I thought today was the perfect time to celebrate Jen and Bobby and revisit their absolutely lovely November 21st Wedding, because today is their anniversary! These two joined their lives and their families two years ago today and I can honestly say that it was one of the sweetest weddings I have been privileged to photograph. They said I do in their beautiful home surrounded by their children and their friends and loved ones and had their reception at Magnolia Terrace in Frisco. I’m pretty sure everyone there felt their joy. I just love the images of them dancing… they are so full of life! I’m going to let the images tell the story, the story of the best and the sweetest day for Jen and Bobby. These two have definitely got it going on!
MEGAN AND BRENDAN’S STUNNING WEDDING AT THE MILESTONE
There are few things in life sweeter than a wedding… especially a wedding with a gorgeous bride and groom who are so obviously in love and meant for one another. Megan and Brendan have that special something, and it’s more than evident in the way they look at one another. They said I do at the lovely Milestone mansion in Aubrey, Texas. Their close-knit group of friends were gathered around them as well as many loving friends. One of the best parts of the day was the choreographed dance the groom and his groomsmen surprised the bride with… so much fun! Some other things to look for as the images tell the story… the bride’s pretty bouquet in tones of claret and pale pink, the cutest flower girl you could imagine, and the groomsmen and their superhero socks. Megan and Brendan are both teachers, both clearly beautiful people, and on top of that are two of the kindest people I know… truly a match made in heaven.
COURTNEY AND KEITH’S ROMANTIC DECEMBER WEDDING
Courtney and Keith are such wonderful people… warm, real, intelligent and very obviously in love. The first time I met them at Starbucks to talk wedding photography I knew I liked them. It was such a joy and honor to work with them through the engagement, bridal and wedding photography process… and even though Keith shared with me that he never really liked having his photo taken, you would certainly never know it, as he was a natural in front of my camera. Their ceremony was held at the lovely Perkins Chapel on the SMU campus and their reception at the beautiful Meadows Museum. I had so much fun with the family and friends surrounding this couple on their special day… so much connection and love was swirling about on this December day… and it was just wonderful to be a part of it.
The girls got ready for the ceremony at the chic Highland hotel and then made their way to the dressing area at Perkins Chapel, and as usual, these photos are some of my favorites… I am such a big fan of the camaraderie of women friends…
And just like that it was time for that once in a lifetime walk down the aisle… this couple did not do a first look so this was Keith’s first glimpse of Courtney in her dress…
I just love how romantic these photos of Courtney and Keith are… so beautifully intimate…
And the celebration began…
With well wishes, hugs and fond farewells… the couple made their way into the night…
We wish you every happiness you two!!!
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
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
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
KYLE AND KATIE GET MARRIED!
Kyle and Katie are one of the most beautiful couples we have worked with, and that’s saying a lot, as all of our couples are pretty gorgeous! But as trite as it sometimes sounds, they are truly beautiful inside and out and are just such lovely people. We worked with them photographically every step of the way so we took engagement photos, bridal portraits and shot the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. So those of you who follow the blog have seen them in previous posts. They had a stunning July wedding at Perkins Chapel on the SMU campus and a downright lush reception at 333 1st Avenue featuring the most beautiful long banquet table we have ever seen! Denise Lentz and Scott Rubin of SMU Catering really outdid themselves with the food and Dallas Affairs created the sleek modern wedding cake. Lulu’s Bridal Boutique had the bride and the bridesmaids looking amazing, and the lovely flowers by My Secret Garden absolutely made the day. Once guests had arrived at the reception venue and had taken in the absolutely dreamy decor and consumed the delicious food the Walton Stout Band had everyone on the dance floor until the couple was ready to depart. So enough talking and on to the photos…
The guys had been at Kyle’s house having man time, toasting the day, hanging out, and playing some video games after a morning of Top Golf. The girls had all gotten makeup and hair done at the Lumen in a lovely room that seemed custom designed to compliment the wedding wardrobe. These pre-ceremony shots are always some of my very favorites… and usually Celeste stays with the guys and I stay with the girls. We all met back up at Perkins Chapel to finish the wedding preparations. One sweet moment that should be mentioned is when Katie read Kyle’s letter before the wedding… she spread it out for a photo and it was four pages long! I do love a man who has a way with words!
