Nathan and Precious got married on November 2, 2019. And that day was not picked randomly. They wanted to share their wedding date, with the Day of the Dead (dia de los muertos). Nathan lost his sister, brother, and father, and this was one way to remember them on their special day.

Precious left me speechless more times than I could count with how beautiful, kind, and incredibly chill she was on her wedding day. I have to say I pick my brides pretty well…

Exchanging gifts on your wedding day shouldn’t be an obligation, but if you happen to see a stunning necklace and it reminds you of your bride-to-be, definitely buy it for her! Good job, Nathan!

First looks are one of my favorite moments on a wedding day. I love the emotion, the tears, the closeness I always capture during those first B&G moments together. One of my favorite songs ever, Kiss from a Rose, by Seal, was playing right as Precious and Nathan had their first look, and I’m not gonna to lie, I had goosebumps seeing and my eyes filled with tears with how perfect the moment was!

Can we just stop and agree Nathan and Precious were born for each other? I actually met them at another wedding I shot about 3 years ago. I pulled them aside and asked to take their photo. Something just drew me to them, and now I kind of think it was because I was meant to become their friend, and photographer!

Every girl needs her “squad,” and these ladies killed it all day!

This spot was one of my favorites for photos during the day! I just couldn’t believe we had access to it from the Lumber Exchange! I love the buildings in the background, and one of these images might need to be blown up as a gigantic canvas for my studio!

It was COLD, but I made everybody take their jackets off and think warm thoughts haha! This wedding party nailed it!

Timeless, elegant, beautiful photos… I can’t wait to see what Nathan and Precious do with their wedding photos! The picture on the right (below), is N&P with all THEIR children. I know, they don’t look old enough to have teenagers, but they do, and their family is one big happy family now!

Not one detail was missed when planning their wedding. From little touches like the “Unplugged” ceremony sign, to the very talented musicians, to incorporating so much culture in their ceremony.

N&P incorporated a lot of daisies in their wedding day. Nathan wore a daisy boutonniere, the flower girls dropped daisies going down the aisle, and they also used it in the decor. Daisies were Nathan’s sister’s (Katie) favorite flower. She passed away at 6 year old, Nathan was 11. The daisies were in honor of her.

Nathan and his groomsmen wore socks with sugar skulls to reflect sharing their wedding day with the day of the dead.

The couple also ended their ceremony by jumping over a broomstick. This African-American practice is well attested for as a marriage ceremony for slaves in the 1840s and 1850s, who were often not permitted to wed legally.

We went out for more photos right after the ceremony, and right as the day was becoming night. These are always my favorite photos, because all the stress is behind us, and what’s to come is PARTY!

This was my first time shooting at the Lumber Exchange, and I absolutely LOVED it. It’s such a great spot since there are many indoor options for photos, and it’s right downtown, so also close to so many outdoor photo spots. This venue is going on my list of places I’d like to shoot at again, for sure!

Buttercream is one of my absolute favorite wedding vendors, and their dessert table was out of this world! Their florist, Richfield Flowers also blew me away with their floral touches everywhere.

We often look at a beautiful day and forget all the hard work behind it, so I also want to recognize N&P’s wedding coordinator, Dawn, from Flutterby Celebrations. She was amazing and made sure everything was perfect the entire wedding day! I would highly recommend her!

I know Precious REALLY wanted everybody to hit the dance floor and have a blast, so when I realized her DJ was by friend Rick, I knew she had nothing to worry about. As I was leaving, that dance floor was packed!

Congrats N&P! Love you guys! Cheers to YOU!

Fabulous vendors from this wedding:

Photography: Poly Mendes Photography

Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Lumber Exchange Event Center

Coordinator & Officiant: Flutterby Celebrations

Petite Desserts & Cake: Buttercream

Flowers: Richfield Flowers

DJ: Rick with Flow Event Group