It was a windy day in the spring...
LaDonna and Jessie decided to elope at the courthouse with a small group of family members present before having a backyard reception with extended family and friends on a separate day. After a conversation over the phone, LaDonna's grandmother hired me to document their celebration. She and her family are some of the kindest and welcoming people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. We shared meals, laughs and stories while preparing for elopement day and I got to know more about each member of her family. I couldn't ask for a better experience from a client as a service provider. It was truly an honor.
(I've shared more photos at the end of this post)
On elopement day, I photographed LaDonna and Jessie at Haggard Park in Historic Downtown Plano. Veronica (the bride's sister) helped her with the finishing touches while LaDonna shared her excitement and slight nervousness with me. After a pep talk and reassuring hug, we got the day started. While her family watched from a distance, Jessie waited at the center of the park bridge above a pond for LaDonna to greet him. His eyes were filled with love as he turned to see her in her wedding dress for the first time. I quietly captured their interaction, only speaking once they said they were ready to move on to family portraits. Next, after taking a few images at Georgia's Farmer's Market across the street, we all got into our cars and headed to the courthouse.
After waiting for a few minutes, we were invited inside the courtroom. As everyone settled into their seats, I spoke with the judge and was granted permission to move about the courtroom during the ceremony. It was simple and beautiful. I thought I was going to make it through the day without crying but after seeing LaDonna and Jessie's son hugging his parents as he was overwhelmed with emotion, the tears came rolling in. To this day, I can't think of that moment or see the photos without shedding a few happy tears.
Party in the Backyard!
The following afternoon, I drove to the home of LaDonna's parents to document their reception. My husband came to assist me as a second photographer that day. We were greeted with warm hugs and good vibes as the family finished preparing the space for their guests. Just before the party began, LaDonna's family insisted that my husband and I join them for a celebratory toast to the newlyweds (with shots of tequila!!); of course we obliged! From that moment on, we laughed and smiled along with guests during each speech, swapped story and romantic moment shared by the newlyweds.
This wedding is one of my favorites because it's what inspired me to niche down to solely capturing intimate weddings and elopements. There's something enchanting about being a part of a wedding that is truly centered around two people. There was no rushing, no stress, no jam packed itinerary; just a small group of people enjoying each moment as it came. As a photographer, these are the kinds of experiences that I crave, the type of images that make my clients fall deeper in love with each other.
If you're planning an intimate wedding or elopement, I want to be your photographer. Reach out to me today for a consultation and I'll do everything I can to make sure you have meaningful wedding images that stand the test of time.
