Juliana's 1 year portraits

September 25, 2013, 7:34 pm

≫ Next: Bonnet Island Estate: Long Beach Wedding Location

≪ Previous: Proud Dada... Ellie's Big News

Hey everybody!

How cute is this sweet little one-year-old girl?! Don't you just wanna eat her up?

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Bonnet Island Estate: Long Beach Wedding Location

October 22, 2013, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Bonnet Island Estate Wedding of Dorothy and Jon

≪ Previous: Juliana's 1 year portraits

Hey everybody!

I raved a little about this gorgeous wedding venue in yesterday's post, and today I get to share pictures! Bonnet Island Estate on Long Beach Island is such a dream!

But wait! I'm getting ahead of myself! First I get to share these beautiful wedding details from Jon and Dorothy's wedding day.

Grooms-to-be: take note of Jonathan's tux. While it's an investment, it's so smart to get your own custom tux; not only will it fit right and look great, but over time it will pay for itself in saved rental fees!

Brides-to-be: Dorothy did an amazing job of coordinating her look for the big day. Lots of sparkle and bling, particularly in her fabulous Christian Louboutins, brought her vision together and was such a polished and complete look .

Gah. These might well be my all-time favorite wedding shoes. I die.

Now, back to Bonnet Island Estate... this ceremony location is gorgeous! Lots of white, open air, stone fireplace. Just magical.

Dorothy's reception was just as breathtaking! They organized/named their tables to help guests find their seat. Such a cute idea!

I just can't get over this ceremony site. Can you believe such a place actually exists? Can Cece have her first birthday party here? (just kidding, Mere of course already has that planned... haha!)

Another indoor shot of the reception location... as a photographer, you have to love all this window light! Yes!! I have a love for perfectly set rooms.

I also have a thing for cupcakes, but that's another story.

Here's the front of Bonnet Island Estate. What a statement.

Now that we've set the scene, it's time for the story of the day! Come back tomorrow for that... but in the meantime, here's a sneak peek of one of my favorite moments:

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Bonnet Island Estate Wedding of Dorothy and Jon

October 23, 2013, 8:21 am

≫ Next: Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Reception of Jon and Dorothy

≪ Previous: Bonnet Island Estate: Long Beach Wedding Location

Hey everybody!

Can we say, "finally!"?? I've teased and tortured, but today we're finally sharing Dorothy and Jon's Bonnet Island Estate wedding with the world!
Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

When we arrived at the bridal suite at the Daddy-O hotel in Long Beach Island, we were in awe of Dorothy. Such a vision! Here, her sister (who I'm also crazy about) helps with the finishing touches to Dorothy's Maggie Sottero dress (which was to die for!).

And then it was off to meet Jon on the beach for a very special first look. The sky was overcast, which made for the most beautifully lit beach pictures. This moment is really precious! I love when a bride and groom forget all about me and let themselves be taken in the moment.

I've already leaked this photo, but I could stare at it all day. If you know me in person, you know I'm a cryer. #1) I cried when I took this photo. #2) I'll be just like Dorothy's dad when I walk my own girls down the aisle. Guarantee it. On a side note, not many men can really pull off a white tux. Dorothy's dad was no ordinary man. He looked dapper in this and made such a statement.

Dorothy and Jon's ceremony was really sweet. They read poems, wrote their own vows, laughed and cried through it all, and the audience LOVED it. (and so did I)

I put this shot in to show the full chapel. It's just beautiful! Then, as I got to looking deeper at the image, I noticed the smiles and tears on the bridesmaids' faces. This, friends, is why I love photography.

Perfection.

Yay for the happy couple!!

I of COURSE had to pop in on a pic with my stunning bride. By the way, their instagram hastag is jonanddottietheknot - so obviously I had to wear my polka dot shirt. Always coordinating, aren't I?

What a fabulous ceremony! Tomorrow we get to see their gorgeous and super fun reception!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Reception of Jon and Dorothy

October 24, 2013, 6:00 am

≫ Next: More Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Portraits of Jon and Dorothy

≪ Previous: Bonnet Island Estate Wedding of Dorothy and Jon

Hey everybody!

Before we get into the reception story, can I brag a second on Dorothy's wedding party? These ladies were SO fun, didn't mind my crazy dancing (they may have even encouraged me a little), and we had the BEST time all day long! Dorothy's sisters are dolls, and if I don't photograph both of their weddings, I'll throw a fit! Carrying on, I love these coordinating dresses!

Now, on with the show!

Dorothy and Jon OWNED the dancefloor. The band played Dorothy's list to perfection and the party stayed hopping all night long! I never do this, but after our time was up for the night, Dorothy invited us to stay and hang out... and we DID! I think we've done that maybe once or twice ever (shooting on your feet all day is grueling), but I didn't want to leave this party... or this couple!

Isn't the Bonnet Island Estate such a fabulous place for a wedding reception?!

It fills me with such happiness to think that Dorothy and her dad shared so many wonderful emotions, moments, and memories on Dorothy's wedding day. I hope they both cherish this image forever!

After cupcakes and a little playful behavior, Jon and Dorothy had a real, lovey moment!

Don't think for a second that Dorothy and Jon's wedding posts are through. We've got one more surprise for Dorothy, Jon, and everybody else tomorrow!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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More Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Portraits of Jon and Dorothy

October 25, 2013, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Big Cedar Wedding of Jamie and Chris

≪ Previous: Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Reception of Jon and Dorothy

Hey everybody!

What a fun week we've had! Today we're going out on a bang with Dorothy and Jon! We had a few extra moments after their beach first meeting, and after their family portraits to have two mini-portrait sessions, and I'm convinced these two can't take a bad picture!!

Dorothy and Jon, it was such an experience getting to know you so well. I am looking forward to all your friends' (and sisters') weddings so we can relive some of this in person! That's probably the toughest part about being a destination wedding photographer: you build these amazing relationships never knowing when we'll see each other again! Love y'all!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Big Cedar Wedding of Jamie and Chris

October 26, 2013, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Big Cedar Wedding Portraits of Jamie and Chris

≪ Previous: More Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Portraits of Jon and Dorothy

Hey friends!

This wedding was CRAZY!!! It poured down rain almost the entire day! POURED!!! But... I have to say I was completely impressed with Jamie. She handled the entire day with such grace. When her "perfect" wedding location was rained out and she was forced to have it inside at her reception venue, she stayed composed the entire time. The ceremony might not have been in the perfect location but Jamie and Chris knew exactly what a wedding was truly about. It never truly mattered where or when the ceremony took place. They were able to celebrate their love for each other and the start of a new family together whether it rained or shined. To me, this was very touching. I see a lot of brides get upset over the flowers being "wrong" or things not being exactly how they "should". It rained during almost all of Jamie and Chris' wedding day but it was somewhat inspirational to see a couple not be bothered by that at all and just be wanting to celebrate with their friends and family. Here's a few of the incredibly sweet photos Jess and I got of their wedding...

The cake topper might seem funny but they both work for the FBI so it fits perfectly!

This sweet girl decided last minute she would walk with the bride (stepmom)... the bride, of course, had no complaints.

The rain stopped just long enough for us to get the perfect petal leave shot!

Chris' daughter rocked the dance floor! She has certainly got so much personality!

Love this sweet moment to end the night...

~ Lauren

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Big Cedar Wedding Portraits of Jamie and Chris

October 27, 2013, 12:00 am

≫ Next: Dallas Arboretum Engagement Portraits of Justi and Weston

≪ Previous: Big Cedar Wedding of Jamie and Chris

Okay... so I have already raved about how incredible Jamie and Chris were... but these photos prove it! We worked to find any place that would be covered from the rain but they didn't care! Any idea we had in mind, no matter how hard it rained, they were completely up for it! Most brides would have been worried about their hair or their makeup but Jamie was all in when it came to photos!

Um... please notice how absolutelt awesome her Kate Spade shoes are!

Hope y'all love these two as much as Jess and I do!

~ Lauren

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Dallas Arboretum Engagement Portraits of Justi and Weston

October 28, 2013, 8:59 am

≫ Next: Jessica and Paul's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

≪ Previous: Big Cedar Wedding Portraits of Jamie and Chris

Hey everybody!

I love me a fabulous Southern Bride. Southern Brides are sweet and considerate, are giving and nurturing, have a great fashion sense, are great at being organized and know they want, and are the prettiest girls! Justi embodies Southern Bride with all that she is! And Weston is a true Southern boy: totally respectful, dashing good looks, great sense of humor, manly when he needs to be, but above all... LOVES his Southern Bride.

Needless to say, my task of getting beautiful engagement images of the couple was a piece of cake. The Dallas Arboretum was my backdrop, so that made the work that much easier (though, I did have to crop out a BUNCH of pumpkins this time of year). Haha!

We were actually schedule to shoot on Monday in Dallas, but the rain kept us from shooting a full session. Since I'm normally not one to reschedule, I did a mini engagement session in the rain in addition to their Thursday session later in the week. I LOOOOOVE this shot so much.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Jessica and Paul's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

October 29, 2013, 7:29 pm

≫ Next: Katie and Nick's Dallas Arboretum Engagement Portraits

≪ Previous: Dallas Arboretum Engagement Portraits of Justi and Weston

Hey everybody!

