Alyssa & Jerred | Autumn Wedding at Double K Rustic Ranch | Dallas Fort Worth Wedding Photographer

The countdown finally came to an end, as did the week long stretch of rainy days.

Alyssa and Jerred’s dream of saying their vows in an open field on a warm and sunny December afternoon, and afterwards celebrating with friends and family inside a rustic barn, was no longer a dream!

(I mean… come on! These two have got to have some connections up there! The same thing happened the day of their engagement session, back in March!)

I cannot describe how honored I felt that they chose me to be their wedding photographer. I knew this would be a very meaningful and very tearful day ahead. So, with waterproof mascara and camera* in tow, I headed out to the Double K Rustic Ranch.

For a photographer, the wedding day usually starts with photographing all the details while the bride and groom are getting ready with their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

I love seeing how each bride chooses to pair her jewelry with shoes, flowers, and how all the little things come together. And the colors… and the textures…

Side note: just look at these GORGEOUS wedding boots, you guys! I couldn’t get enough of them!

Before I tell you anything else about this beautiful day, I need to introduce you to Stetson, Alyssa’s sweet little boy who stole Jerred’s heart, and gained a “bonus dad” on this special day! Keep scrolling for a tear-jerking moment between these two during the ceremony.

Those last minutes before everyone is done getting ready are some of the most emotional moments of the day… The reality of what is about to happen sets in. The bride and the groom usually have a meaningful moment with their parents. Heartfelt letters are read, thoughtful gifts exchanged… And then, the nerves are usually released with some good laughter and inside jokes with your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

But, nothing will bring you a more peaceful calm more than setting your eyes on your beloved one, touching their hand, or hearing their voice before you walk down the aisle.

It was time for the ceremony to begin…

In the first row, Alyssa and her family had saved a seat in memory of her big brother who passed away several years ago, but still has a tangible presence in everyone’s lives.

And here it is… my absolute favorite moment of the day!

Alyssa walked down the aisle with her Dad and Stetson, and as she approached, Jerred got down on one knee and held Stetson’s hand while promising to be his guide, best friend, and to love and protect him and his mommy with every cell of his being for the rest of his life. The ceremony had barely started, and the tears were already flowing in front of and behind my camera!

And then, the ceremony continued in waves of laughter and happy tears.

VENDORS:

Venue: Double K Rustic Ranch

Florist: MyArtbeat

Bride's and bridesmaids' dresses: David's Bridal

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse

DJ/PhotoBooth: Bust A Move DJ Services

Cake & Dessert: Gigi's Cupcakes

Catering: Gepetto's Pizza Truck

Invitations: PenelopesPaperPantry

Kasey and Matt | Klyde Warren Park Engagement Session | Dallas-Fort Worth Wedding Photographer

As she opened her first Valentine's Day gift from her amazing boyfriend of almost a year, Kasey saw a planner in which he marked their pre-planned monthly dates. Little did she know that Matt was arriving to the next date he planned at the Dallas Arboretum with a ring in his pocket! He proposed to her on top a hill overlooking White Rock Lake, her favorite spot. 

After their very special date, they headed to Matt's sister's house for her surprise birthday party, while Kasey was calling and sending messages to her friends and family to share the exciting news. When they arrived her father opened the door! Kasey scanned the room seeing the excited faces of her own family and friends, and realized she had just walked into her own surprise engagement party!

For four years they walked the same halls at their alma mater ACU, they attended the same church, even socialized in the same circles, but hadn't met until after graduation, at a friend's wedding. She was a friend of the bride, and he was a friend of the groom. The stars aligned at the rehearsal dinner, and as they were finally brought to the same table, there was no turning back. They fell in love in a big Texas-sized way over the course of the next year, and now they're planning their BIG DAY! 

The morning of their engagement session, bright-eyed, wide-smiled, and looking very classy, they walked hand in hand toward me as we met up at the Klyde Warren Park in the center of Dallas, a stunning location for engagement portraits. 

We anticipated clouds and rain, and instead got a beautiful sunny morning and gorgeous soft light! Thank you, Texas weather, for being so unpredictable! 

Kasey and Matt are so sweet to each other... So many of these moments you see in their engagement photos were undirected impromptu kisses and hugs. Those are always my favorite moments from every session!

Their chemistry is undeniable.

Their love is kind, and gentle, and their happiness is infectious.

And they laugh together, a lot! Matt teases Kasey for being particular about not letting her foods touch on a plate, and she points out that he always makes funny faces when taking photos together. 

These lovebirds are also foodies who love exploring new restaurants, they play in the same kickball league, and love being crafty and making things for their future home. They love city and nature equally, and wanted that to reflect in their engagement session as well.

Kasey and Matt, thank you for trusting me and asking me to be your engagement and wedding photographer! 

I feel incredibly lucky our paths crossed, and I cannot wait for your wedding next spring! 

Alyssa and Jerred | Arbor Hills Engagement Session | Dallas-Fort Worth Wedding Photographer

She opened a gift box he had given her, only to find a note from him asking to walk a little closer to her, and a pair of Nike shoes (sidenote: she loooves them). The relationship started, love bloomed... Then, last summer, on Alyssa's birthday, Jerred gave her another gift in a box at a dinner with her family. And, in the box were *white* Nike shoes, and a note saying: "So... just wondering... can I walk just a little closer... till death do us part?" and he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife! 

These two lovebirds laugh a lot together, and they're so gentle and sweet with each other. Their connection is undeniable and their happiness is contagious!

Alyssa says that the thing she's most excited about when it comes to her wedding day is getting to marry her best friend! 

Their favorite thing to do is spending time with their baby boy, and staying at home for movie nights (now that's my kind of date!). As sweet as they look together, these two are super competitive with each other when it comes to arcade Basketball and Air Hockey. 

The love and admiration between these three sweet souls is palpable! 

And we ended our session just as the sun was setting, giving off this glorious golden glow! Ahhh I couldn't get enough of it! Arbor Hills Nature Preserve was truly the perfect choice of engagement session location for the feel they wanted their session images to have. 

Alyssa and Jerred, it was so much fun hanging out with you, laughing together, and getting to know each other better. I'm beyond honored to be your wedding photographer, and so excited for your big day in December at the Double K Rustic Ranch!