Jenna Cole Photography-Chicago, IL » Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer

When Jenn of With This Ring contacted me about doing a bridal session and mentioned that she was open minded about where we could take them, I went a little crazy on her. I was throwing out suggestions for all of the places I dreamed of shooting in the Dallas area, crossing my fingers that she would be interested in making the long drive outside of Dallas to Sugar Ridge Road in Ennis. She was, and even suggested a second location in the area, Galaxy Drive-in Theatre.

Right before we turned onto Sugar Ridge we had to slow down on account of the cow hanging out in the middle of the road. I turned to Jenn and asked “Are you afraid of cows?” We attempted to chase him down and get him to pose with us, but he wasn’t feeling camera ready that day and scampered off before we could get close enough to do anything. Jenn turned back at me and smiled and, my camera went “click!” and this is what resulted. I love image that have a story behind them.

Sadly, most of the fields in the area have “No Trespassing” signs, but we stumbled on a few spots without them (or we didn’t look hard enough to find them.)

Jenn isn’t married yet, but this isn’t her real wedding dress (can you believe she bought it for $10 on Ebay?), so she was up for rolling around in the bluebonnets like I had hoped.

Look at those eyes!

I’m in love with huge old trees, and the combination of bride, bluebonnets, and tree still dead from winter (with a little bit of wind thrown in for good measure) had me swooning.

Jenn made this bouquet her self, the night before the shoot using grocery store flowers. Check out her tutorial on her blog for tips on how to make your own!

We were driving along Sugar Ridge Road when we spotted three beautiful horses next to a fence right by the road. Id didn’t know it at the time, but Jenn loves horses. In fact, her dream job would be to work with them!

Love love love this image. I think it’s the kind a little girl would get excited about. What little girl wouldn’t love to grow up and be a bride surrounded by her favorite animal?

A little self-portrait action?

There horses weren’t afraid to get up close and personal. We have one in back trying to push her off the fence, and another attempting to turn her dress into an early morning breakfast snack.

I love Jenn’s face upon realizing what the horse on the right was up to.

Attention hog (horse?)

We were headed over to the Galaxy Drive-in, thinking that we were done with the bluebonnet shots, when we spotted the most abundant field I have ever seen. Doesn’t it look like they go on forever?

As I was leaving the house that morning I grabbed an old book off the shelf just in case the opportunity to make this image in my minds eye come to life presented itself. If I were to hang it in a gallery I would title it “Floating in a Field of Bluebonnets”.

THAT SHOT!

Jenn is such a fantastic model. I love how relaxed her smile is.

One last unexpected stop before we made it to Galaxy, an old abandoned house on the side of the road. We saw sneakers, cigarettes, and a bible (random) on the property and became a little bit worried that some man was going to come lurching out of the shadows at us!

The Galaxy Theatre is a strange property filled with giant movie screens and amusement park odds and ends.

Swoon. I love this shot so much. A close second for THAT SHOT.

As we were strolling around the property the sun kept peeking out of the clouds (we hadn’t seen it all morning) and I would get overly excited and yell SUN! Except it would only show up for 2 seconds at a time, which meant that as soon as I got my camera ready, it was gone. Love this candid of Jenn checking the sky for the next break in the clouds.

See what the sun can do? So pretty!

This stand was the reason Jenn wanted to come to the Galaxy. I wasn’t really feeling the spot because of the amount of distracting elements around it, but when one of the workers started hanging around talking to us, and Jenn made a “This is kind of awkward” face, magic happened! The sun was shining down on her just right, and she really pops out of the photo.

We ended the session with a few quick ring shots (I had just received my macro lens attachment and I was really excited to test it out!). Isn’t her bling gorgeous?

Jenn, thanks for doing this marathon shoot with me. I don’t know about you, but I collapsed in bed as soon as I got home. You worked it like only a rockstar could, and I know I’ll be using these images all over the place for years to come because you (yes you!) make my work look A+++! I’m so excited to spend June 6th second shooting your wedding day, thanks for giving me the chance to spend some time with you beforehand. Only one more month to go!

Best,

Jenna

Coming soon…

After months of planning a grand Saturday afternoon wedding, Lynn and Jon didn’t blink an eye when Jon’s parents asked them to have a Korean Catholic ceremony the Wednesday before the wedding day they had already spent so many months planning. Lynn is twice as wonderful for doing this because the entire ceremony was in Korean, a language she doesn’t speak. Lynn and Jon love both their parents so much, and it’s obvious from examples like this that they would do anything for them.

When I arrived, Mass will still going on, also in Korean. I saw Jon whisper in Lynn’s ear several times to let her know what they would be doing next.

The ceremony took place in a temporary location for the church, which means that the lobby was filled with beautiful statues for me to take pictures of while I passed the time.

Suddenly Mass was over, and Jon and Lynn were standing at the front of the room with their witnesses on either side.