I love Fall in Fayetteville! The temperature is nice, but it's the leaves that make this time of year exceptional. When Jessica asked me back in June when we should set them, I knew exactly what to say! Once we set a date, she made some amazing clothing choices to bring out the fall colors! Great job Jessica! Paul and Jessica are such a fun and sweet couple. Lots of NATURAL smiles (those are the BEST!)... I could tell from the very beginning that they were enjoying this! (what's funny is that Jess emailed me a couple months ago nervous about the pictures. After 2 minutes of shooting we all knew there was nothing to worry about... they were naturals! :) Here are some of my favorites:

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Katie and Nick's Dallas Arboretum Engagement Portraits

October 30, 2013, 6:54 pm

≫ Next: Ellie's Halloween Costume: Lucille Ball {I Love Lucy!}

≪ Previous: Jessica and Paul's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

Hey everybody!

It took about 2 seconds to figure out that Katie and Nick are silly and fun... just like me! It took even less than that to see that they're both ridiculously good-looking. Here are some of my favorites shot by Stephanie and me...

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Ellie's Halloween Costume: Lucille Ball {I Love Lucy!}

October 31, 2013, 5:30 am

≫ Next: Cece's First Halloween Costume: A Benny Bride!

≪ Previous: Katie and Nick's Dallas Arboretum Engagement Portraits

Hey everybody!

Mere and Ellie have done it again. That is, they've teamed up to create a fabulous costume for Halloween. This year, they decided Lucy, as in I Love Lucy, would be the perfect person to dress up as, and they did it perfectly. Mere and Ellie worked on the outfit, Mere did the hair and makeup, and Ellie rocked the poses. Have a look!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Cece's First Halloween Costume: A Benny Bride!

October 31, 2013, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Dead Swanky's Blowdry Bar: Grand Opening

≪ Previous: Ellie's Halloween Costume: Lucille Ball {I Love Lucy!}

Hey everybody!

Yesterday I showed Ellie's costume, and today it's her sister's turn! We had a million different ideas of what Cece should be for her first Halloween, but ultimately we thought she just HAD to be a Benny Bride! Then of course I had to put on my wedding suit and pose in a couple pictures with my little lady!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Dead Swanky's Blowdry Bar: Grand Opening

November 2, 2013, 8:52 pm

≫ Next: Benfield Boys on the Blog!

≪ Previous: Cece's First Halloween Costume: A Benny Bride!

Hey everybody!

Tonight I had the pleasure of photographing at the grand opening of the blowdry bar by Dead Swanky in Fayetteville. It was such a fun night, and the space is GORGEOUS! Ellie even went early for her own blowout and style! She had a blast! We're working on a fun thing for Benny Brides... stay tuned!!

Ellie's before and after - Kayla did a fabulous job! (and Ellie adored her!)

My new silly friends...

I brought the Benny Booth, and later Mere brought Cece - we took a couple cute pics...

Such a fun group! And Ellie with Kayla

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Blowdry Bar:
1364 Augustine Lane, Sute #3
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703
(479) 587-1050
http://deadswankysalon.com

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Benfield Boys on the Blog!

November 3, 2013, 11:27 am

≫ Next: Congratulations Jennifer at Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe!

≪ Previous: Dead Swanky's Blowdry Bar: Grand Opening

Hey everybody!

My cute little nephews, all of which have amazing hair, are on the blog today! We were able to set aside some Joplin time for my brother's family and were so happy to get some great shots of them! I love seeing them as much as possible... they really are the sweetest of boys! Here are a few of my favorites:

Ellie and Cece hopped in for one...

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Congratulations Jennifer at Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe!

November 4, 2013, 1:07 pm

≫ Next: Jennifer and Ryan's Engagement Portraits in Fayetteville

≪ Previous: Benfield Boys on the Blog!

Hey everybody!

One of our very sweet and amazingly talented friends just got recognized for her awesomeness! Jennifer Matsubura from Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe in Springdale just won the Grand National Wedding Cake Competition! That's kind of a big deal if you don't know! Here's a link to the article from the Tulsa World: I was so happy to see how much money she won for grand champion - yay for her! She's SO deserving and SUCH a talent!

To see her winning cake, click here!

To book her for your wedding (which you should TOTALLY do!), call here: (479) 750-0044 or stop by here: 118 W. Emma Ave Springdale, AR

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Jennifer and Ryan's Engagement Portraits in Fayetteville

November 5, 2013, 11:27 am

≫ Next: More Fayetteville Engagement Portraits of Jennifer and Ryan

≪ Previous: Congratulations Jennifer at Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe!

Hey everybody!

