A Return to Wedding Photography for Jaci and Benton
It’s been seven years since I last photographed a wedding. During that time, I focused on portraits, senior sessions, and brand shoots around the Texas Panhandle. So when Jaci reached out to ask if I’d photograph her engagement and wedding, I felt a mix of nostalgia and hesitation. But the connection I had with Jaci, being my first paid portrait client in the Texas Panhandle, and the fact that she’s modeled for me for almost a decade, made the decision easier. I knew I had to be there for her.
However, I wasn’t about to jump back into wedding photography alone. I called in my friend James Barrett, a seasoned wedding photographer, to take the lead as the main photographer while I took on the role of second shooter. James is someone I trust 100% with the camera—his experience and skill in capturing weddings are unmatched, even if he does shoot with Sony. (I’ll stick with my trusty Canon, thank you very much!) I knew that together, we could deliver something truly special for Jaci and Benton.
The wedding day was filled with unforgettable moments. One of the most touching was Jaci’s First Look with her bridesmaids, groomsmen, brother, and finally her father. The anticipation and joy in the room were palpable as she revealed her dress, and the expressions on everyones’ faces said it all. It was a beautiful moment several times over that I felt privileged to capture.
Benton, with his easygoing nature, was just as I remembered from our previous encounters. Although I’d only met him a few times, I had photographed his younger brother Bryson for several years as part of the Amarillo High baseball team. It was clear why Jaci had fallen for him.
Throughout the day, James and I worked seamlessly, capturing thousands of photos that told the story of Jaci and Benton’s special day. From the emotional moments to the joyful celebrations, we left no stone unturned. The experience reminded me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place—not just to take pictures, but to tell stories that people will cherish forever.
We photographed the wedding on Saturday, and after carefully curating the best moments, I’m thrilled to say that we delivered the full gallery to Jaci and Benton just four days following the ceremony.
Below is a gallery of my favorite moments from Jaci and Benton’s wedding day. Each photo tells a story—of love, friendship, and a day filled with unforgettable memories. Best of luck to you both!