I’m so excited to finally be sharing

May 30,

Austin and Kara‘s wedding day,

with y’all 😀

We started out at her home and that made these pictures extra special :).

The morning was calm and full of laughter :D.

Her dress was so perfect for her <3

Beauty.

😀

Kara’s relationship with her maid of honor (and sweet friend of mine) Elizabeth reminds me so much of my deep connection with my dear married best friends +Amanda and Allix 🙂 (who was my second shooter for the day!) It was priceless to witness this sweet moment they had :).

😀

The “panning for gold” dance. Hahaha. Great stories were shared that morning :D.

Loved that Kara had one of her enchanting flower girls help put on her shoes :).

Building excitement 😀 😀

The gasp before…

“Only two more hours!!”

Pure delight 😀

Kara is so beautiful, it only makes sense that her mother would be too. Stunning, Mrs. Krystin :).

Austin and his mom are so close; it’s too sweet :). Everyone that day was just so overjoyed for what God had done.

God gave Austin Kara :). And her him :).

And Austin just had SO many friends he couldn’t imagine his wedding without (including his dad as best man), ten had to be the number :).

We start with Kara’s brother! Jordan Shepherd :).

Then Austin Cain!

Connor Shank!

Nick Woodmansee!

His cousin Louis Christopher!

Josiah Carter!

Kara’s matron of honor’s husband Zachary Rosa!

Robert Beck!

His best friend David Kisiel!

And his dad, best man, Joe Knapp :).

And the man of the hour himself :).

Austin is SUCH a great guy; so glad he married my friend :).

These guys looked so dapper :).

And they are ONE fun group. Haha.

Kara’s love has spread far and wide as well :D. She and her nine, radiant bridesmaids made me so happy :D. LOVED getting to spend the day with you girls!!

And BOY, are they cute!

The flowers, colors, everything was so elegant and so Kara :).

And here we start with Kara’s life long friend and matron of honor Natalia Rosa!

Then her maid of honor I mentioned earlier: Elizabeth Clayton!

And the rest of her adorable bridesmaids: Ellen Prater!

Austin’s sister Kylie Knapp!

Bethany Payne!

Emily Lansing!

Ellen’s older sister Paige Prater!

Amy Clubine!

And last, but certainly not least: Mikayla Kim!

Hahaha

One of the most beautiful, happy group of friends there ever was :D.

Kara is one blessed girl :D.

Kara is known for her “how in the world can you do that!!” fish face. Haha.

She is also known for being BEAUTIFUL. Oh, Kara <3

And her smile is just the loveliest thing you’ve ever seen :D.

Yeaaaaaaah! Let’s go!!

It was SO FUN seeing my engagement pictures of them framed everywhere! I love those pictures so much, and if you’ve never seen them or read their story, click here!

One happy groom :D.

How cute is this?!

Kara and her dad, Mr. Ken :).

This quartet did an inCREDible job!! It was a treat to hear them play.

Breath: taken.

Emotions: over flowing.

So so precious.

Oh <3

😀 😀

The hymn they sang with everyone was one I had never heard before, but the way everyone put their whole hearts into it and how it filled up the room just made my heart swell and wish I knew the song too so I could join in! You can hear it here! Listen as you scroll :D.

Their love for Jesus is evident :).

As is their love for one another which is made that much stronger because of their bond in Christ :’).

And there’s me, thanks to Allix. Hehe :).

“You may kiss your bride.” 😀 😀

Marrieeeeed!

Waiting for the sanctuary to be converted into the cake reception :).

And voilà! Cake plus popcorn ;).

Their cake was so beautiful!

And time for the grand entrances! 😀

Cue “Back in Black” Hahaha.

All of us photographer friends had to get a picture with our fellow photographer friend now married woman!! 😀

Oh, man, this story. Hahahahaha.

Newlyweds sweetly dancing on their own to the background music 😀

Woohoooo!

Spinning the lavender. Off. Haha 😀

Driven off, and now it’s time to go take portraits!

Outdoor family pictures are just the best :D.

Based on the hit British drama series “Downton Abbey”, this fall, America brings you “Uphill Manor.”

….haha, “Downton Abbey” is one of their favorite tv shows (and mine!), so we did a group shot with that vibe 😉

Me: “Everyone…look British!”

 Haha.

One fun crew. Haha 😀

We made twenty one people work! Haha 😀

😀

And then there were two now one :).

Kara recently shared this picture with the following quote, and I thought it was fitting :).

“If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can. “

-Anne Bradstreet

<3

Love :D.

If ever two were BEAUTIFUL, then surely them…by me. Haha

😀

Austin completely and utterly adores her, and she him :). It is the most precious thing.

As Austin lowered her to the ground…he accidentally left a mud print right on her dress. Haha. But they got it out :).

So so stunning <3

Love their cute faces 😀

But the day wasn’t over!

The sanctuary got converted again into a private dinner and reception :).

“Well I’ll be your shade tree in summer mmm.

If you’ll be my fire when it’s cold.

And whatever the season, well, we’ll keep on breathing.
Cause we’ll have each other to hold.

I’ll hold you- I’ll sing.

I wanna love you, forever I do.

I wanna spend all of my days with you.

I’ll carry your burdens and be the wind at your back.
I wanna spend my forever – forever like that.”

–“Forever Like That” by Ben Rector

Her brother Jordan surprised them with a song he wrote! He did a great job.

Bliss 😀

Her music playlist for both receptions made me think she had stolen my music!! All of the songs were songs I loved!! It was the best :D. I happily danced and sang along while photographing, but also took time (at her request) to join in with everyone :D.

They were so kind in thanking everyone who made their day possible :).

😀

We Texans will miss her, but Arizona is gaining one wonderful couple 🙂 <3.

With a smile,

{ Rachel Leigh }