come for food and conviviality held in Marie Gabrielle’s beautiful space… everyone just basked in the love that was overflowing, and I think it’s safe to say that a wonderful time was had by all.
And of course there was dancing… and more dancing. If you want to know the truth of someone’s heart, watch them when they are dancing.
As exits go, this one was spectacular… sparklers and smiles all around as Rachel and Ben headed off to Italy. Really… it couldn’t have been more perfect. Bella… absolutely bella. We wish you every joy!
Lighting: Astounding Sounds / Music: The Revolvers / Flowers & Centerpieces: Kate Foley Designs / “Guest book” painting: Custom, Simone (New Orleans) / Hair & Makeup: Fairy Godmother Bridal & Kate Rodriguez of The Rodriguez Salon / Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN / Bridesmaid Earrings: Stella & Dot / Calligraphy (invitations & seating chart): Nicole Black of The Left Handed Calligrapher / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Marie Gabrielle / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang w/ custom alterations / Bride’s Earrings: Gurhan from Ylang23 / Bride’s Shoes: Givenchy / Cakes: Frosted Art / Programs, Sparkler Sleeves & Matchbooks: Sue Corral from Design Corral (online) / Small Business Cards w/ App info: DIY using Makr app / Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes: Culwell and Sons / Groom & Groomsmen Custom Bow Ties: Great Knots (online @greatknots.com) / Bride & Bridesmaids Robes: Gap Body / Hotel: The Stoneleigh / Wedding Planner: Amanda Connolly from After Yes / Photography: Tamytha Cameron Photography
ASHLEY’S ROMANTIC BRIDALS AT THE CRESCENT HOTEL
Celeste and I have known Ashley for many years, as Celeste and Ashley were in the same class in school. She and her lovely mom Julie are friends and so it was a special honor to be asked to be Ashley and Trevor’s wedding photographers, to accompany them to their destination wedding in CanCun. We just returned from their absolutely gorgeous wedding and as beautiful as the scenery was I have to say that the people were even more beautiful. These images are from her bridal session, shot some time ago at the Crescent Hotel here in Dallas. Ashley has such a sweet spirit about her and it shows through these images. She is just as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside! The classic elegance of the Crescent made the perfect backdrop for Ashley and her romantic Grecian inspired gown.
I think almost every girl has a twirling instinct… especially in a romantic gown… and Ashley is no exception!
We had such a good time on this shoot and Ashley is so wonderful to photograph and so willing to be fully present in the midst of the process… something tells me that being a bride agrees with her.
The wonderful thing about the Crescent is all the nooks, hallways and lovely outdoor groomed garden spots that perfectly compliment the spirit of bride… and Ashley really shone in this environment…
There are few things in life lovelier than a woman in love… than a bride… and I am quite certain that Trevor is going to cherish these images of Ashley for years to come. He is one lucky man.
BECCA AND GREG’S LOVELY FEBRUARY WEDDING
Becca and Greg are one of those couples who have eyes only for each other. They are so sweet and romantic together that it almost feels like you are intruding when you are photographing them at close range. I had never met Greg before I shot their engagements, but when I observed how this quiet young man treated Becca and the way he looked at her, I formed a great respect for him very quickly. They had their February wedding at the chapel at Prestonwood Baptist Church, which was very appropriate as they both went to Prestonwood Christian Academy and met and dated there for many years. Their lovely and love filled reception was held at Gleneagles Country club.
We always love photographing the girls getting ready for the day… there is something about the way women tend one another that is just so beautiful… the way Becca’s bridesmaids, her sister, future sister-in-laws, and friends help her dress is the perfect picture of female friendship. Women are so nurturing… and I love capturing it with my camera. Also… we must pay homage to Becca’s beautiful shoes!
Not every couple chooses to do a first look, but Becca and Greg did. Becca told us that she wouldn’t be easy about her day until she had seen Greg, and that once she did, her day would be made. This was such a beautiful and private moment that it almost seemed a sacrilege to be there…
The Ceremony was beautiful and meaningful and one charming detail is that right as Becca moved up the stairs to join Greg she lost her shoe… and it pretty much stayed off until the end of the ceremony when Greg helped her back into it and down the stairs and back down the aisle. 🙂
After the I Do’s and the kiss everyone is pretty aflutter with excitement… and after hearty congratulations all around, it’s time for some group photos.
And now on to the reception… the softly candlelit room, the grand entrance by the couple, the first dance of the couple and the bride dancing with her father… and the long held tradition of the cake cutting. Notice that in addition to the beautiful bride’s cake, the groom’s cake honors Becca and Greg’s Alma Mater, Baylor University and the Baylor Bears.
