Member, Professional Photographers of America

Groesbeck Convention Center

You Are The Reason

On March 9, 2024, Thomas and Jessica celebrated their marriage at the Groesbeck Convention Center in Groesbeck, Texas. Despite the chilly and windy weather, the couple's love shone brightly, warming the hearts of all in attendance. Family and friends gathered to witness the union of two souls embarking on a lifetime of love and happiness. The intimate ceremony was a beautiful reflection of the couple's commitment to each other.

Jessica and Thomas’s engagement session

Thomas and Jessica first crossed paths after the Groesbeck High School graduation in 2012. Introduced by a mutual friend, they found themselves at Los Pepe’s for drinks, chips, and salsa, surrounded by a group of friends. Despite the casual setting, neither Thomas nor Jessica were actively seeking love. However, as the evening unfolded and conversations flowed effortlessly, they discovered a genuine connection that sparked their friendship. Little did they know that chance meeting would eventually blossom into a beautiful relationship filled with shared memories and laughter.

On their first date in June 2012, Jessica invited Thomas to her house and prepared a delicious pork tenderloin dinner for him. However, unbeknownst to Jessica, Thomas had doubts about her culinary skills and decided to have a meal at Los Pepe’s beforehand. Little did he know that this decision would turn into a running joke between them. When Thomas arrived at Jessica's house, he was already too full to properly enjoy the dinner she had spent hours preparing. Despite Thomas' misstep, they shared many laughs that evening, creating a fond memory that they still chuckle about to this day.

Jessica and Thomas were in League City, Texas when he unexpectedly turned into a shopping center. Jessica assumed they were heading to a particular store when Thomas veered into Jared's Jewelry Store, declaring they were there to purchase a ring. Completely taken aback, Jessica was surprised by the sudden turn of events. The night was spent together, carefully selecting the most exquisite ring. Despite the ring purchase, Jessica made it clear that he still needed to propose. It wasn't until her Registered Nurse graduation party that Thomas knelt down in front of their family and friends, asking Jessica to marry him, making the moment truly special and memorable for the couple.

Their relationship is characterized by a sense of adventure, always willing to try new things and step outside their comfort zones together. They support each other wholeheartedly, cheering on the other's successes and providing a strong pillar of support during challenging times. Honesty is at the core of their bond, fostering open communication and trust between them. Their love is evident in the way they look at each other, the small gestures of kindness they exchange, and the laughter that fills the air when they are together. Jessica and Thomas have created a safe space within their relationship, where they can be their true selves without fear of judgment, knowing that they are unconditionally loved.

As Jessica and Thomas start this new chapter in their lives, filled with love and togetherness, may they always cherish the special words exchanged between them. Words of love, support, understanding, and kindness that will continue to strengthen and nurture their bond as they navigate through life's adventures hand in hand. Here's to a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and countless more special words shared between these two souls united as one.

Vendor Credits

Venue: Groesbeck Convention Center

Cake Artists: Kari Kirven & Stephanie Funderburg

Band/DJ: Colby Blacknall

Make-Up Artist: Laura Penny

Hair Artist: Olivia Spencer

Officiant: Joe Marlow

On My Way To You

December 10, 2022

Lauren and Kalyn would become Mr. and Mrs. Brown during their wedding ceremony at the First United Methodist Church in Groesbeck, Texas. Afterwards they would celebrate with their family and friends at their reception at the Groesbeck Convention Center.

Although it was December, the weather was extremely mild. It was actually perfect for a wedding! There sun would peek out from the clouds periodically and there was a slight breeze that blew just enough to keep the air moving.

Lauren and Kalyn met through a dating app and later had their first date at a local Mexican restaurant. That date lasted over FOUR hours! The two of them talked and listened to each other the entire time. They said they were instantly comfortable with each other so their first date never felt like a “first date.”

The two of them continued their courtship and as each day passed, they fell deeper in love. Eventually Kalyn decided that he’d love to spend the rest of his life with Lauren. He wanted to propose to her, but wanted to make it special and include her late dad in some way.

One day Kalyn asked Lauren if there was a place that reminded her of being with her dad. Lauren told him that it would be the big Aggie ring on the Texas A & M University campus in College Station, Texas. When Lauren was ordering her Aggie ring, her dad commented that the ring was so cool and he wished he had that when he graduated. This gave Kalyn an idea!

January 15, 2022 - Kalyn asked Lauren to be his friend forever

Kalyn asked his family, Lauren’s family and some of Lauren’s closest friends to surprise her at the giant ring on Kalyn asked his family, my family and some of my closest friends to surprise me at the giant ring on campus. He was waiting for Lauren, down on one knee under the big Aggie ring! When Lauren approached Kalyn, he asked, “Do you wanna be my friend forever? “ Lauren said, “YES!” She thought it was so special that he tried to include her late father.

