When Lauren contacted me about her Dec.19 wedding, I was quick to ask her if it was a Christmas-themed affair. Lauren was quick to say NO!
The event was built around a classic pallet of white and silver, and beautifully reflected the architecture of the Scottish Rite venue in Downtown Dallas. With a really great team behind her, I think Lauren managed to pull off one of our most beautiful weddings of the year… making it a perfect way to top off 2009 for McGowan Images!
We started our day with the happy at the gorgeous Fairmont Hotel in Dallas. My favorite thing about luxury hotels? It’s not the beds, although they’re comfy. It’s not the food, and it’s not the totally plush decor. It’s the LIGHT. At mid-morning, the rooms just glow. Maybe we’re just lucky to always be on the best side of the building!
Lauren and Mike were both so happy all day long. That’s the only word to use. It wasn’t forced, or superficial, and it really had nothing to do with outside circumstances. They were getting married, and the sun was shining, and they were surrounded by love. What’s not to be happy about?
You can see that joy on Lauren’s face here… a bed full of giggly bridesmaids is such a great way to start your wedding day!
Is it offensive if I say the following picture reminds me of three monkeys? Obviously, the girls are gorgeous… I just love the symmetry of them all lined up in front of a long mirror!
Mitzi Merritt did a great job getting Lauren all dolled up. Of course, she had a great canvas to work with! 
While a groom’s morning doesn’t require quite as much primp as the bride’s, Mike didn’t get to just lay around.
Before leaving for the venue, Mike & Lauren sent gifts to each other through their attendants. I won’t show you pictures of Mike opening his… but the look on his face was priceless!
Lauren’s was a gorgeous necklace specially designed for her, using the center stone from an old family ring. Truly stunning!
Then it was off to Scottish Rite!
The next image is an admittedly different take on my “dress” picture, but I really like it. There were a few more even dramatic angles, but Mack said, “Maybe it’s just me… but I feel indecent looking up a wedding gown!” I’d not considered that… seeing as how there’s no bride in it! Still, I really like the view of the ruffles here:
Portrait time!! Have I mentioned yet how lucky we got with the weather? I’ll admit, I usually prefer my Decembers to be wet and cold. But we could not have had more gorgeous weather last Saturday, and I was rejoicing! Bright sunshine, temps in the 50s, and a sky so blue I’ll have to swear I didn’t fake it. LOVE.
I think the pair of them just look fabulous in these next two…
Big groups of attendants can sometimes be a headache, but not when they’re as fantastic as these people. Mike & Lauren were truly propped up by great crews on their wedding day!
SHOWTIME!
I popped out of the aisle just long enough to grab this next shot…
Okay, okay… so you can see me in this next shot of Mack’s. But I love it, because it’s a hilarious representation of the modern wedding guest. iPhone in hand, they catch every moment!
This image is a particular favorite, because it shows off the ceiling inside the Scottish Rite ballroom. I took a pretty embarrassing number of pictures of the ceiling, but seriously… wouldn’t you?
Man & Wife!
A quickly sinking sun and hungry guests meant we didn’t have long for portraits, but with a backdrop like the Dallas skyline, it doesn’t take that long to create magic!
You already saw my favorite shot in Sunday’s Super Sneaker, but here are three more moments that jumped out at me.
(again… no… I didn’t fake the sky in that last shot. BEAUTIFUL. Thanks, God!)
Once back inside, the newlyweds mingled with their guests during the cocktail hour while we feasted ourselves on the incredible details of the reception. YUM.
When it was time for the Sifferman’s to make their grand entrance, they did something really fun that I’d never seen before. They were played in, New Orlean’s style, by the horn section of the band! So cool:
Warning: This is the most First Dance images I’ve ever posted in a blog. I’m unapologetic. I could have made an entire post out of their first dance, easily!
If you’ve never seen a pregnant wedding photographer crawl along the edge of a dance floor in search of the perfect flare shot… well, you’re missing out. Lauren & Mike’s guests were forced to endure that, but I think this next image is worth it! (Doesn’t hurt that it shows off that ceiling again)
Lauren, you’re stunning!
A little ring action:
The couple took time out of their reception to pose for pictures with their fraternity and sorority. Thanks for being good looking, Pi Phi’s and Phi Delt’s!
Remember how I said that was the most First Dance images I’d ever posted? Well, make that the most dancing images, period.
As I said in the Super Sneaker, I was fighting off a WICKED sinus infection on Saturday. Still am, as a matter of fact. By the middle of Lauren & Mike’s reception, I was nearly dead, and I’m sure I looked like I’d been dead for weeks.
So, in an effort to keep my head from exploding, Mack and I switched roles and he ran the show for the “dance party” portion of the reception. I’ll tell you what, I might just start making that the new game plan. The images he captured of the band and the dancing totally rock my socks! Here are some of my favorites:
The Walton Stout Band did a fantastic job of keeping the party going… even with a pounding head, I wanted to dance!
One song even featured impromptu guest vocals by the bride!
Okay, okay, so it wasn’t a Christmas-themed wedding. But Santa Claus still made an appearance (courtesy of a groomsmen) and handed out some presents!
I caught this fun angle of the garter removal, and I just love the look on Lauren’s face…
Last Dance!
Grand exit into the chilly night air… isn’t Lauren’s ermine stole absolutely divine? So classic.
And finally, a smooch on the trolley as they make their getaway!
Congratulations, Lauren & Mike! I can’t wait to hear all about your honeymoon, and hear what you think of these sneak peeks. You’ve been an absolute dream to work with over these months, and I know life has amazing things in store for the two of you.
Take care, kids!
And as for you, blogstalkers, don’t think that Christmas Day’s rapid approach is slowing anything down here at McGowan Images. I’ve already shot one portrait session today, and have another this evening, both of which will make it to the blog before Friday.
Mack says I’m crazy… I say I just want my clients to be able to show off their pictures to the family they see over the weekend. I guess we can both be right.
Maybe someday I’ll take a Christmas vacation, but not this year! So stay tuned!
by Chelsea
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