I love how excited Katie was before she walked down the aisle to Kyle and how emotional Kyle was to see her… I mean who doesn’t love that?!
Everyone present was so emotionally involved in this couple’s day, and there was a lot of celebrating going on when the ceremony was completed. The merriment carried on and we even had fun taking the requisite group photos.
Kyle and Katie’s reception was held at a fabulous loft space called 333 1st Avenue. You will notice in the images that the couple had a bit of alone time between the wedding and the reception at their own little Mr. and Mrs. table in a private space… respite and romance… what a combination. This is something Denise Lentz of SMU catering likes to do for her couples… so sweet! Celeste and I are still talking about this wedding… About the decor; that grand long banquet table and the classy white leather chaise the couple sat on at the head of the table, the intimate lighting, the modern and at the same time classic white space, and all the pink, white and gray delightfulness… the food; beautiful and delicious (we know because we had some) and homey touches like little warm chocolate chip cookies and milk to sustain the dancers after the reception had been rocking for a time… the band, Walton Stout, who had everybody singing and dancing… and most of all the people… such wonderful people. Katie and Kyle were the first bride and groom I have ever worked with who wanted to have a picture with me for their collection of wedding images. I really can’t tell you how much that meant to me. They are just that kind of people and I am honored to call them friends.
Cake cutting and champagne toasting and the removal of the garter are two of our favorite moments as photographers… and their cake was so exquisite it seemed a shame to cut it. And as far as the garter goes, Kyle knew just what to do.
We have been to quite a few receptions and this one was one of the best… everyone was having so much fun and the dancing… the dancing….
I think everyone hated for the evening to end… and after a roaring rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” with everyone circled and singing around the couple, everyone headed downstairs to form the exit pathway for the couple. They stayed upstairs and had their last dance alone… well alone except for the band and Celeste who caught it all on camera… but these two only had eyes for each other. In the end, in a shower of petals, the couple drove off into the night. What an enchanted evening!
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!
BERNICE AND KEVIN’S ROMANTIC EVENING WEDDING
Celeste and I first met Bernice and Kevin last November at a Starbuck’s on the referral of a photographer friend who had taken their engagement photos, but was going to be unable to do the wedding. I could tell right away that Kevin adored Bernice… and any man who knows how to treat a woman well is a good man indeed and deserving of respect. We talked about who they were as a couple, as I usually do with my couples, and it came into the conversation that something they shared was a love of extreme sports… skydiving being one. I thought that was fabulous! And although you couldn’t pry me from the door of a plane with the jaws of life… I do consider myself an adventurer at heart so I knew that I was going to get along great with this couple!
I blogged some time ago about Bernice’s beautiful bridals which we took in downtown Dallas, and if you would like to see those you can find them here on the blog. Bernice is a tall dark haired beauty and an absolute joy to photograph… and I love the way she calls Kevin “Amor.” Speaking of lovely ladies, I want to get started with the images Celeste and I took of the girls getting ready before the ceremony. They are aways some of my favorites because they are so intimate and joyful.
Their ceremony was held at Ashton Gardens on a cold December evening, with all of their family members by their side. There is a lot of love between these people… and by that I mean their entire families… and Bernice’s parents were evidently still very much in love… anyone would have thought that they were the bridal couple the way her dad looked at her mom. In fact one of my favorite photos from the day depicts one of those moments. The following photos were taken right before the ceremony, of Bernice and her brothers, of the bride taking in the moments before she takes that amazing walk down the aisle, of the bride’s dad practicing the lifting of the veil, of Kevin and his daughters, and the couple praying together around a corner so that the Kevin didn’t see Bernice before the ceremony.
It was a rare opportunity for us at this wedding to shoot from the altar, which we are rarely able to do. The bride’s father was the officiant at the ceremony making it even more meaningful… and there was truly a glow around everyone involved that night.
The reception was beautiful, and filled with laughter. The room was lit with chandeliers and candles, the food was delicious, and the photo booth was a hit… especially with Kevin’s adorable daughter!
Kevin and Bernice… I have feeling for you two the romance is going to go on and on.
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!