07 • 28 • 14

Candace & Ian Part 2

The plan was to split this DIY redwoods forest wedding into two posts. I blogged part one last week. Well, two posts just aren’t enough for this fabulous soiree. So this will be part two of three.

PINIMAGE

Candace and Ian had a BEAUTIFUL ceremony, so filled with pure joy. Bluegrass music filled the air as Candace strolled down the aisle in her beyond perfect BHLDN gown, with her groom gazing all the while. After dad gave her away, the guests filled in the aisle, like a great big hug for the couple! It was beautiful, and so sweet. There’s a shot below that looks exactly like Candace’s invitations (pics in part one), which goes to show the amount of attention to detail. The ceremony was short, sweet, and had a few giggles here and there. Just wonderful.

I am in love with all of the images from Candace and Ian’s wedding. They made my job really easy, and I couldn’t have asked for a better couple. I’m a big believer in subtle details, and loved each and every tiny ode to Candace and Ian’s relationship. For example, on the guest sign-in table, along with an engagement photo and pail of flowers, Candace filled a glass jar with mementos from their dating days, including a stick. On their first date, Ian and Candace went for a walk and it started to rain. Candace was wishing she had something to put her hair up, so Ian picked out the perfect pinning-stick. I think it’s so sweet that she not only kept it all this time, but found a way to include it in her wedding decor!

Candace’s dad, G.V., really has a wonderful bond with his little girl, and it showed in the photos. I especially love the ones of the two of them just before he walked her down the aisle. Of course, this was a special and emotional moment, but Dad was still able to make his daughter laugh (hysterically). He also stayed up the night before and made a wooden entrance sign for the wedding: A keepsake that’s sure to be passed down.

Of course, I can’t ignore the brilliant floral arrangements, all done by a close friend of the bride, Judith Morgan. She did a fabulous job, and I’m now a lifelong fan of bouquet bows instead of wraps.

I hope you enjoy the photos, and if you’d like to see a slideshow, please view at: http://vimeo.com/101172768

You can also view the entire gallery from the wedding day until October 1, 2014 at: http://lizardnickel.shootproof.com

With joy, Lizard.

PINIMAGE

Still to come in part 3: The most adorable backyard reception you ever did see.

no comments

Write a Comment

07 • 23 • 14

Wedding Hint Wednesday: Venue Spotlight on Hotel Settles

Does anyone else get giddy when they hear these words? Vintage. Restored. 1920s Glam. All words used to describe the fabulous Hotel Settles (hotelsettles.com) in Big Spring, TX. I’ve been to dinner there several times now, and my husband took me there just last weekend for our third anniversary. Every visit, I feel like I’m in paradise…in BIG SPRING! So for this Wedding Hint Wednesday, I’m shining a venue spotlight on a small West Texas town, who deserves to host a few thousand weddings in my opinion.

PINIMAGE

When I got married in 2011, there was nowhere even near Midland, TX for me to have the vintage hotel wedding that I wanted, so I got married at the Victor Inn in Guthrie, OK. I’m not complaining—I LOVED my venue, but I would have killed to have a gorgeous West Texas wedding venue closer to home, like the Settles.
West Texas is gaining wedding venues slowly, but the great thing about Hotel Settles is that it’s one of a kind to its area. They’ve done a tremendous job restoring the place to all of its glory. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by gorgeous chandeliers, a grand staircase, and luxurious flooring, seating, and fabrics, all containing their own 1920s details.
The ballroom on the second floor is THE BEST ballroom I’ve ever been in. EVER. If you’re looking for upscale vintage style, congratulations: you have found it. Even after being greeted in the lobby, going up the beautiful staircase, passing the grand piano upstairs, you turn to enter the ballroom and your breath is again taken away. There are obviously so many advantages to having your wedding at the Hotel Settles, but here are just a few listed:

When you have your wedding somewhere as exquisite as Hotel Settles, you don’t have to worry about adding decor nearly as much. Think about this. Most of the venues in West Texas really need sprucing up for each event, including flowers and other decorative items. This gets expensive fast, and even if you save money by decorating yourself, it’s a huge time-spender! Hotel Settles really requires almost nothing to make your wedding day perfectly styled.
Big Spring, TX weddings. I know it’s not many people’s first thought for the perfect town for a wedding, but as a photographer, please trust me: This town has a plethora of photo-op locations. Big Spring is so full of character, and a charming place to have your wedding. And a plus to this small town? Any out-of-town guests will have a breeze finding your venue, because Hotel Settles happens to be the only building in Big Spring that’s over 3 stories tall. Actually, it’s 14 stories tall. Quite easy to see! (Parking is also a breeze.)
Amenities. Having a hotel wedding (especially a Settles wedding) allows everyone stay close together during your wedding weekend, which always decreases stress! The rooms are huge and just plain perfection. There’s also a very warm outdoor pool, as well as a hot tub. Inside, there’s a very plush bar, with a billiards and poker room attached. A PERFECT man-cave for the gents and especially for the groomsmen getting ready and hanging out come wedding day. The Settles Grill is the restaurant attached to the hotel. It is fantastic (especially the breakfast). I’ve eaten there about 5 times and have enjoyed every dish I’ve had. The service is kind, courteous, and timely. There’s also a private dining room attached for large groups (or rehearsal dinners!)

