peek into One of my favorite north texas weddings

Okay, so all of the weddings I shoot are my favorite :) but, I have to take you on a journey into this fairytale of a wedding complete with a horse drawn carriage!


I remember driving onto the Bella Cavali property on a long paved road that takes you through a sea of green trees until it opens up and all you see are rolling fields and white barns. There are farm dogs who live on the property that greeted me as I exited my car; a little French Bulldog and in the distance a couple Great Pyrenees. Immediately I knew this was going to be one of my favorite venues!


As I made my way to the primary barn to find the bride, I noticed a few other friendly animals on site: camels, donkeys, and horses. I found the bride upstairs in the bridal suite and yet another dog! However, this dog belonged to the bride and groom. His name was Luca :)


I set my things down and like I do at every wedding, I got started on the detail shots. I LOVE detail shots and Cierra's details were so unique and colorful! I always recommend brides prepare a shoebox full of the details they want captured so when I arrive I can get started right away and we don't have to waste time searching for the items.

Some items to consider putting in your shoe box are: invitations, save the dates, jewelry, shoes, flowers/bouquets/petals, perfume, vow booklets, rings, ring box, groom shoes, groom watch, cologne, garter, etc.

A snapshot of the day


This wedding was complete with a first touch, first looks, a gift exchange, bridal party onesies, and more! One of my favorite parts of the day was the first look that Cierra did with Luca! I had seen this done in the past by another bride and I was so excited to be able to photograph this one for Cierra!


The day continued and guests started to arrive. It was April but it was already warm and for a photographer carrying all my gear on my person I was already sweating. I stopped by the bathroom to freshen up as I usually do during the lag time before the ceremony begins. Then I switched out my batteries before heading to the ceremony site. I prepped my settings for our location which had spotty light coming through the trees. It felt like we were in the woods of a Disney movie and even more so when Cierra arrived by a horse drawn carriage to the ceremony, like a real life princess! And the look on the Jake's face was priceless as he watched her walk down the aisle.

Bride and groom portraits


To this day the location for bride and groom portraits is my absolute FAVORITE spot to take sunset photos ever. When I say please take me back to this venue, I mean it!

Since Bella Cavalli is a somewhat expansive venue we took the golf cart to the location. Set between two white ranch fences with pastures on either side, our perfect 'golden hour' location was waiting. I could've spent the entire evening between these two white fences.

An evening to remember


After the newlywed portraits were finished we headed back into the main barn and the party started!! The bridesmaids were back in their onesies and each side of the wedding party came out dancing in competition. The bride and groom were next and you could feel the love in the room. It is so special as a photographer to be a part of that moment. Usually I get to know my couples a little bit from the start of the booking process, to their complimentary engagement session but, when I get to see them surrounded by the love and support of their family and friends it is a feeling I never forget. I know I'm just your photographer but, in this moment I am supporting you as much as your friends and family in that room.


The group danced the night away with glow sticks, ate cake, and celebrated the union of two people who love each other unconditionally! Cierra and Jake's day was one of my favorites! I even decided to leave with a souvenir and you'll never guess what it was... giant bruises on both of my shins after I tripped walking up the stairs to pack my bags! Embarrassingly picking myself up a guest asked if I was okay. I reassured him everything was fine as I hurried up the stairs. Laughing and limping to my car I called my mom to tell her what happened. I always call my mom on the way home from my weddings to share the day with her. This is one I will never forget!