Things I love about this bride?  She’s adorable (but, of course), her smile is seriously contagious and she ordered a plate of bacon the morning of her wedding… the perfect getting ready food.  Things I love about this groom?  He’s one dapper gentlemen (but, of course), his love for his bride is more than evident and he rocked a bow-tie like no one’s business.  But, you know what I love even more?  The two of them together. Because even though I only spent five minutes with them courtesy of this beautiful film captured by PenWeddings, it’s obvious that they are amazing.  And two people who were truly meant to be.  Sit back, grab some tissues and get to know them.  You’ll love them just as much as me.

Want more of this darling duo and their beautiful day?  Yep.  Us, too.  Check out the entire gallery of pretty from Aaron Snow Photography.  It’s a must-see.

From PenWeddings… Where do I begin with these two? Really, I should say “these 50″ because everyone made us feel like family the entire weekend. We ate together, went bowling together, and of course, laughed and cried together. James’ mom Connie had us come for the rehearsal dinner at Seasons 52 so we could capture the toasts, and I was blown away. Two words sum up the resounding theme; faith and friends. Speech after speech confirmed that Laura and James are basically so perfect, it’s hard to believe they’re real people. Although there was a mention of braces, bangs and glasses in Laura’s past. Seriously though, we didn’t have to be around them for very long to realize they are fun, genuine, loving people, who will make an amazing couple.

From the Groom… Our wedding was all about the people. Both Laura and I wanted for people to know that we appreciated their friendship, mentorship, and presence in our lives. It was no wonder that starting with the rehearsal dinner all the way up to our parting ride – we surrounded ourselves with people. I think that perhaps our favorite part of the wedding was the rehearsal dinner the night before. A time for laughter and heartfelt memories, it gave us the confidence to boldly declare our love for not only each other, but for Christ. Each story, every piece of advice, and any kind word that was poured over us that night had to do with Jesus and the impact he has made through us. There is nothing that will get you through what can be a bumpy ride like an encouraging word from a friend.

For any and all couples going through an engagement – watching these videos and dreaming of your perfect wedding, my advice to you is to focus on the people. Forget the details, and the frivolous things that will pass, and focus on who truly makes the day special.

Oh, and if you haven’t been through any sort of pre-marital counseling (or if you didn’t take it seriously) – my advice for you is to know that you are made to be known fully, and your spouse wants to be known as well. And for all the guys out there – learn to lead, because you were made to be a leader. Step up and have the hard conversations before you say “I do”.

Cinematography: PenWeddings | Photography: Aaron Snow Photography | Wedding Coordination: Designs by Delissa  | Ceremony Venue: Watermark Community Church  | Reception Venue: Lofty Spaces  | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Seasons 52  | Catering: Dads & Daughters Divine Dining  | Band + MC: The Roof Raisers  | Rentals + Decor: M&M The Special Events Company | Makeup:  Kate Yancey Artistry | Wedding Gown: Amsale Bridal 

For more information on how Little Black Book Members are chosen click here.
Amsale is a member of our Look Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.

I’m bad at surprises. Love them! But I can’t keep a secret for the life of me, out of pure excitement. So, I love seeing others pull it off, like this sweet Groom did for his proposal to his Bride, immediately followed by a pre-planned engagement party with family and friends (bonus points!). Melts your heart, right? And it all led to the prettiest wedding day captured by Ivy Weddings, so well, that you wouldn’t even know a drop of rain fell from the sky. Visit the gallery for even more.

 From the Bride… Jordan and I met through his sister, who I had recently met and become friends with at church. Jordan lived out of town and had flown in to spend the holidays with his family. Our paths crossed when he tagged along with Katie to church one night. We spent that evening talking and getting to know each other. The next week we had our first date at the shooting range, and I knew this guy would be different!

After a year and a half of dating long distance, I flew to visit Jordan in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He had planned a beautiful, and totally unexpected, proposal on a cliff overlooking the Tennessee River. I was even more surprised when he took me back into town and there waiting for us was an engagement party filled with our family and friends. All of them were in on the surprise and had flown in from all over the world just to celebrate with us! It was a perfect day I will never forget.

We planned an outdoor wedding and after a week of perfect weather, a torrential downpour started just a few minutes before our ceremony. Jordan and I were both set on keeping our ceremony outdoors, so we waited until the rain slowed down a little and had the ceremony in the rain. By the end of the ceremony, the sun came back out and the rest of the day was perfect. I think the rainy ceremony made our wedding all the more beautiful and memorable. It was the perfect start to the rest of our lives.

Photographer: Ivy Weddings | Ceremony Venue: Thistle Hill Mansion | Reception Venue: Reata Restaurant | Officiant: Michael Santiago  | Wedding Day Coordinator: Bethany Roszhart | Floral Design: The Blooming Bride | Wedding Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Catering: Reata | Invitations: DIY Design with Kimberly Kadlubar of Swoozie’s | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero via Mockingbird Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: J. Renee | Hair Comb: Charming Charlie | Veil: Borrowed | Hair + Makeup: Shanna Gobin | Jewelry: Family Jewels | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ann Taylor  | Bridesmaids’  Clutches: KellysKeepsakes | Bridesmaids’ Jewelry: Charming Charlie | Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Ceremony Keyboard: Laura Cummings | MC: DoubleTake Productions

 

For more information on how Little Black Book Members are chosen click here.
Ann Taylor is a member of our Look Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.

I grew up on a lake, well two actually. One near my Dad’s house and one near my Mom’s. Now I live on the coast, and as much as I love the tides and crashing waves, I miss being near a fresh water lake like the one in this breezy e-sesh from Loft Photographie. Cozied up on a sweet little dock, these two couldn’t be any cuter. Head on over to the gallery for more.

From Loft Photographie… Spent a breezy afternoon at lovely White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas. Lakeside isn’t necessarily the calmest place to be on a windy day, but these two made for a swell session. We LOVE how they love each other. Their chemistry is captivating, their fashion sense is undeniable and oh how the camera adores them! 

Photography: Loft Photographie LLC | Location: White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas