Getting to travel to Texas for a wedding wasn’t on my radar a few years ago, but it was an adventure I excitedly and happily welcomed. I got to photograph Laura and Erick in Texas twice - for their engagement session in Dallas in August 2022, and then for their wedding at the Wildwood Inn in Denton in May 2023. Getting to spend so much time with these incredible souls was such a gift, and I’ll never get over how wonderful going on this journey (literally!) was with them.

THE COUPLE

I first “met” Laura through an Instagram DM where she told me that she would love to work with me as her wedding photographer once she was officially engaged. DMs like this are my favorite - they are so kind and generous and earnest, and they always make my heart sing because of how intentional they are. When I got married, Instagram was barely a thing, so the most intentional thing we could do while wedding planning was make a Pinterest board (lol) - having social media opened up photographers’ worlds so that we could connect as humans with the dear souls who want to work with us. I’m so grateful for that.

Laura and Erick met in high school, and basically grew up together. By the time they got married, they had been together for a decade, and I was struck by how well they complimented each other. They were so in tune with each other that getting married was just such an obvious choice for them. They’re understanding, warm, and kind with each other, which spills out to everyone around them. They’re curious and passionate about causes that are important to them. They’re the kind of individuals who make you want to be better because they are already so good. 🥹

THE VENUE

The Wildwood Inn in Denton, Texas, is a quaint and cozy venue that feels like walking into a small European villa. Although it is on the smaller side, it offers a lot of amenities - you and some of your guests can stay in the rooms onsite, and the venue itself is transformed into a boutique hotel experience after the wedding. There are pretty lounges to enjoy, as well as a pool. And the spaces available for portraits are lovely. In particular, we took photos in front of the venue, as well as the space near and around the pool, and the ceremony location.

The Wildwood Inn has an outdoor space shaded by a pergola that can be transformed into anything you would like. Laura and Erick used it to extend the size of their reception, but it can also be used for a dancefloor, and/or a cocktail hour space.

THE DETAILS

It was such an absolute joy to see how Erick lit up around his family; it had been a few years since he had seen them in person due to the COVID pandemic. Laura and Erick provided two versions of their wedding invitations - one written in Spanish, and the other written in English. They also used papel picado flags to decorate their ceremony space, which gave the location such a whimsical feel, and hired a mariachi band to play as guests entered the venue. They chose bright florals in shades of orange, peach, and fuschia, which felt so celebratory, and their wedding party wore a gorgeous shade of dark sage green.

Laura and Erick’s amazing wedding planner and coordinator, Events by Esme, did an incredible job managing everything for their wedding day, and I couldn’t praise her highly enough!

THE RECEPTION

Laura and Erick’s reception was just pure joy. At one point during the party, I looked around and marveled at all of the excitement, happiness, love on everyone’s faces. The dancing, the toasts, the little hugs and kisses in between all of the merriment made this reception and this day truly special and absolutely unforgettable.

Laura and Erick, I think of you often. Of your kindness, your warmth, your wonderfulness. Getting to spend time with you in the spaces and places that are so important to you and your story was just such a marvelous experience. When I look back on banner days as a photographer, spending time with you is at the top. 🥰