Those of you familiar with our work know we love photographing the dancing at the reception… I mean who doesn’t love a good party?! It has to be said also that Greg’s mom is a pretty great dancer as the first two photos in this set attest… and the garter removal and toss had everyone laughing! Best of all the night ended with a rousing rendition of Don’t Stop Believin’ with everyone singing along!
Becca and Greg exited the reception in a cloud of bubbles and well wishes. It was an honor and a joy to capture your special day you two! Anniversary Shoot next February we hope!
Photography: Tamytha Cameron Photography | Flowers: A Man and a Woman Floral Design | Cake: Delicious Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Prestonwood Baptist Church Faith Chapel | Reception Venue: Gleneagles Country Club | DJ: Cameron Fox with iEntertainment | Makeup: Lauren Katz | Hair: Dry Bar Plano
ADRIENNE AND COLE AND BABY MAKES THREE
Adrienne and Cole are so wonderful together… so easy and loving and full of life. I had such a great time photographing this expectant couple and I am pretty crazy about these images. These two proud parents-to-be will be welcoming baby Jack in June… and It was the perfect time to document this joyful season in their lives with some photos. I have to say that I have rarely seen such a gorgeous and radiant mommy-to-be… and even the wind we fought with for most of the session only served to make her more beautiful.
Cole and Adrienne met on a blind date, set up by mutual friends… and it seems to me that things took off from there and are going pretty great wouldn’t you say? Adrienne says she remembers Cole wearing a jacket with his jeans and how she thought he was such a “grown up.” I just love that… since I remember what I wore to almost every past occasion even if I can’t remember anything else. Here they were telling me their story, mid-session of course… me with my pesky questions.
Cole was so attentive to Adrienne as we were navigating some hills and rocks, and it is always helpful to have a strong man around when getting into difficult spots… also when encountering unwelcome visitors outdoors like snakes! Yes that was a first for me… but Cole handled it and all was well. It makes sense that he is so gallant… gorgeous wives like Adrienne tend to bring it out in a man.
We went from this location near their home to an open green field… one of my favorite places to shoot… and it was a perfect setting for these two lovebirds. I mean have you ever seen a more gorgeous mommy-to-be? So stunning!
Cole is from Michigan and is a big Detroit Lions fan… so of course Baby Jack is already outfitted with appropriate fan gear… and their beautiful dog is just as excited about the arrival as everyone else… at least Cole and Adrienne hope so. 🙂
I just loved spending the afternoon with you two and I for one can’t wait to meet Baby Jack!
MERCEDES AND JASON’S GORGEOUS WEDDING AT THE LA CIMA CLUB
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
ELIZABETH & RAY AND LACEY AND SETH… STYLISH COUPLES SHOOT
Recently I had such a fun day with two wonderful couples… they are friends and needed some photos taken, so we made an afternoon of it down in the beautiful Turtle Creek area… and they both brought along important family members of the canine species… so much fun! You will absolutely love these images as these four look like they stepped out of a J Crew catalogue add. But even better than that, they radiate love for their spouses and they laugh readily, they are such genuine people. Elizabeth and Lacey have been friends for years having gone to school together. And I think it is such a fun idea to do this kind of combined couples shoot. I brought an inspiration board and we brainstormed together on each shot and they were so encouraging to one another. We had a ball! Elizabeth is the dark haired beauty and Lacey is the lovely blonde… and I think Ray and Seth are pretty lucky guys… don’t you?
One of the best things about this shoot was the great time we had with the inspiration board and the experience of good friends having fun together… I think these images, besides being stylish and full of fall gorgeousness, are also full of laughter, fun and good humored silliness…
The next series of images are some of my favorites… I just love the ones laying on the blankets as these four are such beautiful people… I think they are romantic and I’m pretty crazy about them.
I just loved working with these couples and I think their images make the perfect Christmas Eve post!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Elizabeth and Ray and Lacey and Seth and to all of you! xoxo
CRYSTAL AND DREW: SO HAPPY TOGETHER
Crystal and Drew McDonald are such a beautiful couple… and the way they are together is just so lovely… kind, sweet and romantic. I tend to ask clients a lot of questions… mainly because I love hearing their stories… and I feel like it helps us connect and helps me do a better job capturing their particular essence… their own light. Drew and Crystal have a very distinct light about them… as you can plainly see in these images. They met in Lubbock, where he spied her working in a bank… and made sure the next time he saw her he struck up a conversation. I mean really, who could blame him? He is undoubtedly a smart man. This assumption on my part was confirmed when I admired Crystal’s Kate Spade watch and she told me that Drew had looked at her Pinterest Board and found that she had pinned it and knew it would make the perfect gift… what did I tell you? Smart, smart man… I had also been admiring Crystal’s beautiful ring, which Drew also picked out.There’s nothing like a man with great taste who treats the woman in his life well. They have been married almost three years and this is their first photo session since their wedding. The way the camera loves these two… they are going to have to make this happen more than once every three years!
