It was almost a year ago when I received an e-mail from my friend Maggie. Her husband Luke and Allen grew up together, and Maggie and I have become really close friends through the years. For those interested, you can read about the beginning of our friendship here. The e-mail was brief and unexpected, “…would you shoot a wedding in Dallas???? I know someone is really interested in your work : )” Needless to say my curiousity was peaked. I hurriedly replied to get more details. Who? When? Where? Yes!
Maggie replied:
Where: Location: Dallas, Arlington Hall at Lee Park
When: May 29th 2010
Who: My little sister Holland!
And that, folks, is how Allen and I ended up in Dallas this past weekend. Holland and Zach had become engaged just a few weeks before Maggie and Luke were married last March. I remember taking special note of the sisterly bond between Maggie, Holland, their sister Molly and the rest of the family during the wedding. It really stuck with me, but I never thought in a million years that we would get to be part of that again. Yet here we are, three days back from a memorable wedding experience. Holland and Zach’s families were such gracious hosts, including us in all of the pre-wedding festivities. It was a side of my brides and grooms that I don’t usually get to see. As a wedding photographer who arrives the morning of the wedding and is only part of that one day, you kind of forget about the rest of the process. My eyes were opened to the whole wedding experience as my clients saw it. And that’s a cool thing.
Holland and the girls got ready at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in downtown Dallas. We were staying just a few rooms over, so I popped in early to get a few getting ready shots. Holland’s Casablanca dress was gorgeous and her Nike running-shoes-turned-bridal-wear perfectly fit her laid back personality.
For Maggie’s wedding, Holland and Molly had shirts made for the sisters. It was a cute surprise to see that they kept with the tradition for Holland’s wedding. The beautifully talented Maitee Miles was back to do the girls hair and makeup. Anyone who knows me knows that I could care less about myown hair and makeup, but I really enjoy watching Maitee work. She is a true master of her craft.
I met up with boys at Arlington Hall at Lee Park just as they were getting dressed. Zach and his groomsmen were such good sports and didn’t seem to be bothered by sharing the small space with me and my instructions. Ha!
Holland and Zach did not want to see each other before the wedding ceremony, so we took some time before hand to photograph them individually and with their respective wedding parties. It was really stinkin’ hot out in Dallas on Saturday. I’m used to Alabama summers, so it was no biggie to me, but I wasn’t wearing a full black tuxedo either! Zach was so great and didn’t complain one time.
As best I could gather from the speeches and inside jokes, Zach has been friends with his groomsmen most his life. They came in from literally all over the world to be part of his and Holland’s big day, and were so much fun to work with.
The Wildflower in Dallas was the mastermind behind the florals. Like my hair and makeup, I pretty much know nothing about flower, but Holland’s bouquet was gorgeous and smelled just as nice! And if you think the bouquets are pretty wait till you see what they did at the reception!
Holland is a simple, laid back girl — just my style. She was totally go with the flow throughout the whole day which made things so easy! She looked absolutely stunning, but was so humble even with the mounds of attention that we were all throwing her way.
Holland wore an heirloom ring on her right-hand pinky.
Oh, the girls… Holland gifted them all a pair of bright green shades at the bridesmaid luncheon the day before. They rocked the glasses all night long!
Holland and her sweet family. As soon as I saw this one I knew it was a favorite. I love how Maggie is kissing Luke, and how Harmen (dad) is looking down at Holland. It is the perfect twist on your standard family formal, and I love it!
You would not believe the amount of “favorites” I picked out from the wedding. I really hate to do this to you, but I’m going to have to make this a two-parter. I’ll pick back up tomorrow with the ceremony and reception. I am still in awe over the details and still laughing over some of the classic dance moves, so don’t go far. You’ll definitley want to see this!
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by Amanda
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