God knew I needed someone special on this Saturday. God knew that just any bride wouldn’t do. And I will tell you why.

The morning of Mackenzie’s wedding I wanted to call in sick. I wanted to take a personal day off of work. I wanted to have the regular 9-5 job that most people get to enjoy. I was looking at my grandfather through my tears, and had been told to tell him goodbye. The night before I had left and they had given me 72 hours… I was in the clear. I could leave and drive 2 hours away and know he would be fine. But things changed through the night and I was told he wouldn’t be there when I got back. I was told to kiss him for the last time knowing he was still breathing and could still hear me. I wanted to be like everyone else in the room, and have a “normal” life.

But then I remembered her bridal session… how it lasted an hour longer than I had told them because we couldn’t stop talking. I remember her emails and her smile. How it was a real love I was photographing today, not just flowers and a dress.

I told my mom, I don’t want to go….. but this bride. She was a good one.

The two hour drive prepped me. Wes was out of town in Georgia, so I was alone. On one hand this is a terrible thing, but on the other, it gave me a chance to collect my thoughts… sing really loud off key without caring… and fill my heart with peace.

Arriving on location, I saw Mackenzie come up. Ok, Tera, game face. You can do this.

But I didn’t have to. I didn’t have to fake it with her. (She is knowing this story for the first time too, I haven’t told her any of this) but she made it easy to feel happiness in my heart. In fact, I felt happiness all day. Her smile is seriously contagious, and I found myself genuinely smiling. Watching her laugh at Brandon, and glow in his presence, was worth it. This is why I am here. This is why I do this.

I have one of the hardest jobs in the world on some days. I can’t call in. I can’t be sick. But God gives me people in my path that light me up & set me on fire. She is one of those people. I am mad we haven’t known each other sooner. I am jealous of all of her friends who get to share secrets and laughs and good times. She is one of those that is a light to a room.

I am so happy to have been here on this day. I am so happy to watch as she and Brandon became husband and wife. I am so honored to have shared in their story. They are a couple I have faith in. I believe in them. As long as she keeps laughing, which makes him smile so soft…. they will live to be 94 and married 67 years just like my grandparents. They can do it. And I can say I witnessed it.

God also knew I need a pup in my life on bad days. Murphy, you rocked it buddy. God really knows what he is doing. The good new is…. I got home and I still had time. I got to spend almost 48 hours more with a man that held my heart. You can read more about him below.

Mackenzie and Brandon, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. If it hadn’t of been you on this day, it would have been someone else. And God knew that I needed it to be you.

Be Happy and Love each other.

T

This is a wedding that I am so excited to share with y’all. Southern Belle meets country boy, a match made in Mississippi heaven. I loved loved working with this couple from the very first email. Then being able to get to know them through their engagements and bridals, it was a blast.

Courtney chose to get married in Jackson, Mississippi, at The South. This venue was absolutely devine. And from what I understand they also did the flowers & catering. Every detail become more and more perfect. I love shooting weddings where a couple represents who they are through their details. A wedding is more than just flowers and a cake, it is a representation of who you are. And I love how they were represented.

Courtney & Brentley, I am so happy for you both. I am thrilled to have been given the chance to hang out with you and share in this perfect day. It truly was perfect. I hope you enjoy your photos as much as I have.

Here is your sneak peek.

I was still sporting our photobooth fun…  And a HUGE thank you again to Courtney for this awesome gift!!! We have loved every bit of our “Taste of Mississippi” and the frame is just perfect. Thank you again!!!! 

Be Happy and Love each other,

T

Ashley and Michael chose the most beautiful day to have their perfect wedding. Storms were expected, strong storms, but on the drive the sun shown through the windows and added such warmth. The day began as wonderful as any wedding should. It was perfect.

When choosing her details, Ashley gathered a mixture of heirlooms with details with great meaning. There wasn’t one detail that didn’t have some sentimental value. If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know that I LOVE when bride incorporates meaning throughout every detail.

From the moment we arrived, to the moment Ashley and Michael drove away, the day was beyond spectacular. Love was abounding from every single guest. Everyone danced, laughed, and had the most amazing time.

As perfect as their day was, as beautiful and marvelous, their night wasn’t what they had expected. Ashley and Michael ended their evening in the hospital holding their family close after a family member was injured in an accident.

