“You don’t need eyes to see, you need vision.”
With the average cost of a wedding in Texas being $30,200 it’s no wonder why so many couples are choosing to plan their own wedding to save money - especially during a pandemic. Personally I love the small, quaint weddings that I have had the pleasure of photographing this year. Most of the couples I have photographed this year had larger, more elaborate weddings planned, but instead took a step back and kept things much smaller and simpler. It’s amazing how each couple accomplished this as they all did it differently.
Jacob and Hannah
April 10, 2020 was a day that many were anxiously awaiting. This was the day that Jacob and Hannah would exchange vows in front of their family and friends. The anticipated wedding was originally going to take place at a stunning venue in Axtell, Texas, however something completely unexpected happened - COVID-19. Everyone hoped for the pandemic to be over by this date. But that did not happen. The venue cancelled, along with many of the vendors. This wedding was definitely going to happen on April 10th - no matter what!
There was a change in plans.
Jacob and Hannah had a small ceremony outdoors with their family and closest friends in attendance.
Mike and Mysti
Mysti contacted me asking if I would photograph their wedding. Of course I said I would love to! During 2019 the plan took off in many directions as they explored all the awesome venues - one was even an old caboose! At one point they decided on an elopement on a cruise trip, but Mike’s family would not be thrilled about missing their big day. As their plans changed so did their family’s plans. One of the daughter’s was going to join the navy after graduation and they definitely wanted her to be in the bridal party so they made plans for a backyard wedding in Mexia, Texas before she left for the military. But then the completely unexpected happen…COVID - 19!
Texas was suddenly under a shelter in place order and no one knew how long that would last. The days turned into weeks. The weeks turned into months. How much longer could this possibly go on?? Slowly the state began to reopen, but there were still restrictions in place. One such restriction was the amount of people in one gathering. That definitely put a damper on wedding plans!
One day Mysti messaged me and said she was so over all the planning and waiting on restrictions to lift that her and Mike decided to have a simple family wedding before her daughter left to the navy so instead of the typical wedding photograph she wanted to trash her dress. And that is exactly what we planned - complete with a cake fight (after sanitizing hands) and lots of toilet paper!
Mike and Mysti’s wedding day was definitely not what they originally planned, but they definitely created crazy memories to cherish forever!
Michael and Dana
The Fourth of July was a very hot day in Satin, Texas where Dana and Michael would exchange vows in front of their family and a few close friends at Moon River Ranch. The venue was absolutely picture perfect! The wedding was so special with all their thoughtful touches to make the entire evening about their strong relationship surrounded by the love of God and the love of their family. Many happy tears were shed, as well as lots of shared laughter.
Their pastor officiated the ceremony. Their counselor led them through braiding the three stands. Their parents sat in the front row fully supporting the union. Their children surrounded them as they were the bridal party. The ring pillow was made by Michael’s mother. Michael wore his grandfather’s bolo tie. Dana had her grandmother’s broach fastened to her bouquet. Sparklers sent the newlyweds off. Flags were waved for their love of America. But perhaps the most moving part of the entire ceremony was when the DJ played a song Michael’s daughter sang, the cover to Ocean Eyes. She could not be in attendance due to COVID travel restrictions. For that entire song, everyone just listened.
Their wedding is truly one to be remembered.
Michael and Dana had a small, intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Since it was a smaller ceremony they were able to spend so much time dancing and enjoying their special day.
John and Lori
Lori and John met casually as she knew of his family and she was a Facebook suggestion of his. Due to COVID-19, their first date was at John’s father’s house. They grilled steaks and watched a movie while they started to learn more about each other. This first date, although casual, was the start of something beautiful. Eventually John proposed to Lori on a rainy day in the post office parking lost in Mexia, Texas.
The shelter in place order provided both of them with lots of time together. They were able to drive around and check cattle during the day and in the evening cuddle up on the couch to watch some television together. The soon discovered that they are each other’s Twin Flame!
John and Lori exchanged vows at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck. Their small wedding was full of classy details that were evident throughout the venue.
Antone and Sarah
I loved every bit of their wedding day, but my favorite part was the first look. Sarah really wanted to have a first look portion of the day and felt strongly that it was going to be just the two of them enjoying each other for a brief moment during their busy day. We decided that Sarah would be in the barn and Antone would be on the front step just outside the front door. Sarah would slowly push the doors open and walk up to Antone, cover his eyes and slowly turn him around so he could see her in the dress as his gorgeous bride. As she slowly spun him around and he looked at her, his eyes began to swell with tears. It was truly an emotional moment shared between the two of them.
Afterwards they moved onto family and bridal party portraits before the ceremony. This would allow them to be a part of their reception from the very beginning. These two put so much thought into the flow of the day. Everything was planned with intention.
Antone and Sarah had the largest wedding of the year at Leatherberry Oaks in Aquilla. These two focused on their guests and making sure the day flowed well to maximize the time they could spend with them.
Luis and Alena
On October 10, 2020 Alena and Luis would tie the knot and officially become Mr. and Mrs. Guzman at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck, Texas on a very warm, sunny day. The wedding was decorated in purple, lavender and white with many small touches to make the event very classy.
They had a backdrop set up for a photo booth, complete with props. They had several yard games for guests to enjoy - corn hole and connect four to name a few. Their guest book was a “Jenga Guestbook.,” in which painted blocks were written on for stacking. These two thought of so many details to make their big day truly enjoyable for all in attendance!
Luis and Alena had a small wedding at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck. They personalized so much for their big day and showed their guests just how much they appreciated them.
Number ONE Tip
As you can see, each and every one of these weddings kept things simple, yet classy and unique. No two weddings were the same, yet they were alike in one way.
Each of these couples took the time to create a vision. They had an idea of what their wedding should look like and how the day should flow. They took it a step further. They put things out and moved them around to make sure everything was perfect. They stood back and took a second look. A third look. Many more looks! Each time looking for anything that was a distraction,. They made sure that everything was in a place that made sense, flowed well and would look beautiful in the photographs.
When planning your own wedding, draw a simple map taking into account how you want the day to flow. It’s up to you to direct your guests where to go. At each area (guest book, cake, alter, etc.), step back and make a square with your fingers, imagining that you are taking a photograph. What do you see? Is it as beautiful as you envisioned? Or is there something distracting the viewer?
When in doubt, ask the professionals that you have hired…like Smith Family Photography :)
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