Ian + Emily’s Wedding at The Willows Event Center | Lubbock Texas Wedding Photographer
Hi, my name is Candace and I am a Lubbock Texas Wedding Photographer. I love capturing everyone’s special moments whether that may be a moment with your mom and dad or a moment with your favorite furry friend. From start to finish, this wedding was everything Emily had ever dreamed of, so let’s take a peek into Ian and Emily’s wedding day and how I work with my clients from a photographers perspective!
GETTING READY
As we arrived at The Willows Event Center around 1:00 pm my second shooter and I found Emily getting ready in the Bridal suite with her bridesmaids. From there, we let them know that we arrived and would be starting off with her details. It’s important to let your brides know what you’re doing according to the timeline so they stay up to date and stress free! After I told her what we were starting with, Cheyenne and I scouted the area for the best spot for details. I will be sharing the behind the scenes of the entire day to show you what it is like working with me and what I focus on during Weddings.
FLATLAYS
We gathered all of Emily’s items for details which is listed below. I also bring some of my own items like lace, ring boxes, ribbon, etc for extra detail when I lay everything out. I find a good spot for detail which is either in the shade or a well lit area if it’s indoors and just play with the items until I get a good composition of everything.
Items for Emily’s Details :
Dress
Shoes
Rings
Invitations
Florals
WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS
After we captured all of the desired details for Emily, we went ahead and moved on to the wedding party in two separate groups since Ian and Emily decided not to have a first look together. As we begin to shoot, I ask Emily what her most important shots are for the photos so I make sure we are on the same page and if she wants anything specific, we can capture it! I love fun wedding party portraits and usually prompt my bridal party to do some fun walking ones, laughing, etc. We love a good candid when someone gets the whole party rolling! Same with the guys, we get a few formal ones for the handsome men and move on to the fun goofy ones.
FIRST LOOK WITH DAD
Instead of doing a first look with Ian, Emily decided she wanted to surprise her dad before the ceremony with a first look and a personal letter. Before Emily walked up, I asked her dad if he was excited to see her, he started to tear up and said yes. I knew right away that he was so overwhelmed with love for her it was going to be a very special moment for the both of them. As Emily walked up behind him, I capture both of their expressions and let them have their moment together.
CEREMONY
It was about time to get the ceremony started after an entire day getting ready for this moment. My second shooter and I made our way to the ceremony site where we focused on getting the ceremony details leading up to the start time.
At weddings, I usually have my second shooters focus on the groom (to get that special moment of seeing the bride), as well as the guests so I focus on the bride coming down the aisle with her dad. If I am shooting a wedding by myself, I am usually placed in the middle of the aisle to focus on the groom first and then capture the bride walking down.
Emily mentioned she was going to be dipped down into a kiss as her and Ian walked back down post ceremony and that it was important to her that I capture that moment! PS. I love when my brides voice specific shots so I can better accommodate for them on their day. It really does make my job so much easier and I LOVE them for that.
RECEPTION
Let the festivities begin! Shortly after the reception, we headed up to pond to take family and couples portraits under the willow trees. This is when cocktail hour was announced so guests could enjoy a drink while the staff was prepping the area for the reception. Family portraits are usually pretty quick, *snap snap snap* around 15-20 minutes depending on how big the family is. I try to get it done fast so no one is waiting around, starving, thirsty, or tired. Kiddos tend to have a short attention span anyway and it’s just easier for everyone if it’s short and quick. I do tend to capture a lot of family portraits only because someone is always blinking lol!
After family photos, I took Ian and Emily out behind the venue to capture private portraits of the both of them (can’t have too many). The reception has already started at this point and we are headed to make their grand entrance to the party. Everyone eats, I take a short food & drink break in the grooms room and then head back out to capture all the party fun.
I did really enjoy capturing the tail end of the wedding because the couple did a last dance after everyone left the reception. It was beautiful and intimate and after their last dance, they did a sparkler exit. An absolute dream!