But that is it. Life. Life is so perfect and life can be so freaking hard. And life happens when you least expect it. Ashley and Michael you are experiencing life together. And the “together” part is what is going to help you survive. Never ever stop leaning on each other for support.

I am for certain the two of you can make it through anything. Seeing your devotion to each other, and how you make each other laugh. Keep laughing, even when you don’t feel like it. Remember the perfect details of YOUR day. Remember how your guests watched as you became husband and wife. Remember how your cake bites tasted so good you could just cry with joy. Remember dancing with each other as your band played. These are the details to hold on to forever. These are the details you created with each other. Anything that comes your way, know that you two can take it on.

Be happy and love each other.

T

Maggie & Adam had the most beautiful wedding day. Sun, details, lace. You can’t ask for more. It was perfectly beautiful.

Thank you both for trusting us to be there to capture this day. I hope these photos bring you warmth and happiness forever. 

We have a HUGE announcement coming this week (no, I am not pregnant) but it is sooo much better!! Stay tuned because things are getting good!

Be happy and love each other.

T

I can’t say there are many brides I would be overly happy to drive through the night to get to. I love my sleep. I love it a lot. But when I meet Lauralee & Matt I knew they were worth driving over night, swimming across an ocean, and hiking up a hill both ways in the snow to get to their wedding. Luckily, I didn’t have to do all of those things but it sure would have been worth it.

This couple swept in my life and stole my heart. Wholly and completely.

I have always been the kind of person who is afraid to show my emotions. For some reason, I prefer to give off a “big and bad” attitude. haha. I dunno why, maybe a middle child thing, nothing can get me down. I am non-emotional. But seeing how Lauralee was so unafraid to show her emotion and love for her husband made me feel so warm. It made me feel like it is ok to be emotional and to let people see my happiness… through other ways that just squealing all the time.

This couple is going to rock this world. They are going to be one who is an example to everyone around them…. no pressure you two. haha. But just showing how you love each other makes people around you find the same kind of love… it is pure and genuine.

I love your love. And I am honored to have witnessed it.

When Lauralee got to the end of her aisle, and reached her groom… she busted out, “I am just so happy” haha. I don’t think I have ever had a bride that was just so full of joy they physically couldn’t contain it anymore. This moment may be my single favorite ceremony moment ever. I love it. 

Lauralee singing her favorite song… “You don’t have to call me darlin’, darlin” This was the moment I KNEW that loved her…. that and when she said Dolly Parton was her favorite. 

Sorry Lauralee… I just had to…. haha….

Happy Monday everyone!

Be Happy and Love each other,

T

I think I had goose bumps the majority of the morning of this wedding day. It started with a text message early that morning, “Hey, what do you want from Starbucks? I’ll get it” The bride asking ME what I want??? Best way I have ever started a wedding. I got to her house and her best friends and close family were all laughing and enjoying being together. Adam texts, and the whole room is filled with tears. Lauren may have been one of the happiest brides I have worked with. Every time she teared up…. I felt myself full of emotion. I love seeing brides who are so joyous they can’t even contain themselves. The morning was excellent. Then the ceremony came…. whew, the vows. Complete perfection. I love personally written vows. I love it. It is each of them giving a piece of themselves to the other person. So sweet. Then came the reception… wow. wow. wow. Lauren knows how to throw a party for sure. It was a complete and total blast. I could have danced all night long. Excellent food, amazing band, beautiful venue, and a room full of guests ready to get down. It was one of my favorite receptions to date.

Lauren’s kindess to Wes and I is something that I will cherish for a long time. She went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. And she shared her emotions with us, and let us see who she is. Beautiful. I love love this couple. I wish them more years of happiness than even they know what to do with.

I cannot describe the wind to you we were all experiencing. I literally couldn’t see the camera because I couldn’t keep my hair out of my eyes. Luckily, I can frame a photo even with my eyes closed ;) Thank you to the wedding party for being so kind to your bride & groom and not complaining despite feeling like your bones were about to break from the cold. You are my heros.

We pulled out of this wedding somewhere between 10-10:30 and hit the road. Ten hour drive to our next event. I just kept telling myself, we can do this, we can do this.

Check back Monday for the next wedding that made me so happy I could cry!  Be Happy and Love each other !

T