Warren, AR Wedding: Chris+Bethany

It may have been the middle of November, but the weather was beautiful for Chris and Bethany’s wedding day. Bethany and Chris didn’t want the normal wedding. Her wedding dress was a beautiful shade of maroon and the same with the tux that Chris had. The venue was a local church, but they didn’t want to have the ceremony inside. They opted for a spot outside under a beautiful oak tree. The sun was going down while the ceremony was taking place and the light was really good. It was a simple ceremony surrounded by family and friends and I am so glad I got to be apart of it.

Chris and Bethany, thank you for allowing me to caputre your life moment!

Til next time,

Do Well and Do Good,

J

El Dorado, AR Engagement Session: Chris+Bethany

I’ve know known Bethany a long time. We met when we were involved in the same church. But I hadn’t seen her in a while because of life. We all know how that goes. But thanks to the power of social media, I kind of got to keep up with her family. But recently I saw her again at another wedding I was shooting and found out she was going to be needing a wedding photographer also. So of course, I had to ask! Not long after she messaged me about my wedding packages and yada yada yada (inside joke for you Seinfeld fans) I get the pleasure of shooting her wedding. I met Chris for the first time at their contract meeting. Super nice guy and a perfect match for Bethany! And their little boy, Ezekiel, is absolutely the cutest!

Chris and Bethany, I had so much fun shooting you guys and I can’t wait until your wedding day!

Til Next Time

Do Well and Do Good

J

Monticello, AR Wedding: Chris+Tabitha

If there were ever two people meant for each other, it’s these two. No, I’m not saying that to be cliche’. I’m saying it because it’s the truth. They really are meant for each other. I can tell from the outside looking in that they make the other a better person. They both love Jesus and they love the other’s children as their own. It’s a rare quality you find in a couple. I can tell they put each other first.
Their wedding was so laid back with no stress! That, also, is a rare quality on a wedding day. Tabitha even talked about how she just felt so relaxed. I’d work with them again in a heartbeat!

Can we just talk about the tears in Tabitha’s dad’s eye here??

When a wedding ceremony has a worship song, and the bride and groom ask the congregation to join them in worship…I have no words. It was probably my favorite part of the whole day.

Chris and Tabitha, keep Jesus as the center of your marriage. Love each other unconditionally and be each other’s best friend.

Til next time

Do Well and Do Good,

J

El Dorado, AR Wedding: Jacob+Jade

I think I need to warn you before you get to far into this post. This, is going to be a lengthy one. There were too many good images and I had a very hard time narrowing them down. I always do with weddings. Maybe it’s because weddings are my favorite event to photograph. Reguardless, there are a lot of images that you are going to get to see as you scroll. The venue for this wedding is beautiful! The Granite Club, also known as the McKinney-O’Conner House, is a 7500 square foot mansion that was built in the 1920’s oil boom. It’s got a plantation like feel and a victorian vibe. One of my top favorite venues for sure!

The day started like any other wedding day. I got there as Jade was getting her hair and make up finished. A few people from the wedding party were on the grounds. You could feel the excitement. Her colors were navy and pink they complimented each other very well. The air smelled of fresh flowers and Summer. Slowly the wedding party arrived and things really got going. There were boutonnieres of lavender and bouquets of roses and peonies. It was lovely . The atmosphere was laid back and relaxed.

I love the look on Mom’s face as her oldest daughter was being buttoned into her wedding gown.

This flower girl was so much fun.

Per usual, the groomsmen showed up ready to have a good time. It was a little rowdy, but all in fun and you could tell they were having a good time.

As the morning passed and everyone got closer to being completely ready, it was soon time for Jacob and Jade’s first look. One of my favorite parts of the day.

And then finally, ceremony time.

The reception was a blast. Great people and amazing food!

Jacob and Jade, I can’t say thank you enough for letting me be apart of your day! It was beautiful just like you!

Til next time,

Do Well and Do Good,

J

Hair & Make up:  Jordan Carter
Flowers:  Jason Roberson
Venue:  The Granite Club
Dress:  Low’s Bridal
Bridesmaid’s Dresses:  David’s Bridal
Catering:  Woods Catfish

Warren, AR Wedding: Josh+Becca

I met Josh and Becca at our first meeting, which is when they signed their wedding contract. I knew right then that they were going to be a great couple to work with. They are easy going and laid back. And that’s exactly what this wedding was. Bride-zilla was no where to be found on this Saturday. Becca was the opposite. She went with the flow and even appologized if we ran 5 minutes late. I just laughed and let her know we were fine and she definitely didn’t have to appologize. Josh was funny and relaxed. Even his guys (and a couple of ladies) in his party were chilled as well. I repeat, it was so laid back.
I could tell right off the bat that they were the right fit for each other. They bring out the best in the other and their love is unconditional.
Becca and Josh, the honor was all mine. I’m grateful that you included me in your extraordinary day. I got to see your story begin. And I can’t wait to watch it grow!

I absolutely love the look on Josh’s face when he saw Becca for the first time.

Til next time,

Do Well and Do Good

J

 

Dress:  Low’s Bridal
Make up:  Hope Campbell, Salon Hello Beautiful
Venue:  First Baptist Church, Warren Arkansas

Monticello, AR Elopement: Sam+Becca

What was supposed to be a beautiful day outside with decent temperatures turned into cold, rainy one. This was Becca and Sam’s elopement. But by saying that I don’t mean that it wasn’t beautiful. Two people who love each other promised to love each other forever and spend the rest of their lives together. I have never shot an elopement before this day, but I’m always up for new kinds of events. I treated it like I would any other wedding. When I arrived at the salon, Becca was just starting with her hair and make up. She had two people working on her. Now if that doesn’t make you feel like a princess, I don’t know what does. The ladies doing the work were quick and efficient. They did their job and did it well. When it was all said and done, Becca was a beautiful bride!

