Diamonds or Twine...or Paper?

September 9, 2022

The day Alexis and Wesley would say, “I Do” under chandeliers in Calvert, Texas at Under the Chandelier with their family and friends as witnesses.

Where It All Began…

Alexis and Wesley met nine years ago while attending a church camp. The were “together” for two years before they could have their first date. Her parents had a rule that Alexis could go on a date until she turned eighteen years old. Wesley waited patiently for that birthday. When Alexis’s birthday arrived, the two of them went out to their favorite place to eat and then rushed back to make sure Alexis didn’t miss curfew.

They would often visit their favorite park and during one visit they discovered a trail that went to a lake and had a small “island” in the middle. During one such visit to this park, Wesley asked Alexis if she remembered when she said she would marry him with paper rings. She said, “Yes!” He then gave her a paper ring and placed in on her ring finger. She thought it was so cute! Wesley then asked her if she was going to take a picture of the paper ring. Alexis remembers thinking that the question was a bit strange, but she replied, “Of course.” She turned around to snap a cute picture of the ring and when she turned back around to face Wesley she noticed he was opening a small box. He then said, “Well, then would you marry me with this one?”

Alexis and Wesley…

The two of them truly enjoy spending time with one another. Their typical date includes going to Sapporo and eating way too much followed by taking a nap! Their dream vacation includes staying a small cabin in the mountains of Colorado in the fall surrounded by the beautiful views as the colorful leaves dance in the cool breeze as they take hikes everyday - followed by a nap.

Their relationship can be summed up in five words - “Always there for each other.” They are truly best friends. Alexis says she loves that Wesley thinks about others before himself. Wesley says he loves that Alexis is always there for him.

Alexis and Wesley, you two are surrounded by so much love from your family and friends. I am honored you asked me to capture memories from your wedding day. The love that everyone has for you two is literally indescribable and I am beyond blessed that I was able to witness that and capture that for you on your wedding day.

Vendors

Venue: Under the Chandelier

Bridal Gown: Misora Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Invitations: Zazzle

Officiant: Nick Schroder

Over the Years: The Leonardelli Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

The Leondardelli Family

Meet the Leondardelli Family! I first met this amazing family in 2015 at a bluebonnet family session. As a matter of fact, one of my FAVORITE bluebonnet images was taken at this very session!

2015 - One of my favorite bluebonnet photos!

This particular session was important because some of their children were going to be moving away to live with their mother in another state. It was so wonderful spending time with all of them together!

In 2016 I was fortunate yet once again to spend time with them during another family session! I absolutely love Jessica’s vision that she brings to each of their sessions and I welcome the challenge of making those visions a reality for her images.

2016 - Family Session

In 2017, Jessica and Matt asked me to photograph their upcoming wedding in August. I was honored, but shocked! I was shocked because I totally thought they were already married! I was so excited for the both of them, as well as their entire family. I just knew the wedding would be phenomenal and I was looking forward to it! You can read more about their stunning wedding on the blog.

2017 - Jessica’s Bridal Session

2017 - Leonardelli Wedding Slideshow

In 2018, I was asked to photograph two of their children for very special events. Their daughter, Jordan, had an upcoming quincenara and their son, Jose, would be starting his senior year of high school. Two big milestones for the Leonardelli family! It was so much fun spending time with each of them on a more personal level.

2018 - Jordan’s Quincenara Session

2018 - Jose’s Senior Session

Amazing at how much their family has changed over the past 3 years and I can’t wait to see what 2019 and beyond has in store for them!

“The most precious moments of your life deserve to be captured.”

— unknown

THIS IS THE SEVENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

Strong As An Oak

September 22, 2018 was the first official day of fall. The PERFECT day for a wedding - especially for a bride that loves all things fall! And the weather on this particular day definitely felt like fall! It was very cool, with a light breeze. The sky was filled with clouds, but the rain stayed away. It felt like a crisp, fall day at Vintage Oaks Ranch in Axtell, Texas.

When I first met Tobie and Chad at their engagement session in November of 2017 I knew they were meant for each other. They just had “that” connection.

I could instantly tell how they felt about one another.  They genuinely love each other on a deep level.  They have the type of love that is full of compassion, support, respect, and encouragement.  When I asked Tobie to tell me their "story," she explained this very type of love. - With You I Am, blog about their engagement session

A collage of images from Tobie and Chad’s engagement session.

Their wedding day was filled with just as much love for one another! I don’t know how else to explain it other than contagious. You just look at them and you can’t help but smile.

The ceremony took place at Vintage Oaks Ranch in Axtell, Texas and began at 6:30 pm. And just as you would imagine, it was filled with emotions…which included happy tears.

Mr. and Mrs. Walker!

Even Tobie’s grandmother was included in the day in a very special way.

Tobie and Chad, I am beyond honored that you asked me to help capture the memories on your special day. Marriage is a journey that goes much further than your beautiful wedding. This was just the beginning of the path you’ll travel together as you overcome obstacles and weather the storms together - forever. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

Vendor Credits

Venue: Vinatge Oaks Ranch, Axtell, Texas

Coordinator: Kaylen Dunks

Florist: Penny Lenamon- owner of Rusty Rose

Cake: Simply Delicious Bakery

DJ: Johnathan and Christina Price

Makeup and hair : Susana Rocha and Laura

All dresses: Georgio’s 

Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Officiant: Jimmy Cotton

Invitations: Flatt Stationers

Special thanks to Angela Bailey with Angela Bailey Photography for assisting me in capturing the memories for Tobie and Chad!

