I am so glad that we got to photograph this very special wedding!

Cassie and James reached out to us a few months ago and told us their wedding day plans. They said that they were planning a very small and intimate wedding with their absolute closest friends and family, and they had chosen to be married at Great Oaks Manor in Richmond. They had came across Taryn and John's wedding at Great Oaks Manor that we shot earlier this year, and then, they invited us to come be a part of their day.

I am so thankful they did. This was one of the coolest days that Luke and I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. Put aside your mental images of a wedding day filled with wardrobe malfunctions, hustle and bustle, rushed timelines, and 'puttin' on the dog.' (I can't help it, I'm from Texas and that's the expression that came to mind. There is no substitute.)

Cassie and James planned a laid back day with the main focus being their vows and their love for one another. It was so refreshing to sit back and watch this day happen!

Here she is! Cassie you are a stunning woman!

Classic beauty!

Cassie had 1 attendant, her lovely sister Tara. I love their smiles.

This cute little nephew was the star of the show.

As the music started to play at the ceremony, Cassie made her way down the grand staircase at Great Oaks Manor.

There, she joined her father as she they made the long walk over to the ceremony.

First glimpse of the groom!

Loved this moment! Cassie and James wrote their own vows to one another and said them quietly, where no one else could hear. Of course, I'm very nosy, so I wish I could know what they said... but something tells me, it was very sweet. :)

And they are married!

After the guests had all made their way to the reception, Cassie and James took a few moments to themselves for some portraits.

At this point, Luke had stepped outside to pull our car around to the front. I was gathering all of our camera bags and equipment, when I literally was stopped in my tracks by these two. I couldn't help but feel like I was in a deer stand trying not to make any sudden movements to disturb them. I think I've been watching too much outdoor TV, by the way. Can you tell?

They are such a sweet couple, and so in love. Thank you, Cassie and James, for letting us be there.

We all headed to Mia Bella Trattoria for dinner, toasts, and special dances.

The favors were these adorable little palms.

I live for little moments like this one between the bride and groom. The best man had just mentioned what a special person James is to all who know him. Cassie couldn't resist. Swoon.

As the evening closed in, Cassie and James bid farewell and set off on their new life together... but first, of course, they went on a fabulous honeymoon to Hawaii! :)

Cassie and James, how can we thank you enough for letting us spend this day with you? It was truly one of the most special weddings we have ever had the privilege of photographing. You welcomed us into your small wedding and treated us like family, and for that we are very grateful! We hope that you have a long and blessed marriage!

To sign their guestbook and view the rest of their wedding day images, click here!

If you've e-mailed us in the last couple of days, you already know this, but we just walked back in the door after a 4 day vacation to Port Aransas, Texas. It's a wonderful, sleepy little beach town about 3 hours from us here on the gulf coast. We had an amazing vacation with my (Cat) aunt, cousin (and her friend), and grandma. We had several days of waking up early, drinking coffee on the balcony with an ocean view, sitting on the beach all day, then staying up way too late laughing and telling stories.

We also had the delight of Luke cooking our meals each day, nothing but the best. We had biscuits and gravy, pizza, pancakes... so much great food from Chef Luke!

The pictures we took on the trip were taken with our film camera, so it will be a few weeks until we have any to show you, with the exception of this Instagram we took one evening on the beach!

Hope you've had a great week!

We have been waiting for this wedding for so long!

Way back when, in early 2011, we first met Anna and her mother. We were immediately excited about photographing this cheerful lady's upcoming wedding to the man of her dreams! Anna and Thomas are both Aggies (as are we!) and we got to travel to Aggieland for their engagement session this spring. We've had a great time with them over the past year!

On a warm summer afternoon in her home church in Columbus, Texas, Anna and Thomas met up to exchange their vows. Enjoy their day!

Thomas and his groomsmen are such a fun bunch. They were all laughs for most of the day!

Anna's gown was lovely! She worked in a bridal shop while in college, so I knew her dress would be special.

When I found this magnolia tree by the church, I exclaimed, "We so southern!" Then the ladies made these faces :)

Anna had a beautiful all-white bouquet. We knew her flowers would be pretty, because her degree from A&M is in horticulture.

Beautiful bride!

Just after they were married, we rounded the corner to see them soaking in the moment! Their first couple of minutes as husband and wife!

Their getaway car was sentimental - it belonged to Anna's late grandfather. In Aggie maroon, with tincans behind... it was adorable!

You're probably thinking, wow, that's a lovely cake. But what you DON'T know is, Anna's mother MADE the cakes herself! Talented! Oh, and I should mention, they were very yummy cakes, Mrs. B! Recipe, please?!

During the reception, right around sunset, we took some time with Anna and Thomas for more portraits! The sun was setting and the light could not have been any more perfect!

Anna and Thomas, we are so happy for you guys. I don't recall a time that I've ever seen a couple treat each other with more respect. It is so clear that you will have a long and happy life together, since you clearly are starting out your marriage with such a firm foundation. We're so thankful to have met you both, and we're so excited to see where life takes you.

We'd also be remiss if we didn't mention what a pleasure it was getting to know both of these families. Anna and Thomas come from a supportive group of people who were clearly 'glowing' with happiness for them all day long. What a blessing!

To view more pictures from Anna and Thomas' big day or sign their guestbook, click here.