We've Promoted Rachel! Yay!

May 7, 2014, 12:07 pm

≫ Next: Brittany and Matt's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

Hey everybody!

You may have met Rachel before... she's worked for us for awhile now, but we've recently hired her as our full-time everything-girl! Rachel was one of my students in 2005 (has it really been that long?). She was the creative one we all looked to when we needed a bit of awesomeness. We've wanted her to be full time for us for a really long time, but she had another full-time job that we couldn't pull her away from... until now! :)

Here's why our decision was so easy: 1) she's just as lovable and personable as Mere (and I've never said that about anyone!) - she's kind of like an instant best friend, 2) she's creative and artistic, 3) she's a great worker and self-starter (my favorite!), and she already knows Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, HTML, etc. She's like a cool, hardworking, creative, brainiac! {see why she's our "everything-girl"?} Oh, and she's a great photographer!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Brittany and Matt's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

May 8, 2014, 1:51 pm

≫ Next: Jenna and Dave's NWA Wedding Portraits

≪ Previous: We've Promoted Rachel! Yay!

Hey everybody!

What a fun couple Brittany and Matt are! And apparently they're our neighbors! While we were shooting their engagement session, we really got to know them both. She's sweet and gorgeous, and Matt is stinkin' hilarious! I'm so so so sad I am not photographing their destination wedding, especially after seeing how pretty they are in pictures (sorry for saying "pretty," Matt! haha!)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Jenna and Dave's NWA Wedding Portraits

May 9, 2014, 11:24 am

≫ Next: 21C Wedding Reception Details of Jenna and Dave

≪ Previous: Brittany and Matt's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

Hey everybody!

It was truly a beautiful day. Maybe even perfect. Jenna was flawless (which I expected), so when it came to making portraits of her and Dave, I wasn't worried. I'm going to be sharing their wedding with you over the coming days, starting with their portraits today. Check it out (even got some benny backlight!)...

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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21C Wedding Reception Details of Jenna and Dave

May 10, 2014, 8:01 am

≫ Next: Wedding Story of Jenna and Dave

≪ Previous: Jenna and Dave's NWA Wedding Portraits

Hey everybody!

As we strolled up on 21C in Bentonville for Jenna and Dave's reception, I'm not gonna lie... I got a bit giddy! I knew that Jenna had such great style and an eye for detail, and pairing that with her 21C reception location... I couldn't wait to get inside to start shooting! Today I have little snippet/sneak peeks of Jenna and Dave's wedding and reception details... yes, more teasing (can't you tell that I love that?!)... enjoy! Tomorrow we're going to have a great post on the story of their Mildred Cooper Chapel wedding and reception at 21C! Yay!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Wedding Story of Jenna and Dave

May 11, 2014, 8:40 pm

≫ Next: Welcome Baby Liam!

≪ Previous: 21C Wedding Reception Details of Jenna and Dave

Hey everybody!

First off, Happy Mother's Day! Meredith and I woke up in Dallas this morning after a big 12 hour day yesterday following a late night drive to the big D. We're pretty beat, but we wanted to make sure to get home before Cece's bedtime so we could spend some time with the baby girl. We hope you were able to spend some time either with or being a mother today (unless you're a guy... then maybe just WITH a mom today... haha!) Okay, on with the post!

Jenna and Dave have the honor of being our first couple to have a reception at 21C in Bentonville! It is a gorgeous and unique location, and we look forward to shooting there again!

Here's our gorgeous Benny Bride, putting on the finishing touches before her first meeting with Dave.

The first meeting was pretty unique. Instead of walking down the aisle, we did it out in front of the amazing Cooper Chapel.
This... turned into this...

Which turned into this...

Side note about this shot... Jenna's mom MADE those lace covers for all the seating in the chapel. Breathtaking, right?!

Then it was off to 21C for the reception. We stopped on our way in for this quick portrait (oh hey, gorgeous couple!). Look at the reflection of the sunset too! Yay!

Jenna is great at making a statement. This first dance was everybody's first look at the reception as the doors... slowly... opened...

Here's my shot of it showing the opening... (cool, right?!)

Such a beautiful night!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Welcome Baby Liam!

May 12, 2014, 12:33 pm

≫ Next: Brothers Isaiah and Jonah!

≪ Previous: Wedding Story of Jenna and Dave

Hey everybody!

I love when Benny Brides have babies! Mandy got to spend yesterday (Mother's Day) as a new mom! How fun! Mandy, Ben, and Liam came over recently to shoot newborn portraits, and we had the best time, as we always do! Look how cute this boy is!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Brothers Isaiah and Jonah!

May 13, 2014, 8:13 pm

≫ Next: Spring Portraits of the Douglas Family

≪ Previous: Welcome Baby Liam!

Hey everybody!

There are a few different definitions of "brother" in our culture. Brother is a pure and beautiful term, and seeing Isaiah and Jonah interact totally melts my heart! Both are really sweet boys, and are a perfect reflection of their loving (and super cool) parents!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Spring Portraits of the Douglas Family

May 14, 2014, 2:19 pm

≫ Next: Family Portraits of Brittany, Chase, and John Grady

≪ Previous: Brothers Isaiah and Jonah!

Hey everybody!

One of my all-time favorite families are back on the blog today! Janelle and Aaron, with their two beautiful kiddos, are such an amazing family! They've become dear friends over the past several years, and I've watched their family grow... literally... in front of my camera!
Our latest session has a spring feel to it, as the square in Fayetteville looks breathtaking right now, and seeing the kiddos interact made this shoot special and fun!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Family Portraits of Brittany, Chase, and John Grady

May 15, 2014, 10:13 am

≫ Next: Cece at 16 Months

≪ Previous: Spring Portraits of the Douglas Family

Hey everybody!

How cute is this little chubster?! John Grady is the sweetest, cutest, cuddliest little dude, I swear! His parents are another couple who have become buddies of ours after their wedding! We love that!

I wasn't sure how ~~Cece's future husband~~ John Grady was going to act in front of my camera, and it started off with me making him bawl (haha... only kind of kidding), but he turned that frown upside down and we got some really great shots!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Cece at 16 Months

May 16, 2014, 8:49 pm

≫ Next: Jennifer's Joplin Bridal Portraits

≪ Previous: Family Portraits of Brittany, Chase, and John Grady

Hey everybody!

This kid just won't stop growing! Lately she's been climbing... on everything! She actually climbed out of her pack and play (and fell... poor little thing), and almost climbed out of her crib had we not stopped her. It's nuts! Her legs look like they have brown polka dots from all her running into... and kicking... things. Speaking of kicking, one of our favorite current activities is playing soccer with this humongous bouncy ball. She laughs when she kicks it, she laughs when it bounces, and even laughs with it comes back and hits her (she's so hilarious!)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Jennifer's Joplin Bridal Portraits

May 17, 2014, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: Megan and John's Wedding Details and Story

≪ Previous: Cece at 16 Months

Hey everybody!

I photographed Jennifer's senior portraits years and years ago... I can't believe today is her wedding day!! She is such a special person to each person in my family: She was Mere's and Cece's delivery nurse, and even came to Ellie's dance recital (and brought her flowers). She truly is one of the best and most thoughtful people I know. Ryan totally hit the wife jackpot! Here are some of the bridal shots Ellie and I took on their land just outside of Joplin recently.

At the end, Jennifer put on her mom's wedding dress. I kinda love it!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Megan and John's Wedding Details and Story

May 18, 2014, 9:38 pm

≫ Next: Megan and John's Wedding Portraits

≪ Previous: Jennifer's Joplin Bridal Portraits

Hey friends!

I love color! I know I've said that before, but it's true! So seeing weddings and receptions that pull deep and vibrant colors make me happy! Jess and Lauren did a great job of capturing Megan and John's wedding details and moments as you'll see below! (and Details Wedding and Events did a fabulous job - always great to work with their team!)

I love the simplicity and beauty of this image. Look at those hands (heartmelt!)

I love bling (and cake... and cake with bling). Timeless, right?!

Love this ending moment!

Their portraits are coming tomorrow, friends!
Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Megan and John's Wedding Portraits

May 18, 2014, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Samantha and Rowdy's Outdoor Spring Engagement Portraits

≪ Previous: Megan and John's Wedding Details and Story

Hey everybody!

I'm so proud of Jessica and Lauren. They really found amazing light for Megan and John's wedding portraits and knocked it out of the park! Perfect Benny Backlight! Yay!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Samantha and Rowdy's Outdoor Spring Engagement Portraits

May 20, 2014, 1:49 pm

≫ Next: Justi's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

≪ Previous: Megan and John's Wedding Portraits

Hey everybody!

