My Kind of Rain

“A rainy wedding day is like nature’s way of adding its own tears of joy to the celebration.”

— unknown

Cliffton and Destiny exchanged vows on April 20, 2024, at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck, Texas. The cloudy skies served as a backdrop to their heartfelt ceremony, with the promise of rain later in the day. The couple's love shone brightly amidst the overcast weather, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The photographs captured the tender moments shared between Cliffton and Destiny as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives together.

Their wedding was filled with lots of dancing and laughter, especially as everyone joyfully participated in the lively Czech Wedding March when the rain began to fall softly from the sky. Destiny and Cliffton were often seen embracing each other as their loved ones sang and danced around them. The joyous celebration continued throughout the evening, with the couple's happiness radiating in every smile and touch. Surrounded by the warmth of their family and friends, Destiny and Cliffton's love shone brightly, a testament to their strong bond and commitment to each other. The moments captured were filled with genuine emotions, creating cherished memories that they would hold dear for a lifetime.

Cliffton and Destiny remained unperturbed by the weather as they welcomed the sound of rain on their wedding day, believing it to bring good fortune. Embracing the rain, they found beauty in the delicate droplets that adorned their special day. Surrounded by loved ones, they celebrated amidst the pitter-patter of rain, creating lasting memories that mirrored the resilience and strength of their love.

Rain on a wedding day is often considered good luck in many cultures, symbolizing cleansing, fertility, and new beginnings. It is believed that a wet knot is harder to untie, signifying the strength of the marriage bond. Some see rain as a symbol of abundance and prosperity in the relationship. Embracing the rain on such a significant day can also demonstrate the couple's ability to weather life's storms together. Many couples find beauty in the raindrops and see it as a romantic backdrop for their special day. Ultimately, rain on a wedding day can be seen as a blessing, bringing luck and positivity to the marriage ahead.

Smith Family Photography wishes Destiny and Cliffton a lifetime of happiness as they begin this new chapter in their lives. May your journey together be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Congratulations on your marriage, and may every moment be as beautiful as the love you share.

The Perfect Two

Kasey and John's love story began at a get-together where a mutual friend introduced them. As the evening unfolded, laughter filled the air and a sense of warmth embraced the gathering. The night took an unexpected turn when, fueled by youthful exuberance, Kasey and John, egged on by their adventurous spirits, decided to plunge into the icy waters of Lake Limestone. The shock of the frigid January water left them both frozen, shivering, and undeniably exhilarated. In that moment of unscripted spontaneity, amidst the biting cold and shared laughter, they found themselves drawn to each other, their connection deepening with every shared smile and shivering embrace. Little did they know that this daring leap into the unknown would mark the beginning of their enduring love story.

On a picturesque Christmas Eve, amidst the warmth of family and the glow of holiday lights, John found the perfect moment to ask Kasey to be his partner for life. As loved ones gathered at his parents' house, John's heart raced with excitement as he led Kasey outside where he had adorned the fence with twinkling Christmas lights, forming a radiant backdrop for his heartfelt proposal. Overwhelmed with surprise and joy, Kasey embraced the magical moment, knowing that she was about to embark on a new chapter with the love of her life. The Christmas lights illuminated not only the evening but also the beginning of their journey towards a future filled with love and togetherness.

John admires Kasey's unwavering determination and endless patience. Her ability to navigate challenges with grace and persistence never fails to inspire him. Meanwhile, Kasey deeply appreciates John's boundless patience and caring nature. His calm and supportive presence has been a source of comfort and strength for her. Together, they complement each other perfectly, cherishing and celebrating the qualities that make their bond so special.

On October 28, 2023, John and Kasey tied the knot at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck, Texas, in the presence of their beloved friends and family. The wedding was a beautiful blend of elegance and unique whimsy, with the striking color palette of black and purple setting the stage for a memorable celebration. Drawing inspiration from The Nightmare Before Christmas, the couple incorporated elements that paid homage to the iconic love story of Jack and Sally Skellington. From the decor to the attire, every detail reflected their shared love for this classic tale. It was an enchanting day that perfectly captured the essence of their relationship and the joy of starting this new chapter together.

Vendor credits

Venue: Springfield Hall

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal

Cake Artist: D’Angelo Homemade Goodies

Catering: D’Angelo Homemade Goodies

Put A Ring On It

“People who care about each other enjoy doing things for one another.”

— Ann Landers

October 22, 2022

MaClaya and Andrew were surrounded by family and friends as they exchanged vows in Hubbard, Texas at the rustic, yet charming, Old Town Hubbard.

Their very first meeting was actually an act of kindness on Andrew’s part in 2019. They were both inside a convenience store. MaClaya was in line to pay for her fuel when Andrew offered to pay. From the very beginning, their relationship began with doing something nice for the other person and that continued throughout their dating and was even evident on their wedding day.

The two of them went to the drive-in movie theater to watch Onward followed by a casual dinner at Taco Bell. They enjoyed spending time with each other as they learned about each other and shared many laughs. Today they continue to enjoy casual date nights with one another as they often watch a tv show or movie together as they share a meal. They particularly enjoy Grey’s Anatomy paired with pizza and wings!

