The Gardens- Houston, TX Wedding: Nina + Michael
It was an absolutely beautiful wedding day for Nina & Michael! They chose to have their ceremony and reception at The Gardens in Houston, and it was an elegant, black tie affair.
It was an absolutely beautiful wedding day for Nina & Michael! They chose to have their ceremony and reception at The Gardens in Houston, and it was an elegant, black tie affair.
Congratulations to Nina & Michael! May you have a hundred years of happiness and blessings ahead of you!
The Gin at Hidalgo Falls- Navasota, TX Wedding: Kendall + Tam
Kendall and Tam had the most beautiful wedding day, and such a sweet love for one another!
Kendall and Tam had the most beautiful wedding day, and such a sweet love for one another!
They chose The Gin at Hidalgo Falls for their wedding day, and boy oh boy, was everything stunning! This was our first time to visit The Gin at Hidalgo Falls, and we immediately fell in love. The venue is about 1-2 hours outside of Houston, in an area that you wouldn’t expect to have such a stunning venue with such an interesting history. The venue used to be an old cotton gin, and they kept to the industrial feel of the main hall and groom’s quarters, while integrating modern touches to appeal to today’s brides and grooms.
But not only was the venue stunning, everything about the day was breathtaking. Kendall’s mom arranged all of the florals and decor, and for someone who loves glitz and gold, I was in awe as I stepped into the reception area and watched the sun dance over all of the jewel tones. Kendall and Tam had the epitome of a Texas fall wedding- perfect temperature (although VERY windy!), bright sunny skies, and rich burgundy, navy, and gold for their color choice.
Even more than a gorgeous scene that they set was the beautiful spirit of God that they invited into their ceremony and celebration. You can tell that this will be one of those marriages that is centered around their faith- the kind of marriages that are our favorite!
Kendall and Tam, we wish you the very best in your future together! May you both be blessed beyond measure!
Cleveland, TX Backyard Wedding: Summer + David
From engagements, to bridals, to their special wedding day, everything was always vibrant, fun, and unique to them! And let me assure you, this was not your typical backyard wedding… This, instead, was a hand crafted, uniquely designed, and sentimental affair.
It was such a joy to have been able to work with Summer & David throughout the year!
From engagements, to bridals, to their special wedding day, everything was always vibrant, fun, and unique to them!
Summer and David got married in Cleveland, TX, not far outside of the Houston or Beaumont area, on her family’s property- right where she grew up! Now let me assure you, this was not your typical backyard wedding… This, instead, was a hand crafted, uniquely designed, and sentimental affair. You see, this is the same spot where Summer’s grandparents made their vows, so it was very important to her to be able to follow in their footsteps. From the custom crafted arch put together by her family, to the lemon tree that they planted for their unity ceremony, every detail was personalized.
Crazy enough, this wasn’t even their original plan! COVID-19 (drat COVID) caused this couple to pivot from their original plan of a traditional church wedding to this beautiful outdoor affair, but if you ask me, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day! And Summer was full of surprises, she even changed her wedding dress and shocked her bridesmaids at the big reveal. You can see their love and excitement below! ;)
Christmas Minis 2019
It’s the most wonderful timeeee of the yearrrr…
Of course, we are referring to CHRISTMAS! Our Christmas mini sessions have come and gone, but we are pumped about how everyone’s sessions went, and the fact that we 100% sold out of our available times! (We may have to add more days next year- don’t tell Josh!)
Minis days are long, but totally rewarding to see so many adorable families, and to think of our families sharing their Christmas cards with loved ones❤️
It’s the most wonderful timeeee of the yearrrr…
Of course, we are referring to CHRISTMAS! Our Christmas mini sessions have come and gone, but we are pumped about how everyone’s sessions went, and the fact that we 100% sold out of our available times! (We may have to add more days next year- don’t tell Josh!)
Minis days are long, but totally rewarding to see so many adorable families, and to think of our families sharing their Christmas cards with loved ones❤️
Anyway, here are some highlights from our two days of minis! Enjoy! (Click the images to see the full size!)
Ashelynn Manor Wedding: Courtney + McCae
Courtney and McCae are a dream couple, you guys! *insert heart eyes here*
Courtney and McCae are a dream couple, you guys! *insert heart eyes here*
Their Ashelynn Manor wedding day was absolutely the sweetest, most joy-filled day, and we were elated to be part of this magical day. Not only were the bride and groom GORGEOUS (as I believe that we have mentioned in one of their previous posts), but Courtney’s girls were the sweetest, McCae’s guys were the most helpful, and everyone was so ready and truly happy for the union of this amazing couple.
