Category Archives: shooters

Lindsey’s Bridal Portrait – why they matter

There’s something that happens when a girl puts on the dress. I’m talking about The Dress, the one that makes her into The Bride. How many brides have stood looking at themselves in the mirror in that dress for the first time and thought, in a marvelous way, “is that really me? I’m a bride?!” Lindsey and I met at the Thomas Gilcrease home on a lovely spring night a couple of weeks before she and Isaac were married. She emerged in her strapless gown with the happy incredulity of someone seeing themselves as The Bride for the first time. Lindsey was just so wonderfully sweet and down-to-earth and taking her bridal portrait was incredibly fun. We walked all over the garden, which was blooming with pink and purple hydrangeas, salvia, petunias and host of other flowers.

 A bridal portrait session is a great way to spend some time getting quality portraits. But even more importantly, it’s a time to find out how your dress is going to fit and feel on your wedding day. We schedule these sessions in plenty of time to make any needed alterations. You can also test your makeup and hair and work out any kinks. As a photographer, one of the great things about a bridal session is that I get to know the bride outside of the busy rush of the wedding day itself. It’s important to me to get photos of a bride looking like the person she really is in all that stunning packaging. What I learned about Lindsey that night: She’s got a smile that truly reveals her fun and warm and genuine personality. I think her smile outshined pretty much every flower in that garden! _ Kelly

 

 
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Elise + Andrew

Elise and Andrew met in high school and were best friends long before they started dating.  Their wedding at Post Oak Lodge was the perfect reflection of a love wrapped up in fun and closeness and deep ties to family.

It could have been a hard day. Elise’s beloved grandparents were going to miss the event after her ailing grandfather ended up in the hospital. But Elise and her family wouldn’t let that happen. The day before the wedding, Elise went to the hospital in her gown. And on their wedding day, the family made sure both grandparents were present via iPhone _ at the hair salon,  as she  posed with her bridesmaids, when she and Andrew walked down the aisle at Post Oak as husband and wife. I loved how this family shared the day!  Andrew’s family, too, brought much love and warmth to this celebration _ from taking care of all the decorative details to the song that his brother wrote and sang during the ceremony.

The details were awesome.  The French Bouquet crafted lovely vintage-styled bouquets, which topped lace doilies on the tables. Silhouettes of the couple decorated the programs, topped the beautiful cake from Icing on the Top _ and in a nod to this couple’s fun spirit _ even decorated the restroom doors!  Outside, a lace background and turquoise frame provided some fun photo action among the trees and there were outdoor games, including boules.

DJ Hugo Gutierrez of Lionsroad Studios jumpstarted the dance floor and, later, even offered some dance instruction that had everyone moving.  Elise and Andrew mixed it up all night.

Their friends and family sent the pair off amid a shower of sparklers. They crammed into their ride _ a 1972 yellow VW bug that had been in Andrew’s family since it was new.  They waved goodbye and then puttered off into the darkness, more than friends forever.  _ Kelly

 

 

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Miranda + Matt

Miranda and Matt’s wedding at Philbrook Museum had all the loveliness that comes from a stunning location, perfect weather, great coordination and the inclusion of clever and personal details. But my favorite moment came when these two saw each other the first time on their wedding day and had to fight back the tears. Many couples prefer the tradition of saving their first look for the altar. Those that opt for “the reveal” before the wedding, however, also share in something very special _ a quiet moment between the two of them that’s more about reveling in the day’s wonder than revealing a beautiful gown. So it was when Miranda stepped onto the terrace at Philbrook and Matt turned to greet her. That moment left them reaching for a hankie as quickly as they could. It was beautiful, emotional and real. (No doubt I also loved the moment because it freed up some time for more photographs of the two of them in the garden before and after the ceremony!)
They were married in front of the great fountain overlooking the reflecting pool and Philbrook’s white tempietto. They read their own vows as they each slipped a ring from Israel Diamond Supply on the other’s finger. Afterward, everyone gathered on the terrace for cocktails before heading inside to a fantastic dinner at La Villa Restaurant. The tables bore bouquets and tall vases of calla lilies by The French Bouquet, along with photos of some of the couple’s favorite spots around Tulsa. They’re not big fans of cake, so they celebrated with ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. Later, the patio at La Villa became a dance floor, and the Ben Neikirk Band cranked out some lively rock. Matt and Miranda’s friends sent them off in a hail of colorful glo-sticks. I loved getting to know these two and can’t wait to see what their future together holds. Best wishes! _Kelly
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Lindsey + Alan

The Burnett Mansion in Sapulpa is a hidden gem of a place and lucky for Lindsey and Alan that they discovered it. It was the perfect place to host their incredibly intimate wedding on a gorgeous Saturday morning. Their wedding was simple and elegant with lovely little details here and there.

Lindsey and Alan decided that it was important to truly make their wedding reflect who they are as individuals as well as a couple. It was a small event with only their closest family and friends in attendance. Rather than the traditional afternoon or evening wedding they opted for an early morning ceremony and to share a gorgeous (and very delicious) brunch feast. There were bisquits and gravy, carved ham, breakfast sweet rolls and a beautiful display of fruit, all done by Catering by Orr. The bouquets were a beautiful mix of deep purples and whites that complimented the dark green and plum decor as well as the deep rich woods throughout the mansion. Their table settings were eclectic and colorful using a variety of flowers, vases and little birds. Every little thing created the unique experience that both the bride and groom desired. ~Lo

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Monica + Phillip

Monica walked into the living room crowded with family and was met with “oohs” and “aahs” and smiles. Then her aunts took her by the hand and began to dance. The celebration of the life Monica was about to share with Phillip had begun and there was joy on her face as she moved around the room in her wedding gown. 
 
A short time later Phillip arrived to play his part in another wedding day custom. Monica’s sister guarded the door and wouldn’t let him leave with his bride for the church until he’d made a satisfactory offer for Monica’s hand. A wad of cash appeared, a gift bag exchanged hands, there was lots of laughing and soon, a beaming Phillip and his bride headed out the door. They were married a short time later at St. Therese Catholic Church
Monica’s gown, delicate in its lace details and thin shoulder straps, set off her own serene beauty perfectly. And when she and Phillip stepped into the warm May sun on the grounds of Philbrook, where their reception awaited, the two of them literally glowed. The tiered southern garden at Philbrook was set in stair-step fashion with large square tables topped by yellow roses. Ornate wooden chairs brought a level of elegance that perfectly complemented Philbrook’s classic setting. When the sun went down, lighting in the trees and around the fountain at the base of the garden cast a pretty pink glow on everything. 
It was a great night to celebrate a marriage of cultures. Monica’s family led everyone in traditional dances and then readily mixed it up with the couples’ friends when the DJ played a modern beat. Their friends and family mingled late into the pleasant night when, at last, the two waved goodbye in the darkness and set off for their life together. We wish them the best! _ Kelly
 
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