11/17/11

My Wedding: Nathan Russell Photography

(Picture Heavy Post)




Here is the wedding post that I promised you:) For the newbies on my site...I got married July 30th and I didn't have to sell a lung to pay for it.




These are my official wedding pics by the great NATE...I call him that...in my head:) I met Nathan and his fabulous wife Amy last year at a blogger event in Austin. I had no idea then that they would be a huge part of my wedding day.



Long story short...we had a non-traditional wedding. And by non-traditional...I mean it was a surprise to everyone. Most thought that we went to the courthouse and invited them to the wedding reception. That's what the invitation said atleast. Only a select few knew the truth. My own mother didn't even know.



Basically...we got married at our reception:)
We wanted to skip all of the wedding hype and focus on the things that mattered to me us the most.



The venue. My shoes. The pictures. The DJ. The cake. Fun. Never underestimate networking. That's the only reason we were able to pull this thing off. Matter of fact, I had just gotten the news that I was laid off when the countdown began for the wedding details to come together.



The truth is that the Hubby and I saw each other before the wedding/reception. We wanted it that way. We wanted to take as many pics before the wedding so that we can honor everyone's time.


That's where Nathan and Amy of Nathan Russell Photography come in. He and his team wife/business partner drove down from Austin the night before so that we could have enough time for pics.




We scheduled about 3 hours before the wedding to be picture time. Nathan was waiting in the lobby with my then fiance' to take pics in The Magnolia Hotel and surrounding downtown Houston area.

It was unpretentious. Relaxed. Fun. And just what we wanted. Nathan even shared cocktails with us as the time got closer to leave for the venue. Yes, we drank with our photographer before the wedding and enjoyed every bit of it.



By the time we got to the "surprise" wedding venue...let's just say we were all HAPPY!
These are the shots before the surprise wedding.



Nathan was more than accomodating and absolutely honored my every request! Professional and fun and doesn't shun those who choose to partake in pre-wedding jitters cocktails...that's what every photographer's profile should say.



 I could not ask for anything more from Nathan and Amy.
I stressed that I didn't want stuffy pictures and that I didn't want to spend time taking pictures instead of enjoying our guest. 
He did that just that. Took our pics organically and kept it moving.








EVERY SINGLE SOLITARY PICTURE is the property of GFS and Nathan Russell Photography
Please don't steal. 
Ask for permission/link us. 
It's the kind thing to do:)
We'll grant it:)












More pics to come...and my "take" on the whole business of weddings. Be warned:)

72 comments:

GFS said...

Lovely photos. I think it's amazing the way you customized the wedding for yourselves was perfect. I think the photography really captured your personalities.

GFS said...

The pictures are so amazing!

GFS said...

As someone who never got to have a wedding (reception and all), I am dying of envy. The pics are amazing. You both look gorgeous and so in love. People always get stressed and go bridezillas when it comes to wedding. But yours seems to be just hassle free. and I love it. I cannot help but admire your bangles too. R they Indian style?

GFS said...

Those bangles were from Aldo AcceSsories
www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

GORGEOUS photos!! Hubby & I got hitched in Las Vegas - we loved the simplicity of it as well. No fussiness & had a wonderful time with a small intimate group of fam & friends that could make the trip. I wore a vintage ivory dress & husband in a suit. The chapel was able to provide us video & tons of photos of the event. OUR WEDDING - About $5,000....we truly believe that it's not about the wedding, but about the marriage! And it's a recession...lol! Many blessings to your union!

Miesha Roshawn said...

My favorite pic was the one where your hubby is sitting at the piano and you're standing...classic!

GFS said...

Absolutely beautiful pictures!!!! I love everything about them. Your choices of shoes,, dress and hair is soooo fabulous! Congrats to you and your hubby. Blessings to a lifetime of happiness!

~Tavia
www.ninetofly.blogspot.com

GFS said...

Congrats on your marriage!! I'm a fairly new follower, so I wasn't aware. Your pics are simply amazing! I love how they don't look staged. They look so natural. You guys look great! And it looks/sounds like you had a great time.

http://ticka-spoonfullofsugar.blogspot.com/

GFS said...

Stunning pics, looks like a magazine spread. Simply beautiful.

Unknown said...

Reiko, these pictures are AMAZING!!! I'm so glad y'all had the perfect wedding experience!

GFS said...

Too cute!

I agree about it being about the marriage. I actually wanted to be a wedding planner, but once I saw how cutthroat the business was and how you basically have to get people to spend money, even if you are warning them not to go in over their heads (and some really great planners do care), I realized it was not the business I wanted to get into.

