Nicci + Jacob’s Wedding at The Veranda in San Antonio, TX

February 9, 2020

It’s easy to remember the second I met Nicci and Jacob. We were on FaceTime during our wedding consult, and the light in Nicci’s eyes sparkled as she kept looking over at Jacob who was up and about, getting ready to sit on the couch next to his bride to be. I listened, they shared their Bumble start to their journey, I smiled, they shared some more their two sides to the story and shared a laugh through reminiscing their love story. It was so refreshing and wonderful to see the love between them in such a fun yet casual way. I knew from the moment I met them that I HAD to be apart of this union. Boy am I glad they chose me!

I sent them their magazine shortly after booking and they pulled up to the Cibolo Nature Center for their engagement session dressed to the MAX! Don’t take my word for it – check it out HERE! We explored the marsh and the river with lifts and lots of “GIGGLING OUT!” Haha. I love that they get a kick out of my quirky posing methods. But even after all that we have done together, I couldn’t have dreamed up the wedding Nicci put together. When she text me a photo of her dress, I had actual tears in my eyes! I had total glee for her and them, and capturing their wedding day was all I could think about.

The Veranda was THE perfect place for these two love birds to wed. From the ivy to the getting ready rooms, from the ceremony space to the reception, from the pops of teal to the fountain of koi fish… this place has it all, y’all! And Steve at Central Market was so kind to bring me extra florals early for the details which Nicci was so kind to bring on her way, so I went CRAZY getting together all the details I could before it was crunch time. Hair and makeup was done by the amazing Viva La Glam! They KILLED that timeline and had everyone perfect just in time for some getting ready shots, robe photos and the first look!

Before their first look, Jacob and Nicci read such sweet letters from each other which a Q-tip had to do for Nicci as she gently dabbed the tears away. And then it was time. Nicci stood outside, awaiting her prince to open the door and see her dress, hair, earrings, bracelet, shoes, hair pins, flowers and STUNNING makeup, ready to marry the man she fell in love with at Pat O’Brien’s Piano Bar. Trying to cheat, Jacob walked up to the door slowly and peeked through the window circle to try and catch a glimpse and maybe even to take a deep breath before he really saw her standing there in anticipation, thinking…. How is he going to react??! The door seemed to take forever to widen, but when it did, Jacob tilted his head in awe, RAN to his bride, grabbed her with two hands, one on either side of her head and we all knew he had been waiting his whole life for this by the way he kissed her. This was the moment where their dreams came true.

I’m sure for Jacob and Nicci, much of the wedding day was a blur as most of our weddings are, but I have the honor of seeing every detail, remembering all the moments and getting to capture what maybe not everyone could see. When Nicci and her dad had their first look, Tony’s smile could not have been bigger and we forgot to bring the Q-tips with us! =/ But it was so precious to watch that daddy daughter moment as the day continued to build with reality. Everyone was excited to get pictures complete before the ceremony, and when Sonja started the harp, everyone got into position, ready to unite these two individuals who seem destined to be together forever. Those 20 minutes passed by quickly as we laughed, cried, and listened to vows and biblical marriage advice. Nicci kept her neck extended and eyes lifted up toward Jacob the entire Ceremony, admiring the man symbolically standing by her side. With all the witnesses of friends and family, Nicci and Jacob “Sealed the Deal” with 2 long kisses – just perfect for us to get all the angles of the most important moment of their lives thus far.

It’s always fun for me when my couples allow for some night time shots and indoor shots, and Nicci and Jacob were TROUPERS! We walked around outside a bit and inside some as well, capturing their love story with my Magnet Mod system, and then it was PARTY TIME! The food was amazing as always by The Spice of Life! The cake was GORGEOUS by Bowl and Whisk Bakery and I know it was also delicious because after the cake cutting, Nicci and Jacob hung around and kept on eating! It was awesome!! And did I mention they had a CANDY BAR?!!! SO MANY TREATS! I knew Nicci and I would get along as soon as I found out she loved soft pretzels, but this had me thinking we might be BFFs! LOL

DJ Case and his wife helped MC and created the perfect dance floor environment while I worked hard on the same day slideshow… and as the night came to a close, the sparks were flying!!!!! Yet another sparkler exit for the win! Props to Nicci for getting the long sparklers that DON’T SMOKE and for planning her own wedding with seamless poise and total excellence. I hope you enjoy some of my favorite moments from your wedding day!!!!!!! <3