WHAT? There was no walking up the aisle! I had been so excited about “walking up the aisle shots”, and there weren’t any to be had.

I know I’ve already said it a few times, but remember this entire ceremony was in Korean, a language which Lynn doesn’t understand. Look how attentive she is!

THAT SHOT!

Love this moment between the two of them during the ceremony.

Jon started to read his vows to to Lynn.

And then burst out laughing. I don’t speak Korean either so I wasn’t completely in on the humor, but I think he had been reading the wrong section.

Lynn read her vows. I knew what was going on here because she said them in English.

I love the way she beams at Jon.

And then they were man and wife. So they kissed, right?

NO. There was no kiss. How did this happen? Just like the walk up the aisle, I made up for it later.

Portrait time!

Now I realize why photographers snap several photos in a row when they do group shots like this. I’m really happy that I was able to grab one with all eyes open!

Jon has the best smile. I love the way it lights up his whole face.

After the group photos were done I begged Lynn and Jon to give me a “first kiss” shot. I told them I needed one for my portfolio.

They thought it was pretty funny.

Second favorite shot of the day. Delicious.

Lynn also humored me and gave me a “walking up the aisle” shot as well. Don’t you love the back of her dress?

Socializing with guests at the end of the ceremony.

The church is housed in a warehouse with walls that are a soft orange color that made a really unique backdrop for a quick batch of group and  individual portraits.

Look at those hot pink heels!

This is the groom, the bride, the bride’s sister, and her son. I think you can see from this image that this little one is an absolute doll.

My favorite group portraits are the ones with a slightly candid flair to them like this one. The bride’s mom jumped in between the two of them and I turned and caught this. I love it!

As everyone was rushing away to meet up for lunch, I asked Lynn if I could do a few bridal portraits with her.

She makes capturing beautiful portraits easy!

Lynn and Jon, every moment I spent with you and your families was a treat. I can tell from the collective 6 hours I spent with you over the week that your marriage is going to be filled with a never-ending supply of love and laughter (lots and lots of laughter!), and that you will always have loving family right by your side, through both good times and bad. Thank you for making me feel like family for those few hours I was privileged to be with you.

Best,

Jenna

Lynn and Jon’s tea ceremony was to be the first I would ever have the privilege of attending and I could not have guessed what a beautiful and emotional time it would be. A tea ceremony is more than a rite of passage. It is a time when two families come together to pledge their support for the couple. Respect, love, and admiration were present, along with a roasted pig and cups of tea infused with lotus seeds and red dates.

The bride’s family waiting expectantly.

The groom approaches the house, bearing gifts wrapped in red. The color red symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits

THAT SHOT!

This portrait of Lynn’ grandma was so incredibly gorgeous, straight out of the camera. Look at her skin! Oh how lucky I would be to have skin like that at her age.

The bride’s parents.

The groom’s parents.

During all of this, the bride waits nervously in another room, waiting for someone to come tell her it is time.

While the groom waits anxiously for the bride.

As Lynn’s father stepped forward and began to welcome everyone present, he was overcome with emotion. This is a father who loves his daughter, very, very much.

Before the bride is presented, the gifts from the groom are unwrapped and explained to the crowd.

This pig was delish! I didn’t like the crunchy parts that they had me try though.

Finally it was time for the bride to emerge. I absolutely adore these images. Look at the way her face lights up the moment she spots Jonathan!

Lynn is one of those lucky girls that has the ability to look gorgeous even when they are crying. She was so sweet and emotional throughout the ceremony.

My second favorite moment of the day was when Lynn’s father spoke directly to Jon’s father and told him that they were as one family now. They both pledged to honor and support the new couple.

My favorite moment (I’m tearing up as I type this!), was when the mothers turned to each other and hugged. They said “We are family now, we are like sisters.”

Lynn and Jon stole sweet glances at each other throughout.

Then it was time for the bride to be presented with her jewelry.

First from the groom’s mother.

And then some beautiful pieces from her own mother.

Definitely my third favorite moment of the day, as mother and daughter express their love for each other for a look, the soon-to-be husband struggles to do up her necklace for her. The juxtaposition made me laugh.

Then it was time for the tea!

The service started with Jonathan’s parents, and then moved on to the rest of his honored relatives.

Red envelopes were exchanged.

Exchanging the red envelopes and a cup of hot tea with so many people involved can be tricky business!

Tea service ended with the bride’s parents, who promptly announced that it was time to eat!

What a spread they had!

Lynn’s family was incredibly gracious and insisted that I sit down for a few minutes and get something to eat. You definitely don’t have to tell me something like that twice!

Jon and his sister.

Lynn is almost always laughing. I just love her.

Father and daughter.

Lynn’s father is retired and has a really gorgeous atrium outside. Guests were so busy wandering through looking at all of the plants and flowers that they had to be reminded to head in and fill up their plates.

Lynn’s mother was a lovely hostess, and took the time to show her guests around the garden.

