Erica M Photography »

M. Benoit Photography and I were invited to photograph the rehearsal dinner and Pithi the night before McKenna and Shea’s big day. Pithi is a Pakistani wedding tradition. Contrasted to the first part of the evening where great toasts were given over a microphone, the Pithi was an exchange that was much more private and personal. Just whispers of blessings and love given to just the couple. You couldn’t hear the spoken words, you could only see the expressions on the couples face. Thank you so much for allowing me to document such a beautiful family oriented ceremony. Watching your families interact and be so expressive of the love and joy they hold for you two in their hearts was truly moving to watch.

The mother of the groom-to-be and the bride-to-be both shed tears of joy.

After the toasts and tears everyone got ready for the Pithi. Shea’s sister Shani held the silver tray of rose petals and chocolate…

The shawl McKenna and Shea were cloaked in has been in the family for generations.

Family members take turns coming up to the couple to feed them chocolate…

…and shower them in fragrant rose petals…

…to hand them cards and wish them well…

…and to give them some really amazing jewelry. I can’t take them groom’s face, it just makes me laugh out loud!

And finally, a moment of prayer.

I was so thrilled when Meegan of Photography by Meegan told me that Michelle and Clay were doing a first look on their big day. It gave us the luxury of time to do all the formals before the ceremony, although we still hurried because it is already hotter than heck in Texas! Despite being drenched in sweat everyone was fabulous inside and out. Michelle was a laid back bride, my favorite kind, who opens her eyes and really truely soaks in what is happening around her, not sweating the small stuff, so to speak ;) Congrats you two!

I love this shot of Michelle hiding from Clay right before their first look – I think she might have gotten a peak of him from afar though!

Shooting Cherise and Shawn’s wedding with Photography by Meegan was a blast. Despite the strong sun and intense heat we definitely had some fun. The awesome staff of The Jalapeno Tree were so gracious to let us take over their patio while the guys enjoyed some beers and chips and took some photos in the process. The bridal party were definetly troopers, thanks guys! My favs from the day are the shots I got at sunset at Sikes Lake right before the reception. I love a good Texas sunset!

The groomsmen said there would be no ring prank…well they’re a bunch of liars! Everyone got a good chuckle though :)