Natalie Culberson and Cole Bailey Tie the Knot!

July 14, 2012, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Heather's Unique Bridal Session

≪ Previous: Jillian and John's Sweet Fayetteville Wedding Story

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Hey everybody!

Remember that gorgeous Southern bridal portrait session we did a couple weeks ago?  Well, that gorgeous Southern bride is now a Mrs.!  Natalie married Cole at Pratt Place Barn in Fayetteville, and we loved photographing their beautiful outdoor portraits!  We were racing against the clock as the sun was setting... but we won the race!  I'm so happy to share these pretty images with y'all!














Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Heather's Unique Bridal Session

July 16, 2012, 2:30 pm

≫ Next: St. Catherine's at Bell Gables Wedding of Heather and Matt

≪ Previous: Natalie Culberson and Cole Bailey Tie the Knot!

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Hey everybody!

When we were planning Heather's bridal session, it was a bit like we were going for two separate looks: one that was more traditional, and another that was more edgy (Matt, her husband, likes edgy). We typically don't do this, but then again, most brides want one or the other. We were happy to shoot both for our fabulous bride, and the end result was just what I was hoping for! A special shoutout to Riffraff, who provided the upstairs artsy location for us!

















Talk to you soon,
Dale

St. Catherine's at Bell Gables Wedding of Heather and Matt

July 17, 2012, 7:34 pm

≫ Next: St. Catherine's Bell Gable Wedding Portraits of Heather and Matt

≪ Previous: Heather's Unique Bridal Session

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Hey everybody!

It was a beautiful day for a wedding. And thanks to the meticulous planning and all-around awesomeness of wedding coordinator Amy Bates, everything was flawless. The great thing about a wedding being coordinated to perfection is that the bride got to experience the wedding as she ought to have, and so she and the groom had a day filled with emotion and love.

Here are some of Heather and Matt's details. I swoon over the Mr. and Mrs. forks they used to cut the cake.



You saw her dress yesterday when I posted about her unique bridals, but I just can't get over how beautiful and romantic it is!



And these bridal and bridesmaid bouquets were so pretty! Julie from Jules Design did the flowers and she always impresses!!



Matt's sweet doggy even got in on some flower action. Isn't that a cool wreath? My dog would be gnawing and pawing at it all day! Haha!



I caught a sweet moment before the ceremony as the flowergirl was waiting on the bride. Hey parents... feel free to buy this one big and hang it over the fireplace. Heehee!



Weddings at St. Catherine's (Bell Gables) are so beautiful! Here comes the bride with her father in this old fashioned vintage motorcar. Quite the entrance!



I love the old Cottage Chapel.






One of my favorite first dance pictures. Can't you feel the love between them?! Priceless!



Emotions were high as the bride and groom danced with their parents. It was SO touching! Yes, I still get choked up at weddings when moments like this happen!!



A toast from the groom's father. I love that you can see them in the foreground. :)



Oh, then it was party time! Matt flew in one of his favorite musicians to play, and he and DJ Derek bounced off each other all night. It was pretty cool, and the guests were dancing non-stop!


I have some pretty portraits from St. Catherine's at Bell Gables coming your way tomorrow!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

St. Catherine's Bell Gable Wedding Portraits of Heather and Matt

July 18, 2012, 10:52 am

≫ Next: Cameron and Emily's Kansas City Engagement Photos

≪ Previous: St. Catherine's at Bell Gables Wedding of Heather and Matt

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Hey everybody!

More from the fabulous wedding of Matt and Heather at Bell Gables today... pretty wedding portraits!












Talk to you soon,
Dale

Cameron and Emily's Kansas City Engagement Photos

July 19, 2012, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: Ryan and Paige's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

≪ Previous: St. Catherine's Bell Gable Wedding Portraits of Heather and Matt

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Hey everybody!

A favorite thing about photographing people in love is that it takes us all over the country (and world)! Recently, we were asked to come to Kansas City for an engagement shoot - we love shooting in new and unique locations! Especially when the couple is as sweet and ridiculously-good-looking as Cameron and Emily! He lives near the Nelson Atkins Museum, so we photographed there, and then a couple of other cool neighborhoods in Kansas City. Here are some favorites!

If you read this blog and live somewhere far, far away, don't hesitate to email me: dalebenfield@gmail.com and ask if I can come to your city! We love exploring and taking photos! :)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Ryan and Paige's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

July 20, 2012, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Brooke and Tyler's NWA Engagement Portraits

≪ Previous: Cameron and Emily's Kansas City Engagement Photos

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Hey everybody!