Ashelynn Manor was the perfect backdrop for their beautiful October wedding day. The white chapel wedding, the red barn reception- it was all a perfect reflection of the Southern charm and grace that this couple and their family radiated.
To this Aggie couple, we wish you a million years of blessings and happiness, and can’t wait to see your family grow in the coming years! <3
Citadel Houston Wedding: Karla + Jared
The Gartner girls know how to PARTY, Y’ALL!
We had the great pleasure of meeting Karla and Jared last fall at Karla’s sister, Kelley’s, epic wedding, and Karla’s was just as incredible! Karla and Jared are a dynamic duo, and their love for each other and for having a great time is undeniable!
The Gartner girls know how to PARTY, Y’ALL!
We had the great pleasure of meeting Karla and Jared last fall at Karla’s sister, Kelley’s, epic wedding, and Karla’s was just as incredible! Karla and Jared are a dynamic duo, and their love for each other and for having a great time is undeniable!
From the moment we stepped on the scene, everyone was calm, cool, and collected, and giddy for their big day. You could tell that Karla was ready to marry the man of her dreams, and Jared was ready to sweep his princess off her feet and be able to give her his name.
Karla chose St. Christopher’s Catholic Church as their ceremony location, and not only was it colorful and unique, it also has sentimental value to the family. When I asked how the church was chosen, I was told that this was the same church that Karla and Kelley’s parents were married in nearly 30 years before. What a way to start your marriage, and a legacy to step into!
We followed the beautiful ceremony to the dream-like castle, Citadel Houston, where the day continued. And you guys, the place was immaculate. The Perfect Touch did an outstanding job with decor, Cakes by Gina killed it on the 5-tier, white and ornately decorated gold bride’s cake and creative groom’s cake, and everything just came together like it was a fairytale. And like I said, the Gartner girls know how to throw a party! The dance floor was never empty, and you can’t top breakfast tacos as a late night snack. :)
What I said in 2018 about Kelley’s wedding day also applies to Karla’s big day: “Everything was gorgeous, the party never died, and most importantly, the fairytale princess married her Prince Charming in a wedding that only dreams can imagine. <3”
Congratulations to Karla and Jared! May you enjoy decades of a God-blessed marriage ahead of you!
Much love,
Mikala & Josh
Elegant Citadel Houston Bridal Session: Karla
TODAY, Karla is a MARRIED woman, and we can share her BREATHTAKING bridal portraits!
Honestly, Karla looked like an absolute angel/supermodel/celebrity through her entire session.
TODAY, Karla is a MARRIED woman, and we can share her BREATHTAKING bridal portraits!
Honestly, Karla looked like an absolute angel/supermodel/celebrity through her entire session. Josh was just floored by how beautiful the images turned out for DAYS after (and he was the primary photographer! lol). We took her photos at her gorgeous reception venue, The Citadel Houston, and man did it blow us away. Between the marble white floors and the floor to ceiling windows, we truly felt that we were in a castle, and that Karla was the princess!
Karla, we hope that you are fully soaking today in. Enjoy all the love, celebrate with your friends and family, and go home to your HUSBAND!
Bandera Hill Country Bridal Session: Jamee
TODAY IS THE DAY!
Hugest congratulations to Travis and Jamee, and we FINALLY can share her absolutely stunning bridal portraits!
TODAY IS THE DAY!
Hugest congratulations to Travis and Jamee, and we FINALLY can share her absolutely stunning bridal portraits! Jamee & Travis got married today at Travis’ family’s Texas hill country ranch in Bandera, so that is where we collectively chose to do Jamee’s session.
Jamee found the Silver Spur Dance Hall Ruins on the outskirts of Bandera, TX, and we couldn’t have chosen a cooler spot for her, even if we did have to hop a barricade to get to it! Not only was the architecture great for portraits, but the building itself came with history- a classic country dance hall that burned down in the 60s now serves as the backdrop of modern day portraiture.
Jamee & Travis, congratulations! Travis, you got a stunner!
Antique Rose Emporium Wedding: Whitney + Kanaan
Whitney & Kanaan had one of the sweetest wedding days of all time.
I’m truly not kidding when I say this!
Whitney & Kanaan had one of the sweetest wedding days of all time.
I’m truly not kidding when I say this!
From the time we walked out of the car, I could feel that it would be a perfect and peace filled day. There are some wedding days that feel rushed with a hint of anxious energy, and this was just not one of them! Everyone was so calm and happy, not once did I see anyone frantically rushing to get dressed or to get the reception area set up!
