Summer & CJ - Wichita Mountain Engagements
Summer & CJ reached out to me about doing their engagements back in September of 2019 - over a year ago! She knew from the get-go that she wanted them to be rooted in the mountains. These two bonded over their love for the outdoors from the moment that they met - and spent their vacations together visiting national parks. We decided on taking pictures in the Wichita Mountains near Lawton, Oklahoma. It was the first place they went hiking together - and seemed like a natural spot for their engagement photos. Summer was recommended to me by our mutual friend Niya - whose wedding was the first wedding I ever photographed and will always be super special to me.
We planned on a spring session - and the day before we were supposed to take pictures, a stay-at-home order was issues for Texas. It was in March - and none of us really knew what was going to happen with COVID - so we made the decision to postpone to an undetermined date.
In May, things had somewhat calmed down with the restrictions - and I think we all felt a little more comfortable going out into the world and interacting with others. I was driving in my car (I vividly remember this for some reason) and I had the thought - I need to text Summer and we can pick an actual date for engagements! And, I kid you not, about 30 seconds after I had this thought - I got a text from Summer, asking if we could officially pick a date for pictures. I replied and said she was psychic - because it really felt that way!
We picked a date - and finally, were able to meet and person and take pictures. We hiked out to a few spots - and her and CJ had the funniest argument on the way. Summer was convinced that they had done this hike together - CJ argued they never had. When we got to the end of the trail, CJ said, “Oh...you’re right we’ve done this.” And we all had a pretty big laugh. They were the sweetest couple - a little reserved, but the love was strong and very clear. We ran through flowers, and ended the night on top of Mount Scott with the most beautiful sunset.
While we were taking pictures - Summer and CJ told me of their plans to elope in Yosemite next June. It was a place they felt drawn to - and they couldn’t picture themselves doing anything else for their wedding. As long as they were in the mountains, with their closest family - they were happy. A feeling that we all share - along with a mutual love for the outdoors and travel.
Their pictures were beautiful - and I’m really grateful I was able to be their photographer. I was even more grateful a couple weeks later when Summer texted me and told me that she and CJ had been talking for a while, and they wanted me to be their wedding photographer. I think I literally cried that day - I’d been hoping that they would ask me, and secretly saving their date! It felt like fate - and I am BEYOND excited to join them in Yosemite next June. So - shoutout to my first ever bride Niya! It feels full circle.
Mark & Jenna are two friends who have been running their wedding photography and videography business together for the past four years. We are based in Dallas, Texas - but serve our couples worldwide as well as locally. Mark is the videographer here, and focuses his art on storytelling and creativity. Jenna is the photographer, bringing your wedding to life with true-to-color edits and documentary-style storytelling.
We have been friends since 2013, and there is nothing more important to us than our community. We have built our business around the idea that fostering good relationships is the most important thing in life, and weddings are a beautiful way to celebrate those relationships.
You can always find us laughing with our couples - we will be there cracking jokes with you all day long. If you’re looking for a team that will capture beautiful photos and video of your day, as well as get down with you on the dance floor - then reach out and let’s get this thing booked!