When Whitney first contacted me about her Dallas Arboretum Elopement last winter, I could barely contain my excitement. Not only are elopements some of the most magical celebrations of love, but she is the daughter of one of my most beloved teachers. Nothing gave me greater joy than to capture Whitney and Randy’s love story with the intention, joy, energy and responsibility that her dad instilled in me in junior high choir. I credit a lotto who I am, to him and the sacrifice of his family for his love of teaching.

Whitney and Randy couldn’t be more adorable if they tried though. Randy’s face as Whitney came down the aisle, escorted by her mom was so tender, excited for the life together. And the way Mr. Griffith traded his glance between his daughter and soon to be son, sometimes stealing a moment to catch his breath and stop his tears were enough to make me catch a lump in my own throat.

Tender, small ceremonies like this one hold such a special space for memories. Like, if you are one of the lucky ones to be there, the responsibility to be present, soak it in and let the love leech out of you later becomes greater. The love of two people shared with few is a beautiful burden to bear among a few people, and it always shows.

I could’ve spent hours with these beautiful people I love so much. But two hours was all we needed to mark this day forever.

Congratulations, Whitney and Randy! Here’s hoping that our mutual obsession with wine will allow us a couples trip to Sonoma one day!

Film scanned by Goodman Film Lab