If you're wanted to get engaged, just join the Benfield Photography staff! Haha... the last two girls who started working for us got engaged literally within two weeks of starting! Well, anyway...

Paige, who has headed up our Shoot Your Kids Workshops and is doing a lot of office administration (and who has her own super creative blog) is now planning her wedding and we're so excited to be photographing her wedding!

Here are some of my favorites from their Fayetteville engagement session:



















Talk to you soon,
Dale

Brooke and Tyler's NWA Engagement Portraits

July 21, 2012, 10:46 am

≫ Next: Ellie's 8th Birthday

≪ Previous: Ryan and Paige's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

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Hey everybody!


When Brooke asked me to photograph Tyler and her for their engagement portraits, I was honored! I met her when I photographed her lovely sister's wedding (click here for Bree's wedding images, way back in 2008! Yeah... I've been updating this blog for a long time!) Anyway, I always thought Brooke was the coolest, and I'm happy to report she's found the coolest guy to marry! He's rebuilt an old Camaro, he's a firefighter, and he's got Brooke! Well played. :) Take a look at some of my favorite engagement portraits around Northwest Arkansas of Brooke and Tyler.

















Talk to you soon,
Dale

Ellie's 8th Birthday

July 22, 2012, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Vista Ranch Austin TX Wedding Portraits of Signe and Chad

≪ Previous: Brooke and Tyler's NWA Engagement Portraits

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Hey everybody!
It's total brain trickery to think that Ellie is eight years old. EIGHT! I cherish my sweet daughter so much, and wanted to give her a unique experience for her birthday this year. I hope it's something that she remembers forever!
We had a mini-birthday party at the NWA Naturals game in the Nickelodeon Suite. It was super cool - Ellie even got a foul ball (which she later got autographed)!

Then, we went off to St. Louis for her birthday weekend celebration. First night we of course had to have Ted Drewes frozen custard. Since Ellie and I are Cubs fans, we had to get our ice cream in Cubs caps.

The next day (yesterday) was her actual birthday and Mere and I treated her to a princess day at the spa at the Four Seasons St. Louis. She loved the mani/pedi, and even taught the nail tech there that it was cool to have your ring finger painted a 2nd color.

Here's our yummy lunch at Cielo (at St. Louis Four Seasons). Croque Monsieur, Gnocchi Pomodorissimo, Bourbon Rice Pudding, and my iced tea with tea iced cubes.

On the rooftop of the Four Seasons we had a pretty cool pool and a pretty cool view.

Then we hopped on a helicopter to see the city from above. It was both our first time on a helicopter (and we were both secretly a little scared, but we didn't tell each other until after we landed).


We lived! Haha! It was so fun and exhilarating!

Here's a little video from the helicopter: (at the 40th second, you can see Mere on the ground behind our black car - she was watching intently!)

On Sunday (today) we watched the Cubs play the cards. Oh how we love our Cubbies!
Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Vista Ranch Austin TX Wedding Portraits of Signe and Chad

July 22, 2012, 10:01 pm

≫ Next: Vista Ranch Wedding Details in Austin TX: Signe and Chad

≪ Previous: Ellie's 8th Birthday

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Hey everybody!

I get asked all the time what my all-time favorite wedding is. I always say that's like parents choosing their favorite child (impossible), but after Signe and Chad's wedding at the Vista West Ranch outside of Austin TX... this one is up there. First off, Signe and Chad are drop dead gorgeous. Second, they have impeccable taste and style. Third, the location is super legit. Fourth, the couple is really, really sweet. Five, the lighting (aka: GOD) was on our side all day. Overcast for the ceremony, and sun out for the portraits made for pretty much the most perfect day.

For that reason, I'm spending this week sharing this wedding with you. You'll see their pretty portraits (today, and later in the week), their super stylish and rustic details, and the outdoor wedding and indoor reception at Vista West Ranch. I hope you enjoy it!


Without further adieu... meet Signe. Breathtaking, right? Yeah.




The location was beautiful... the light was beautiful... one of my very favorite photographs.









Vista West Ranch is a rockin' background.  Such a great moment here!




Feel the love y'all!



Again, I'll be sharing a lot more from this wedding tomorrow, stop back by!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Vista Ranch Wedding Details in Austin TX: Signe and Chad

July 24, 2012, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Vista West Ranch Wedding Story: Signe and Chad Hugghins

≪ Previous: Vista Ranch Austin TX Wedding Portraits of Signe and Chad

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Hey everybody,

The details at Signe and Chad's Vista West Ranch wedding were to-die-for. From pie pops to custom mason goblets to the most adorable programs, everything was perfectly set in place.  Take your time and look through all the pinterest-worthy rustic wedding details...















