Melanie and Nick’s Texas barn wedding day started off as any other—for the most part. Each was finishing to get ready while others scrambled to make last-minute preparations for the day. If there were any worries, stress, or concerns that Melanie or Nick had, they weren’t letting on. Each seemed calm, cool, and extremely relaxed. I didn’t sense any apprehension or anxiety about either of their lives changing drastically from this day forward. 

The calmness and sureness were most evident when Nick came to Melanie’s getting-ready room for a pre-ceremony no peek first look. They held hands around a closet door and Nick led the two in a beautiful, heartfelt prayer.

Texas Barn Wedding

I always have mixed feelings about witnessing these kinds of private, intimate moments. On one hand, I am delighted that I am the photographer who gets to capture this moment for the couple. I get to preserve this exact second in an image that the two will be able to reflect back on forever to relive their feelings, thoughts, and emotions. I create a tangible tool to help them do that.

On the other hand, I feel intrusive looking at such a special moment. I feel like I should not have the privilege to see such intimacy between two loving people—that this should be something that only they experience. Sometimes, I have to actually force myself to keep shooting through the moment and not allow myself to walk away.

Another very special moment is when a daughter allows her father the first look on her wedding day. This is such a huge token of love and gratitude to me. In essence, she is saying, “Before all others, I want you to see me. I love you.”

This is certainly not a warm and fuzzy moment, but equally meaningful. The groom’s closest friends offer one last toast before he waits for this bride to walk down the aisle.

The ring exchange is always an impactful moment!

Can you just feel the love that Nick has for Melanie in this image? Look how he adores Melanie with his eyes. I bet she is lost right now.

And finally, the two are one and find cause for celebration!

More Images

Enjoy some of my favorite images from Melanie and Nick’s hill country wedding then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

If you’d like to see more images from this wedding at Firefly Farm Events, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD. 

Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!

About Ata-Girl

I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I cater to outdoor-loving couples who prefer to have all the realness captured on their wedding days. I am the wedding photographer for the outdoor adventurers, the romantics, the laid back, the snugglers, and those who wish to capture all their realness.

I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of.

The post, Firefly Farm Hill Country Wedding, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.