Stacey and Scott originally planned to get married on the beach in Mexico. When schedule conflicts and other circumstances forced a change of plans, they didn’t let it get them down. Stacey marked their places on the altar with masking tape that read, “The Beach”. She told me, “This way, when we’re saying our vows, we’re technically still standing on the beach.”

That’s just how these two people are. Whatever happens, they’re rolling with the punches. Throughout their entire wedding day, it was obvious to everyone that they just wanted to be married. All the “fussy dress up stuff” was fun, to be sure… but the point was that they’d finally be married.

This wedding was more than just the joining of a really goofy bride and groom. It was the coming together of a family. Stacey’s children both played big parts in the ceremony, and watching the way the foursome interacted all night was really beautiful.

The happy newlyweds are currently on a honeymoon cruise, but I know for a fact that they’re checking the blog whenever they have internet access. So, the wait is over, guys! Here are my favorite images from Stacey & Scott’s Weatherford wedding.

Red shoes? Yes please!

The rings are actually vintage, given to the couple by Scott’s mother. Scott’s father passed away last year, so the use of heirloom rings had particular significance. Scott and Stacey’s wedding date will be inscribed on the inside of the bands, right next to his parents’ wedding date… such a moving tribute!

I believe this wedding marked a first for me… not only did the bride do her own hair and makeup, but she did everyone else’s, too! I guess when you’re a pro, it just makes sense to do it yourself!

Stacey surprised Scott by sneaking into his pocket a pipe that had belonged to his father. I heard there were tears when he discovered it, but I can neither confirm nor deny that rumor. What I CAN do is share this oh-so-dapper picture Mack snapped shortly after the discovery:

Mack’s favorite grooms are the ones that have fun while the girls are getting ready. Obviously, it takes far less time to throw on a tux and gel the hair than it does to prep a group of bridesmaids. So he’s had fun with grooms who golfed, played pool, played poker, and fished. I think the new winner, though, is a groom who spends his “getting ready” time with Guitar Hero battles:

I absolutely adored Stacey’s dress. Not only did she make a fabulous decision as far as fitting and flattering her figure, but she took some important steps toward keeping her simple gown from being boring. The addition of the red shoes you saw above, plus this pewter sash and detailing… and POCKETS… made it the perfect reflection of this bride’s style.

With a few minutes to spare before Stacey & Scott’s First Sight, I told Stacey to sit in the window where there was really pretty light for a few quick headshots. Apparently, she found it very amusing to be “gazing softly” out a window that looked down onto a massive air conditioning unit. (Truth be told, I might prefer the laughing shot to the straight smile… I just love the HAPPY.)

And now, it’s time for the bride and groom to see each other. I know I’ve said a million times what a great idea I think this is, but I’ll say it again… I think the First Sight is a fantastic idea. As a photographer, it obviously gives me more time to get creative portraits. But beyond that, I’ve never had a couple that regretted the decision. Being able to talk to each other… for a bride to hear her soon-to-be-husband say, “Oh wow, you look incredible”… to share the moment with no one but some sneaky ninja photographers… I just think it’s really special.

Scott so desperately wanted to turn around. All the way down the stairs, Stacey was saying, “Not yet. Not yet. Wait until I touch your shoulder!”

I love the light that Mack caught from up on the second floor:

… while I was getting this!

The following might be my favorite of the portraits. You guys know how I’m a fan of the “almost kiss”.

And then it’s go time! Here’s a shot Mack captured of Blaine giving his mommy a kiss before walking her down the aisle. SO SWEET!

Stacey & Scott did a sand ceremony during their service, and it turned out so beautiful. Both bride and groom added layers of sand, as did the pastor, and both of Stacey’s children.

I’d say being pronounced Man & Wife is a great reason for a fist pump, wouldn’t you?

They danced back down the aisle…

And made as equally fun an entrance into their reception at Los Vaqueros in Willow Park!

The “sVs” monogram was everywhere, and Mack and I both really liked the subtle, classy way it tied everything together.

I can’t help but share this next one. Right before the “cake cutting” (do you still call it that with cupcakes?), Stacey asked what she needed to do for us, as far as the pictures were concerned. I said, “Just go slowly.” She and Scott proceeded to do a fun Matrix-speed rendition of a cake feeding. Nice, huh?

The glasses next to the groom’s cake have a fun story. See, Stacey & Scott’s first date was not a real date. They were just getting together for a drink, to talk about some similar situations they were dealing with. At Buffalo Wild Wings, that “not a real date” turned into 8 hours of conversation, and the discovery of an unexpected connection. Three cheers for Buffalo Wild Wings!

And to round out the evening? Karaoke. The newlyweds brought the house down with their lively rendition of “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart”… at least what parts of it the house could hear over the laughter.

Stacey & Scott, thank you so much for making McGowan Images a part of your special day. The way you love each other is truly wonderful to see, and we had such a fun time with you guys!

Well, it’s Monday morning, and like most Monday mornings during the busy season, I’m glued to my computer screen trying to pick my favorite images from this weekend’s wedding.

When choosing, I look for several things. I look for snapshots of true emotion… outbursts of joy… pops of color… interesting angles… good light. I laugh when I look through them, thinking, “Oh, I remember when she did that!” and get excited for my couples to see the moments we captured for them.

And also, of course, I’m looking for technically good pictures. Sharp. Crisp. Defined. Properly exposed. I want images that look fantastic straight out of the camera, before any of them have been Photoshopped. I’m obviously going to do the work to “pimp them” anyway, but it’s a good feeling to look through a series of 1,000 raw images and think, “Nailed it, nailed it, nailed it.”

Every once in a while, though, we run across one that sort of bums us out. A moment that we weren’t expecting, that just happened too dadgum fast for us to get the settings changed and capture it in the best “technical sense”. Most of the time, we toss those.

Not this morning.

This morning, there’s a technically imperfect image that I love to DEATH. For any techie readers… Mack was shooting with an 85 MM lens during the first dance to capture some up-close looks at Stacey & Scott’s faces during their first dance. I was shooting with my pet, the 50MM, and walking from behind the DJ booth when Scott surprised everyone (including Stacey) by picking her up and swinging her around, mid-song. From where I was, I could only capture his back. Mack took two GIANT steps backwards, super-fast, and leaned back Matrix-style to get as much room as he could out of his lens, and snapped the one picture. He’s mad at himself because he couldn’t get Stacey’s feet, and because it’s a little blurred.

Me? I adore it.

I can’t really argue with those who say I shouldn’t post this image, on a technical level. After all, it’s nowhere near the “best of the best”, which is what I tend to use the blog for. No one’s going to see this picture and think, “Oh man, I should hire McGowan Image for my wedding.” And I don’t blame you. The photograph, by itself, is imperfect.

But you know what’s perfect?

The MOMENT. Scott & Stacey. Their joy. The flounce in her dress as it came up off the floor. The love of their family and friends all around them as they celebrate their love for each other.

This morning, imperfection wins. Wedding days aren’t perfect, and neither are photographers. But love, and moments like this, still can be.

Scott & Stacey, you guys are such a testament to perseverance. You made it through all the “technical imperfections” in life, and you’ve finally found each other, and it absolutely makes my heart sing.

I hope you’re enjoying the heck out of your cruise… I’ll post the full wedding blog on Wednesday!