In the hours leading up to Blake & Nicole’s wedding ceremony, there was so much to do to get ready. There were flowers to assemble, signs to make, sashes to trim, people to coordinate. It seemed like every few minutes, someone hollered an update that such-and-such was “ALMOST ready!”
Except Blake & Nicole. Blake & Nicole were ready. They woke up ready. They were ready months ago. All they wanted to do was see each other… hold hands… and hear those magic words. “Man & Wife.” Finally. They couldn’t be more ready. And that kind of unbridled excitement for the moment that matters was an absolute blast to photograph.
Special thanks to our friend Michael Hansen for assisting on this wedding. He carried lots of water, fanned lots of faces, and held a mean light stand. I hear he even got some shots he loved, too.
Couldn’t have done it without you, buddy!
Tomorrow, we’ll share all our favorite portraits and reception moments. But for now, let’s get started with that “getting ready” portion of the day!
Before he set about getting dressed, Blake took a minute by himself to breathe deeply and open a gift from his bride. This Citizen watch is kind of amazing…
Aren’t those boutonnieres amazing? Blake handmade all of them from baseballs, including one for each of his photographers.
Who cares if it’s 100 degrees and the sun is shining in your eyes on the way down the aisle… your best friend is getting married, right? DANCE!
Blake’s tears may have been my favorite part of the day…
A big kiss… and then a peek during the closing prayer to check out his new ring.
Mr. & Mrs. Raybion!
Be sure you come back tomorrow to check out part two… there’s SO much more where this came from!
by Chelsea
Amy - WOW what a cute wedding theme!!! great pictures they looked stunning!!!
Terisa - What a creative wedding!!
Emma - What a fun day! You captured so many unpredictable moments. I love that the bride was all about posing with her “Bride” panties.
mag - I just think this bride is DROP DEAD BEAUTIFUL!!! This wedding looked like so much fun and McG really caught those precious moments. Great work!!
Jen - Stunning! Creative! Gorgeous! Wow! Love these photos. can’t wait to see more.
Mike - Congratulations again, Blake & Nicole! You made a wonderful decision by having the McGowan’s capture those beautiful moments. Yummy Texas summer evening sunlight + baseball theme + tasty hot dogs + gorgeous garden + all of your close friends and family. It doesn’t get much better than that. What a pleasure to be with y’all on your most special day ever! Thank you ever so much, Chelsea & Mack, for letting me tag along for the ride. I love y’all so much! I’ll carry water & fan faces for y’all anytime. Seriously.
Sarah - How FUN!! I love the Converse shoes! The pictures definitely capture the carefree feeling as well as the love of the bride and groom! Can’t wait to see part two!
Mandaroo - The first picture of her dresses amazing! I love the ceremony shots also! Very sweet and lots of fun! Great job capturing this wedding!
Megan - What a great wedding. I don’t know how you guys do it time and again but you always manage to capture so much emotion in your photos. I don’t know this couple at all, but through your photos I have a pretty good idea of how happy they are and how fun to be around.
Grandma Beth - Everything was beautiful the Bride My oldest beautiful Grandaughter, Her husband Blake Handsome sweet caring loving.
Together as Man & Wife forever. From day one the two of you just looked so much in Love and happy to be together. The wedding was full of surprises just to be expected knowing the two of you. I am so blessed to have you both in our lives. Now let’s make beautiful memories and beautiful children. We love you two so much. Have a wonderful blessed life.
Love Grandma & Harvey
Misty - That is the most epic-AWESOME dress-hanging shot EVERRRR! And gorgeous work throughout the rest of the post, of course!