Kori and Joel tied the knot this past weekend at Kindred Oaks in Georgetown, Texas.  After five years and one week of dating (their first date was to Prom in 2008), the two made it official in front of their closest friends and family.

Kori’s veil was extra special to her and her mother, as it was made from her mom’s 33 year-old wedding dress.

Kori and Joel opted for a first look and I am SO THANKFUL that they did.  There is just something so special about first looks.  They give couples the chance to hug, kiss, and tell each other just what they’re feeling in that moment (all of which are missed by couples who wait until the ceremony, as the officiant jumps straight to the ceremony).  More than that, couples are more likely to show true emotion during the first look, since they don’t have 100 pairs of eyes staring straight at them, anticipating their reaction.  Joel’s reaction to seeing Kori for the first time on their wedding day left him speechless and, quite literally, took his breath away.  Another benefit to having a first look is that couples get about 20% more photos!

I absolutely ADORE that Kori wore turquoise cowboy boots under her wedding dress!  How cute is that?!

Yellow was a great wedding color choice for Kori, who embodied everything that a joyful bride should be.

Kori’s grandmother and aunt were her flower girls!  This made EVERYONE smile!  It was a sweet way to include and honor the ladies that are close to Kori.

Since bridal party and family photos were all taken before the ceremony (since Kori and Joel opted for a first look), the members of those two groups were all able to enjoy cocktail hour and mingle with the guests!  They also got to enjoy a beer from Austin Beerworks, Joel’s favorite local brewery!  Guests found their table number by picking up their personalized wedding favors: Texas honey-glazed Pawnee pecans from Berdoll’s Pecan Farm!  A fabulous BBQ dinner was served just before toasts and each table had their very own bottle of Hays County BBQ Sauce.  That just so happened to be Kori and Joel’s favorite BBQ hangout while they lived in San Marcos (where they attended Texas State).

I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room after Kori’s dance with her father.

Not only was Kori’s dress a DREAM (Dylan wouldn’t stop gushing about it – which is how you know it was a winner), it twirled beautifully!   Kori and Joel, your wedding was an absolute DREAM and Dylan and I enjoyed every minute of it!  We loved all the personal details you put into your wedding!  The style was right up our alley and we would be thrilled if every wedding we shot was as great a fit as yours was!  Thank you for inviting us into such a special day for the two of you and for trusting us to document your first day as man and wife.  We wish you all the best!

– Mylah Renae

Kindred Oaks Wedding Photographer

www.Eureka-Photography.com

Vendor Credits: 

Georgetown Wedding Venue: Kindred Oaks

Georgetown Wedding Coordinator: Ame Soeur Events (Donna)

Georgetown Wedding Florist: ZuZu’s Petals

Georgetown Wedding DJ: Dj for Hire (Dexter)

Wedding Cake: Cakes by Kathy

Catering: Capital Barbecue

Hair and Make-up: The Beauty Bar Salon (Marie)

Kindred Oaks Wedding Photographer: Eureka Photography