It rained the entire day we were there, but I was able to catch a few outdoor shots just as we were leaving. You can see more of the images from our (indoor!) photoshoot at Elizabeth Anne Designs. Enjoy!

The Plant at Kyle
Kyle, Texas
For reservations, rates & current availability visit their vacation rental management website.
For inquiries other than those relating to reservations, email info@theplantatkyle.com or call Mark Holzbach, 512-689-6777.

Disclosure: The Plant at Kyle generously donated the use of their facility for our photoshoot.

And now, in the words of Wendi…

Planning for the end. When I’m shooting I always keep the final product in mind. For magazine assignments I shoot more verticals because I know how the magazine is oriented and verticals play nicely on the page. With weddings there are a lot of final products – albums, prints, slideshow, web, etc. The one thing common to all these is a good story and every story needs a good opening, something that draws in the viewer.

For albums I like to start with a hook to immediately grab the viewer’s attention, but I also want to introduce the key characters. When I can achieve both in the same photo, like in the image above, I’m a happy photographer! Let’s see if I can deconstruct this process for you.

I was looking for a cool, tight shot of our bride, Ashley, to lead the story, but I wanted more than just a tight portrait. (Before going on, you need to know that I love white space/negative space. I think it is its own character and plays a definite role in storytelling.) When I saw the clean wall behind Ashley as she was having her hair done I wanted to use it to my advantage. After just a couple shots I quickly knew I had what I wanted and I knew exactly how I wanted to use it in the album.

It would be the opening image, placed alone on the right hand side of the layout. The white space in the image catches your eye and leads you to read the image like a book, left to right. You’re instantly connected with one of our main characters, Ashley and you’re eager to turn the page to learn more.

With all that being said I want to be very clear that I’m not a “stager” and I don’t plan everything. On the wedding day I am an observer and I capture the wedding story truthfully as it unfolds before me.

I didn’t pose Ashley for this image. It was a moment captured. It was a moment where my preparation of considering the final product + keenly observing my surroundings came together to create a unique introductory image.

Many more images to come, but for now….a bowl of heaven.

L to R: College graduation then fast forward 4 years to the engagement

Scanned directly from my old-school matted wedding album. Does that huge cascading bouquet make you cringe? But, oh how I loved it and the scent was heavenly — peonies, roses and freesia. Wedding images by Barbie Vallot.

Our best contributions to this world. L to R: 2004 welcome baby boy; big boy eagerly awaits the arrival of lil sis; 2005 welcome baby girl. All baby images by Wendi Poole.

Venue: The Club at Sonterra, San Antonio

Florist:  Floral Elegance

Cake:  Cakes and More by Cynthia

Invitation & Stationery Design:  Arispe Creative

Kim and Bobby Arispe at Arispe Creative did a wonderful job with the invitation concept & design.  Thanks to Bobby for the photo.

One of my favorites from the day. Katrice looking over the ceremony location before things got started.

A little balloon fun thanks to Katrice’s wonderful Aunt.

You just have to smile at these cool cats! Makes me think I’m in some old movie.

Me having a little fun with the groomsmen.  I’m including this just for them!

Congratulations Katrice & Michael!

I love fun light. That said I can’t decide which of the next two I like better.

Wendi