Whitney & Kanaan chose the Antique Rose Emporium as their venue, and it absolutely floored us with its charm. If you are looking for a classic chapel or a garden style wedding, this is 100% the place for you! The Rose Emporium was so unique and unlike any other venue we had seen or been to before, and a photographer’s dream! So many areas to take gorgeous portraits, and we did our best to hit as many gorgeous spots as possible. So glad Whitney & Kanaan were willing to take extra time to enjoy golden hour and the sun setting to get in some extra portraits! They were so natural with one another, and it really allowed their personalities to shine through and add extra beauty to an already perfect scene. :)
On top of the adorable venue (and couple), some of our favorite elements were the personal touches that the couple added to their day. Whitney’s dress, for example, was actually her mother’s vintage wedding dress. The first look with dad was so sweet, as she said, “look familiar?” as dad walked her way! Kanaan also went the extra mile with the cake toppers! At first look, one would think that the bride’s cake topper is just an adorable wooden bride and groom, but Kanaan actually had the toppers made custom to be replications of himself and Whitney! And I can’t forget the groom’s cake! Kanaan hand created the topper to be a wedding ceremony with comic book character guests. And of course, Stan Lee was officiating. ;)
They ended their day with a fun sparkler exit, and we didn’t even have to prompt him to dip and kiss his new bride before they drove off!
All in all, Mr. & Mrs. Windham, your day was perfect and we wish you decades of happiness, centered around Jesus. <3
Galveston Beachtown Engagements: Allie + Chris
Allie & Chris were SUCH A BLAST!
Josh has known Chris for years, and it was a great time for them to reconnect and have some fun taking engagement portraits for him and his bride-to-be. :)
Allie & Chris were SUCH A BLAST!
Josh has known Chris for years, and it was a great time for them to reconnect and have some fun taking engagement portraits for him and his bride-to-be. :)
As we learned, they had already taken engagement photos late last year, but in the fall. Allie mentioned that since they are having a summer wedding, she really wanted some brighter, more summer-feeling photos of the two of them to match their big day. We agreed on one of our FAVORITE spots, Galveston island!
For all you haters out there, Galveston really does have a lot to offer! Not only did we get the bright, fun photos that Allie was looking for, but the island really is more beautiful than you might think, especially Post Office Street and Beachtown, where we decided to spend our time during their session. Beachtown is (thankfully) not widely known, and is gorgeoussss. Driving up to the multi million dollar beach homes makes you forget that you are 45 minutes from Houston and 10 minutes from Pleasure Pier, and transports you to the east coast with breathtaking white plantation style homes and white picket fences. (Also, if you are ever in Beachtown, you have to try Porch Cafe- it’s one of our favorite date night spots because it’s so darn cute!)
At the end of the day, we had an incredible session with these two lovebirds, and even got some stunning sunset shots and cotton candy skies as the icing on the cake. Allie & Chris, we wish you years of joy and laughter, and after spending a few hours with you guys, I think you won’t have a problem with either! ;)
Check out their session- you won’t be disappointed!
The Meekermark Houston Wedding: Shannon + Andres
Shannon and Andy had such a wonderful wedding day!
Shannon, being a former photographer, chose The Meekermark as her venue because of all the beautiful natural lighting, large windows, and the gorgeous outdoor chapel for the ceremony. And boy, it is stunning!
Shannon and Andy had such a wonderful wedding day!
Shannon, being a former photographer, chose The Meekermark as her venue because of all the beautiful natural lighting, large windows, and the gorgeous outdoor chapel for the ceremony. And boy, it is stunning!
But we live in Houston, the town of unpredictable weather (Houstonians, you know!), and it rained. It rained all morning and afternoon; we held out hope that it would clear up, but it rained until after the ceremony began. Where some brides may have had a meltdown, Shannon did not let this weather nuisance phase her and ruin her special day. She took the rain with stride, and calmly had her wedding party move the ceremony indoors! Although it was not her ideal situation, nobody would have ever known by her smile and bright demeanor.
Shannon and Andy had a ceremony centered around their relationship with Jesus, and you could tell that they have a plan to keep Him the center of their marriage. As their family and Lakewood family surrounded them, they worshiped, prayed, and smiled their way to being pronounced man & wife. The love in the room was thick, and we could tell that Shannon & Andy have such a magnificent future ahead of them!
Shannon & Andy, keep your marriage centered on the one that IS love, and you will have years of goodness ahead of you! We hope we can keep in touch, and see ya at Lakewood soon! ;)
Houston Engagements: Karla + Jared
We are absolutely beyond ecstatic for Karla and Jared, and even more excited to be part of their (I can already guarantee it will be off the charts) wedding!
**Cue the confetti!**
We are absolutely beyond ecstatic for Karla and Jared, and even more excited to be part of their (I can already guarantee it will be off the charts) wedding!
