Member, Professional Photographers of America

beauty and the beast

And So the Adventure Begins

September 24, 2022 was a gorgeous day in Emory, Texas. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the sun was brilliantly shining. It was a perfect day for Tasha and Allen’s wedding at The Barn of Emory!

Tasha and Allen began their relationship online and eventually they had their first date. They went to an Allen Americans Hockey game. They vividly recall how much fun it was to be around one another as they shared lots of laughter.

The two continued to enjoy their time together as they learned more about each other. They both love traveling so they even took several trips together which further strengthened their relationship. They even developed their own Disney game, since they both love anything and everything Disney! They see who can guess the Disney song first while their on road trips. Fun fact, Tasha and Allen have traveled to NINE countries together!

...and then I realized ADVENTURES are the BEST way to LEARN.
— anonymous

One trip was life changing for them. They went to Niagra Falls and took a tour on the Maid of the Mist which took them directly under the falls. This was the moment that Allen surprised Tasha with a ring as he asked for her hand in marriage!

When they aren’t traveling the world, they often enjoy dinners together at Texas Roadhouse or at a sushi restaurant as well as attending sporting events, game nights or watching movies. They are definitely an adventurous couple that loves having fun together while experiencing new and exciting activities.

When I asked them what they liked best about each other, Allen said he loves how driven Tasha is to meet her goals in life. She’s always up for an adventure and a challenge. And he also likes her bootie! Tasha said she likes Allen’s sense of humor. He will have your cheeks hurting for hours! He knows everything about sports. Even if he didn’t watch the game, he will read about the highlights and then talk about the game like he watched it. She also loves the way he absolutely loves his family.

During their wedding it was obvious how much Tasha and Allen are loved by their family and friends. Many gave toasts to them and had so many wonderful things to say about both of them. In the midst of all the sweet gestures and kind words were lots of laughs - LOTS! The ceremony had so many laughing and smiling as the “shot girls” walked down the aisle tossing out Jell-O shots. The reception kept the laughter going as Allen disappeared after telling Tasha he had a surprise for her. She looked a tad worried and then she heard it…the conversation between Chip and Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast! The song, Tale As Old As Time, began to play and Allen came walking into the room dressed as The Beast. Everyone literally began laughing and pulled out their phones to take photos and videos as he asked for Tasha’s hand so they could share a dance to a Disney song.

Tasha and Allen have such a fun and exciting life together that is not only filled with so much love for one another, but they are literally surrounded by love from their family and friends. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with them during their engagement session and then spend time with them and their loved ones during their wedding.

Vendors

Venue: The Barn of Emory

Coordinator: Katherine Hogan

Florist: Chris Johnston

Cake Artist: Creative Cakes

Catering: Tamolly’s

Band/DJ: Tim Ferraro

Hair Artist: Jessica Blue Moon

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Bridal Gown: Brilliant Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Officiant: Curtis Neel

Stationary/Invitations: Canva

Tale As Old As Time

Gareth and Sarah exchanged vows at The Barn in Lorena, Texas on March 31, 2022. It was a gorgeous day for a wedding complete with a perfect golden sunset as the backdrop for their wedding ceremony.

Where it all began…

In October of 2020 Sarah traveled from Ohio to Central Texas to visit family. During this visit she would meet Gareth at a gospel meeting. The two exchanged phone numbers and began texting one another. When Sarah’s visit came to an end, she went back home to Ohio and the two continued to talk constantly. They even managed to have dates via FaceTime! Their first FaceTime date involved watching the live action Mulan movie followed by talking until after midnight.

Over the next few months they would continue communicating until she moved to Texas in March of 2021. This is when they had their first in-person date. The pair went to dinner at Baris in Waco, Texas. Sarah was incredibly nervous and became sick. They had to end the date early.

The proposal…

Gareth planned on asking Sarah to marry him at the Columbus Zoo over Thanksgiving when they were visiting her family back in Ohio. But that’s not what happened - Gareth couldn’t wait that long! In October of 2021 he went to visit his parents at their house and when he got back he was acting really fidgety and anxious. The next day after church Gareth called Sarah’s sister on FaceTime and proposed in the living room. He said he couldn’t wait another minute!

Sarah and Gareth…

They enjoy spending time with each other as they eat dinner and watch movies. In fact, they told me that the movie that represents their life together is Beauty and the Beast because they both look past the other’s shortcomings and “ugliness” to see the beauty and potential in one another. Sarah loves Gareth’s ability to make her laugh when she feels like crying and Gareth loves seeing Sarah smile.

Sarah and Gareth have a special relationship - one that is built on honesty and strengthened by an endearing love for each other, as well as their family and friends. Throughout their wedding day it was evident that their family and the gospel are an integral part of their lives. With these at the center of their relationship, Sarah and Gareth’s marriage will flourish.

Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.
— Romans 12:10

Sarah and Gareth, you are both incredibly genuine souls - you care about others so much and you’re able to meet each other’s needs, as well as your own, while being mindful about the feelings of your family and friends. Your first dance was a beautiful moment between you two and I am beyond blessed that I was there to capture that moment in time.

Vendors

Venue: The Barn

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Cake: Ester Heflin

Catering: Hansom Hog

Hair and Make-up Artist: Waco Color Studio

Invitations: Zazzle