I will start this post by saying that I was so eager to shoot at Gruene Estates, that I could hardly contain my excitement with I saw Nichole’s post on Facebook looking for the perfect photographer.
*Side note, I am a member in a Texas Bride’s group on Facebook and lots of brides-to-be will share their need for a certain vendor for their wedding day, what sort of style they are looking for, and it’s a great resource for brides and vendors. If you are currently planning a wedding, I would highly suggest you join a local bride’s group. You’ll find honest reviews by brides and you can basically have your pick of wedding vendors in your area!*
Back to Nichole and Caleb. They are the sweetest, most adorable, super laid back, most precious couple you’d ever hope to meet. They love each other, they love their crazy cute little boy, and they just make you feel all warm and fuzzy. I was pumped to work with them, after just the first few emails I shared with Nichole, and when I met her and her MOH, they were just so honest and real and down to earth that I knew the wedding day was going to be awesome.
I showed up, the day of, to an awesome local barber shop called Robertson’s. It’s got that old-fashioned vibe, and the groom and his guys were getting the full treatment: hot shave, haircuts, the works. I got to snap a few shots of them, just being guys, and then I went over to the venue. Gruene Estates is one of those places that photographers drool over- country farm, longhorns grazing, a couple of horses, adorable cottage houses for bride and groom, and an OPEN AIR CHAPEL complete with gorgeous stained glass. I was in heaven.
After shooting some location shots, I got to spend the next couple of hours with the totally relaxed bride and her girls, getting ready. You would have never known that Nichole was going to walk down the aisle that evening, she was completely at ease and even when her precious baby boy tripped and fell, she tended to his boo boo with a calmness you rarely see. She gave him a bath in the farmhouse sink at the cottage and it might be the sweetest thing I’ve ever witnessed. Nichole even grew the succulents that were used in the decor. (I can't get over that, because I couldn't even keep my aloe vera plant alive!)
The ceremony was filled with love and laughs, and the reception made you feel like you were at a family gathering, complete with dancing and hugs all around. I wish this little family all the best and I am so glad that I had the chance to capture a little bit of their story!
