Teagan and Nels' Engagement

*Just a reminder; you can click on any image to have it open without the text, and to see it larger*

This weekend we met with a young Denton couple, Teagan and Nels, who are getting married on Halloween. After packing up our equipment, we headed off onto some back roads in Teagan's SUV to take their engagement photos.

Here is the lovely couple:



As most of you know, the North Texas weather has been an interesting mix of rain and sunshine for the past few weeks, so we were greeted with a gorgeous sky that later gave us some nice surprises. For our first stop, we walked down some country train tracks, surrounded by green fields and billowing clouds:



We set up a simple lighting system to create a dramatic film noir look in some of the shots, such as this one:



Here Teagan's engagement ring peaks out between fingers:



Before long, the sky grew darker and more ominous:



After a few more shots of the couple together, I pulled Teagan forward and took a few of her by herself, while Nels looked on, entertained by her poses:





It began to sprinkle as we wrapped up the first location, and Nels held the umbrella while keeping a watchful eye on Teagan's tall heels, ready to catch her should she stumble on the rails:



Our next stop was a lush field, and, by the time we parked, the rain had slowed down once again. Replacing heels with cowboy boots, Teagan made her way out into the field with her fiance, where the two shared a kiss:



or two:



Growing nearby were some sunflowers, which served as a wonderful surprise prop:



For a moment, the clouds separated to welcome the sun, and we were blessed with a brilliant rainbow:



The bright sun and dark clouds complimented the grass and trees in the field, and gave several of our shots a very sunkissed, romantic feel:







Teagan and Nels were very easy to photograph, as the two were always smiling with and laughing at one another:



As the couple shares a moment in the field, the clouds begin to close in once more:



The clouds grow heaver and loom overhead, but Teagan and Nels look forward to the storm:



Before long, the clouds open, and rain begins to pour down. Last year, after graduating, Teagan embarked upon a long mission trip to several third world countries, and became close friends with the others on the trip. Teagan asked us to take some photos of her spinning in the rain, because the others on the trip had told her if they could picture the free spirited woman in any way, it would be in a dress, in the middle of nowhere, spinning in the rain:



Instead of fearing the rain, we embraced it, and were able to get some great shots you don't always get in most traditional engagement shoots:





After we were all thoroughly soaked, we made a quick stop back by Teagan's house, so she and Nels could dry off and change.



Then we were off to a local ice cream parlor, where the owner generously welcomed us to use his colorful wall, on which was painted a Texas flag. Teagan and Nels sat down and quickly began devouring their ice cream:



Almost done with their ice cream, they pause to lean it for a picture:



The walls all around the booth were covered with handwritten graffiti, which gave the small room a unique feel. Here the couple shares a laugh, after finishing their ice cream:



Then Nels moved the the floor, for a different perspective:



We had a blast shooting Teagan and Nels, and look forward to both Teagan's bridals and the couple's wedding day in the next few months.



Congratulations on your engagement, Teagan and Nels!

Rasy Ran Photography
www.rasyran.com

Josh and Erin's Wedding

This past Friday we photographed Josh and Erin’s wedding at TWU’s little chapel in the woods. The venue was beautiful, and created a unique lighting challenge. Though we’re still going through all the images, I wanted to post a recap of the night and give the couple a teaser of what to look forward to.

Before the ceremony, the dress hung from a hook, anticipating its beautiful bride:

The day was even more so a special day, because Josh has two wonderful children who were excited to officially bring Erin into their little family. In both the bride’s room and the groom’s room, the two excited children got ready:

Soon it was time to put the dress and veil on:

Across the hall, Josh and his groomsmen wait:

After a few photos with close family before the ceremony, Erin snuck around the church in preparation for grand entrance. The music began, and in no time at all the happy couple was at the altar, exchanging vows, love, and of course, the rings:

A lovely song was sung, and shortly thereafter, “you may kiss the bride”:

Josh and Erin then joyfully left the chapel to greet the sunshine and the wind:

We then took a few moments for a quick photoshoot outside the chapel:

Then the couple entered the car and was off to the reception:

Outside the ballroom, friends and family signed the guestbook and wrote messages on small rocks:

The couple entered the ballroom to a standing ovation:

The venue was gorgeous, and the guests enjoyed orange drinks from the bar:

After the delicious food, toasts were made and cake was cut:

Then it was time for the first dance, after which Erin’s parents as well as the rest of the guests took to the floor:

As usual, there was a large crowd of enthusiastic women for the bouquet toss, and half as many men for the garter toss:

Still, everyone egged on Josh as he removed Erin’s garter:

As the night progressed, it was time for the last few dances:

Happy tears gave the night a very sweet end:

Outside, everyone debated how to light their sparklers all at once. Many gathered in groups and help their sparklers to a match or lighter in the center:

Finally, the couple emerged, and entered their getaway car, while jubilant guests celebrated all around:

We had a great time working with Erin and Josh, and we wish them and their families the best in the future to come!

Rasy Ran Photography
www.rasyran.com

Sara and Sai's Reception

The final night of Sara and Sai’s ceremonies was Friday. Their reception was held at the Marriot at Legacy in Plano, and many family and friends gathered for the final night of revelry.

Inside, the cake watched over the empty ballroom, which sat waiting for its inhabitants:



Outside in the lobby, guests mingled and awaited the opening of the doors:



Just inside the doors, guests placed their gifts for the newlyweds. Decorative ribbons and handwritten envelopes soon covered the table:



Upstairs, Sara and Sai were busy getting ready. I had a brief opportunity to shoot them before they joined their guests:



Here Sara peeks through a curtain with a look of muted anticipation:



By Friday, Sara’s henna darkened to a beautiful chestnut color. The henna combined with jewelry and brilliant clothing created quite an image:



All the guests were now inside the ballroom, while Sara and Sai stalled outside the elevators, making sure all systems were go:



Just beyond the door, Sara looks at all the names in the guest book, while Sai takes a deep breath before entering the crowded room:



The doors open and what seems like hundreds of camera flashes go off, and for a few moments as they work the room, Sara and Sai are documented like Hollywood stars:



Once the couple seated themselves on the stage, guests had the opportunity to greet and bestow their blessings:



At one point, the parents adorned Sara and Sai with purple and yellow flowers:



Sara’s eyes twinkled as she shared a hug with her new mother-in-law:



Then it was time for the ring ceremony:



After the greetings and group photo opportunities, the shiny covers came off the food, and the line for the third night of feasting began:



After the meal and some brief downtime, one of Sara’s brothers-in-law retrieved her from the hall and carried her in for the toasts, causing the quip “her brother-in-law may have carried her in, but Sai will have to carry her out!”:



After some heartfelt toasting, the couple cut the elaborate cake:



After the cake was devoured, Sara and Sai took to the dance floor for their first dance:



Before long, the chairs thinned out, and the wooden floor became crowded with intense dancing:



At several times, conga lines formed, and the bride and groom were swept up into the circle with their friends and family:







We had a blast at Sara and Sai’s wedding celebrations, and we wish them the best in their future together! Everyone was so nice, and we’d love the opportunity to work with the families and guests again.

Rasy Ran Photography
www.rasyran.com