MARFA TEXAS ENGAGEMENT

These photographs…

Capturing my sister in love.

The first time I met Preston we had all gotten together for a double date in a mezcal bar. He’s handsome. I mean, he’s clearly photogenic but when you meet him in person you just have to say to yourself “he’s handsome”. I watched the two of them together and it took all of 5 mins to figure out that my sister had met her husband. And I’m sorry (not sorry) to say that he is every bit as funny, polite and charismatic as he is good looking.

While getting to meet so many different couples through this business two things have really stood out to me about love: it makes you brave and it protects you.

It makes my heart beam when I hear about the way Preston treats her, then to see it in action. He calls out all the beautiful parts in her, challenges her and together they make each other better. They protect each other and they make each other brave.

For their engagement session we decided to head over to Marfa, Texas. Not quite so far that it’s impossible to get to but far enough away that you feel a sense of accomplishment once you’ve arrived. Desert, skies for days, adobe house and some Ranch Water (tequila, Topochico and fresh lime) cocktails.

So hit play (with a nod to one of my favorite movies True Romance) and scroll through to enjoy their beautiful faces against the landscape of one of my favorite places on earth.

Special note: some of these photographs were taken with my fathers 35mm camera from the 80’s

DALLAS ARBORETUM WEDDING

I met Paul while working on a Dwell photoshoot featuring some of his beautiful work. Paul’s an architect. It’s fascinating meeting someone in a space they’ve created. Surrounded by their vision from ceiling to floor. He was engaged, one thing led to another and before I knew it I was scheduled to meet Paul and his fiance Jay for lunch in another one of Paul’s stunning designs Commissary.

There’s a million different ways to see couples, a million dynamics to the relationship. For my work I personally find it easier to create photographs if I can create a small narrative about the two. Based on what they’ve told me and then how I see them interact.

So sitting in front of me at lunch I could see love, partnership, wildly intelligent and handsome men. Paul with his quick wit and Jay with his big beautiful smile. Paul designs these inviting, inspiring spaces and when Jay’s there his fills it with his charisma and warmth. This pair is magnetic and I felt so special that chose me to tell their wedding story.

The day was intimate and heartfelt. Their friends and family just as wonderful as they are. My hope is that the photos convey that feeling. Joy, happiness and celebration. While editing their photos I couldn’t help but have Love & Happiness on repeat.

So hit play and enjoy…

Venue: Dallas Arboretum

DJ: Le Force Entertainment

Florals: Blush by Debbie

Jay’s Suit: Bonobos

Paul’s Suit: Club Monaco

Linens: Seat by Design

Catering: Gil’s Elegant Catering

MARFA BRIDALS

Wide open skies, flowing veils, free spirited bride and rolling hills. Perfect combination for gorgeous bridals in West Texas.

TEXAS GARDEN WEDDING

Where do I even begin with this lovefest of a wedding? I mean, you should've been there... This bohemian styled wedding was absolutely beautiful and loving. During the ceremony, one of their family members read A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton and it's the sweetest way to tell this wedding story (aside from all the fun film photographs!)

A Lovely Love Story
The fierce Dinosaur was trapped inside his cage of ice.
Although it was cold he was happy in there. It was, after all, his cage.
Then along came the Lovely Other Dinosaur.
The Lovely Other Dinosaur melted the Dinosaur's cage with kind words and loving thoughts.
"I like this Dinosaur" thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur.
"Although he is fierce he is also tender and he is funny.
He is also quite clever though I will not tell him this for now."
"I like this Lovely Other Dinosaur", thought the Dinosaur.
"She is beautiful and she is different and she smells so nice.
She is also a free spirit which is a quality I much admire in a dinosaur."
"But he can be so distant and so peculiar at times," thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur.
"He is also overly fond of things.
Are all Dinosaurs so overly fond of things?"
"But her mind skips from here to there so quickly thought the Dinosaur.
She is also uncommonly keen on shopping.
Are all Lovely Other Dinosaurs so uncommonly keen on shopping?"
"I will forgive his peculiarity and his concern for things", thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur.
"For they are part of what makes him a richly charactered individual."
"I will forgive her skipping mind and her fondness for shopping," thought the Dinosaur.
"For she fills our life with beautiful thoughts and wonderful surprises.
Besides, I am not unkeen on shopping either."
Now the Dinosaur and the Lovely Other Dinosaur are old.
Look at them.
Together they stand on the hill telling each other stories and feeling the warmth of the sun on their backs.
And that, my friends, is how it is with love.
Let us all be Dinosaurs and Lovely Other Dinosaurs together.
For the sun is warm.