We flew down to Texas this past weekend to support Jeff and Teal on their wedding day. We were lucky enough to photograph Jeff’s sister’s wedding about 3 years ago (Caroline & Drew), and when we heard the news that Jeff was marrying a fun, talented and beautiful girl deep in the heart of Texas, we couldn’t resist packing our bags and documenting the festivities!
Though we’ve photographed all around the world, we know that Texas is a beautiful, distinctly unique place unto itself… so when they told us about their 300 person, black tie wedding at the prestigious River Oaks Country Club, I had to ask if they really wanted a true photojournalist to document their day (as opposed to an old school, super formal, super traditional wedding photographer). I just wanted to be sure that our style of documenting natural moments while being unobtrusive would “fit” with a big ‘ol formal Texas wedding. The essence of our work and our success has come from our ability to creatively capture the unscripted, real story of a wedding day, and when they confirmed that that’s exactly what they wanted, we were absolutely thrilled to book our tickets!
The rehearsal dinner was held at Rice University’s Faculty Club. Teal wore a dress made from her mom’s wedding gown… and looked exquisite!
Two families become one.
Teal serenades Jeff at the rehearsal dinner with a truly original (and hilarious) song.
By the time we woke up (at 7am) Teal was already at yoga class and had posted this as her Facebook status.
Game Day!
While Jeff spent the morning fishing with his dad and groomsmen, Teal and her bridesmaids got ready.
At the church, Teal’s dad sees her for the first time.
Coming down the aisle. Beautiful!
Jeff sees Teal for the first time. At least 2 dozen people (including Jeff himself) had warned me about this moment. They said repeatedly “you know even though Jeff is a West Point grad and you think he’s this tough Army guy… he’s going to cry… he’s a crier!” He kept it together though!
Working from the balcony, Malia captured this fabulous wide angle shot while I was below.
St. John the Divine in Houston is a beautiful church.
The big kiss!
The first dance.
Though they had a beautiful multi-tiered wedding cake, it paled in comparison to the groom’s cake.
A grooms cake befitting a pair of duck hunters. Note the camouflage tablecloth and the teal duck decoy.
Father of the bride letting loose on the dance floor.
A quiet, real moment captured in the middle of all the celebrating.
Jeff and Teal could not possibly have had more fun! This is our kind of “formal” wedding celebration!
The rose petal departure!
As the car speeds away into the night, with rose petals being blown from the roof… Teal leans in and gives Jeff a kiss. So genuine, so timeless. One of my favorite shots.
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What an incredible celebration! We already knew that Jeff’s family were sweet, thoughtful and fun… but to meet Teal’s family, it made it all more wonderful than we ever could have imagined. THANK YOU so much for having us! We were truly honored to be there at your wedding, and to capture all those amazing, real moments for you. Thank you for your hospitality and genuine friendship. There are fly rods and beers waiting for you in Maine whenever you return from your honeymoon in Fiji and can get a chance to visit. We look forward to seeing y’all again soon!!
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VENDORS:
Rehearsal Dinner: Cohen House, Rice University
Church: Saint John the Divine, Houston, TX
Reception: River Oaks Country Club, Houston, TX
Band: The Tip Tops
Make-Up: Leah Comstock Nygren (Your Beautiful Face)
Florist: Bergner & Johnson Design
Cakes: Susie’s Cakes
Dress: Edgardo Bonilla
Coordinator: Natalie and Marissa of Belle of The Ball (Great folks to work with!)
Photography: Brian Wedge Photography
