MD Resort Texas Wedding :: Jessica + Jake

Weddings

November 27, 2016

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“My Best Friend’s Wedding” may have been a huge blockbuster hit back in 1997, but shooting my best friend’s wedding topped that! I had the pleasure of getting to know Jessica and Jake right as they began dating. It was almost four years ago that Jessica reached out to me to get mentoring sessions centered around having a photography business. I remember it like it was yesterday. We chatted over brunch for nearly four hours and became friends instantly. She had a glow in her eyes when she talked about Jake. It was the start of a beautiful friendship and a beautiful time to fall in love. I’m pretty sure we started dreaming of this wedding within the first few months of knowing each other. She would decorate the wedding with all her collected vintage pieces and I would choose to not be a bridesmaid and be the photographer. I grew to know all about Jake through long car rides and girly chats. She was smitten and by the time I actually met him in person- well, I knew enough to love him, too. Shooting with them together for their engagement simply confirmed the love story Jessica had swooned about. I was beyond excited to come back to Texas to finally shoot their big day.

In true Jessica fashion, the details were one of a kind and everything was made with her own two hands. The florals were full of rich colors, feathers and gold branches. Everything just screamed, “Jessica”. All of her collected treasures were perfectly placed on each table in the reception. Bottles, books, cigar boxes, vintage suitcases, and hand painted gold everything! Gorg! When we arrived at Jessica’s bridal suite, the room was colored in purple dresses and smiling faces. Jessica was in the chair with the gorgeous, Sonia Still, getting her final beauty touch ups. She does such amazing work and I know her being there was truly special for Jessica, too. All three of us have worked on so many shoots and weddings together. It was like a family reunion! Jessica was calm. She was paying attention and soaking in the moments. She graced the room with a subtle, peaceful smile the entire time she was getting ready. She has shot enough weddings at this point to know that it goes by so fast. When she pulled the dress off the hanger, then entire room let out a gasp of excitement. Finally, the wedding photographer became the bride. She was radiant and made even THIS old wedding photographer tear up. Shooting her wedding was extra special for me. I had been there for the duration of their entire relationship. And all I could think was how happy I am that they are both in my life. Jake was just around the way getting ready with the guys. Jake’s mom and dad were there to help with his final details. One small detail would be his socks. HA! All of the groomsmen were gifted a unique pair of socks. Apparently, Jake’s gift was given AFTER he put his shoes on and was ready for photos. He opened his gift from Jessica to find a pair of wedding socks. 🙂 I know most of this blog is about Jessica, but let me just say this. Jake is a God fearing, lovely man. His beard and mustache as a sure giveaway to his dedication on all things manly. He loves Jessica just the way she deserves. Together they make each other better and together they are going to do amazing things. The moment they saw each other for the first time was a huge reminder of that love. Gah!! These two make my heart happy.

The ceremony was set in the trees as the sun was falling behind the land. Fall pumpkins and baby breath greeted the guests to be seated. Each of the bridesmaids had hand-made mason jars with coffee beans and candles lit inside. Jessica would make a long, dramatic walk to meet her soon-to-be husband. The ceremony was quiet and emotional. The vows were individually crafted for each other and brought all of us to tears. The night would continue with the tears, but the quiet was over. Time to party!! The party barn was just down the way with groovy throwback songs greeting their guests. The new Mr & Mrs Ferris entered as husband and wife and the party began. The toasts were sentimental and took us all by surprise. Jake’s best friend fell ill the morning of the wedding and was unable to attend, so the groomsen decided to do a group toast. Each groomsman spoke into Jake and Jessica’s marriage and well, brought us all to tears again. During the cocktail and dinner time, a truly unique entertainment took place. Some of Jake’s friends jammed and sang for the guests! How cool! And on top of that, Jake and his mom did a super sweet duet dedicated to Jessica. So much talent under one barn roof. Soon the music picked up and the dancefloor filled with lots of happy folks. We are so honored to have been a guest, a friend and a photographer at this wedding. Best. Day. Ever.

Jessica. Jake. We love you both dearly. Thank you for bringing us back to Texas to witness your marriage and be a part of the entire day. We are truly honored. Cheers to your future and to the many new memories ahead of us all. Hurray!

Leaha + Jeffrey

Thank you to Taylor Bowen for assisting us on this wedding.