I’m a photographer based in Houston, TX that specializes in sophisticated wedding and high school senior photography.
The Reed Gallagher Photography Associate Team did an outstanding job capturing the love and joy at this outdoor The Oaks at Oak Plantation wedding celebrating the union of Amanda and Josh. The Oaks sits on a five hundred acre working ranch surrounded by oak trees. Dating back to the 1900’s, the mix of elegance and history is quite charming. Due to complications with Covid, Amanda and Josh tied the knot in a private ceremony in July at a park in Sugar Land. They celebrated their union with family and friends a few weeks later at The Oaks at The Oak Plantation.
Amanda loved that her dress felt unique. She appreciated how much subtle busyness was contained in the flowery lace on the bodice. The skirt was layered and made her feel like a princess without being too heavy or overwhelming. Most importantly, it was comfortable, fit perfectly off the rack, and went great with her ivory platform Converse.
Amanda shared with us the meaning behind the lily she wore in her hair. “My grandmother-in-law carried fake lilies in her bridal bouquet 58 years ago (her husband passed away 2 years ago after a difficult road of Alzheimer’s). She gave the lilies to her daughters, so Josh’s mom also carried two in her wedding, which she gave to Josh’s sister and then me. I wore the lily in my hair, and it was an inexplicable honor because Josh respected his grandparents’ marriage and ministry so much.”
After a first look with her bridesmaids, Amanda and Josh shared an intimate first look of their own. Amanda was so excited because she had been telling Josh for months how much he would love the dress! Every time she mentioned it, he said, “Of course I will, because YOU’LL be in it!” Amanda always replied, “But you’ll also like the dress.” Josh shared that during the first look, he felt very, very happy, a sense of a relief and his impatience fading away.
This sweet group of friends cheered Amanda and Josh on the entire day as we roamed the ground taking photos under the gorgeous oak trees. Amanda and Josh had a rough road with Covid interrupting engagement plans and weddings plans. So, we asked them what advice they would give to a newly engaged couple and they shared:
“As hard as it is to remember this in the frustrating moments, know that the wedding is not the marriage, and engagement does not reflect any other season of your lives together; the wedding is one event, and the engagement is the ambiguous “in between” stage. Remember that your goal is to support and encourage, never to change or fix the person, even if you think you’re right. God can handle that part! You’re there to love and respect your partner.”
These two are filled with genuine love and kindness! They persevered through so much and in the end, they came out stronger!
While planning their wedding, Amanda and Josh wanted to incorporate their favorite color, blue, into their theme. Sunflowers and twinkle lights were a definite must. Family and friends provided all the decor and Amanda was thrilled with the results. Who knew her mom was so talented with floral arrangements!
Some of their favorite moments included Josh whispering silly things in Amanda’s ears for a photo and sneaking hugs throughout the evening. Also, they loved how much laughter the best man brought during his speech.
Amanda and Josh, thank you for allowing the Reed Gallagher Photography Team to capture your big day! I know that you and Josh love coming home to each other. You are some of the most encouraging people I know! I admire how you face difficult situations together as a united front. Wishing you the very best year ahead!
Photography | Reed Gallagher Photography
Venue | The Oaks at the Oak Plantation
Gown | The Princess Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Hair and Makeup | Dawn at Image Salon Studios
Cake | Rustika Bakery
Entertainment | JPL Entertainment
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