She walked into the bridal suite with a plastic Target bag wrapped around her hair and an arm load of belongings for her big day when she realized the humongous bouquet of brilliantly colored flowers on the end table were from her future husband, along with a note for her beside it. She read through the letter, cherishing each word, clutched it to her chest and cried, “I want to see Brett now!” She didn’t know how she was possibly going to wait several hours before their first look – she just couldn’t bear being away from him for a minute!

It’s moments like those on the wedding day that remind those us who have been married forever (or 20 years!) to appreciate the little things in our spouse and not take small moments for granted.

Emily and Brett’s big day was such a beautiful celebration of their love for each other and how their lives together bring glory to God! The way God orchestrates bringing couples together in his perfect timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) and knits families together is so beautiful and beyond anything we could ever humanly plan.

As Brett’s aunt, I’ve known him his whole life, and to see how God answered his parents’ prayers for a Godly wife is beyond amazing! Not only did Brett marry a woman who compliments him so well and loves Jesus so much, but he married into an entire family that loves Jesus and people and serve him with their lives and have fun doing it!

We had gorgeous weather for the big day in West Texas. I had never been to Lubbock myself before, but had heard it’s usually very windy. In fact, on our travels back to Dallas we witnessed a dust storm – something I had only read about in books – but, it’s a real thing y’all! But for their outdoor wedding, we had a gorgeous sunny spring day with a light breeze.

The day began with Emily’s long time hair dresser and makeup artist driving in from Austin, TX and doing her magic! Baby’s Breath in their styled hair added a special touch. The seven bridesmaids, who were Emily’s sisters, cousins and friends, had a blast in the bridal suite, joyfully singing out along with their music in their flowery kimonos.

They dawned their dark green bridal gowns and the bride slipped into her lace dress with the sweetheart neckline. Her mom zipped it up and we captured some special moments in the bridal suite and some detail shots of her grandmother’s pearls before the anticipated big reveal of the first look!

While I was with the girls, a local Lubbock wedding photographer, Haley Lewis, was photographing the groomsmen. She led Brett to our first look spot while we brought Emily to him. There are no words to describe a moment the couple have waited their whole lives for!

We took some group portraits and stayed ahead of schedule so the happy couple had a few minutes to rest prior to the ceremony. Emily experienced a tender moment of prayer with her bridesmaids in the bridal suite and the Holy Spirit’s presence was sweet in that place.

It was truly a family wedding all the way around, with Brett’s uncle officiating. He remarked that it was surreal to watch a flower girl being pulled down the aisle at the ceremony because it brought flashbacks of Brett pulling a flower girl down the aisle at his wedding so many years ago!

Neil spoke of love that stands the test of time and the couple took communion as Emily’s sister sang Be Thou My Vision.

After he kissed his bride and they said I do, we took a few more family portraits and the wedding party made their grand entrances into the reception hall with their crazy fun dances and poses followed by emotional first dances.

Then, in a gracious act of service, the bride and groom served a hamburger and hotdog dinner to their guests!

Toasts and desserts finished out the evening. I remember Brett always asked for cookie cakes at his birthday parties growing up, so it was fitting they had a cookie cake and pies!

After some golden hour portraits with the new husband and wife, guests lined the sidewalk, lit sparkles, and blew kazoos to see the newlyweds off! Brett brought a step stool to assist his bride in the Hummer get away vehicle!

Congratulations to Brett and Emily! Best wishes in your new lives together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay up on the latest at Kelly McMullin Photography on Instagram!

 

 

Dress Store | David’s Bridal

Groomsmen Attire | H&M
Hair & Makeup | Kristy @Christy_hairstylist
Venue | Cotton Creek Barn
Florals | Sam’s Club
Decorations: Kerri Beaty & Jessica Sandlin @livelovedtoday & family and friends
Officiant | Neil Sandlin @neilsandlin – Calvary Hill Baptist Church
Second shooter | Haley Lewis @haleydphotography Haley Lewis Photography

DJ | Justin Allen @djjustinallen