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Right before the rain came I stole Lynn and Jon away for a few moments to do some quick couple portraits.

These two can be found laughing together approximately 75% of the time.

The epitome of sweetness.

Coming soon: The Catholic ceremony (which technically happened before the BBQ and tea ceremony, but when you are blogging you can change the order of events if you please. )

Lynn and Jonathan already had a photographer for their wedding day, the absolutely fabulous Heather Essian. But Lynn and Jonathan weren’t having just any old wedding, they were having a wedding weekend extravaganza, and they invited me to photograph some of the things Heather wouldn’t be present at.

When Lynn contacted me about photographing some of the events of her wedding weekend, I thought I would be photographed a relatively normal BBQ and a tea ceremony. Oh how wrong I was! There wasn’t anything normal about these events. The BBQ was an extravaganza, the tea ceremony a gathering overflowing with love, and I was even able to photograph a Catholic marriage ceremony as well (how lucky to finally have a ceremony in my portfolio!).

I was in love with Lynn and Jon from the moment I met them, and you will be too after you see these photos. It could have been the amazing details at all of their events, or their lovely families, but I think it was their smiles, and their tender affection toward each other.

When you pull up to a house like this one (historic, according to Lynn), have your door opened by the valet, hand over the keys, and walk under a giant tree strung with twinkle lights you know it’s going to be a night to remember. The owners of this house (the party hosts) have a very special place in Lynn’s life. When Lynn’s parents moved to the United States they lost their dental licenses, forcing them to essentially start over from scratch. They started working as housekeeper and gardener for the family living in this home (an opthamalagist and teacher/politician) and a special bond was formed between the two families. They even helped Lynn’s parents earn their licenses again!

I showed up to photograph the  people and the food, but I ended up photographing all of the fabulous details as well. I snuck upstairs for a moment and found the wall on the right. Mrs. Ehrhardt, the party hostess, was a Texas representative for a long time as well as a Dallas County Judge.

The BBQ hostess had different types of brides and grooms scattered all throughout the property.

I adored these buttons! I’ve heard of couples using them at wedding events, but I’ve never realized how effective they can be in bringing diverse groups of acquaintances together. I frequently heard guests exclaiming to each other “Oh, you are a friend of the bride? How do you know her?”

Lynn and Jon sporting their buttons.

I considered myself to be a detail oriented bride, but Lynn took things to an entirely new level (which I loved!). Friends and family recruited to help with different facets of the event were given stickers to help guests know who to talk to if they had questions. Not like guests would have any questions to ask after being presented with the giant poster in the front room featuring a complete run down of every element of the BBQ. It is important for everyone, even the photographer to read these poster. I didn’t and ended up helping myself to some margarita mix instead of the lemonade. Whoops!

I found the hostess and informed her that this was an event my cowboy Grandma would swoon over. I was swooning over those yellow folding chairs. Adorable!

These sparklers will make an appearance again at the bottom of this post. I knew they would provide some fun photos as soon as I saw them!

The place settings at the head table were all Texas themed, and Jon and Lynn had an extra special addition to their settings — bride and groom potholders! I want!

I smiled when I pulled out Lynn’s chair and noticed this little heart cushion. So sweet.

My favorite element of the evening was the western themed photobooth! The booth was set up by Vanity Stand, a collaboration between Kimber (the photographer) and Christina (the stylist). Christina ows a vintage shop and supplies the outfits/decor, and Kimber owns the lights and camera and takes the pictures. You can see the results of the booth on Vanity Stands blog.

The booth was a huge hit with the guests, and they were still macking it up for the camera when I left at the end of the night!

Lynn and Jon were both fantastic hosts, working the crowd and making all of their friends and family feel welcome.

Who puts a giant picture of sausage on their photography blog? Jenna Cole does! I’ve been to Poland, the land of sausage, and this sausage at this Texas BBQ blew all of that Polish sausage right out of the water. It was mouthwatering, and it’s a good thing I waited until it was almost gone to grab a taste, otherwise I would have gone back several times (and no one wants the photographer eating up all the food for the guests!).

Margarita on the left,  lemonade on the right. I should have read the sign in the front room. When I did finally get around to dispensing myself the correct drink, it was the best lemonade EVER.

Guests at the “head table” included all of Lynn and Jon’s closest friends, allowing them to sit down and really relax and enjoy the meal.

This was my first time seriously trying to use my flash, and I still have a lot to learn. I love how this shot turned out though, as I think it conveys the excitement old friends were feeling about being reunited once again for the wedding.

Lynn and Jon with the fabulous party hostess.

As the adults enjoyed the photobooth, the kids broke out the smores and…

SPARKLERS! I could photograph sparklers all night long.

THAT SHOT!

The bride drew me a heart. She drew the heart for me, but the message is for the groom. She loves him.

While Lynn and Jon were in the photobooth some of their guests got together and sent them a message.

Up next in the Lynn and Jonathan wedding series: The Tea Ceremony!