I just love this shot… these two are just striking together… a beautiful woman and a handsome guy… and a killer red nail color doesn’t hurt.
Drew was more than willing to get into the spirit of the shoot… also a very endearing quality… and the way they looked at each other just made these shots!
I have been wanting to so a shot like this for a while… but haven’t gotten around to it… and in a way I am glad because it’s just perfect for these two.
Crystal and Drew wanted to use one of these images for Christmas cards and I was inspired to tap into my non-existent crafty side and make them a MERRY CHRISTMAS banner for their shoot… and let me tell you folks, this may not happen again!
We were blessed for this shoot with a lovely cloudy day which tends to make colors pop… I’m pretty crazy about all this vibrant green. It is the perfect backdrop for these two.
I have a thing for green things… the outdoors… meandering pathways…and bridges. Obviously these two have a thing for each other.
I know it can be seen as somewhat cliche’… but I don’t care… I love trees. They are beautiful and solid and their roots run deep, and that is a perfect metaphor for Crystal and Drew who are so obviously happy together. I have only known these two for a short time, but I can tell that we are going to be friends. They are entrepreneurial as well as fun and work with a wonderful company called Carpet Tech. If you need cleaning or repair to any of your home’s carpet’s they are the ones to call. It is always wonderful to work with local businesses and with good people that come with the recommendation of a friend! They are the best kind of people… real.
I just loved getting to know you two! I had so much fun on this session and I hope you love these images as much as I do! I’m going to close this post wishing everyone a beautiful upcoming Christmas season… especially you two Drew and Crystal! xo
LINDSEY AND TRAVIS’S AMAZING WEDDING AT RANGER’S BALLPARK
Lindsey and Travis’s wedding at Ranger’s Ballpark was a real highlight for Celeste and I to shoot because everyone involved… both families… were so amazing and so much fun! There was so much happiness on the field that day that it enveloped us all. It was truly a wonderful, colorful, joyful celebration of love and the joining of two families… and of course we can’t forget the love of the game as well. Obviously the couple and their families are Ranger fans but they are also Cowboy fans. In fact I first met Lindsey’s family through a friend at a Cowboy’s game, and I am so glad I did because I wouldn’t have missed this for the world! This wonderful couple have been together for some time… and spent the better part of a year planning this wedding. You met Lindsey a couple weeks ago on the blog when I posted her bridals shot at the Gaylord Texan. Neither of the families are from Dallas, but live in West Texas, although they are here often for games. So what better place to have the wedding of their dreams.
One of my favorite images from the day is this one of Lindsey’s Dad Bryan’s face the first time he saw his little girl in her dress…
It is images like this that really do say more than a thousand words… as the old saying goes. Bryan is one of those dads that truly enjoyed every minute of his daughter’s wedding. I know that men show emotion in different ways, but he was just so joyful and in the moment all day, which is rare. Lindsey’s mom Amy is such a lovely lady and having met her before the wedding when we did the Bridals I know she was loving every minute as well. Lindsey is a twin, she is a redhead and her sister is a brunette… these girls are close and it shows. The family had another wedding just last year when Lindsey’s sister Chelsea got married, so it has been a season of celebration for this family.
Just look at the expressions on Lindsey, her Dad, Travis, and even the preacher, when Lindsey and her Dad took the field… beautiful.
Yes it was hot, I mean it was June in Texas, but the sun was shining and it couldn’t have been a more perfect afternoon to have a wedding. Family and friends were in the stands and the couple, the preacher, both sets of parents, the bridal party, a videographer and two photographers were on the field… and that field is just as green as you would imagine! We had very strict instructions as to where we could and could not step, as the Rangers are serious about their grass… and Celeste and I did our best, we really did.
After the ceremony Lindsey and Travis had a sweet moment alone together in the dugout, and then it is time to get those group shots, some romantic shots of the couple, and head to the party, which was being held in the Diamond Club there at the ballpark. Speaking of group shots… I haven’t mentioned Travis’s family and his Mom Christie and Dad John and his two brothers were so full of life! You will see them having a great time dancing at the reception!
And the celebration commenced!
The night ended with everyone smiling in a cloud of bubbles… Lindsey and Travis were off to Hawaii and everyone headed home from the Ballpark. You guys really know how to throw a wedding and we are thrilled you chose us as your photographers!