I think there is something about an elopement. It’s just the couple and the people that mean the most to them. In this case, while Becca got ready, it was just her and her mom. The atmosphere was relaxed and a cool kind of quiet surrounded us. Becca’s dress was gorgeous. It almost reminded me of a wardrobe that came from decades past.

I loooove the next image. It shows the intimacy of the moments she spent getting ready.



She even decided to take the relaxation one step further (no pun intended) and pair the dress with some very sparkly Kate Spade Keds. Genius!

Becca and Sam decided to opt for a “First Look”. Now normally, I would take the couple to a place outside to do the first look, but due to heavy rainfall, we weren’t able to do that. But in times like that, you roll with the punches and take it at it comes. No our background may not have been an open field with warm sunlight, but what mattered most was getting to capture the look on their faces. It was very sweet. I can tell by the way they look at each other, how much they’re in love.

The rest of the evening went off without a hitch and Sam and Becca are now a happily married couple.

Sam and Becca, thank you again for allowing me to capture your day. I wish both of you nothing but the best!

Til next time

Do Good and Do Well

J

Dress: David’s Bridal
Make up: Allie Hawkins
Hair: Shear Design, Anna Norris
Cookies: Rachelle Mann
Cake: Shelly Byrd

Monticello, AR Wedding: Brandon+Brittany

The sky was clear with the exception of a few clouds on Brandon and Brittany’s wedding day. The was a continuous breeze and the temperature was a little chilly. But that wasn’t going to stop this small, intimate ceremony outside of their family church. The chairs and haybales were set up, waiting for the guests to arrive. Brandon and Brittany were beginning the day that was going to start their lives together, forever.
The reception hall was almost ready and so were the girls. Finishing touches were being put in place. I could feel the excitement as the bridesmaids helped Brittany into her gown. She was more than ready to make Brandon hers.

The guys were a little more rowdy, but very cooperative, which is always a good thing. It was easy to laugh while hanging around this bunch. I could tell it was going to be a great day!

The ceremony went like most do. With no problems. It was perfect!

They even added a confetti cannon for the kiss.

The rest of the evening went very well and everyone had a full belly and good time.

Brandon and Brittany, I am honored to have met both of you and I’m excited to see where life is going to take you. I wish you nothing but the best!

Til next time.

Do Well and Do Good.

J

Hot Springs Bridal Session: Brittany Brooks

I recently had the privilege of shooting a bridal session in Hot Springs a few weeks ago. Now, if you don’t know anything about Hot Springs, you should definitely do yourself a favor and Google it. It’s a beautiful city with beautiful places to shoot. The main thing it’s famous for is it’s namesake, the hot springs. At one time, people came from far and wide because they believed the springs were medicinal. The main strip has the nickname “Bath House Row” due to the fact that it’s lined with bath houses. If you decide to visit one, you’ll find out it’s like a spa. I, myself, have never been in one, so I can’t tell you exactly what happens. But every year, thousands of people come to visit Bath House Row and see the other things that Hot Springs has to offer.

When Brittany brought up the idea of Hot Springs and the destination for her Bridal shoot, I got excited. I’ve always wanted to add it to my portfolio. I knew we were going to get some great shots. I was not disappointed.

Our first stop was Garvan Garden’s. It’s a large plot of land where you can walk through and admire the plants, flowers, and the architecture.

After we were done there, we decided to go into the city and shoot on Bath House Row. I finally got to shoot at the Arlington Hotel. Their lobby is gorgeous and includes a couple of great staircases.

I hope to get to shoot in Hot Springs again very soon. Make sure you keep your eyes open for Brittany and Brandon’s wedding day!

Til next time.

Do Well and Do Good,

J

After the Wedding: Sheldon+Lauren

A few months ago, I put a model call out on Facebook. I had been learning a few new techniques and I wanted to put them to the test. I wanted to work with a couple that hadn’t been married that long and was willing to put their wedding wardrobe back on. I got a message on Facebook from Lauren letting me know that a friend had tagged her in my original post. I learned that she and Sheldon, her husband, were a couple after my own heart. They love Jesus and they love to go on mission trips. Due to schedule conflicts we weren’t able to set a date for the session until last week. But it was well worth the wait. I am absolutely loving the results from this session and I would work with them any time.

Sheldon and Lauren, thank you so much for answering my call and letting me capture you guys!

Til next time.

Do Well and Do Good

J

Warren, AR Wedding: Marquis+Ashley

Rain. That seemed to be the theme of the day. Rain. I wasn’t happy about it, but there was really nothing I could do. But when I went inside the church for the first time, you couldn’t tell that there was any disappointment due to rain. All of Ashley’s girl and Ashely herself, were in good spirits. The atmosphere was laid back. The girls were, of course, in the process of hair and make up. Ashley’s colors included rose gold and white and it was beautiful! The bridesmaids dresses, in rose gold, were sparkly and glamourous. Something you’d see right out of The Great Gastby. In fact that was the theme of this wedding. I could tell, when I met Ashely that this wedding was going to be great. She has fantastic style.

When I went to photograph the guys, there were plenty of laughs there as well. While getting ready, the guys laughed and joked, and there may have even been a little dancing. There was excitement in the air. Ashley and Marquis were hours away from promising to love each other forever.

Ashley and Marquis, you are perfect for each other! You make others want to be around you. Thank you for the honor of letting me document your first day as husband and wife.

Til next time

Do Well and Do Good

J