Taryn and John's Wedding at Great Oaks Manor

Taryn and John had such a fun wedding day! When we first met with them at the fabulous Richmond wedding venue, Great Oaks Manor, we just clicked.

We stayed and visited long after our 'meeting/consultation' late, even though we all had early mornings the next day. Their engagement session sealed the deal - we knew we were meant to be friends with these two.

We arrived at the venue and were greeted with a picturesque day - perfect for an occasion as important as a marriage! Great Oaks Manor is a huge, grand ol' Plantation house that seems to be right out of Gone With The Wind. Or something like that... Fiddle Dee Dee... Back to business.

These stained glass windows made my heart skip a beat! As soon as I saw them the first time, I had this shot in my head and I was so excited that Taryn had one of these super-cool name hangers to hang her dress right there on the big day!

Cufflinks with a story! Two towns that mean a great deal to the groom!

This is Taryn. She's the bride. She had a cool hairdo, a laid-back attitude, and a mom who adores her helping her tie her bow on her gorgeous dress. What more could a bride want on her big day?

Favorite groom/groomsmen shot ever!

Here's John. He's the groom. He looks quite dapper, doesn't he?

These shoes were show stoppers. And these flowers... the flowers... Christina Garza of Fresh Blooms of Houston outdid herself, once again.

Taryn.... you are stunning. Gorgeous. Adorable. All those things and more. John must have knew this when he picked you.

You is model.

An outdoor ceremony at sunset... Swoon!

Taryn's mother Robin walked her down the aisle. After the wedding Robin told us of this poignant moment where Taryn looked over and noticed her mom tearing up. Robin said she'll never forget the moment that followed after... Taryn squeezed her hand, turned and looked at her, and said,... "Mom, you better lock that sh*t up." I think when Robin told me this, I might have spewed my drink. I love these people.

I love love love (worthy of 3 'loves') the way John is looking at his bride here, the first moments as he sees her on their wedding day.

Woohoo! They're married!

Nice face, John! Wish I knew what you were thinking!

What a fun wedding party! Seriously... every person is funny in this photo.

Beautiful details at the reception. My favorite were the tall arrangements - with babys breath! Big statement pieces, unique, and unexpected.

Another cool detail! This framed 'art' was made for the guests. An inkpad was provided where people could leave their mark on the tree for Taryn and John. The purple thumbprints are Taryn and John's.

Had to show this grooms cake. I know the Cougar fans loved it. Which by the way, 90% of the guests were... Houston Cougar fans.

A serenade for the bride from the fraternity brothers.

Speaking of brothers... John and his brother were the life of the party!

And these people knew how to party!

Towards the end of the night, those big arrangements I spoke of earlier doubled as a headdress for the bride. LOVE IT!

A hug goodbye from Taryn's mom...

My favorite moment of the night, by far. All the guests were lined up, with their sparklers lit, waiting on the bride and groom to come running and make their grand exit. I was wondering where they were, so I went to find them. When I got to the big tent where the reception was, I found an empty tent, no guests, a slow song playing, and these two, dancing. I stayed as far back as I could and photographed this moment, that even as I'm writing about it, makes me tear up. This is the stuff romance is made of. This is why we are wedding photographers.

John and Taryn, we loved your fabulous wedding day, all of your fun friends, your families, and most of all, getting to be with you guys on this, the first day of your marriage. THANK YOU for inviting us in to your life and your love story!

Click here to sign their guestbook and view all the photos from their event!