jill and kay photography: Matt & Alison | Murchison, Texas

In January, less than an hour after getting home from our first bridal fair, I received a text from a bride saying she was ready to book us and would put a check in the mail the next day. What?!?! Alison was ready to commit, and we hadn't even met her! (Remember we've said before that Mom and Dad love to be part of things as well?!) So all of Alison's conversation had taken place with Dad at the booth while Kay, Mom, and I had taken a quick break!

Kay & I have been so blessed this year with a multitude of great weddings and clients. And what better way to end our wedding season than with Matt & Alison! November 9th was a beautiful day, perfect for a fall wedding. (We won't forget the Bryant's wedding anniversary - as they share it with Mom and Dad!) We arrived at Stone Oak Ranch to find a load of friends and family working together to complete Alison & Matt's wedding day dream. Guys were working to unload hundreds of beautiful knockout roses, while the girls were circled up in the bridal suite, helping with Alison's hair and makeup. Others set the tables with Matt's handmade heart ornaments and put the finishing touches on chalkboard signs.

One of our favorite parts of a wedding day is the flurry of everyone getting ready. During that timeframe, it's always fun to hear a variety of conversation like this one ...

Meagan (Maid of Honor, a.k.a. sister of the bride):

Does it feel weird that you are getting married today?

Alison: Well it would be weird... if I weren't marrying Matt! :)

First look...

While Matt and Alison have no shortage of friends (they packed out the place!), they chose to keep their bridal party simple. Her sister, his brother.

Uncle Matt is well loved!

While Matt and Alison have no shortage of friends (they packed out the place!), they chose to keep their bridal party simple. Her sister, his brother. They chose rich fall colors, that worked beautifully with Alison's hopes for a sunset ceremony. So as the sun began to sink and guests arrived, it provided gorgeous golden light that created just the magic she was looking for.

We always enjoy the moment when someone must let go of a little hand, leaving the ring bearer to walk down the aisle... alone. You never know what will happen! This little fella must have figured that if the girls got to carry baskets and flowers, he should at least carry a stick. :)