Keith and Karen said, "I do," on June 16th, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in West, Texas with a reception immediately following the ceremony at Cottonwood Hall, also in West, Texas. The church was absolutely beautiful, complete with stained glass windows! And Cottonwood Hall was the perfect venue for the reception with a large dance floor and bar.

Keith and Karen met each other at the beach while they were both on vacation. They were introduced by a mutual friend, Tina (also the matron of honor). Neither one was looking for a relationship, but they were encouraged to meet on a friend level rather than a relationship level. They ended up exchanging numbers and reluctantly arranged a first date hiking and searching for fossils in a creek bed. It was such an adventure...literally! They encountered a snake and a hornet's nest complete with four stings on that first date! Keith asked Karen to go on a second date. This time they would go...fishin'. They've been seeking adventures, fishing, and just enjoying spending time with each other every since.

Exactly one year later, Keith proposed while they were on a family vacation at the exact same beach where they first met each other. They were surrounded by all of Keith's family. Keith and Karen were officially ENGAGED!!

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Keith and Karen love spending time outdoors together, going on adventures and fishing. Their honeymoon was actually a fishing trip to Rockport, Texas where they caught lots of trout and red fish. That is a trip that definitely fits their personalities! After all, Keith's ring is actually made with fishing line!

Keith's ring is actually made with fishing line!

As we photographed the wedding and captured special moments between them we quickly noticed that they were always surrounded by family. They have such an amazing support system with wonderful role models! The way that Keith and Karen look at each other is something from a fairy tale. It is difficult to describe, but can be felt by everyone around them. They have so much love and respect for one another.

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June 16th was not just Keith and Karen's wedding day. June 16th was also Keith's parents wedding day 45 years earlier! I was not aware of this until the ceremony when Tommy and Sara were asked to stand by Keith and Karen.

Tommy and Sara being recognized for 45 years of marriage.

Forty-five years! That is such a commitment of love! Tommy later told me that they have been through it all - richer and poorer, sickness and health, better and worse - and every single bit of it was (and continues to be) worth it. Such an inspiration! Keith and Karen even included them in the reception with a cake to celebrate their anniversary, the original cake topper from their wedding cake 45 years ago, a jar for anniversary wishes, and a special dance for them. I have to admit, it made me tear up!

Tommy and Sara celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

— Desmond Tutu

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Keith and Karen, as I captured special memories of your beautiful wedding day I was deeply touched by the fact that you have an AMAZING family that surrounds you both and supports you both. While this was beautifully amazing, what was even more amazing was that you both appreciated this rather than taking it for granted. You truly do have something special.

A special THANK YOU to Angela Bailey with Angela Bailey Photography for assisting me in capturing the beautiful memories from Keith and Karen's wedding day!