Luke + Kennedy | Fall Wedding at The Venue in Amarillo

Like most 2020 couples, when Kennedy and Luke started planning their wedding, they had no idea what was in store. In the end, and after rescheduling just two days before their original wedding date, they were able to celebrate their wedding day just as they had planned surrounded by family and friends . Despite a wild snow storm the week of the wedding, the day was gorgeous and sunny. They got married at The Venue in Amarillo, Texas with a first look and portraits at a private residence. Kennedy wore a sleek, modern dress that wowed Luke when he saw her for the first time.

WeddingsKayla SmithNovember 21, 2020amarillo texas, wedding, wedding photos, wedding photographer, wedding dress, fall wedding, wedding inspirationComment

Kaden + Averye | Glamorous Industrial Wedding at Kitalou Gin in Lubbock, Texas

To say that I was excited about Kaden and Averye’s wedding would be an understatement. For one thing, the two of them are absolutely adorable. They are high school sweethearts and they knew they would one day get married. After several years, they committed their lives to one another in front of 400 of their closest family and friends. They are loved by a lot of people and it’s not surprising.

Hannah + Ty | Colorful, Free-Spirited Wedding in Palo Duro Canyon

Ty and Hannah’s wedding was one for the books.

It was totally, 100%, completely different from any other wedding that I have photographed and that is a beautiful thing! It was refreshing, real, and so much fun.

Hannah and Ty came from Houston to get married in Palo Duro Canyon simply because they love it. They had tons of bridesmaids and groomsmen and family members come up to support them because they are very clearly loved and cherished by many. And I can see why. Both Hannah and Ty have something about themselves that attracts people to them like a magnet. They light up the room when they walk in and I noticed that right from the start.

WeddingsKayla SmithNovember 15, 2018wedding, palo duro canyon, bride, groom, wedding photographer, wedding ring, details, weddings, wedding dress, wedding planningComment

Allison + Eric | January Wedding at Autumn Oaks Event Center in Lubbock

You can tell a lot about a couple by the time the wedding toasts occur. And for Allison and Eric, it’s easy to see they are two amazing people who became one even more amazing married couple. Their family and friends were brimming with happy tears as they talked about each individual and how excited they were to see the two become husband and wife. It’s one of my favorite parts of a wedding day and their toasts are some that I won’t soon forget. It fills me with joy to know that I’m serving such great people.

Kayla SmithJanuary 21, 2018wedding, lubbock, lubbock wedding, lubbock photographer, wedding dress, texas, autumn oaks, marriedComment

Brenna + Landon | Autumn Santa Fe Wedding at The Club at Las Campanas

Brenna and Landon got married on the most perfect, not-a-cloud-in-the-sky, 65 degree day surrounded on all sides by New Mexican mountains. Brenna is from Tucson and Landon is from Texas so for them, Santa Fe was a place for them to meet in the middle. It was the place where they fell in love and the place where Landon would eventually propose to Brenna. About a year later, they became husband and wife in the one of the most beautiful places that I’ve seen.

WeddingsKayla SmithOctober 21, 2017Wedding, wedding dress, bride, weddings, groom, love, couple, married, bridal, santa fe, southwest, new mexico, autumnComment

Sheridan | Westminster Presbyterian Church Bridal Session

Sheridan is really a kindred spirit to me. I've never had a bride so organized and efficient and I absolutely love it! She's one of those brides that I jive so well with. But while we get stuff done, we also have ton of fun during her sessions. I shot her engagement session with now-husband Jerry back in April and then I shot her bridals a couple of weeks ago. Her hilarious, wonderful mother was there during bridals, of course, and she made the experience even better.

Channing + Josiah | Spirit Ranch Wedding in Lubbock, Texas

The night before Channing and Josiah's wedding their pastor got a text from a friend because God told him that peacocks would be a sign of the Holy Spirit for him. That friend didn't know that the next day the pastor would be performing a ceremony at Spirit Ranch - a venue known for its flock of peacocks that roam the grounds. During their wedding ceremony they chose to spend time in worship, right before officially becoming husband and wife.

WeddingsKayla SmithJuly 22, 2017wedding, wedding dress, lubbock, lubbock wedding, photographer, bride, groom, weddings, wedding photographer, love, couple, marriedComment

Amy + Ross | First Christian Church & McPherson Cellars Wedding in Lubbock

I could go on and on about how much I love this couple. Just one example of how sweet and amazing they are: Amy texted me the morning after her wedding to say thank you. That one text totally exemplifies how Amy and Ross live their lives - with love, kindness, and consideration for everyone around them. They really are perfect together and I know that they are going to do some amazing things in their marriage.

Carsyn + Tino | Elegant Wedding at St. Lucien's and Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Carsyn + Tino packed a ton of their loved ones into the quaint St. Lucien’s Chapel, which I now believe is one of Amarillo’s best kept secrets. Right before their ceremony, a couple of things happened. First, the bride and groom stood back to back, without seeing each other, as their closest family members surrounded them and covered them in prayer. Tear drops fell down Carsyn’s cheeks during the special, intimate moment. Then, seconds before they walked down the aisle, the sky erupted with a downpour of rain.

WeddingsKayla SmithJune 16, 2017amarillo, wedding, wedding photographer, catholic, wedding dress, texas, brideComment

Kayce | Ethereal Palo Duro Canyon Bridal Session

I get pretty attached to my clients and Kayce is no exception. Since she lives in Fort Worth, the first time I met her in person was during her bridal session in Palo Duro Canyon - where her wedding also was. I instantly liked her. And her wedding last weekend ended up being one of my all time favorites for many reasons but mostly because the people there were awesome. Not only were Kayce and her now husband Conner so amazing, nice, and relaxed but their wedding party was perfect as well!

WeddingsKayla SmithMay 10, 2017palo duro canyon, wedding photographer, wedding, bridal photos, bride, wedding dress, canyon, texas, weddingsComment

Wedding Day Timeline Tips from a Wedding Photographer

Nothing can have a more drastic effect on a wedding day (negative or positive) than the way the timeline is laid out - and whether or not that timeline is adhered to. As a wedding photographer, I have seen first hand how a well-planned, spacious timeline allows me to create great photos and allows the bride and groom room to relax and breathe. I have also seen how cramped timelines that are more of an afterthought cause frenzied brides and grooms and missed photo opportunities.

Crysta | Amarillo Bridal Portraits

Crysta is one of the sweetest brides that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is soft spoken and lovely. Her lace wedding dress was classically elegant and perfect for her. We started her bridal portraits at the Amarillo Country Club, then we went to the Wolflin neighborhood. Finally, we found a gorgeous grassy country road to catch the last few rays of sunlight in the golden hour.

WeddingsKayla SmithOctober 27, 2016bridal, bridal photos, amarillo, amarillo photographer, wedding, wedding dress, dress, brideComment