Andrew proposed to MaClaya in 2021 during a dinner date one night after their work day ended. He surprised MaClaya with a brownie sundae complete with an engagement ring on the top! Not going to lie, this had me intrigued to SEE the proposal so off to Facebook I went to stalk MaClaya’s page and behold, I found the video!

When I asked MaClaya and Andrew to describe their relationship in five words, they replied, “adventurous, caring, supportive, fun and amazing.” I must say, I definitely agree with those descriptors!

Adventurous. MaClaya and Andrew went to Hawaii on their honeymoon and they certainly were adventurous doing all sorts of activities!

Caring…and Supportive. They not only care about each other immensely, but they care about their family and friends just as much. During their wedding it was easy to see where they both learned that behavior because everyone was incredibly caring from beginning to end. They worked together to create an amazing wedding for MaClaya and Andrew! They are truly blessed for having so much support surround them.

Fun. For their engagement session they requested some “awkward” photo poses. We all laughed so much the ENTIRE session! Their wedding didn’t include awkward photo poses, but it did include TONS of dancing! It was so much fun to watch everyone dance as they smiled and laughed the entire night!

Amazing. For all the reasons above, MaClaya and Andrew are an amazing couple that truly care about others.

I am beyond blessed that I was asked to capture memories of MaClaya and Andrew’s special day! Each wedding is unique and I am amazed at how well everything came together to make their day beautiful and absolutely perfect!

“Some souls just understand each other upon meeting.”

— unknown

Imperishable Beauty

October 8, 2022 was a gorgeous day for Haley and Brendan’s wedding at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck, Texas! The sun was shining brightly through bright blue skies as a gentle breeze danced throughout the day.

“But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God.”

— 1 Peter 3:4

Haley and Brendan grew up together in Groesbeck, Texas. They even went to the same preschool in nearby Mexia, Texas! Their parents had intertwined lives as both of their dads worked in law enforcement so the two of them grew up together. They spent many “dates” at the local Subway afterschool sharing meals together. But their actual “first date” was watching Brendan’s younger brother play baseball. The two of them officially began dating three weeks before Haley graduated high school in 2017. Brendan was a junior at this time.

After five years of dating, the day finally arrived! Brendan would ask Haley to marry him during a family trip to Concan, Texas. Both of their families were on this getaway to enjoy each other’s company as they relaxed along the Frio River. During one night on the vacation, the Frio River flooded over the bridge to the neighborhood. Everyone rode golf carts down to the flooded river banks to check it out. Soon enough everyone began to head back up the hill to the golf carts and Haley turned around to look for Brendan. She saw him, in the glow of the dimly lit golf cart headlights, down on one knee. Haley asked him what he was doing and he answered her with a question, “Will you marry me?”

Their relationship is full of love, laughter, compassion, devotion and unity. This is evident from watching them interact with each other. But it doesn’t stop there. They both treat others in the same way and it was truly special to witness this throughout their wedding day from getting ready to their first look before the ceremony, as well as the ceremony itself as they included their family in a large prayer circle around them.

I met Haley during her bridal session, but I first met Brendan the day of the wedding. The way he looked at Haley during their first look before the ceremony was something special to witness. They care about each other deeply. Haley loves Brendan’s warmth and his kindness. Brendan loves Haley’s beauty, laugh, and smile, but he truly enjoys what Peter calls the “Imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,” which is very precious in God’s sight - 1 Peter 3:4

The two of them hope to have a scrapbook of full of adventures some day and one such adventure that will fill many of those pages will be their honeymoon to Seattle, Washington.

Credits

Ceremony Venue: Springfield Hall, Groesbeck, Texas

Reception Venue: Springfield Hall, Groesbeck, Texas

Coordinator: Emily Goodson

Videographer: Circle G

Florist: Rusty Rose

Cake Artist: Donna Arnold

Catering: Darla Wurtz

DJ: Kevin Stone, First Baptist Church of Groesbeck, Texas

Hair Artist: Shear Elegance, Groesbeck, Texas - Johnnie Gayle Fewell and June Stone

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal

Tuxes: Dilliards

Officiant: Keith Collier, First Baptist Church of Groesbeck, Texas

Stationary/Invitations: theknot.com

Over the Years: The Wimer Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

THE WIMER FAMILY

I met the Wimer Family in November of 2018 when they hired me to photograph the adoption of one of their children at an adoption ceremony at the Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas. The ceremony was held on November 16, 2018, which was a day that one of my younger children happened to have an early release from school so I had to bring her along. I asked the Wimer Family if my daughter, Lily, could come with me and they assured me that she was welcome and would enjoy herself at the event. They definitely were not kidding! The inside of the building was decorated in a Polar Express theme complete with arts, crafts, games and various activities. The best part of the entire day was the adoption ceremony for each family, including the Wimer Family. Through this one event, Lily and one of the Wimer children developed a friendship. To this day the two are friends. They don’t see each other nearly often enough (they have lots of children and we also have lots of children so we’re both very busy), but friendships were definitely made that day. I adore this sweet and fun family so much and look forward to photographing them for the years to come.