Jennifer has played such a special role in our lives over the past year; she was Meredith's nurse when we checked into the hospital to have Cece. She is such a special person and is amazing at her job. She is super intelligent, so nurturing, and all-around about the most giving and loving person we've ever met! No wonder Ryan asked her to be his wife!

I actually have known Jennifer for years and years (I even shot her senior pictures in the early days of Benfield Photography), and I've always admired her! And Meredith has known Ryan since they were kids, riding their bikes together around their neighborhood!

We're always honored with our Joplin friends use us for their photography needs!

Okay, so on with the shoot. Ryan had a request to do some by a body of water, and since we live near Lake Fayetteville, we thought that would be the perfect place to start! Then, it was off to a couple of our favorite Fayetteville spots for the rest! Have a look at some favorites!! Yay!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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More Fayetteville Engagement Portraits of Jennifer and Ryan

November 6, 2013, 11:30 am

≫ Next: Crystal Bridges Wedding of Blair and Tom (pt1)

≪ Previous: Jennifer and Ryan's Engagement Portraits in Fayetteville

Hey everybody!

I carried on and on about Jennifer and Ryan in yesterday's post, so if you wanna know about them, scroll on down; I will say, however, that sometimes you have people in your life that you just want MORE of and Jennifer and Ryan are those people to Meredith and me. We've pretty much begged them to move to NWA a dozen times, tempting them with ideas of dinners and parties and all those kind of best-friend-things. We'll see. ;) Now that I've wandered off topic, let's refocus. Here are some more of their Fayetteville engagement portraits...

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Crystal Bridges Wedding of Blair and Tom (pt1)

November 7, 2013, 11:51 am

≫ Next: Crystal Bridges Reception of Blair and Tom

≪ Previous: More Fayetteville Engagement Portraits of Jennifer and Ryan

Hey everybody!

Blair and Tom are really an amazing couple. They've traveled the world, are extremely successful, and are both sincere and genuine. And they are so in love! We were so happy when they chose us to photograph their Crystal Bridges wedding and reception!
You'd think that getting married at sunset and not seeing each other would be a problem (and normally it is!) but at Crystal Bridges they do such a good job of illuminating the outdoors that we were able to get a few portraits of the couple! I love the ones I got in front of the L-O-V-E sculpture outside!

Blair has extraordinary taste, and I was in awe of her details all day long. Amy Hardin and her team at Details Weddings and Events did a beautiful job, as did Jonathan and team at Pigmint Florist. Seriously... knocked it out of the park!

I'm crazy about her Kate Spade wedding shoes too! Brides, feel free to take that page from her wedding planning book! :)

So stunning.

These centerpieces were so unique and beautiful, and just perfect for the Crystal Bridges Great Hall wedding and reception.

How cute are these two?! I loved playing off the reflections in the glass panels for this shot in the Great Hall.

Perfection. For a wedding that was a work of art, Crystal Bridges was the perfect place for it!

More from this fabulous wedding coming your way tomorrow!
Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Crystal Bridges Reception of Blair and Tom

November 8, 2013, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: Headshots for Alex Sorrell, My Fashionista Friend!

≪ Previous: Crystal Bridges Wedding of Blair and Tom (pt1)

Hey everybody!
Yesterday we shared the beautiful wedding of Blair and Tom at Crystal Bridges. Today, I'm excited to show you the reception, with even more fabulous work by the teams at Details Weddings and Events, and Pigmint. Oh and Benfield Photography. Hahaha!!

Perfect for a fall wedding, I love how the tablescapes included pumpkins and fall colors. Very ethereal, yet polished!

Show stopper. Crystal Bridges' Great Hall is such a statement location for a wedding reception.

I don't even want to know how long it took the Pigmint to perfect this tablescape, but it was worth it! Such a dream!

Our lovely couple definitely enjoyed their first dance in the Great Hall. I love when the groom looks at his bride (so adoringly) throughout the wedding day, which Tom did!!

And Blair was all-eyes for Tom as well. So much love and happiness in this picture!

As a special treat, a relative of the newlyweds was a rad breakdancer and put on a special performance for the guests, who ATE IT UP!

Are you kidding me with these fabulous centerpiece statements?! Bravo, Pigmint!

Then it was time to party!!

And now, maybe we should end like we started: with fabulous portraits of our newlywed couple.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Headshots for Alex Sorrell, My Fashionista Friend!

November 9, 2013, 12:04 pm

≫ Next: Happy Birthday to Mere!

≪ Previous: Crystal Bridges Reception of Blair and Tom

Hey everybody!

One of my friends, Alex Sorrell, who is the beauty and brains behind State of Sorrell, the popular sports blog, asked me recently if I could shoot some new headshots! Yay! She's of course super gorge and super fun, so it was a no brainer! Have a look at some of our faves!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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