To sum it up, Hotel Settles as a wedding venue serves as a “one-stop-Hop” for your entire wedding weekend. There would be no need to hop around to different restaurants, hotels, venues, etc to round everyone up. My suggestion? Have the ceremony on the staircase, and the reception upstairs in the ballroom. If you want the ballroom backdrop for it all, have the ceremony in there, with a cocktail hour in the restaurant while the room is flipped. Piece of (wedding) cake. And hire me to take the photos. Because no one loves vintage hotel weddings more than I do.
With joy, Lizard

no comments

Write a Comment

07 • 21 • 14

Candace & Ian Part 1

Brace yourselves, because this DIY Redwood Forest wedding in Foresthill, California is perfection. This wedding— this backdrop, the amazing weather, the FABULOUS Beverly Hills BHLDN wedding gown—this is why I love when I get to travel somewhere new for a wedding! Candace and Ian had a wonderful backyard wedding (It helps when the backyard is in the redwood forests of California!). They are the kind of couple that people gravitate toward—kind, easy-going, genuine, and 100% in love. So, it’s no surprise that they had tons of people travel great distances just to celebrate their special day. They are now living in Ian’s hometown of Hood River, OR, which I’m told is also a little bit spectacular when it comes to the scenery. I’ll be planning a trip soon (in the SUMMER).

Candace had her wedding day envisioned like so: Fiddles playing in the background. Surrounded by nature. Simple. Intimate. Lots of personal touches, like having an heirloom wedding ring. Ian’s wedding ring from Hood River Jewelers accompanied his wife’s so well–and I love when the rings “go together.” If you’re wondering how to achieve a unique wedding full of elegance and style without being too “trendy,” look to Ian and Candace’s day. They accomplished so much so subtly. For example, it was very important to Candace to let nature be their backdrop, and she didn’t want to take any beauty away by covering it with a bunch of decor. I tried to stay true to her vision throughout the photo sessions.

PINIMAGE

She also understands the true meaning of DIY, and enlisted the help of friends and family to help her vision come true. This is very evident in the invitations printed by her uncle, which represented her setting so, so well. A good friend (and talented one at that) did all of the floral arrangements and bouquets, which were tied with a golden glitter bow instead of wrapped. This was an adorable little detail, and I hope more brides see this and adopt the “bow bouquets!” Candace also had the reception set up with mismatched wooden chairs, china, and teacups. This was special, since the teacups were from her own collection, and the seating and china from family members and friends.

Of course, I can’t leave out the beautiful BHLDN gown. Sigh. A lightweight, ruffled number that fit the bride and the style of the wedding just perfectly. Side note: I will admit, I always get excited when I have a BHLDN bride because I know that the wedding will be exquisitely unique every time. BHLDN and their brides know how to do unique.

PINIMAGE

I also love when the couple is as laid back as Candace and Ian were. The getting ready portion of the day was just so much fun for everyone, and if there were any nerves or tension, no one felt it! It was a wonderful day for the whole wedding party, spent with lifelong friends. And there were plenty of giggles and selfies.

PINIMAGE

Of course I was blessed to witness some very special moments during the preparation portion of the day. Some of my favorites are below. The first is a photo of Thaddeus, Candace’s older brother, right after she got dressed into her gown. I think that’s a face of a proud big brother. The next few photos were taken just before the ceremony, when a very close friend joined the girls to pray for the couple. There was lots of hugging, joy, and a few happy tears. I felt honored to be a fly on the wall for these. Right after that, I set up a quiet place for Ian and Candace to have a few moments and chat before the ceremony. They didn’t want to see each other, but they wanted to still have some quiet moments together. We kept the door in between, while they held hands and I snapped away. Then I made my exit and let the two have some time together. I always recommend doing this or a first sight for my brides—it was a very special moment, and one that I know they’ll treasure forever.