All Eyes On Us

The week leading up to the wedding of Jack and Bailey on Saturday, September 15, 2018 was filled with tons of rain. The forecast was even calling for high rain chances for that Saturday. As the week crept by, those high rain chances slowly begin to decrease. As everyone continued to cross their fingers, Saturday arrived and those rain chances were pretty much gone. The sun was shining and it was a perfectly calm day. It was a picture perfect day - literally!

That Saturday at 6:30 pm, under clear skies, Jack and Bailey would say, “I Do,” at the beautiful Wind Dancer Retreat in Bryan, Texas.

Jack and Bailey first met...

...in Corpus Christi at work.  Bailey was working as an office manager and Jack was one of the vendors.  He delivered goods to her workplace for a month or two and he would always ask Bailey what there was to do in Corpus.  Bailey noticed that Jack was always very polite.  Bailey's best friend noticed (and insisted) that Jack was interested in Bailey, however Bailey just thought that Jack was being professional by creating small talk.  This continued for several weeks until one day he was in his truck and asked Bailey if he could take her to do dinner.  Bailey told him that he could IF, and only if, he could remember her phone number and she shouted her number to him as he sat in his truck.  

Bailey did not expect Jack to remember her phone number.  He was sitting in his truck and she shouted it to him rather than writing it down for him or allowing him to write it down. But Jack did remember her number!  He sent Bailey a text about an hour later which said, "You owe me dinner ma'am."  

That same evening Bailey replied to Jack's message and told him that she was caught up at work and would not be able to make time for dinner with him, even though she was actually at home.  

The following week Jack showed up to deliver goods at Bailey's workplace and he asked her if she would make time for dinner with him.  Again, Bailey said that she would.  However this time she actually did go to dinner with him.  They drove to three different places before finding a restaurant with good customer service.  They enjoyed dinner and laughed...a lot!  

Over the next few months they continued talking casually.  One weekend Bailey decided to travel with Jack for a weekend trip to visit his parents.  They met his parents at Texas Roadhouse (THEIR place to eat) and then went to the family ranch, where Jack showed Bailey around.  Jack had Bailey put on some torn up dirty overalls and they began working on the ranch.  Bailey had a great time!  It was completely different than her life in Arizona.  

Eventually Jack asked Bailey to move in with him and ever since they have been inseparable.  

One day Jack surprised Bailey…

with a shopping trip for a fancy dress.  Jack would not tell Bailey why she needed the fancy dress.  The next day Jack told Bailey that they were going to dinner that night and she had to be ready at 5:00 sharp...and she HAD to wear the new fancy dress.  Bailey joked about dressing up for dinner at Texas Roadhouse!  Jack laughed and told her to get ready.

At 5:00 Jack told Bailey that it was time to go and she headed to the garage as she normally did.  Jack told her to just use the front door.  After all, "It's easier," he said.  Bailey questioned Jack about this as she walked out the front door and saw a limo waiting for them.  Bailey was so excited and began to get tears in her eyes.  They enjoyed the limo ride to Del Friscos Steakhouse in Houston, a beautiful restaurant with an amazing view.  They enjoyed a delicious dinner, even though Bailey noticed that Jack was acting...different.  Jack told her that he loved her and would continue to love her forever and he would do everything he had to in order to give their family a good life.  He went on to say that it was not the right time to get married because they weren't stable enough yet, but he just wanted her to know that she was his world.  

When they finished their meals, they decided to order dessert.  Bailey ordered cheesecake since that is their favorite dessert.  Jack left to the restroom and was gone for awhile.  When he returned Bailey told him that she didn't know it took 20 minutes to bring out dessert.  About this same time the dessert arrived...and it said, "Will you marry me?" Bailey began to panic because she was sure that the waiter brought them the wrong plate!  She looked at Jack to tell him how embarrassing it was that they brought the wrong plate to their table and saw Jack on one knee with a ring.  Bailey jumped into his arms as she cried and said, "YES!"  She gave him her right hand instead of her left hand!   

You can read more about Jack and Bailey’s engagement here.

Special Note to the Newlyweds

Jack and Bailey, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. The amount of love and respect you both show each other throughout your words, as well as actions towards one another is so calming to all those that surround you. You both have tons of love and support from your families and that is absolutely priceless. Kaden is truly blessed to have such wonderful parents and grandparents in his life!

Vendor Credits

Venue: Wind Dancer Retreat, Bryan, TX

Coordinator: Shana Wells

Florist: University Flowers

Linens: Party Time Rentals

Cake Artist: Dianna Brannan

Caterer: C & J Barbeque

DJ: Downtown Entertainment

Make-Up and Hair Artist: Naturally Flawless

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Bridal Gown: VIP Bridal

Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse

Officiant: Floyd Stanley

Special thanks to Angela Bailey with Angela Bailey Photography for assisting me in capturing the memories for Jack and Bailey!