Jon and Katie's April wedding was beyond special! Love, joy, and peace flooded the atmosphere throughout the day as two families became one!
The day began with Katie, her two sweet sisters, and her soon to be sister-in-law getting ready at the Staybridge Suites in Tyler, Texas! Katie's parents also joined us at the hotel for the morning along with the most grownup little flower-girl-baby you ever did see! Meanwhile, Jon and his guys were already at the venue, suiting up for the day! As you can tell this entire group knew how to have fun!!
As soon as Katie slipped into her stunning dress and shoes, the girls were off to catch up with the boys at their gorgeous venue, Villa Montez. Soon after arriving, we found a hidden little corner and set Jon up for his first look at Katie! As wedding photographers, we love when our couples choose the option of a first look; because, then we get to see the happy couple enjoy more of their day together, rather than apart! This particular first look was double the sweetness; because, after Jon turned around to see his beautiful bride-to-be, he then had the chance for a first look at his daughter in her flower girl dress!
Before the ceremony began, we had the opportunity to check out all the elements of the upcoming reception, and we were blown away by the amazing work Ashten at A. Lane Events had done executing Katie's vision for her dream day! Let's just say if I were to redo my own wedding today, I'd have Katie help me choose allll the details because I loved hers sooo much!!
Every ceremony has unique elements that make it special for the bride and groom, and for Katie and Jon this was definitely the case! There were two live pianists handling the processional music, friends and family performing readings and songs, and best of all, Katie's dad officiating the ceremony!
After the kiss, Jon and Katie gave their guests a chance to sit down and begin eating dinner while they peeled away for a few last minute husband/wife portraits under a dreamy East Texas sunset!
The reception for Mr. and Mrs. Stone was everything you hope a celebration will be! The venue, which doubles as a high-end Latin American restaurant during the week, catered delicious hors d'oeuvres and amazing entrées, and rather than opting for a traditional wedding cake, Jon and Katie instead provided their guests with some of the best dessert options from the Villa Montez kitchen! You guys, we eat a lot of wedding cake, but the chocolate cake at this wedding was THE BEST we have ever had!
In addition to making amazing food selections, Jon and Katie picked the perfect day for an outdoor ceremony and reception! The weather could not have been more beautiful which allowed each and every guest the chance to fully enjoy dancing and drinks on the patio under the Texas sky!
From fairy tale father-daughter dances to hilariously well-crafted toasts, to an awesome kiss under a canopy of sparklers, this party truly had it all!
Jon and Katie,
It was an honor to serve you and your families as your wedding photographers! It blesses our hearts to know that your wedding was just a small picture of the full lives you will build together! The atmosphere of love within a family at your wedding was what truly set this day apart as a special day! Our prayer is that you continue to cultivate a culture of family in every aspect of your lives. You guys are perfect together, and we are so thankful for you both!
May God grant you his grace and peace ALWAYS! - Kelsie and Tyler
In addition to the amazing vendors we mentioned earlier in the blog, we'd also like to give a shout out to the other wedding professionals who served alongside us on this beautiful day! Thank you for serving our Texas brides so well!
Jeweler: Zales; Dress and Accessories: David's Bridal