**Cue the confetti!**
We actually met Karla when preparing for her sister, Kelley’s, beautiful wedding as her photographers. These girls have style and class, not to mention that they know how to have fun. ;) To be able to document both of the beautiful Gartner sisters’ weddings is truly an honor!
Karla & Jared have such natural chemistry and we can tell that they love each other deeply, and enjoy each other genuinely. These two were laughing and having fun the entire time, and their comfort with one another shines through their final images.
Karla & Jared, we will take your photos ANYTIME! You are a gorgeous couple and we had a great time!
Can’t wait until October!
Downtown Discovery Green Houston Engagements: Courtney + McCae
Courtney & McCae, you guys are just ADORABLE, honestly!
Courtney contacted us to be the photographers for her wedding after a photography horror story where the previous photographer basically ghosted them after she paid her deposit. What a nightmare! It is stories like hers that inspire us even further to try and provide the best client experience that we can.
Courtney & McCae, you guys are just ADORABLE, honestly!
Courtney contacted us to be the photographers for her wedding after a photography horror story where the previous photographer basically ghosted them after she paid her deposit. What a nightmare! It is stories like hers that inspire us even further to try and provide the best client experience that we can.
Courtney & McCae, although it was a tragic story that brought us together, we are SO glad and honored to be your photographers! The love that you two share with one another is apparent, and we love how much fun you two have just being together!
We cannot wait until your October wedding!
Northgate Country Club Houston Winter Wedding: Kathleen + Waylon
I could tell before the wedding day that Kathleen was going to be so much fun when she told me that she had lined up a few surprises for her husband-to-be. Her surprises did not disappoint!
We were so happy to have been able to be part of Kathleen' & Waylon’s wedding day!
I must say, Kathleen’s wedding photographer story started out as a tragic one. She and Waylon had a photographer lined up and paid the deposit, and the month before the wedding, for one reason or another, the photographer backed out. (PS- It wasn’t us!) She reached out asking if we were available for her holiday season wedding, and lo and behold, we were!
I could tell before the wedding day that Kathleen was going to be so much fun when she told me that she had lined up a few surprises for her husband-to-be. Her surprises did not disappoint! First, she planned a “fake first look”. If you haven’t seen one of these before, it’s basically when you trick your fiance into believing that they will do a first look with you, then you dress up their best man in a wedding dress. You’ll have to look at the pictures to really see how ridiculous Waylon’s best friend looked in a wedding dress! Secondly, Waylon is a HUGE LSU fan, so naturally, she had to prank him a little, being an Aggie fan, herself. Though the cake looked unsuspecting at first glance, Waylon was in for a surprise when he cut into his cake. Kudos, Kathleen, for pulling off these little pranks!
All in all, Kathleen & Waylon had a wonderful wedding day, and we wish them many years of happiness ahead!
Union Station Houston Wedding: Kelley + Jorge
Kelley & Jorge’s wedding day was an absolute dream, I tell you.
Everything was gorgeous, the party never died, and most importantly, the fairytale princess married her Prince Charming in a wedding that only dreams can imagine. <3
Josh and I were lucky (blessed) enough to be granted the privilege of helping to document this sweet couple’s love from the proposal to the day that they drove away as man and wife. Wedding days can be stressful, but if they were stressed, we couldn’t tell. Their calm, cool, and collected demeanor helped to make our “job” easy from day one, and that same peace that we felt with them leading up to the day of the wedding only continued throughout their absolutely beautiful wedding day.
Kelley & Jorge’s wedding day was an absolute dream, I tell you.
The ceremony focused on a scripture that Josh and I hold dearly in our own marriage- “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” Every detail was perfectly coordinated, every flower perfectly arranged, and OMG THE RECEPTION Y’ALL. Stepping into the impeccably decorated Union Station was like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
Everything was gorgeous, the party never died, and most importantly, the fairytale princess married her Prince Charming in a wedding that only dreams can imagine. <3
Check out their highlight gallery for proof!
The Preparation
The Ceremony
The Portraits
The Party
To many blessed years for
Mr. & Mrs. Jorge Cortez!
Vendor Love:
MUA: Katie Lynn Beauty
Hair: Above the Waves Hair
Videography: Reverent Wedding Films
Floral: Lexis Florist
Dress: Parvani Vida
Reception Decor: Blink Decor & DJs
DJ: PB&DJ Events
Cake: Cakes by Gina
Venue: Union Station at Minute Maid
Kelley & Jorge's Engagement
Check out the highlights from Jorge & Kelley’s engagement session in Houston!
Check out the highlights from Jorge & Kelley’s engagement session in Houston!