I met Lauren and Kalyn in February of 2022 on a very cold day! The sun was shining brightly that afternoon for their session. You’d never know the day started off with snow! Their engagement session was so full of laughter that I knew they were going to have an amazing wedding!

Lauren is a VERY organized individual which made the entire wedding flow seamlessly! She literally thought of everything, which included several meaningful details that included her late father in the wedding. One of his neckties was even used in her bouquet. It was beautiful and brought tears to her eyes when she saw it for the first time. She also planned a first look with her brothers who would later walk her down the aisle to stand next to Kalyn as they exchanged vows. During the Daddy Daughter Dance at the reception Lauren danced with each of her brothers and then her uncle joined in as well. Many tears were shed. Her father was definitely loved by many and it was incredibly special to Lauren, as well as many others, to have him included throughout her wedding day.

Lauren and Kalyn truly love spending time with one another. Their relationship is wholesome and based upon trust, undeniable love and compromise. Their first dance was “On My Way To You” by Cody Johnson. They chose this song because it’s about battling through everything in life and leading them both to finding each other.

They’re a beautiful couple that has the love and support of their family and friends surrounding them. They are truly blessed.

When love exists on a soul level, it becomes something else entirely. Unfathomable, unbreakable, undeniable. Eternal.
— N. R. Hart

VENDORS

Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist Church, Groesbeck, Texas

Reception Venue: Groesbeck Convention Center

Videographer: KJ Design

Cake Artist: Texas Cake Agency

Catering: Best Quality Meats

Band/DJ: Jarvis Jones

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Make-Up Artist: Tammy Shefa

Hair Artist: Hannah Gore

Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Officiant: Steve Nance

Stationary/Invitations: Etsy

Together Forever

Falling in love is only half of what I want. Staying in love with you till forever is the other.
— unknown

November 12, 2022

The sun was brightly shining in the deep blue sky and tried to warm up the breezy air that carried a chill as Bianca and Ricky were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia, Texas.

St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mexia, Texas

I first met Bianca and Ricky at their engagement session at Fort Parker State Park in Mexia, Texas. At some point during their session I asked them how they met. They told me that they’ve known each other for many years because Ricky was a close friend of Bianca’s brother. They were good friends during high school, played football together and even working together at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts for a couple of years. They told me that it took them so long to become a couple because of that friendship. Eventually they decided to see where things would go between them and they made plans to go on their first date.

One Sunday they went to an ice cream shop where they shared fruit and ice cream and then took a walk in Cameron Park and climbed Jacob’s Ladder. Things went well and they were both definitely interested in each other. They continued dating and learning all they could about one another for the next two years.

On December 9, 2020 Bianca and Ricky were celebrating their two year anniversary by eating dinner at Bianca’s favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse. Afterwards they went for a walk in Downtown Waco and saw some electric scooters. They decided to rent two of them and go for a ride instead. As they were riding through Downtown Waco, Ricky realized the ring was no longer in his pocket. The search was on - secretly! Bianca had no idea about the ring. She had no idea it was missing. All she knew was the scooter ride kept going. Finally Ricky found it! They parked the scooters and continued their walk, eventually ending up at the big Christmas Tree in Heritage Square. They were taking photos together and just enjoying the anniversary celebration. Ricky kneeled on one knee and proposed.

In August of 2022 I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Bianca and Ricky during their engagement session. The two of them were so sweet with each other and the way they smiled at each other throughout the session was beautiful! I knew their wedding was going to be nothing short of amazing!

And their wedding did not disappoint! The entire day was not only gorgeous, but filled with so much love with their family and friends surrounding them. The wedding ceremony was a formal church ceremony followed by an entertaining reception at the Groesbeck Convention Center. The reception was complete with a delicious meal enjoyed while a mariachi band played music and lots of love, laughter and happy tears continued throughout the evening.

Bianca and Ricky continue to enjoy spending time together whether that be at home enjoying Whataburger while watching a movie or painting together or going out to eat sushi followed by watching a movie. The two of them are incredibly comfortable together and feel safe when the other is around. They built their relationship on love, loyalty and supporting one another with kindness and strength.

Love is respect, respect is honesty, honesty is support, support is loyalty, loyalty is trust and trust is protection.
— Kedibone Natural

Vendor Credits

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mexia, Texas

Reception Venue: Groesbeck Convention Center

Videographer: Elizabeth Ybarra

Cake Artist: Sweet Tooth - Martha Gutierrez

Band/DJ: DJ Antrix

Hair Artist: V.S.E. Styles - Tania

Bridal Gown: Terry Costa

Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Cavenders

Officiant: Father Moises

Stationary/Invitations: Zazzle