It was less than a month before their wedding when Whitney and Steve found me, their Dallas Texas wedding photographer. During our Zoom consultation, I fell in love with their personalities and in my head, it was a done deal. We were not going to have a chance to meet before their wedding as they do not live in DFW, but because we had an instant connection, I was not worried at all. I was all in!
Whitney and Steve wanted an elegant wedding ceremony followed by a joyous celebration fueled by love, a big band, and an open bar. Despite some unexpected rain, their day turned out just perfectly. The sun even came out after the ceremony so we could get some stunning waterfront images.
The day started with Whitney’s lay-flat detail photos and getting ready with her girl tribe at the stunning Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront. Brite Beauty was there to make everyone look glam, and then it was time for some fun PJ girly shots. Making time to drink champagne, chat, take photos between hair and make-up, and get dressed makes the day extra fab. Whitney said she felt surprisingly relaxed and had so much fun before the ceremony. Meanwhile, Steve had a gathering of friends and family in his room, also excited about how the day would unfold. The couple hired Vinnie for on-the-day coordination, which helped the day go so smoothly.
Also Read: Deep Ellum Engagement Session
On wedding days I do love to visit both partners during their getting ready so I went to go check on Steve as he was getting ready with his party.
As we were on our way to the church, it started raining. Shortly after we got our gear inside to set up – it was literally pouring cats, dogs, longhorns..! Whitney’s car got stuck due to a flash flood, we ended up starting the ceremony a little later than planned. Having 14 years of experience with more than 450 weddings, seeing it all – I was not worried. The Dallas Limo and Black Car Service got her to the church safe, and she walked down the aisle looking absolutely gorgeous to Canon in D with her father. Whitney carried a cascading bouquet of white florals to complete her stunning look.
Look at that awe-inspiring backdrop of stained glass windows in the wide shots of them entering the church. The St Patrick Catholic Church – Dallas is quite stylish and traditional at the same time. It fitted perfectly for the couple’s desire to have a simple yet beautiful mass. Hymns, prayers, readings, and the vow and ring exchange followed… Whitney and Steve were shimmying down the aisle with the biggest smiles on their beautiful faces.
We took tons of family and friends portraits and then away from the bridal party for more upbeat group photos. How gorgeous are these people chilling in front of the stone fireplace?
Whitney and Steve effortlessly looked beautiful. Even though we didn’t have a chance to meet ahead of time before their wedding, they slayed their newlywed portraits.
And of course the mandatory “RBF” photo with just the two of them haha! 🙂
As the sunset wasn’t until an hour after the reception start time, we did some of the table greetings and then mid-way went outside for the newlyweds’ golden hour portraits. Despite it being mid-August, and heavily raining earlier, it was not that bad at all outside!
For Whitney, the reception had always been a part of the wedding she looked forward to most. The scene was set, and everyone was ready to party. Bebe’s Decor styled the ballroom with a color palette of white and gold with blush and black accents, which was reflected in the florals, table layouts, decorations, and signs. It was a beautiful room that wowed the guests when they burst in. Loud cheers of love and hoorays welcomed the newlyweds and the night kicked off with speeches.
The father of the bride speech brought everyone into tears (including myself – thank you L’ancome Waterproof mascara for not running all over and making me look like a panda!)
Soon it was time to PARTY. Having done hundreds of weddings, I have to say, this group of wonderful humans know how to have fun! At some point I was dancing with the mother of the bride, twirling her all over the dance floor!
Also, shout out to the wonderful band, Emerald City’s Downtown Fever – their energy was 1500 the entire night and I would highly recommend them to any of my couples who want to party with a live band!
Whitney and Steve, I’m so happy I got to know you two a little better and I wish you two a fabulous life, full of happiness, laughter, health, and good luck! I can’t wait to see you again and share drinks!
If you are planning your wedding and in search of your wedding photographer, I would love to have you over at my Deep Ellum studio for drinks! Go ahead and fill out the contact form below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
The wonderful vendor team for this wedding
Photography: Tara Arseven
Videography: Taylor Vaughn
Venue: Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront
Church: St. Pius X Catholic Church
Coordination: Two Hearts One Wedding | Vinnie Luu
HMUA: Brite Beauty
Music: Downtown Fever
Food: Hilton Catering
Cake: Lakeview Bakery
Bridal Gown: Blue Bridal Austin
Groom’s Tux: Generation Tux
Transportation:The Dallas Limo and Black Car Service
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