Bethe & Will : Wedding Pt. 1

Let’s pretend that Mack and I sat down and made a list… a list of all the words that we hoped would describe our first wedding of 2011. Symbolically, the first wedding of this year would set the tone for the entire year, so it was an important one. We’d have used words like “classic”, “beautiful”, and “unique”. We’d want it to be “full of love”, “drama-free”, and “well-executed”. We’d hope for “pretty people”, “exciting flowers”, and “good flow”.

If Mack and I had made this list, we’d have been able to put a big red CHECK next to every single item. Because Bethe & Will’s wedding was everything a photographer could hope for.

The reason? Bethe & Will CARED. They poured themselves into this celebration, making sure every facet of it reflected who they are as a couple. They made sweet, smart decisions that allowed the day to be a smooth and easy one for the two of them. And, at least in our case, they asked for and listened to advice when it came to what was going to get them the very best pictures.

If we could work with a couple like Bethe & Will every single weekend, our job would be the easiest one in the world… in no small part, because I LOVE taking pictures of good looking people who are head-over-heels in love with each other!

Tomorrow, I’ll talk to you more about the sweetness of Bethe & Will’s ceremony, which had me weeping. Seriously. Mega-unprofessional, but it was just that touching. The day was full of those kind of moments.

Before we get there, though, you need to see some getting ready, some details, and LOTS of yummy portraits! Enjoy this little walk through last Saturday morning!

We started our day visiting with Will and his guys at Old South Pancake House… yummy breakfast starts the day off right!

Once we got to Bethe’s house, it was wedding central. I love the anticipation of a wedding morning… everyone’s full of a happy hustle-and-bustle. While waiting for Bethe’s turn for hair and makeup, we had some fun with wedding details.

Aren’t these programs fantastic?

Bethe & Will’s entire paper suite was pretty incredible. I love how personal it is, easy to read while still being whimsical. Home run!

I don’t believe it’s possible to have too many pictures of bling… a principle you’ll notice played heavily into my picture choices today.

If Bethe’s coffee table would have fit into my camera bag, I’d have stolen it and brought it home with me. The top is glass, covering a layer of pages from Bethe’s favorite books. OMGoodness, I nearly died. I need a table just like this… well, with different books, of course.

It really starts to feel like your wedding day when you sit down in the “get pretty” chair.

Will could barely stand still, waiting for his bride to come get him for their “First Sight”. It was such a sweet moment… I love when a couple has this time together, to really soak in what’s about to happen. No other people running around, nothing to do but love on each other. It’s an oasis in the storm of a wedding day!

For Bethe & Will, I think I chose more black and white photos than I ever have before. The color versions are beautiful, but for some reason, it just seemed like the black and white felt like them.

This next shot was one I pre-visualized. Often, I work in the moment and my posing flows from the mood and my surroundings. But this is a shot I had in my head, and I’m in LOVE with the way it turned out.

Well done, Will. Your bride is so beautiful!

The shot below might be my favorite of the day. Something about the symmetry… gives me goosebumps!

In case you don’t remember, Fort Worth was under threat of winter storms last weekend. Luckily, the storms waited until after Bethe & Will’s wedding, so we had bright sunshine. It was still WAY cold, though… so a gentleman gives his lady a jacket.

Such a good looking wedding party!

I always love the little “close up” shots that Mack takes when I’m doing the formal portraits…

Perhaps my favorite boutonnieres EVER!

In fact, the florals at every turn were out of this world. Pam Hill did a fab job!

Gotta end with something a little silly… Bethe & Will are goofballs, after all!

The wonderfulness overflows! You don’t want to miss tomorrow, I can promise you that. Ceremony, reception, dancing, OH MY!