Chad wanted to use his father's ring as his wedding band.  So sweet!




Such a clever and cute seating chart idea!




I love the mix-match chairs.  It was perfect for the overall rustic theme of the outdoor wedding.




So swoonworthy! These details!



Tomorrow I'm going to show some story-telling, photojournalistic images from the day.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Vista West Ranch Wedding Story: Signe and Chad Hugghins

July 24, 2012, 11:26 pm

≫ Next: More Wedding Portraits from Vista West Ranch Texas Wedding of Signe and Chad

≪ Previous: Vista Ranch Wedding Details in Austin TX: Signe and Chad

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Hey everybody!

More from a beautiful outdoor wedding today. Vista West Ranch is a beautiful place to get married, as we've seen this week. Today I have the storytelling images from Chad and Signe's rustic intimate wedding.

I love these shots of Signe and her mom (who's amazing, by the way) getting the bride ready.




Perfection.




Not to mention the coolest bridesmaids a girl could ask for








MmmmmHmmmmm....




When they were first announced to the reception - they know how to captivate an audience.




Oh how I love these two! They are SO in love!



And they lived happily ever after. Such a fun getaway.



Talk to you soon,
Dale

More Wedding Portraits from Vista West Ranch Texas Wedding of Signe and Chad

July 25, 2012, 11:45 pm

≫ Next: Finale Post: Signe and Chad's Vista Ranch Wedding Portraits

≪ Previous: Vista West Ranch Wedding Story: Signe and Chad Hugghins

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Hey everybody!

I can't help it.  There are just so many pretty portraits of Signe and Chad!  Today I'm sharing some more of my favorites from their amazing outdoor Vista West Ranch wedding portrait session.



















Talk to you soon,
Dale

Finale Post: Signe and Chad's Vista Ranch Wedding Portraits

July 26, 2012, 11:59 pm

≫ Next: Brooke and Tyler's NWA Engagement Portraits, part 2

≪ Previous: More Wedding Portraits from Vista West Ranch Texas Wedding of Signe and Chad

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Hey everybody!

I hope you've enjoyed Signe and Chad's wedding at the lovely Vista West Ranch outside Austin Texas. Here we go... one more post from a beautiful wedding.




















Chad and Signe, thanks so much for bringing Meredith and me to Austin for your amazing wedding. We had a great time, made friends, and shot the heck out of your wedding! We look forward to more good times with y'all in the future!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Brooke and Tyler's NWA Engagement Portraits, part 2

July 28, 2012, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Crystal Bridges Wedding and Reception of Ashley and Heath

≪ Previous: Finale Post: Signe and Chad's Vista Ranch Wedding Portraits

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Hey everybody!

I have more from Brooke and Tyler's engagement session! Yay! They're such a fun couple, and the shoot went so great! And these are our favorites (not that last week's post wasn't rockin, but I just love these!)
















Talk to you soon,
Dale

Crystal Bridges Wedding and Reception of Ashley and Heath

July 29, 2012, 10:14 am

≫ Next: Crystal Bridges Wedding and Reception Story of Ashley and Heath

≪ Previous: Brooke and Tyler's NWA Engagement Portraits, part 2

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Hey everybody,
We have the distinct honor of having photographed one of the first ever weddings and receptions at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, AR. Maybe I'll be a trivial pursuit answer in the future - haha! Seriously though, photographing the Crystal Bridges wedding was fabulous - it was so gorgeous! Jessica from Finishing Touch helped Ashley see to every flawless detail.


Vera Wang made the dress. Ohemgeeee.




Our friend Julie from Jules Design did the flowers (see her link below)




And Jennifer at Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe in Springdale created a masterpiece for the museum wedding.  The frame in front of the cake is even white chocolate!




The room was absolutely gorgeous!


Crystal Bridges might just become THE new IT place to be married!


More from the Crystal Bridges wedding tomorrow! If you want to see more, Jessica Kersey from Finishing Touch Event Design has some images on her blog.
Talk to you soon,
Dale
Photographer: Benfield Photography
Wedding Design & Coordination: Finishing Touch Event Design
Videographer: NiLo Productions
Wedding Gown: Vera Wang
Venue: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Great Hall
Florist: Jules Design
Band: Brick & Fields
Rentals: Eventures
Limo: Dynasty Limousines
String Quartet: Saint Marks Squared
Artist: Jane Garrison
Boys' attire: JCrew

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Crystal Bridges Wedding and Reception Story of Ashley and Heath

July 30, 2012, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Crystal Bridges Wedding Portraits of Ashley and Heath

≪ Previous: Crystal Bridges Wedding and Reception of Ashley and Heath

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Hey everybody!

