It's A Celebration! {Oneika & Jamar}

Those words rang out non-stop throughout the day of Oneika & Jamar's wedding. And it really was. Joy and beauty were abundant and I'm convinced the sun was shining just for them.

The ladies began the day at the church where Simply Flawless by Brandi was on the scene for make-up application. The name doesn't lie. The ladies were, indeed, flawless.


If there is one thing I know about Oneika, it's that her shoes are always BAD! So it was no real surprise to me when she whipped out these bad boys...


While the beautiful bride was preparing herself, her little gentleman was waiting patiently. It doesn't get any cuter than this.


Isn't this a handsome group of fellas?


Then the time came for Oneika to step into the dress, with Mama, Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor there to help her.



Isn't she stunning? She just blew me away.


I caught Jamar just as he was entering the church. When I asked him if he was ready, a sincere smile spread across his face. He was ready to become the husband of the lady of his dreams.

Love is the most beautiful thing in the world to me, and I was extremely fortunate to witness Oneika & Jamar's expression of their love for each other.


When Oneika & I spoke about her wedding, she let me know that she wanted a photo of her whole family - which is VAST, to put it mildly! After the ceremony, everybody filed into the aisle of the sanctuary, squeezed in tight, and put on their brightest smiles. A pretty good looking family, huh? You guys were wonderful.

Before the brand new couple headed to the reception, I stopped them for a few more photos. Look at that ride! Nice, right?


This may be my absolute favorite of the day...



After fighting a bit of traffic, we finally arrived at the beautiful Column A Banquets & Events. The owners Vera & Robert Wright are one of the most wonderful & genuine couples I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Mrs. Wright also designed the florals for Oneika & Jamar's day. Thanks also to Couture Cakes and Perfect Petit Fours for the wonderful desserts.



Jamar's groom's cake was an ode to New Orleans.


Oneika's angelic coordinator, Tristan Mathis-Caldwell, was so wonderful to work with.


Before the food was served, Oneika, Jamar & their attendants snuck across the street for a few more photos. The light was LOVELY and there was just enough shade to make things work perfectly.

I just loved the colors. Mix silver and fuchsia, toss in the various shades of brown skin, and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a stunning photo...


Work it, ladies!


Back inside, the celebration really began.

I don't think the dance floor was empty once the entire time. I had a blast watching it all go down through my lens.




Oneika, I really have no words. Just look at you!

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better or contain any more joy & laughter, the Second Line began. With a brass band playing, parasols twirling and hankies waving, Oneika & Jamar brought a little piece of New Orleans to Houston in grand fashion.



After the music died down, the newlyweds were able to rest their feet for a bit.


Oneika & Jamar, thank you so much for allowing me to feel like a part of your VAST family. Your love is beautiful and your new life together will be a perfect reflection of it. Here's to a life full of peace, joy, adventure, togetherness, and each other. Cheers.


*Special thanks to Elena for second shooting for me. YOU WERE AWESOME! Woosah. :)