The Loves – Amarillo Botanical Gardens Wedding

The Details

There are so many things I love about wedding days, but one of my favorites is arriving at the venue and starting from the very beginning of the story – the details. Before I even come inside, I’m grabbing photos of the buildings, the landscape, and the signs. Starting here is also a great opportunity to scope out a spot to hang the dress for its MOMENT! I’ve been to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens many times, so my plan was to take photos of the dress in the atrium. Karley’s gown was freaking stunning, and these turned out to be some of my favorite dress photos EVER! After the dress, I grab all the accessories, and other special items that the bride and groom chose. This includes shoes, rings, flowers, invitations, etc. Often times there are sentimental things included, and those are worth remembering as you look through wedding photos in the years to come.

Getting Ready

After the details are finished, I move to the photos of bride + groom getting ready with their friends and families. This is the best opportunity to get candid images, where everyone is truly just being themselves. Something you might not think about is the atmosphere of the room you’re getting ready in – a good chunk of your wedding day prep and photos will take place in this room, and so it’s important to have 2 things – lots of natural light, and a tidy space for photos. Photoshop is an amazing tool, but there is no way I will be editing those Aquafina water bottles out of every. single. shot. So just keep in mind, your surroundings will affect your final images. And if the room you’re getting ready in is just too cramped, and too dark, we may need to go find a more open, well lit space for the photos!

For these images, I pulled the bride and groom separately into the open space with lots of big windows to photograph them getting ready with their parents. Sometimes this takes coordination, so that the groom doesn’t wander out and see the bride before the right time! It’s so helpful to designate someone who can help with this (like maybe the maid of honor, and best man) – they can make sure everyone is on the same page as we grab these photos! Also, how gorgeous is Karley in front of that flower wall?!

Wedding Party Photos

Another important part of the wedding day that requires some coordination is the group photos with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. It really helps to have everyone on the same page about what time they need to be dressed and ready. That’s the key ingredient for these photos to go smoothly. Because these are often happening before the ceremony, it’s important to take them well in advance of guests arriving. And also to find a spot with lots of of open shade.

Ceremony

When planning your wedding ceremony, timing and location are key to capturing those magical moments in the best light. For the most stunning photos, consider scheduling your ceremony during golden hour, which is the hour or two before sunset. This time provides a soft, warm glow that flatters everyone and adds a romantic touch to your images! The spacing from the ceremony spot to the chairs is important too. Make sure there’s lots of room for you, your wedding party, and guests to move comfortably without feeling cramped. An open, airy space not only enhances the overall ambiance but also allows me as the photographer to move freely and capture every angle. Whether it’s an outdoor garden or an intimate indoor venue, thoughtful planning of lighting and spacing will make sure your ceremony is picture-perfect.

Family Photos

So now we’ve reached the family photos. This can be one of the most stressful parts of a wedding day, but not if you follow these suggestions! The first step in making sure this goes smoothly, is when everyone knows where they’re supposed to be. A great tip is to appoint a family member or a wedding party member as the “family photo coordinator.” This person can help gather relatives, keep track of the shot list, and ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time. This not only keeps things organized but also allows you to relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about logistics. With clear communication and a dedicated helper, the family photo part will be efficient and stress-free! (and not like herding cats lol)

Bride + Groom Portraits

Bride and groom photos are always the best part of the wedding day, and they usually happen right after the ceremony during that magical golden hour. For Karley and Kyle, we took some more formal shots outside and then moved into the Botanical Gardens Atrium. I love mixing it up with full-body shots to capture the whole scene, mid-body shots to highlight their interactions, and close-ups to catch those sweet, intimate moments.

Reception

The reception is where the real fun begins! I always love the sweet first dances. And then, of course, partying with all your friends – this part of the night is all about celebration. Karley and Kyle’s reception was an absolute blast, filled with laughter, dancing, and some wild, unforgettable moments. The cake cutting was a sweet highlight, and watching everyone let loose on the dance floor was the best! It’s these lively, candid moments that truly capture the spirit of the day and create memories that last a lifetime.

Exit

And finally, the exit! Karley + Kyle chose a bubble exit, as the Botanical Gardens doesn’t allow sparklers inside (and understandably so!) They danced through the bubble tunnel, magical and romantic – the perfect end note to their fairytale day.