On April 8, 2017 I had driven to Dallas to photograph a wedding that I knew would be dear to my heart. I have known Nikki probably since I was in 7th or 8th grade. She has always been a joy to call my friend. In fact, it was Nikki who really influenced my love of portrait photography when I grabbed her camera to take a photo of her at a homeschool banquet. (See that photo HERE in my story!) That image I took of her is largely what propelled me into a decade long love of portraiture. For that, I owe her a great many thanks indeed. So, when she contacted me to photograph her wedding, I was absolutely on board. Nikki is a sign language interpreter for Dallas Community Colleges, and just another fun fact, she doesn't care for shoe wearing and lives life practically shoe-less. So when I asked her what kind of shoes she was planning on wearing, she laughed and said, "You know I'm not going to be wearing shoes at my wedding!" And she didn't. Nikki honored her grandmother by wearing her original wedding gown, and it was absolutely stunning! Steve and Nikki also constructed an AMAZING book arch, which I may very well steal from them at some point. Their day was lovely, full of genuine smiles, people, and love. It was a day full of people who cared for them both, the perfect beginning.
Nikki and Steve, it was such a blessing for me to be with you on your happy day. And it was just that, a happy day. I don't know when I have seen such unabashed joy between a bride and groom together. It was positively contagious. God bless you both on your new adventure!