You guys did the right thing!

GFS said...

Thank you. I wouldn't change a thing about how we did the wedding. We cut out a lot of nonsense. www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

OMY Reiko!!
I love every single picture! I can definitely see "you" in all your pictures. Love it. I don't want a traditional wedding either, once my time comes. I wish you all nothing but the best in your union.

Kudos to the photographer!

GFS said...

I absolutely love your pics!!! Seeing your pics really places it as an idea for me not to have a traditional wedding. I feel all the unnecessary drama is really not needed. I wish you all the blessings to a happy and long marriage.

GFS said...

LOVE it!!!!

GFS said...

Oh my, your pictures are GORGEOUS!!!! I love the attire you both have on!! You two make a beautiful couple and look soooooo happy!! Real Love is a wonderful thing to see!! (sigh)

Whenever God blesses me with my husband I want my wedding to be about me, my husband and what we love, simple and full of LOVE. I'm not about impressing anyone with some BIG to do because they don't have to pay for it LOL!! I think weddings should be about the love the two people getting married share, not some BIG over done affair where people barely can see/feel the love from all the STUFF!! My parents have a big beautiful backyard, with a gazebo and a koi pond and that is where I plan to have my wedding/reception!! :-)

Carsedra of:

http://embracingtherealme.blogspot.com/

http://sweets4yourtooth.blogspot.com/

GFS said...

Thank you:) It really doesn't take away from the fact that we are still married. We didn't want to be a victim to all of the "hype." I think personalizing your own wedding allows for people to focus on you and not the Programs, lighting of candles and other foolishness. www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

Thank you. We were happy....we were able to enjoy taking our pictures in another location while our guests were arriiving at the venue and having cocktails.
PS...having your wedding in your parents backyard...Genius and FREE! www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

I agree. It didn't make sense for us to have a traditional...nothing about us really traditional. The best compliment I received from our guests was "WE REALLY SEE BOTH of your personalities in every detail." www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

I am so blown away. I see alot of wed pics but I have to say these are beyond amazing! I love the books background-so imaginative and creative...Your photos are forever inspiring.

GFS said...

Love the Magnolia Hotel...Most of all, I LOVE these photos. You both look stunning and very happy! Best wishes for a blissful marriage.

GFS said...

Thank you Dana! Don't forget you set the tone for our wedding with your beautiful wedding invitations! www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

This is my kind of wedding. I am not a traditional girl either and I am so glad to see a wedding done on someone's OWN terms and not what others think a wedding should be. You guys look great!

GFS said...

absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!! I'm getting married in September '12 and this is totally my style of wedding! Wonderful job and Congrats on your marriage!

GFS said...

These pictures were absolutely amazing and you two make a gorgeous couple!!! I'm all for non traditonal and non-stuffy!!!!

GFS said...

Congratulations on your marriage!! I absolutely love your wedding pictures. Very pretty and natural. And your hair and shoes are fierce!! Thanks for sharing.

Dominique
http://www.1800gospel.com

GFS said...

I love it!! All the best for a happy, long, loved filled marriage!!!

GFS said...

Beautiful Pictures~~~

GFS said...

These pics are amazing!! I cant even pick a favorite

Prissy

GFS said...

It's so easy to take great photos of a couple that is so full of life and happiness. WE LOVE YOU GUYS!
amy + nathan

GFS said...

I originally stumbled across your blog via your hubby's blog. (I was searching for single parent blogs.)

Your blog is now one of my top 10 favorites. I love these wedding photos. Can't decide which shot is my favorite.

But most importantly, I love your spirit that comes through with your words.

Congratulations to you and your husband, I wish your family much success.

And Nathan and Amy: I'd consider marrying my boo in Texas just so you could be my photogs. I love your site - especially the wedding in the old barn.

GFS said...

Awww! Welcome to GFS! I'm so glad you enjoy the foolishness over here in these parts! More importantly than anything, I'm so elated that you can see my "spirit" through my words. As a writer, that's the best compliment ever.

The 11th Commandment: Style Shall NEVER Be Sacrificed
Reiko at God's Favorite Shoes
www.godsfavoriteshoes.com

GFS said...

I can't wait to hear your "take"! I think I'm going to like it.

GFS said...

They look PHENOMENAL Reiko-co-la! I'm screaming "Awwwwwwwwww!!!!!!"

GFS said...

Gorgeous! I love your hair!

GFS said...

LOVE these, Mr & Mrs F!! Especially the ones with the bricks in the background.... Mood is retro-chic contemporary - just like the two of you ;-)

GFS said...

