Chantana + Matthew

Chantana and Matthew were married July 20, 2019 at White Oaks Event Venue in Simonton, Texas. This was my second time shooting at this venue and I was so happy to be back. Inside, the wood beams and greenery-wrapped chandeliers give it a rustic charm and outside the sun sets over a small, glittering pond next to a field dotted with hay bales. It’s photo gold.

Speaking of charm, Chantana’s gold and blush accented wedding was filled with a number of DIY elements that looked anything but. I couldn’t believe she did most of the décor herself. She cut and stained all the wood for the centerpieces, painted the bottles and other décor and even made the guest sign in board. It all tied together perfectly and everything felt elegant and romantic.

I have to mention one golden moment and if she’s reading this she knows it’s coming. Everything leading up to the vows went off without a hitch. The ceremony started on time (a wedding day unicorn, if you ask me), flower girls made it to the end of the aisle without a meltdown, no one said the wrong name. And then sweet Chantana says her vows….

I should mention that Chantana was a little nervous because as she gets to the end of her vows, instead of the traditional promise of “until the day I die” Chantana says “until the day I lie”.

Ooops.

No, seriously her reaction was adorable, and it had everyone, including the officiant, cracking up and became a running joke of the evening. The photos from that moment are some of my favorites.

While their wedding was lovely and filled with sweet promises and mispronounced words, their reception was filled with dancing. Chantana and Matthew and their friends know how to party. A couple of conga lines, at least three dance offs and a lot of booze later, we gathered outside for a sparkler send off. At this point the party had been in full swing for hours so people were pretty relaxed so let’s just say I was keeping my hair a safe distance from the flames. For most couples that would have wrapped up the night, but the newlyweds and their friends had so much energy left they kept the party going until late that night.

And can I just say these two are such a beautiful couple. I’m so happy for them!

Details:

Bride’s Dress: Davids Bridal

Flowers: Made by the bride

Jewelry: Charming Charlie

Groom’s Suit: Generation Tux

Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang/ Davids Bridal

Cake: Supreme Kakes