Traveling to a wedding is one of the most fun things for Stephen and me!! We find it a great honor if someone is willing to pay us for our time AND our travel to capture the day. This one is no exception, and desert and all, we loved the journey, loved the day, and loved what we saw of Albuquerque.
You might remember Daniel and Rachel from their engagement shoot in Tulsa during Spring months. Their wedding was spent in Rachel's old hometown of Albuquerque, where she and her siblings grew up, at the beautiful Hope Church NE campus, right next to the mountains! Here's how the day went from our perspective...
When we arrived on the wedding day, Stephen and I quickly went to work to capture the details of the day. The bouquet (and the succulents in them) was my favorite detail, and the dress was a perfect match for Rachel.
After Rachel was all dressed, she walked out of her getting-ready space to see her dad for a first look (Dad was also officiating the wedding later that day). There was so much joy in that hug and moment, and definitely some happy tears!
Daniel was SO excited for this first look with Rachel. As Rachel called his name and walked up to him, you could tell he was elated with how she looked. Throughout the room, you could sense that the feeling that "today is the day" was finally sinking in with the couple. :)
My favorite picture of the day! The look in their eyes says it all. Good shot, Stephen. :)
I love their smiles here!!
One of my favorite moments of the day was when I looked at Daniel during photos and said something along the lines of, "Isn't she the most beautiful thing you've ever seen??" His reaction of, "YES," was one I wish I could have filmed, because it was out of pure wonder and excitement. They are so in love!
The ceremony was one giant and beautiful worship service. The Gospel Story was prominent throughout the whole day, but this was the holiest moment by far. The fact that they made the service more about God and less about them is a testimony of who they are as a couple in Christ. It was so inspiring, and definitely one of the greatest worship experiences I've seen in a ceremony in a long time.
The reception was held in a hall near the Sanctuary. Red roses and baby's breath flooded the centerpieces, and the dessert reception was definitely the most delicious reception I've ever been to (everything was to die for!).
Stephen's company makes these mugs, so you know I'd have to blog them! ;) They fit the decor perfectly!
Congratulations again, friends! We look forward to your future and loved that you were clients that became friends through this process. Blessings to you!
Photography: Stephen and Andrea Barnett
Venue: Hope Church NE
Wedding Cake: Dough Re Mi Bake Shop
Flowers: Mauldin's Flowers
Wedding dress: Bridal Palace in Tulsa
Suits: Jos. A. Banks
Wedding Bands: Kohls
Hair Stylist: Yolanda at Sublime Hair Studio
Makeup Artist: Heidi Newberry (sister of the groom)
Wedding Coordinators: Sheri Riddle (friend of couple), Debra Cushman (mother of bride)
Officiant: Loren Cushman (father of bride)
Xoxo,
Andrea