PINIMAGE

STILL TO COME in part 2:

The MOST adorable ring bearers ever, more gorgeous reception details, and a ceremony that will knock your socks off. For the reals.

With joy, Lizard.

P.S. Can’t wait for part 2? Visit the highlight video at: http://vimeo.com/101172768

PINIMAGE

(To view the full gallery until Oct 1 2014: www.lizardnickel.shootproof.com)

EMAILPOST

FacebookPOST

TweetPOST

READ HIDE 2 comments

Write a Comment

DIY Redwoods Forest Wedding | The Lizard Blog - […] plan was to split this DIY redwoods forest wedding into two posts. I blogged part one last week. Well, two posts just aren’t enough for this fabulous soiree. So this will be part two […]ReplyCancel
Redwood Forest Wedding | The Lizard Blog - […] CA. Candace and Ian’s day was perfection, as I’ve described in my two previous posts, part 1 and part 2. Today I’ll be showing a few favorites from the adorable backyard […]ReplyCancel

07 • 15 • 14

Out of the Norm

I wanted to share some personal work that I did recently “just for fun.” A big thanks to my models, Selah, Rylie, and Kaylea! It was time for this West Texas wedding photographer to have some fun, and I have to say, it reminded me so much of my EARLY days as a photographer shooting my little sisters (over and over). We had a great time imaging, styling, and braving that Texas heat! The poem below can mean a lot of things, but has special meaning to me, as well as the girl in the “story” below. Hope you enjoy! With joy, Lizard.

You freed me from the scary thorns

You freed me from the lights

You freed me from the doubt I had

And from my sleepless nights

All along I felt you there

As much as kids can feel

And though I never saw your face

I knew that you were real

You freed me from the world that hates

You freed me from my past

And though I know all things must end

You proved that I can last.

no comments

Write a Comment

06 • 23 • 14

Lauren & Caleb Pt 2 : Old Trinity of Paseo Wedding

You may recall Lauren and Caleb’s engagement session from part one of this post. And if you thought they looked good in the engagement session, you’re really going to fall in love with their wedding—these two are RIDICULOUS-photogenic. Seriously.

This wedding made me drool. First of all, Lauren looked absolutely stunning in her bridal gown from Allure. I’m always a sucker for a gorgeously-fitted lace gown. To me, lace adds a sense of “vintage” to a wedding, which was perfect considering that the ceremony and reception both took place inside the historic Old Trinity of Paseo chapel in Oklahoma City. This venue is the BOMB. I am so hoping for more weddings here! Not only was the church beautiful, but the staff made everything incredibly easy for Lauren. Sara and Amy of Simply Sisters did all the coordinating, and even organized the catering AND made the floral arrangements and bouquets (which were FANTASTIC). Of course, Lauren had as much input as she wanted, but Sara and Amy took care of all of the details, and everything ran so smoothly!

Caleb is a firefighter, so there were a few sweet little odes to this, like the custom guestbook cover, as well as the Fireman’s Brew soda bottles from the well-known Pops on Route 66. Lauren’s favorite color is purple, which she chose for the bridesmaid dresses, custom-made from a small shop in the area called Moe’s Bridal.

Caleb and Lauren both wanted to have their siblings standing on their side, so instead of the traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen, Lauren and Caleb had “grooms-maids” and a “brides-man,” as they called it: Lauren’s brother stood with her, while Caleb’s sisters stood with him. Caleb’s sister, Courtney, also printed the adorable wedding invitations.

The whole affair seemed effortless, yet beautiful! The couple left in Grandpa’s 1969 Corvette, and had me follow them to the Skirvin hotel to grab a few quick shots of the groom carrying his lovely lady over the threshold. I absolutely adored this quick little photo session-and how cool is it to have photos from such a special moment? Lauren and Caleb then honeymooned in Antigua for a week of relaxing beach bliss, and I returned to Midland, TX (not quite the same!). Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Timmons!

With joy, Lizard.

READ HIDE 4 comments

Write a Comment

Brenda Weeks - Amazing job on the pic’s! & absolutely beautiful wedding!ReplyCancel
- admin - Thank you, Brenda!ReplyCancel
Tonya - You did a wonderful job on Lauren and Caleb’s wedding. Can’t tell you enough how pleased we are that you captured the essense of the wedding.ReplyCancel
- admin - Thank you!ReplyCancel

« Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Next »

The Lizard Blog » Blog

Candace & Ian Part 2

Wedding Hint Wednesday: Venue Spotlight on Hotel Settles

Candace & Ian Part 1

Out of the Norm

Lauren & Caleb Pt 2 : Old Trinity of Paseo Wedding

Search around!

Text Widget

Blog Categories