Category Archives: Weddings
Amanda and John and about 75 of their closest family and friends shared in a beautifully intimate wedding weekend at Post Oaks Lodge. Most of their family and friends came from out of town, staying at the lodge, to celebrate the gorgeous couple’s special day so they were able to not only spend a day together but a few. The wedding and reception simply capped off a weekend of festivities.
Amanda looked stunning in her wedding dress adorned with simple intricate pieces of lace on the bodice and a classic tiara. She and her attendants carried elegant bouquets of white roses and her adorable flower girl even donned a head wreath of roses. As Amanda made her appearance coming down the isle, John couldn’t hide his tears with her beauty and his excitement overcoming him with emotion. The ceremony was officiated by Amanda’s father and was extremely special and personal, relating stories and personal messages to the bride and groom. To make it even more intimate John’s brother sang and played guitar for the couple’s special ceremony music.
After the ceremony everyone headed into the main room as Amanda and John and their bridal party were introduced and went straight into dancing and a delicious meal. As the couple danced their first dance you would have thought they were the only two people in the room. They were completely lost in each other and you could just see the love they shared was so strong and real. Moments like these make you realize that the vows Amanda and John just took aren’t going to simply be words but a way of life for them, something so special and perfect! When their first song ended they snapped back to entertaining mode and made their way around the room greeting guests and enjoying all their company. Some quick photos outside really showcased Amanda’s beautiful dress and the ring John picked out from Israel Diamonds.
DJ Connection made sure there was lots of dancing and laughter throughout the evening. There were many experienced dancers on the floor all through the night swinging all over the floor and truly enjoying themselves. When the party had finally died down guest sent the newlyweds off in a flurry of bubbles and cheers. It was truly a magical evening.
We’ve had the pleasure of photographing Taylor and Eric literally from the start of their wedding process. We were there when Eric popped the question, for Taylor’s bridal session and then for the wedding. We knew Taylor and Eric’s wedding was going to be spectacular from start to finish. Every part was executed with great thought and purpose and no detail was missed. Their wedding and reception both were held at the Mayo Hotel as were the preceremony preparations. To begin the day the ladies had their hair and makeup done while sipping on Mimosa’s and sharing treats. There was conversation, music and laughter with an air of excitement amongst them as the time to get Taylor into her dress approached. Perfectly fitting to the grand affair being held, Taylor’s dress was extravagant and so elegant. Covered in lace and tulle, it took a team to get her into her dress and completely put together. But it was well worth the effort as Taylor made one of the most beautiful brides I have seen. To complete the ensemble of dress, jewelry and other accessories, Eric surprised Taylor with a gorgeous white gold and pearl bracelet which worked perfectly with her choice of other pearly bangles. While the girls assembled the guys enjoyed a few drinks and took in some football until it was time to come downstairs for the ceremony.
The ceremony was a stunning show of rich fall colors using flowing fabrics, romantic lighting and unique floral arrangements from Generation Flowers. As the bride walked down the isle everyone had to work hard to stifle their joyful tears. Taylor was a classic beauty making her way down to her groom, who grinned from ear to ear the whole time. Tears did manage to escape from the father of the bride as the bride and groom held hands sharing their vows and love with each other. After the ceremony guest enjoyed cocktails and light hors d’ouevres with the wedding party escaped to the roof of the Mayo for some great photo ops. The night continued with dinner and lots of dancing, cake and great toasts. Icing on the Top provided a beautiful cake, while DJ Connection and Straight Shooter split time keeping the party rocking.
To conclude the evening guests sent Taylor and Eric off in style with sparklers as they slipped into a gorgeous carriage. It was a great conclusion to a perfect day and the beginning of a bright future.
The priest who married Penny and Daniel said it best right after their ceremony, exclaiming, “You have so many people who love you!” Indeed hundreds of family members and friends packed St. John Catholic Church in Bartlesville for their October 1st wedding and then joined them for an evening of fun at the nearby Hillcrest Country Club. With ten groomsmen and ten bridesmaids, ushers, ringbearers, flower girls, it was truly a wedding “party.” But in the middle of it, Penny and Daniel radiated calm. Even when they saw each other before the ceremony, with the sun glinting in on Penny’s stunning gown (blooming with cascades of fabric gathered like roses), it was with a sweet quietness. We moved the whole wedding party into Bartlesville’s historic downtown and played around for photos in the brick alleyways. What a fun group of people! And again, they were showing so much love for this pair. (And laughing pretty hard when a gigantic prehistoric-looking bug started dive-bombing the bouquets and scattering the bridesmaids.)
