I’m a photographer based in Houston, TX that specializes in sophisticated wedding and high school senior photography.
When two souls come together to celebrate their love and commitment, it’s a truly special moment. For Rachel and Cooper, their Boxwood Manor wedding was a beautiful reflection of their journey, their faith, and the people who have touched their lives. This Boxwood Manor wedding was not just about them; it was about the people who have poured into their lives and helped shape them into the individuals they are today. They understood that weddings are one of the rare occasions when all their favorite people are together, and they wanted to make every guest feel like a cherished part of their love story. The Reed Gallagher Photography team had the honor of capturing the essence of their love story, filled with personal touches that made their day unforgettable.
Every girl dreams of her wedding dress and Rachel was no exception. Her dress from Brickhouse Bridal was a stunning piece that perfectly encapsulated Rachel’s timeless elegance. Rachel shared, “I literally walked in, showed the stylist a picture of the type of dress I wanted, and as any good stylist would, she showed me a variety of styles (which I actually loved a lot of them!) and then pulled essentially the exact dress I had envisioned. I was absolutely in love with the low back, and we added a little bit of sparkle with some fabric that was added in alterations. The entire dress was super timeless, and I know I’ll love looking at all the pictures from that day and never regret the dress I wore.”
This wedding was a treasure trove of sentimental elements. Getting ready with her mom held its own emotional weight, considering the journey they had been through to reach this day. Her time with both of her parents was also deeply sentimental. Rachel’s jewelry, in particular, carried immense sentimental value. She wore her mom’s pearl and diamond earrings, a beautiful connection to her family’s history. The necklace that her dad had given her mom to wear on their wedding day held a special place in Rachel’s heart. The first look with her Dad was a particularly moving moment, as Rachel is an only child and has always been close to her parents. During their first look, her dad placed the necklace on her, and the moment was filled with tears of joy and love.
Rachel and Cooper chose to have a first look, a moment that held special significance for both of them. Rachel described it as one of her favorite moments, sharing, “First look!! It took a lot of the pressure off and gave us some intentional time just together on that day. So much of our wedding was designed to celebrate with everyone we loved, but this time was super special to just be able to remember the ‘why’ in the day and celebrate just the two of us.”
Cooper’s perspective on the first look was equally heartfelt. He expressed, “The moment I saw Rachel on our wedding day, I felt nothing but excitement, as I knew that this was the day that everything we dreamed of would finally begin to come true. I can’t say that I was nervous because I had been looking forward to this day for so long. As soon as I saw her face, I felt more confident than I ever had before. That, combined with being surrounded by our friends and family, made me feel a distinct calmness that I did not expect.”
Rachel and Cooper were surrounded by the most joyous wedding party, each person playing a significant role in their lives. These remarkable individuals contributed to the layers of meaning that enhanced an already beautiful ceremony. Every member of their wedding party carried a piece of their hearts, adding depth and sentiment to the day, ensuring that it would be cherished forever.
When asked if they had any advice for newly engaged couples getting married, Rachel shared her wisdom. “The season of engagement is such a sweet time, filled with anticipation and excitement. While it can come with its challenges, there’s so much to savor in this special season. My advice is to prioritize the elements that can carry the memories forward beyond the wedding day itself. While the memories will always be in your hearts, having tangible keepsakes like photographs, videos, preserved flowers, and notes from guests in a guestbook can bring you back to that joyous time, especially when life gets tough or you’re feeling sentimental. We made an effort to capture and preserve the happiness of our day, and looking back on these mementos has been incredibly meaningful for us.”
This Boxwood Manor wedding ceremony was a musical journey that beautifully set the tone for Rachel and Cooper’s special day. They decided to infuse their ceremony with personal touches, starting with an emotional moment to honor their family before Rachel walked down the aisle. Their wedding party made a lively entrance to “Good Day for Marrying You” by Dave Barnes, creating an upbeat atmosphere that was both unique and joyful. For the family’s entrance, a stripped-down version of “The Blessing” by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe held deep significance, connecting Rachel to cherished memories from her high school choir. As she walked down the aisle, Rachel chose “I Guess I’m In Love” by Clinton Kane, a song with lyrics that resonated deeply with both her and Cooper, making it a meaningful and heartfelt choice for their ceremony. When asked about standout, sentimental moments during their day, Rachel shared, “I definitely had a few moments of ‘you’re literally living in the moments you’ve prayed for’ during the ceremony.”
Rachel went on to describe some of those poignant moments, including the communion, where she could see all their loved ones celebrating. This time allowed her to take it all in, prompting heartfelt tears.
One of the heartwarming gestures from this Boxwood Manor wedding that stood out was Rachel’s idea for the escort cards. She decided to write letters to every guest, thanking them for being part of this momentous day and acknowledging the impact they’ve had on both Cooper and herself. It was a labor of love that continued right up to the day of the rehearsal dinner, but Rachel and Cooper have absolutely no regrets. Each guest received a heartfelt letter, a tangible token of the love and gratitude they felt.
The couple also created a “We learned from the love around us” display, showcasing pictures from every married couple attending their wedding. Many of these photos were taken on their own wedding days, making it a poignant tribute to the enduring love that has surrounded Rachel and Cooper throughout their lives.
Following a night filled with dancing and celebration, the newlyweds found a quiet moment to share a private last dance. Cooper expressed that this was a standout moment for him, as it provided a unique opportunity to be alone with Rachel. It was a precious time to simply celebrate each other’s love and relish each other’s company. Their night concluded with a magical exit, as they left the reception amidst a sparkling display of sparklers and surrounded by their loved ones, adding an extra touch of enchantment to their special day.
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Lee! Your Boxwood Manor wedding was a testament to the beauty of love, faith, and the impact of those who have touched your lives. It was a day filled with personal touches that made every guest feel like a cherished part of your journey. We were deeply moved to be part of your day, capturing the moments that will forever remind you of the love and faith that brought you together. You will both always hold a special place in the hearts of the RGP Team! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!!!
Thank you to the incredible vendor team that made this day possible!
Photography | Reed Gallagher Photography
Venue | Boxwood Manor
Florist | Cali & Bloom
HMU | Tease HTX
Invitations | Minted
Gown| Brickhouse Bridal
Designer | Paloma Blanca Bridal
Bridesmaids Gowns| Revelry
Suits | Mens Warehouse
Cake | Bavarian Cakery
Ice Cream | Ben & Jerrys
Entertainment + Photobooth | DJU Entertainment
Videographer | Wonder Light Films
Catering | Hometown Chef Catering Co
Transportation | Royal Coach Classic Limo
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