On Saturday, May 26, 2018, Brooke and James made each other a promise in front of their family and friends - a promise to love each other forever.
Brooke and James were married on a rather warm and sunny day in Thornton, Texas at the new Thornton Civic Center. Their wedding was actually the first wedding to take place there and everything was absolutely perfect! Brooke stated that the venue was so much better than she expected and I must say that I completely agree with her. The lighting in the building is incredible! There is so much natural light that pours in through the windows and completely fills the very neutral colored space. I LOVE the way the city of Thornton used parts from the old Thornton School building in their new civic center!
The new Thornton Civic Center
James and Brooke first met when they were high school students at Groesbeck High School in Groesbeck, Texas. James was a junior and Brooke was a freshman. Brooke was dating James's best friend when they first met, however after a few months that high school relationship ended. James and Brooke soon began dating. Their first "official" date was going to a high school play that school year. This date led to many more wonderful dates over the years.
Eventually, James decided to propose to Brooke in the driveway of the house he grew up in at Old Fort Parker State Park. But this wasn't his original plan. His plan was to actually propose to Brooke down by the water at the lake, but there was a problem. There was construction going on at the state park and they were in the process of building a new boat ramp at this time so James had to improvise. The driveway would have to do!
James had a white Chevrolet pickup truck in high school and still to this day he owns and drives this truck. After all, it is his baby! James picked up Brooke on this particular day and drove to the driveway. He got out of the truck, ran to the front of the truck and opened the hood. Brooke had no idea what he was doing so she waiting in the truck patiently for James to finish looking at this truck. He finally walked back to the driver's side of the truck and leaned over to kiss Brooke...and then proposed! Brooke was completely surprised and answered, "YES," without hesitation!
From the minute I met Brooke and James, I could tell they loved each other and were completely comfortable around each other. They were both very laid back and nothing seemed to stress them out at all. After years of high school and the years after high school, they are still so in love and respect each other. The way they look at each other is truly breathtaking!
“Love is when you look into someone’s eyes, and suddenly, you go all the way inside, to their soul...and you both know, instantly.”
Family is very important to both Brooke and James and so it was vital that they were included in the details of the wedding day. Brooke's mom and cousins made the cakes and cupcakes. The cake stand was truly unique! It was a custom, one of a kind, cake stand made from pieces of wood that was built by Brooke's cousin. All of the wood that was used throughout the wedding (cake stand, guest book, table decor, etc) came from their family land near Bremond and Kosse. They will truly be keepsakes for generations to come!
Custom wood pieces built by family using wood on their family land.
“Do what you want. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to do this or that. It is your wedding day and you can do what you want.””
Brooke and James, I have a wedding wish for you. Love is best when shared. Together you are stronger because together you are ONE. Here's to a happily every after! Thank you for allowing me to capture some of the memories from your beautiful wedding day!
Special thanks to Angela Bailey and Angela Bailey Photography for assisting me in capturing the beautiful memories from Brooke and James's wedding day!
Vendor Credits
- Venue: City of Thornton - Thornton Civic Center, Thornton, Texas - Kenny and Pam Capps
- Cake Artist: Jennifer Lloyd (mom) and Jamie McCaleb (cousin)
- Make-up and Hair Artist: Vanessa Coatney (sister)
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Pat's Gowns, Waco, Texas
- Bridal Gown: David's Bridal, Waco, Texas
- Officiant: Ricky Joe Waller, First Baptist Church, Kosse, Texas