Powell Gardens Wedding: Kara + Tom

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with thom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” – James 1:17

This was the scripture verse engraved on their ring; words that are a testiment to Kara + Tom’s love and appreciation for the Lord and for each other.

Kara + Tom’s relationship began with a phone call. While teaching with Tom’s sister, a mutual friend of theirs decided to give Tom Kara’s phone number. And 4 weeks later, they spoke for the first time. Tom asked her on their very first date and on that date, Kara says she “Talked non-stop and Tom hardly talked at all.” According to Kara, things haven’t changed much since. 🙂

For the past 18 months, Kara + Tom have become inseparable. Even Bobby (Tom’s best man) stated during the wedding that after not having seen Tom for that entire length of time, he was hoping Kara would share Tom with him again after the wedding. 😉 They’ve spent their time learning about each other, growing in their faith, and…bike riding! Apparantely, it’s one of their favorite pasttimes.

And in the Spring of this year, while bike riding, Tom knew the timing was perfect. He hollered ahead to Kara that he needed to stop to check on his gears. Kara heard, but not thinking much of the situation, kept biking down the hill. When she realized it was taking him a while, she biked ALL the way BACK up the hill to find him seated beside his bike. When she got close enough he asked her to help by holding onto his bike seat while he got a closer look.

As she made her way around the bike, he dropped to one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him.

Recently, I traveled to Kansas City, MO for Kara + Tom’s wedding. It was perfect….all that Kara dreamed of, but most importantly Kara + Tom were elated to start their life as husband and wife. I am so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to photograph such a beautiful couple, to be inspired by their strong faith (individually + as a couple)….and to see my very first REAL Fall. Louisiana’s fall leaves just don’t compare. Thank you so much for having me.

The chapel at Powell Gardens and the beautiful Fall leaves were amazing!

This is Kara’s favorite view through the chapel. We both LOVED the way you can see straight through from this angle.

Now, THIS is what a Fall leaf looks like.

Kara’s in-laws gave her the sweetest note with this beautiful charm bracelet.

I loved these coasters that Kara + Tom made. Even I have a set to keep and cherish forever!

Village Gardens did such a beautiful job with her flowers!

Mrs. Nancy + Kara have such a special relationship. 🙂 It was really nice being around you two again!

This shot is definitely one of my favorites from the day.

I thought it was so neat that just before their first look I could see them both as they made last minute adjustments but they couldn’t see each other.

We made our way down into the gardens where Kara + Tom had their First Look.

I LOVE their expressions. Their First Look was such a beautiful moment.

And as I photographed, Kara + Tom had their time together.

I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful location or a more special couple to photograph here.

LOVE

The view out of the chapel….I know?! Awesome, right?

TOO Cute!

Kara + Mr. David are SO sweet!

Emily took her job of fluffing the dress very seriously. 🙂

I thought it was so precious the way that the girls sat on the alter during the ceremony.

Tom + Kara weren’t afraid to show their emotions and the depth of their love. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful.

Just before they were announced as husband and wife, the girls ran to hug them. 🙂

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sims.

Kara + Tom opted to have their friends and family form a receiving line just outside of the church. Below is my favorite shot of the day and potentially one of my favorite photographs ever.

After the guests made their way to the reception I spent just a few minutes with Tom and Kara alone in the church.

I told Kara that while in architecture school, I studied the architect who designed this chapel. To photograph them here was incredible!!!

Kara + Tom’s first dance….

Kara’s brother Tim standing next to her dad as he watched Kara + Tom’s First Dance.

Tom’s best man, Bobby, giving his speech…

Congratulations you two!!!

This was Kara + Tom’s caketopper….gifted to them by her brother.

Kara + Tom,

It’s hard to believe that the wedding has already come and gone! It was the perfect day with beautiful weather and lots of wonderful people to share the occasion with. It was SO wonderful meeting you, Tom. And it was really nice catching  up with you, Kara…Tim, Mrs. Nancy and Mr. David! It’s like time picked up where it left off. I truly wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and strong faith. God knew what he was doing when he brought you two together. I hope you had a wonderful honeymoon!!!!

Catherine