An Intimate Bohemian Vow Renewal Ceremony

Vow renewals have such a special place in my heart.  I love documenting the fact that couple has said I do, and years later, is still choosing to say I do. It’s a beautiful beautiful thing. And it’s even more lovely when you get to celebrate with friends.

Dailah had a vision for a beautiful, authentic, intimate, bohemian, DIY ceremony, and she accomplished it perfectly!  The ceremony was moving and soulful in a gorgeous park under the shade of tall trees and the setting sun warming us all with its glow.  It also made me so very happy to take the first professional photos their family of 4 had done in years.  Dailah and Ian, it was so special for me to be the one behind the camera on your actual 10 year anniversary! Let’s do it again in ten years ;)

Seven Brides + Seven Grooms | Joint Wedding at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church

To celebrate it’s 40th anniversary this year, my church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, held a joint wedding ceremony at a recent Sunday service. Couples who participated in the church’s pre-marital process were invited to hold their ceremony at church on Sunday and the church would pay for the reception.  Quite the deal!  

The idea of a joint wedding was pretty intriguing to me, so I was excited to be able to participate by photographing.  I worked alongside Irwin Thompson (Pulitzer Prize winning photographer from the Dallas Morning News) as Dr. Tony Evans officiated the wedding of 7 couples. Yep, you heard right, seven brides and seven grooms all pledging to say I do at the same time.  It was certainly a unique challenge as a photographer, but one I enjoyed sinking my teeth into.

Enjoy the photos from this most unique wedding!

Capturing shots of 7 different ladies getting ready at the same time in the same place had me wanting to sing the theme song from Rocky to prepare myself.  Fortunately the ladies were all kind and gracious so I was able to grab a few quick images (for all who wanted) while Irwin photographed the gentlemen.

Now when it comes to church, I am most comfortable far away from the front row, so it took a ton of bravery for me to stand at the very front of the sanctuary to photograph.  Thankfully I was able to get in my zone once the camera was in my hands and concentrate on the couples in front of me.  

A third photographer was assigned to photograph the reception, so here's a quick peek at the cake and décor.

Before the day of the weddings my biggest question was what exactly would the ceremony be like?  Truthfully, it was like any other wedding.  We started with the getting ready, the brides walked down the aisle and then were presented to their grooms. Vows were said, rings exchanged, and it was all sealed with a kiss.  All couples jumped the broom and shortly preceded to a reception for family and friends. Each couple had the chance to dance their first dance, enjoy a yummy looking cake and eat specially catered foods. So yes, this was a wedding day like any other……times 7.  I loved the fact that no bride or groom looked the same. Each had their own unique style!

Congratulations to all of the couples! Thank you to the team at OCBF that pulled off a truly incredible wedding. I felt honored to document the day.

Sam Acho + Ngozi

Y'all, this wedding has me allllll in my feelings.  Such a beautiful celebration of love!  I second shot the wedding with Uche Photo nearly two years ago, and I still remember every detail in HD clarity.  There are a lot of images to feast your eyes on, so please enjoy!

The first thing I noticed when I walked into Sam’s room was his open Bible on his bed.  To anyone who knows him, his unreserved dedication to following Jesus is clear, and this was as true as ever on his wedding day. 

As a second photographer you often get the chance to hang with the guys photographing them while the lead photographer stays with the bride. This time I enjoyed having the ability to float back and between both the bride and the groom to get equal coverage.

Ngozi made a breathtaking bride!

I tried oh so hard to remain a fly on the wall as I photographed the groom and his guys pre-ceremony.  The words of admiration liberally flowed, and it was clear to see the genuine camaraderie and respect all shared for the groom.  

Football fans may recognize Sam and his brother Emmaunel from their days as Longhorns at UT Austin.  

Dianne’s beautiful voice filled the sanctuary of Highland Park United Methodist Church as she sang Hillsong’s Oceans. 

Once the ceremony began, I was required to stay in one position, but it was neat to see just how much I was able to capture from my solo perch.

Sam played for UT Austin in college and was currently signed with the Arizona Cardinals, so the groom’s cake showcased the two helmets from both teams.

The ballroom in the Addison Conference Center brimmed wall to wall with guests dressed to impress and eager to celebrate the newlywed.

Party favors included mugs, cookies, and wrist bands.

The bride and groom dashed away to change into their second outfit, and I caught a quick shot of them prior to their re-entry.  Love their smiles and laughter!

Longhorn pride was in the air! Hook’em Horns!

Artist Justin Queal created a custom commissioned painting of both ceremonies (traditional and church). He painted the final portion live the evening of the wedding.

The evening ended with sincere thanks from the bride and groom.

Cheers to the impressive team that created a beautiful wedding: 

Event Producers : Randi Chapman & Chandra Vitale of Sports Trust Advisors | Pastors: Dr. Sonny Acho,  Jeff Gokee | Addison Conference Center | Westin Galleria Dallas Hotel | Highland Park United Methodist Church |Jasmine Porter, Makeup Artist| Justin Queal | Panini Bakery & Cakes | Absolutely Blooming | Fauxcades | DJ Smilee | Chef Point Café |