Meanwhile, Adam and his men started their day at Nederland Nails with a pedicure, of course From there it was on to fishing in the pond, smoking a few stogies and just relaxing while trying to stay cool on what was one of the hotter days this summer:

Back at Salon Mecca, it was Johnna’s turn in the chair while her mom and her girls looked on:

I believe this is when Johnna and her mom lock eyes while Johnna’s bridal hair pin is being put in.

Awwww

From there we move on to the morning bridal brunch party being held nearby in Johnna’s grandmother’s home. A strong sense of family was in abundant display that day as even more friends and family showed up, whole walls were covered in framed family portraits, the tables were dressed in linen, silver and old framed photos of Johnna. The menu included iced tea with mint leaves adorning the glass, finger sandwiches and summer fruit – the perfect elegant Southern wedding day brunch.

Up next is a few not-to-be-missed photos of Johnna’s parents’ home being made ready for the outdoor wedding reception – wow!

We began Celina’s day bright and early that Saturday morning at the Nail Cottage, where Celina and her girls were getting their manicures on. Mimosas kept the laughter easy while they buffed, filed, painted and microwaved their nails into perfection. I guess that wasn’t a microwave, more like a toaster oven, but it worked and they were pretty Now I’ve had a manicure or 3 in my day and the best part is the hand massage, the rest is a little painful if you ask me








Celina has moved on to her pedicure and the girls are doing what comes natural while waiting their turn:





The plan this morning is to have their nails done, then walk across the street to Celeste’s Tamales for a bridal brunch – mmmm. I think bridesmaid Lindsey is a little too happy to hear what’s on the menu:








Upon arriving, Celina was met with a little token of Matt’s love waiting:

Aaawwww

Celina’s mom really had a nice brunch prepared – Celeste’s Tamales on Saba Lane is the place to go if you want some great food:








Meanwhile, Marius is with Matt at Major League Grill in Beaumont with his men getting his grub on and watching some of the World Cup:





From the brunch we headed over to Kerri’s on Helena to get their hair did:





Perfection!
After Celina and all 17 bridesmaids achieved follicular nirvana, we headed to the Ellis home for makeup, dressing and a few final touches:

















Fun day so far! We’re taking a break and will be back soon for the rest of the story.

It’s been a little slow here on the blog but it only appeared calm, it’s feet were churning the water like a duck – we’re in the middle of a busy wedding season and working on albums for our recent brides Expect to see bridal sessions for our beautiful brides every Sunday afternoon over the next 6 weeks or so and their weddings later that week

Kyle and Kimberly were married in a beautiful wedding yesterday in Vidor – you may remember them from their Lake Charles and Beaumont engagement sessions this past Fall, today we share Kimberly’s bridal session at the Brown Mansion in Orange, photographed on a bright sunny day in March. Here Kimberly puts on the finishing touches before we begin:





From there we head into the parlor and throw the curtains back:








Kimberly’s mom plays the piano in their church, so it was a must to have a portrait with one there:





A few of the mandatory portraits on the staircase in the entry foyer downstairs and up (you *have* to do those, I think they take away your camera if you rent the Brown Mansion and don’t photograph the bride on the elegantly muraled grand staircase ) and we step outdoors below the porte-cochere:





The next two are definitely Kimberly











She chose a variation of this one for her large portrait:








A fun afternoon, to be sure Wedding photos coming soon!

Here is their story:

The day began with getting ready in the bridal suites of the MCM Elegante` here in Beaumont:





Krystal’s ring and pearls lay waiting their duties, I love pearls





We begin the official ‘getting ready’ with Krystal in the salon chair, having her curls and flower coifed together:





Shoes! Red shoes!






Grace Mathis in the house!





Grace is one of the best in the business – the results speak for themselves





Here Ross is opening one of his presents Krystal gifted him for the day – personalized Converses!





Shoe!





Krystal’s ladies in waiting assist her with getting her netted veil just right:





It always amazes me in the difference in preparation that goes into the day for the groom and the bride. Here Ross slipped his tux and shirt on and is now checking out his accoutrements in the mirror:





Meanwhile, Krystal has been getting ready all morning and into the afternoon – finally comes the time where she can step into her dress:





… and at the same time, Ross is now ready and filling his extra time with video games:

A little more finishing touches:





Ross is ready to go, one last touchup himself:





Both are just about ready to go, the difference this time is that they’re not automatically heading to the ceremony site.

This time Ross and Krystal have decided to see each other before the ceremony – a “first look”. A “First Look” is a chance for you and your fiance to see each other in a beautiful, private setting before the ceremony. This not only gives you the opportunity to “reveal” yourselves without the stress of a thousand eyes watching you and a hundred camera flashes, but it also gives us more time to create romantic portraits (as well as the fun, artistic wedding party photos) before the ceremony so that you can get to the reception more quickly afterwards. It helps the day go much more smoothly as far as nerves go.





Ross headed down the elevator and is now heading to the tavern to wait for his bride.





Krystal makes one last check of her dress:





Now she’s headed to meet her groom…





Our next installment will have the two lovers meeting each other, beautiful romantic portraits afterwards and the party that followed. See you then!

Thank you Scott and Leah for the call and thank you Marius for shooting with me. Lots of beautiful images coming soon