More fabulous Crystal Bridges Wedding images are on the blog today! Today I'm going to share Ashley and Heath's romantic wedding story with y'all!

Here's that gorgeous Vera Wang dress...



Ashley and Heath had a special first meeting, and looking around... this seemed to be the best place at Crystal Bridges for their romantic first look. Agreed?



I LOOOOVE this image because it really shows off the Great Hall at Crystal Bridges for the wedding (which was later flipped into the reception during cocktail hour by Finishing Touch Event Design)






After the room flip, the Great Hall was just as gorgeous (or maybe even more) as the bride and groom danced their first dance.










Talk to you soon,
Dale

P.S. More on the Finishing Touch Event Design Blog

Crystal Bridges Wedding Portraits of Ashley and Heath

July 31, 2012, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: 101 Photo Tips for Beginning, Semi-Pro, and Pro Photographers

≪ Previous: Crystal Bridges Wedding and Reception Story of Ashley and Heath

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Hey everybody,

Not only was the wedding at Crystal Bridges super gorgeous, but the portraits outside were stunning. There are so many pretty places for a bride and groom here! :)
















Thanks, Ashley and Heath, for having Benfield Photography photograph your Crystal Bridges Wedding! It was such an amazing day and y'all were so wonderful!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

101 Photo Tips for Beginning, Semi-Pro, and Pro Photographers

August 1, 2012, 12:12 am

≫ Next: Our bride/friend Ashley's House is For Sale!

≪ Previous: Crystal Bridges Wedding Portraits of Ashley and Heath

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Hey everybody!

What began as a little hobby that I started to help out some photographers has developed into a big ol' full-fledged e-book! I now have 101 photography tips for photographers (there are some for beginning, some for intermediate, and some for advanced photographers).

I have poured my heart into this 146 pg ebook containing my 101 best tips for not only improving your photography skills, but also increasing your business. My best marketing tips and ideas, as well as some of the ways I streamline my workflow, are included as well.

You should by this book if any of the following apply:

* you want to take better pictures (improve your composition)
* you want to spend less time on your business while still making as much money
* you want to increase your client base through creative and smart marketing
* you want to see inside my photography business (best practices/procedures)
* you want to move from beginning to advanced photographer

Think of this as a cookbook for success. You don't have to read it from tip 1 to 101. Skip around and enjoy learning in the areas you feel you need the most help. The entire e-book is written in an easy-to-follow, conversational style.

Pages: 146pp
Format: pdf
Delivery: direct download
Price: $25






Talk to you soon,
Dale

Our bride/friend Ashley's House is For Sale!

August 2, 2012, 2:36 pm

≫ Next: Joplin Family Portrait Session

≪ Previous: 101 Photo Tips for Beginning, Semi-Pro, and Pro Photographers

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Hey everybody!

Our lovely Crystal Bridges bride, Ashley, gets to sell her house now that her family is bigger! :) I love that! I also love the house she's selling!

And I love the neighborhood! Har-Ber Meadows is such a great neighborhood (we have lots of clients in Har-Ber Meadows and have photographed there many times!)




You can see more about this house at the link below... I'm no realtor (I have a great realtor that I love - Hi Holly!) Anyway... this one is for sale by owner:

http://www.forsalebyowner.com/listing/07B2A

Price: $199,900
Bedrooms:3
Bathrooms:2
Square Footage:1900

6645 Harvey Jones Ave.
Springdale, AR 72762

And... there is an open house THIS SUNDAY, August 5th! Go see it in person!
Tell her I sent you so she gives me a big hug next time I see her! :) :)


Talk to you soon,
Dale

Joplin Family Portrait Session

August 3, 2012, 9:40 pm

≫ Next: Engagement Wedding Websites? Yep, We Do Those!

≪ Previous: Our bride/friend Ashley's House is For Sale!

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Hey everybody!

Recently Mere and I photographed one of our very favorite Joplin families, the Kimbroughs (you might remember them from our Italy wedding). We though Schifferdecker park would be a great, classic backdroup for the family. There something timeless about a perfect, classic portrait with gorgeous light!







Talk to you soon,
Dale