Thank you cousin n law:)
www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

You are a beautiful person thru and thru! You are my friend in my head, lol!

GFS said...

Gorgeous!!! Love every one of them!! Can't wait to see the rest!!

GFS said...

DUDE! you look so gorgeous! so stunning! and yer man is looking good too! love the photos. so happy and relaxed and FUN. no olan mills shots here!!!

GFS said...

Bwahhhhaa!!! Lol! Is Olan Mills even in business anymore!!!??!! www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

We love thee too! We are naming our kid (when we have one) "NathanandAmy Photography"....girl or boy, doesn't matter. That's gonna be the whole first and middle name:) www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

I visit your blog daily, but rarely post. Today I have to post and tell you that your wedding pics are amazing and the best I've ever seen.

GFS said...

Thank you so much! And I appreciate you coming out of "lurkdom" to comment:) www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

omg! I am gonna cry. (yeah, I'm that girl). I looooove these pictures! They are so beautiful. (makeup is flawless, btw). Y'all are just too stinkin cute!

GFS said...

I am one of those people that read everyone's blog and never post a comment. However, your wedding pictures are due the proper respect. Reiko you guys look great! I love the "authenticity" of your wedding attire; you guys allowed your personalities to shine and didn't get hung up on wearing what society says you should wear. I love it! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures with us.

GFS said...

Thank you so much! We were steadfast on making sure we were true to who we really are...down to the shoes! Everybody knows I loves me a good leopard print heel and he wears bowties and Chuck Taylors on a daily basis. www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

Really nice pics !!! Nice Posture :)


Nixon
Theme Wedding

GFS said...

Gorgeous pics!
Congrats!

xoxox,
CC

GFS said...

Babe, these are AHHHH-MAZING! Yiou are both so beautiful and I just loved the style of your wedding - I can't imagine anything being more YOU!

GFS said...

These pictures are so beautiful! You two were made for each other!

GFS said...

cutest wedding pics ever!!! U both are glowing!!! I feel the love!!! LOL

GFS said...

seriously reiko, you guys/these photos are ridiculousgorgeousamazingbananashellaflylicious!

GFS said...

Your pictures are so cute and fun!!!!!!!

GFS said...

Absolutely beautiful!

GFS said...

These are absolutely gorgeous and you two seem to be having so much fun. This has inspired me for my 10 year anniversary vow renewal.

GFS said...

Congratulations! You look beautiful!

GTBB,
http://badjoan.blogspot.com
http://cookingjoan.blogspot.com

GFS said...

love the pics, you are so beautiful. your hubby done found him a virtuous women

GFS said...

Thanks for sharing these photos of such a private moment Reiko! Beautiful! Heck, if I ever need to, I'd book you as a short to the point wedding planner! That's exactly what I'd want as well.

GFS said...

I love these pics Reiko! Some of them look like the two of you were sneaking around! I love pictures that tell a story:) Fabulous pics and I love the entire idea for the wedding!

GFS said...

Love this.....so amazing!!!!!

GFS said...

I love the pictures, your wedding looks like the perfect day no fuss, all fun and just perfect for you.

GFS said...

OMG! Fabulous and beautiful! Congrats to you and I wish you much happiness together. Thank you for inspiring me and making me laugh from week to week. I loved your idea of a surprise wedding so much that I have decided to do the very same thing! My honey is now on board since many folks were dismayed to not be invited to the actual ceremony and just the reception/going away party. BTW we are moving to Austin at the end of May so we had originally planned to combine the celebrations...so what's wrong with another?!?! This way everyone will get to party, celebrate, and say goodbye...Thank you!

GFS said...

Yay! It really is fun to "pull the wool over everyone's eyes!" Lol! Tell as few people as possible and be prepared for some backlash before it all goes down:) Good luck! Let me know how it all goes down. I love the idea of rolling it all into a goodbye party! www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Thou Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

Great photo's!! You looked absoloutely gorgeous!

GFS said...

Beautiful pictures, they look editorial but so easy going and natural at the same time. Perfect!

GFS said...

The cutest thing ever!!!!

GFS said...

Just discovered your blog! Your wedding photos are MAGICAL!

GFS said...

Thank you!!!
www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.

GFS said...

You look beautiful

GFS said...

Wow! I'm kinda new to commenting on the blog and I wanted to say something. I LOVED this!! These pictures are so beautiful !! Most of all you can SEE the love you both have for each other. I enjoy pictures of happy people. You can just see it! Continuous Blessings to you both! :D

GFS said...

Thank you!

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