Nisa's Austin College Bridal Portraits in Sherman, Texas

Nisa was a joy to work with! She planned her wedding from California, but we still managed to fit in a bridal portrait session on the campus of our shared alma mater. I worked toward my undergraduate degree at Austin College, though I ultimately transferred and finished elsewhere after switching degree programs from business toward art. Nevertheless, AC was always the school where I felt most at home. It felt like a homecoming to wander around campus with Nisa and her mother, and see how much looked exactly the same, and how much had changed! It was an incredibly hot Texas summer day, so we made use of as much air conditioned space as we could. Nisa holds her PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, so it made sense to start the session in the IDEA Center, Austin College's fancy new science building. I look forward to sharing Nisa's wedding -- the science theme continued there, with an experiment taking the place of a unity ceremony, and beakers and test tubes used throughout their decor. Nisa's a pretty awesome gal, if you haven't already figured that out.

Historic Collin County Courthouse Wedding in McKinney, Texas: Joseph & Florencia

It's always an honor to document the weddings of my friends! I've known Joe & Flo for about nine years now; we worked together as baristas many moons ago. You may remember that I photographed their handfasting a few years ago. These two were married in a sweet and quirky ceremony officiated by one of their close friends at the Historic Collin County Courthouse in downtown McKinney, Texas. I particularly enjoyed the game of rochambeau for the privilege to say their vows first! Joseph won.

The first thing you'll likely notice about this wedding's aesthetic is Florencia's *amazing* purple and turquoise hair. It was every bit as awesome in person, and coordinated beautifully with her backpiece dragon tattoo. Also, what can I say about that champagne wedding gown? It basically combines all of my favorite wedding dress features. While Flo's dress, tattoo and hair do their best to steal the show, there are many other great details too: handmade bouquets and boutonnières, an adorable dragon cake topper, celestial paper bag lanterns, hot cocoa and coffee favors, a coffee groom's cake (coffee-slinging brought them together, after all), a potluck supper, and an herb & floral toss for their grand exit. The couple's friends from many walks of life -- fellow Scarborough Renaissance Festival actors, haunted house employees, Irish step dancers, family, and long time family friends -- all came together on the dance floor for the Time Warp and other fun. I'm so glad I was present to witness their wedding day!

1899 Farmhouse Wedding in Princeton: Laurie & Michael

Laurie and Michael had a joyful, down-to-earth, outdoor wedding celebration at 1899 Farmhouse in Princeton in May and I loved every minute of it! The weather was amazing, the venue is gorgeous, and the couple is so easy going and pleasant to be around. Laurie and Michael found me on Offbeat Bride, as many of my favorite clients do. I felt particularly sentimental at this wedding because they chose the same Robert Fulghum reading that was featured in my own wedding ceremony, and our wedding officiant is the son-in-law of their wedding officiant, Aliene Bodholdt. Small world! They had pecan pie and a ceremony among the trees like we did as well, so I can say hands down that they have awesome taste.

This is one well traveled couple, and their travel theme made perfect sense. I especially loved their globe guest book. It was fun for everyone to pick a place to sign (I believe my signature is hanging out on Antarctica) and will make great home decor for years to come. Maps popped up everywhere in the decor from paper chains to flags and cake decor. Edwards Floral Design created cheerful, colorful arrangements that fit the mood of the wedding perfectly. The appetizers from Whole Foods were amazing and I may have gorged myself a bit on the artichoke, feta & lemon fritters. The reception was full of dancing, mingling, chicken feeding, and adventures on the tire swing. Laurie and Michael exited the reception to a bubble send-off. You can see many more photos and order prints and digital downloads here!

Photographer - Mary Cyrus Photography // Venue - 1899 Farmhouse // Officiant - Aliene Bodholdt // Caterer - Cohost Catering // Baker - Market Street // Food - Whole Foods // Florist - Edwards Floral Design // Hair stylist - Lisa Fulgham Rodriquez at Spa Zaza // Bartender - Viki Hall Staffing // Driver - Be My Designated Driver // Bride's Dress - Modcloth // Bride's Shoes - 6pm.com // Groom's Suit - Perry Ellis