I met Katie + Marissa at a previous wedding that Kate + Co photographed. They were bridesmaids that cracked me up all day and had the most fun dancing the night away. So, when they booked me to photograph their Japanese Garden Wedding I knew it would be a great day!

We photographed their engagement session down in Houston at one of my favorite parks and the laughter continued all through their session. These two just genuinely enjoy being around each other and it showed.

On their big day they got ready just a few rooms down from one another at the hotel. As I came down the hallway I could hear the laughter in both rooms. Starting the year with this being my first wedding, after COVID and being shut down, people rescheduling…and on their end planning during COVID, dealing with some loss, it was so great to hear that laughter as the day started.

After getting ready at the hotel we headed over for their First Look at the Japanese Garden.

We continued the evening outdoors for this Japanese Garden Wedding with a lovely outdoor reception.

Advice from the couple:

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Marissa: First look for sure. The feeling of relief and safety when I saw my wife.

Katie: First look, being able to relax and feel stress free.

What was it like planning during COVID? What was your biggest challenge?

Marissa: Having to worry about the safety of our guests, and worrying that no one was going to show because of COVID. Also, planning it from a different city.

Katie: Biggest challenge isn’t COVID related, but planning a wedding from a different city.

What advice do you have for future Couples?

Marissa: Remember that even if it’s not perfect you’re marrying the perfect person and that’s really all that matters, also rent a mini van lol

Katie: Drink Pedialyte the day before. Take a deep breath because even if something happens that you weren’t expecting everything is going to workout for the best.

Funniest Memory from the day?

Marissa: Trying to dance.. I’m not coordinated.

Katie: I took down all of the fake candles with my dress as I was walking down the aisle.

Is there any thing you would change about your wedding day looking back?

Marissa: I wish I would’ve gotten the dress that was my fav. Then I wouldn’t have struggled with the top of my dress as much.

Katie: Nothing. I wouldn’t change anything everything was perfect.

Vendors

Venue | Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens

Catering | Patriotic Pig