I’m guessing that when those who attended look back at Penny and Daniel’s ceremony, what they will remember most is Penny’s entrance and the bagpipes. When the familiar organ strains stopped and Victor Anderson of the Tulsa-based Anderson Pipe Band let the pipes sing, it was simply amazing. The organ joined in and as Victor headed down the aisle, the whole place reverberated with the wildness of the pipes and the smoothness of the organ. It was so moving, and then there in the middle of all that beautiful music came Penny on the arm of her brother, Troy. People talked about it all night. Wow! That entrance left a lump in my throat.
The country club made a stunning impression, too, with swaths of gauze and golden lights gathered up over the dance floor and bouquets by Flowerland on the tables. DJ Connections got people on their feet and a heavenly cake from Ludger’s made them sit down again, at least to grab a few bites before hitting the dance floor. It was a great party, especially when Penny’s sisters and brother had everyone laughing with their toasts and when Daniel’s fraternity brothers serenaded Penny on their knees. So many of Penny and Daniel’s friends talked about their admiration for this pair and their happiness in seeing them together. I’m glad that Josh and I got to be in on it, too. Congrats to you guys! _ Kelly
Despite the rain outside and the foiled plans for a rooftop shoot at the Mayo Hotel, once Taylor’s bridal shoot got going it went perfectly. Taylor is a classic beauty and makes a stunning bride. She is so regal and has polish and poise like I have rarely seen. The gorgeous dress that she chose was full of lacy layers and gauzy tulle, was adorned with a sparkling crystal band around the waist and had a huge flowing train.
Taylor is admittedly very traditional and sentimental so her choice of veil seemed quite fitting as it was the veil her mom wore when her mother and father wed some 20+ years ago. The color and design of the lace was a flawless match to the dress and elegantly framed her beautiful porcelain face. Everything was exactly what I had pictured for her and fit her personality perfectly. I know that Taylor is going to be even more beautiful on her wedding day and I’m looking forward to being there as Taylor marries the man of her dreams.
Emily and Jerod were married at the gorgeous Harwelden Mansion on a perfect day in September. Light showers came and went throughout the day but as the time for their outdoor ceremony arrived the rain stopped and the sun peeked through the clouds ever so slightly creating amazing lighting and cool weather for an beautiful ceremony. Keeping with tradition, the bride and groom waited to see each other until the ceremony, Jerod even kept his head turned away looking at guests while she exited the side doors of Harwelden, escorted by her brother, and walked around to the isle so that they could see each other at the same time as she stood at the end of the isle. The moment they saw each other was well worth the wait, as the smiles that spread across both of their faces were enormous and infectious. Their happiness and excitement shone on their faces. Jerod’s brother officiated the ceremony, which was short and sweet, just like the couple had hoped and as they strode down the isle as husband and wife, they both were overjoyed!
After the ceremony the bride and groom went to the back of the mansion for a few private moments and I can honestly say I have never ever seen a bride so giddy, giggly and outwardly bubbling with excitement and enthusiasm about being married. Emily was literally bouncing around and twirling in circles for Jerod to see all of the parts of her dress, showing off her shoes, and gushing to Jerod about how handsome he looked and how thrilled she was to be Mrs. Helling! Usually during this time I try to be really quiet and out of the way but I was smiling so much and quietly giggling to myself that it was hard to be “incognito” while watching the two of them together.
The reception kicked off with cocktails and the traditional first dances, including time when Jerod danced with both his mother and his new mother-in-law. Both mothers were glowing with pride as they watched their children get lost in each other as well as with all their guests that came to share in their special day. There was dinner, served by the amazing Catering by Orr, cake and many toasts. The bride and groomed sipped champagne from stunning glasses used by Jerod’s parents at their wedding and before that, by his grandparents at their wedding some 50 (give or take a few) years ago. After that Emily slipped into her second dress, a champagne colored frilly party dress she found while purchasing her gorgeous sparkling wedding dress at Abelina’s. This is when the party really got underway…I don’t think left the dance floor for the rest of the night. She owned the floor, dancing like it was her favorite thing in the world. Emily and Jerod concluded the evening with some crazy dancing that just happened to leave them as the only ones on the dance floor! It was the perfect end to the perfect day. ~Lauren