Last summer Sydney and Josh brought me out to Dallas to photograph their wedding day. In one of my favorite states, with meadows as far as the eye can see, it was the most beautiful day to document. Their wedding was relaxed, emotional, fun, and holy. The little chapel they had their ceremony in was something out of a fairytale – elegant and profound.

It was a blessing to have spent so much time with Sydney & Josh over the past year. From capturing their engagement photos last summer, to coming back to Dallas to photograph Sydney’s bridal portraits, to finally coming for their wedding. I love getting to truly walk with my couples through their wedding planning season. Not only is it so much fun, but helps me get a bigger glimpse into their love so that I can capture the entirety of their love story.

Not only was it a beautiful day — with gorgeous floral arrangements by Haute Florals, Sydney’s incredible dress from WED Bridal Boutique, all led by the amazing Julep Events — but it was a deeply emotional day for both of their families. Seeing their families come together and celebrate these two was something special. 

From all that this beautiful day had to offer, I’ve put together a list of things every bride should take away. From a Dallas and destination wedding photographer, here are some tips and tricks.

1. The perfect details. Sydney and Josh collected items that were not only special to them but to their families as well. Sydney wore her grandmother’s wedding day earrings. She also included the stamp press that her parents gifted her for her invitations. Josh wore the same tie that his father did, as well as the same cuff links as his grandfather on both of their wedding days. It is details like this that truly preserve the sanctity and beauty of your wedding day through photographs.
2. Well lit & wide open getting ready space. Both of the bride and groom getting ready spaces at The Springs at Valley View are the perfect model of an ideal getting ready space. With two open spaces and a massive bathroom for each the bride and groom, the entire wedding party had more than enough room to get ready and prepare for the day. Their were large windows in both spaces that made for perfect lighting for photography purposes, as well as enough space so we didn’t all feel on top of each other.
3. Take the time to decide what important elements you and your fiance want to include. Sydney and Josh’s ceremony was relatively quick, but preserved all the special moments. Josh led both Sydney’s mom and his own down the isle, and members of the wedding party walked in together. When the doors open to reveal the bride being lead down the isle by her father, the room was in awe. The little white chapel didn’t have a single dry eye in the room. The takeaway from this sweet ceremony is really just that – to keep it sweet and true to you.
4. These two really wanted to prioritize time with their people on their wedding day. Instead of taking up so much time taking newly wed portraits following the ceremony, we decided to cut that a little short so that they could have time at cocktail hour with their people. At their cocktail hour they had lawn games and they definitely wanted in on the action. I recommend deciding which of these takes priority for you on your wedding day!
5. Blue hour photos! Since we cut post-ceremony newly wed portraits short, we made up for that time during the reception. Specifically during dinner, we snuck outside to catch the last light of the day for blue hour photos. Sydney had an outfit change during the reception so it was the perfect time to document that in more detail as well!
6. An intimate private last dance. This has become something I’ve recommended numerous times since this wedding! Sydney and Josh decided to send all of their people outside to set up for their grand sparkler exit while they slowed down for a private last dance. This time let them take it all in while still being at their venue, in their outfits, and with all the tablescapes and florals around them.
7. Vintage getaway car. It’s really a no-brainer. This element makes for the perfect cherry on top to a beautiful day celebrating the union of two lovers. Not only is it so much fun for the couple, but its also a guest favorite!

For other blog posts like this one, take a look through my Journal page and see weddings and sessions from other locations. I’ve had the honor of traveling to places such as Southern California, the Oregon Coast, New York City, Cape Cod, Denver and more!