Amanda + Chris’ Intimate West Texas Wedding

Amanda and Chris got married surrounded by their closest friends and family at an intimate gathering in Terlingua, Texas, a spot where they frequently visited together while dating. Back when Amanda and I were initially talking, she said she wanted photos that felt natural, and focused on the gathering of their group rather than a whole wedding product. This gave me a green light to go full on documentary style (a total photographer’s dream!)

The day started slow with a girls brunch where I passed off my film camera to Amanda’s best friend to document their simple morning. I joined up with them when it was time to get ready for the day. Amanda had so many little treasure to hand off to me for detail shots - a bolo tie that belonged to Chris’ late grandfather, pearl earrings from Japan gifted by Amanda’s late grandmother, and cowboy boots Chris gave Amanda, all the perfect ingredients for a West Texas wedding. After getting ready alongside the women in her life, Amanda was escorted to the ceremony by her father. Their guests awaited at La Posada Milagro guesthouse, and Amanda and her dad walked down the aisle to Chris. Their ceremony was officiated by Chris’ father, along with scripture readings done by Amanda’s brothers. Once they were officially married, all the guest made the trek to Big Bend National Park. We did newlywed portraits in Santa Elena Canyon, and then found an overlook for a private vow exchange as their guests made their way back to La Posado Milagro for dinner. The ceremony space had been rearranged into an intimate dinner space with a long table for everyone to dine together. Dinner, all locally provided, was street tacos, spicy margaritas, and good conversation as the sun set behind the mountains. As the candles burned low and conversation continued on, I opted against flash to really be able to capture the ambience of the evening, and the emphasis of community.

Their intimate western wedding was one to remember, and lined up perfectly with Amanda’s desire for a laid back wedding. ¡Viva Cargill!

Photo: Color and Beam

Floral: Open Road Floral

Venue: La Posada Milagro