Lily made a new friend!

November 16, 2018 - Adoption Day for the Wimer Family!

Just a few weeks later on December 1, 2018 I would see these cute faces again at their Christmas Mini Session. Mom had one request - she wanted a picture with all six of the children together AND have each one actually looking at the camera! Challenge accepted.

December 2018 - Christmas Mini Session

Exactly two months later I saw them again at our Valentine Mini Session event at Cameron Park in Waco, Texas. I loved the themed shirts!

February 20019 - Valentine Mini Session

Later that year in June, I discovered that the Wimer children LOVED watermelon! Our Summer Mini Sessions were all about watermelons and smiles!

June 2019 - Summer Mini Session

November is recognized at National Adoption Awareness Month and in 2019 I decided to celebrate by offering discounted mini sessions to families that have adopted at least one child. The Wimer Family adopted SIX! The Wimer Family had something come up and they were no longer able to participate in our November Adoption Awareness Mini Session event and asked to reschedule for a Christmas Session. What better way to wrap up 2019 than seeing these sweet faces at our Christmas Mini Session event in McGregor, Texas!

December 2019 - Christmas Mini Session in matching pj’s

I continued to photograph the Wimer Family throughout 2020. The COVID pandemic hit the United States in March and everyone was staying home as much as possible in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. In June of 2020 I ventured out to meet the Wimer Family for a Summer Mini Session. There were so many laughs during this session because one of the children refused to cooperate by looking at the camera. The plan had to change if I was going to be successful at capturing a photo of all six children. Instead of looking at the camera and smiling I had the kids interact with each other, just like they would if they were actually have a picnic in the park.

June 2020 - Summer Mini Session

In August of 2020 the Wimer Family contacted me asking for a quick session while family was in town. I had a Fall Mini Session setup I wanted to try out so I asked for her help in return. A win-win situation for both of us!

August 2020 - When cousins are visiting, a quick photo session is a MUST!

Fast forward a few months to our Christmas Mini Session event in December. The Wimer Family came to the future site of our studio for their session. All of the children have grown so much since 2018!

December 2020 - Christmas Mini Session

I have captured many memories for the Wimer Family over the past three years and I absolutely LOVE being their family photographer! I am looking forward to capturing many more memories for their family for the years to come.

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”

— Dorothea Lange

THIS IS THE FIFTEENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES. CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

9. The Schmedthorst Family

10. The Milstead Family

11. The Erwin Family

12. The Cardwell Family

13. The Harringer Family

14. The Coslin Family

Over the Years: The Coslin Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

THE COSLIN FAMILY

I have known the Coslin Family for several years - after all, we are family! Kelsey and Hunter live in Ennis, Texas so we only saw them a couple times of year at family functions. I had the opportunity to spend more time with them when they got engaged and later when they exchanged vows. Fast forward a few years and they are now a family of four! They make the drive from Ennis to Ben Hur throughout the year to have updated photos of their family taken at various mini session events. It has truly been a pleasure to get to know this family as they continue to grow and I absolutely love being their family photographer.

August 2017 - Hunter and Kelsey’s engagement session

Hunter and Kelsey wanted to have their engagement session on Hunter’s grandfather’s property in Personville, Texas. Since their engagement session the family property has been sold, making the memories captured here between Hunter and Kelsey even more special.

August 4, 2018 - Kelsey and Hunter became Mr. and Mrs. Coslin!

Their wedding took place at the J Bar C Cowboy Church of Palmer in Palmer, Texas with the reception to follow at the family property located near Personville, Texas. It certainly was a beautiful summer day!

December 2019 - Christmas Mini Session…with their little boy, Fisher

January 2020 - Fisher’s 1st Birthday

Fisher celebrated his first birthday at the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. He was O-Fish-ally ONE!

December 2020 - Fisher LOVES to run! And he ran nearly the entire time at their Christmas Mini Session!

As 2020 was coming to an end, Hunter and Kelsey were looking forward to all that 2021 had in store for them. Within a few months they would be welcoming another baby boy to their family. Fisher was going to be a big brother!

April 2021 - The Coslin Family is now a family of FOUR!

Westin arrived in the spring of 2021 so a bluebonnet field was a perfect location for their family session. They live in Ennis, the home of the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails so it just made sense to enjoy the view in Ennis. Fisher still loved to run and actually fell in a nasty mud puddle during the session! Never a dull moment with this bunch.

July 2021 - Fisher and Westin enjoying a day of fishing at our Summer Mini Session event!

Want to know the trick to keep Fisher from running around during this session? Make him be barefoot!

I have captured many memories for the Coslin Family over the past four years and I LOVE being their family photographer! I am looking forward to capturing many more memories for their family for the years to come.

“Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.”

— Muskan Kumar

THIS IS THE FOURTEENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES. CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

9. The Schmedthorst Family

10. The Milstead Family

11. The Erwin Family

12. The Cardwell Family

13. The Harringer Family