Shooting a photographer’s wedding is something that I’ve had on my to-do list since I started with wedding photography. To me, it is the ultimate compliment to have another photographer trust you with documenting their wedding day, and I was thrilled when Roberto and Lori contacted me about covering theirs. While talking with them about their plans, it became apparent that our ideas and styles matched up perfectly – I loved every sample photo they showed me, their decor was beautiful, and they were willing to take extra time to make sure that we got some great shots. As a photographer, Roberto knows what will photograph well, and Lori knows which props will enhance an image so that it can look its absolute best. Lori’s bridal set came out beautifully, just as expected, so as we got closer to the wedding, I was very confident that this would be a wedding set to remember. And I was right.
We arrived at Oakwind Bed & Breakfast that afternoon, with ominous clouds rolling overhead. The ceremony area outside of the bed and breakfast was already set up, so we all crossed our fingers, hoping that the clouds would pass by quickly. Sure enough, within 30 minutes, the sun began to peek out and the clouds were chased off, leaving a soft blue sky – a perfect backdrop for a wedding.
Inside the B&B, everyone was hustling around setting up all the props, cakes and outside decor. Oakwind has an amazing southern charm that photographs so well, making it one of my favorite places in Houston to shoot. The details are always so perfect, and they have a great setup for a wedding. I met up with Lori upstairs, who was calmly getting her things ready with her family and friends. Diffused sunlight poured into the rooms, bathing everything in a soft glow – no need for any flash here! Her nieces and nephews sat patiently on the floor, fiddling with their dress clothes and singing songs with other family members. Her dress hung from a doorway in the room, long and slender with a lace veil made from the veil worn by her mother on her wedding day. Her mom helped her into her dress in the warm window light, making for some beautiful, very personal photos.
Lori had arranged for a first look with her dad, which we set up in the upstairs room she was getting ready in. I love first looks because of the raw emotion that are captured in them – it’s not something you could ever stage, and why would you want to? It was a wonderful thing watching Lori and her dad share a few quiet moments together before he walked her down the aisle.
From there, it was time to head to the other end of the B&B and visit Roberto and his groomsmen, who were already sharply dressed and ready to go. Starting to get just a liiiiiiittle nervous, Roberto constantly checked the handsome pocket watch that Lori had given him as a wedding day gift, proudly showing it when people noticed. We decided to take some formals of Roberto in the sitting room right at the front of the B&B. With large chairs and a bookshelf filled with leather bound books, I felt that it gave off an appropriately “manly” feel. Roberto knew just what to do, as if reading my mind for the set up of the shot, and we got some good stuff in a very short amount of time! We headed outside for some photos with his groomsmen, who were all more than happy to cheese it up for the camera. After their photos, they began to practice their secret Thriller dance which would be brought out later that night – my second photographer Robert of Dabert Photography was lucky enough to catch their session!
With the ceremony fast approaching, we headed outside to set up. Shortly after, the ceremony began, going along just as scheduled with beautiful weather as though there had never been a hint of rain at all. They exchanged their vows under blue skies with all their family and friends present, even including the funny personal touch of Roberto using a small step stool to kiss Lori at the end of the ceremony, making light of their difference in height. They walked down the aisle as a married couple to the reception – let the party begin!
Their spread at the reception was as beautiful as it was tasty – a myriad of cakes, cookies and other sweets laid out on the table, sparkling in the light like jewelry. Kids helped themselves to the treats, sneaking off before their parents noticed. The first dances were great, under the large tree adorned with little round lights to set a perfect mood. The evening moved along smoothly, and before I knew it, it was time for us to go. This wedding was the complete photographer’s dream – crafted by another photographer with the final result in mind from the very beginning. Everything turned out so beautifully, I couldn’t be happier with the final product. I am grateful to have been chosen by a fellow photographer, and I hope that you enjoy the photos of their beautiful wedding day.
Congrats, you two!
Vendor Information:
Venue and Catering: Oakwind Bed and Breakfast
Wedding Cake: Norma’s Cakes & Cookies
Groom’s cake and pastries: Chukulati
Peruvian pastries: Myriam Vargas
Desserts: Pati Burgos
Bouquets and Boutonnières: The English Florist
Ceromony & Reception Flowers: Houston Flower Girls
Hair and Makeup (Bride only): Bri Trevino
Wedding Dress: Veronique Vales
Music: Ryan Cole – Composer/Pianist Ceremony Processional & Recessional
Andrew Bateman – Classical Guitar
Ben Siard – DJ
Decor: All done by the couple!
