Monroe Wedding Photographer

My cousin got married, y’all!!! And to the sweetest guy ever! I must say, I’ve been excited about their wedding for some time and it was really interesting being back at the venue where I shot my brother’s wedding back in 2016. It looks so different than how I remember, and it’s especially different than what I’m used to. It was a fun challenge!

Some things I noted: Working with family is much different than working with my ‘normal’ clients. Not only is my family ten thousand degrees from normal, but they’re also… my family. There’s nothing like being behind a camera all day and hearing people laughing at me, poking fun at me, and plain out refusing to listen to my (simple!) directions. I hope you know I’m cracking up as I type this. I love my family, and being with them all day was a really special treat. Having the opportunity to capture their memories at my cousin’s wedding was fabulous.

I’m still shocked beyond believe that this is my job. And I’m thankful beyond measure.

MONROE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

In case you missed it, Keyra and Matt met at school. Kind of… You see, Matt was Kerya’s son’s football coach. I hear that at some point during a parent teacher conference, glances were exchanged and the rest was history. 🙂 Matt claims Keyra made the first move, but I think Keyra disagrees. I’m pretty certain they’re both guilty of the first move, and neither of them regrets a second of it.

If you haven’t already, you should check out their engagement session.

The wedding day started like most weddings do: everyone bustling around, getting their hair and makeup done, and wondering when lunch would be delivered.

As the girls were hanging out in the bridal suite, exchanging life stories and catching up on current happenings I caught Keyra sitting quietly by the mirror getting her hair and makeup done, soaking up the events around her. I could see the excitement in her body. The worry in her eyes. The anticipation of seeing her groom. I could almost feel her wondering what her son was doing, and excitedly anticipating him seeing her in her wedding gown.

Monroe Wedding Venue

As hair and makeup finished, we got settled in and ready for Keyra’s bridal reveal with her dad, Alan, and stepdad, Dean. She loves her dad so very much, and seeing them come together on her wedding day was precious. She’s also incredibly close (as am I) with her stepdad, Dean. I wiped tears away behind my camera as I watched the two of them see each other all dressed up, laugh, embrace, and snuggle. I’m not very close with my dad, unfortunately, and so I vicariously lived through Keyra in that moment and I was so thankful to be there with them. 

It’s really amazing to me that I get to capture these moments for people. It’s like every single wedding is a little more healing for my childhood parts, and I’m so thankful for it.

Anyway… Their love just shines.

Soon after these bridal reveals, we geared up for Keyra and Matt’s First Look, rocked and rolled through wedding party portraits, and quickly rushed into hiding so I could get some detail shots around the venue and everyone could prep for the ceremony.

Dean officiated a quick ceremony, and Keyra, Matt, and I whisked away for some last quick Bride and Groom portraits. Finally, we all gathered in the reception hall and everyone danced the night away.

Perfection.

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A Huge Thanks to The Talented Team of Vendors!

Bride’s Wedding Dress & Bridesmaids’ Dresses: I Do I Do Bridal

Bridesmaid Robes: To The Happily Ever After

Cake: The Posh Cakery

Caterer: Big Daddy Que BBQ

Coordinator: Nathan Deaton

DJ: Matt Melton

Florist: JL Designs

Hair Artist: Kristen Butler

Makeup Artist: Kim Bogash

Officiant: Dean Nelson

Venue: Gratis Gate Community Center