When Samantha told me her fiancé's name was Rowdy, I was expecting someone... well... rowdy. He told me he had some land and was raising livestock... which made me think he could still be pretty rowdy. Well, Mere and I both found out that he is one of the biggest sweethearts you'll ever meet! Of course, we already knew that about Samantha! Not only are they both sweet, they're gorgeous! (Rowdy, I'm sorry I've called you both gorgeous and a sweetheart in the same paragraph... haha!)

We went out to their land in SW Missouri for the shoot, and fell in love with the place!

This location was truly a dream!

Oh deer! (see what I did there?) Rowdy called for the deer, and down the hill they came! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this shot!

Perfection.

I'm super excited for their wedding, especially after getting the grand tour - it's going to be fabulous!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Justi's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

May 21, 2014, 4:22 pm

≫ Next: Ashton Depot Wedding Reception Details of Justi and Weston

≪ Previous: Samantha and Rowdy's Outdoor Spring Engagement Portraits

Hey everybody!

The beautiful and sweet Justi is back on the blog today! (and for the next few days)
Her Fort Worth wedding is one for the books, but today isn't about that. She made the trip to Fayetteville for us to photograph her bridal portraits (she didn't mind traveling up; she said she has always wanted to go to the actual Riffraff store)!

Two mini shootouts: Bo did fabulously on Justi's hair and makeup, and Pigmint delivered another breathtaking bouquet!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Ashton Depot Wedding Reception Details of Justi and Weston

May 22, 2014, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Fort Worth Wedding and Reception at Ashton Depot

≪ Previous: Justi's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

Hey everybody!

My oh my, what an amazing wedding and reception we get to share with you! I knew Justi and Weston were going to have a to-die-for wedding, but I was still blown away by how beautiful everything looked! The Ashton Depot wedding reception was breathtaking, and Tami Winn Events did a ridiculously good job of coordinating and designing the space.

The details of this cake were extraordinary!

You know how I feel about gold. And about gold glitter. This was a good day for me. :)

Here's Tami and our gorgeous bride, Justi! Seriously y'all, Tami is perfect at what she does (and I don't use that word often!). This day was about as smooth as it gets, and about as beautiful of a wedding as I've ever seen!

Me and the Benny Bride. :) Oh, and her sweet sis getting nudged in the background. Haha!

Let me just tell you about this band for a sec. Un-freaking-believable. They could play anything! They'd play Devil Went Down To Georgia, followed by Thrift Shop, followed by The Chair, etc. It was a great way to involve the entire guest list! At one point or another throughout the night, every single guest danced! The band is Drywater (their contact info is below).

So I've laid the ground work. Tomorrow we'll get into Justi and Weston's story!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Ceremony Venue –
Robert Carr Chapel
2855 South University Dr, Fort Worth, 76129
817-257-7831
robertcarrchapel@tcu.edu

Reception Venue –
The Ashton Depot
1501 Jones Street, Fort Worth, 76102
817-810-9501 Jillian@theashtondepot.com

Wedding Coordinator –
Tami Winn Events Contact: Tami Winn 817-589-2393
Tami@tamiwinn.com

Flowers –
Tami Winn Events 817-589-2393 office

Photographer –
Benfield Photography
Contact: Dale Benfield 417-437-9414
dale@benfieldphotography.com

Videographer –
Stelly Weddings
Contact: Dustin Stelly 512-534-1458
stellyweddings@gmail.com

Ceremony Music –
Forte Strings
Contact: Sharon Hawkins 817-294-5127

Hair & Makeup Artists –
Halo Brides
817-737-4256

Cakes –
Crème de la Creme
817-492-8888
Bride and Groom’s cakes,

Cocktail Hour Music –
Jesse Jennings
817-480-5046 jessejennings@hotmail.com

Reception Music (Band) –
The Drywater Band
Contact: Andrea Wiggins 832-651-7579
Andrea@drywaterband.com

Lighting –
Beyond
972-458-7569

Rentals –
Suite 206
Contact: Mary Gall 214-749-0400 x216
Mary@suite206.com

Transportation –
Silver West Limousine 817-870-1333

Exit Car –
Vintage Limos
Contact: Jamie Alexander
682-583-3200
myvintagelimo@gmail.com

Hotel –
The Omni Hotel FW
1300 Houston, Fort Worth, 76102 817-535-6664

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Fort Worth Wedding and Reception at Ashton Depot

May 22, 2014, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Wedding portraits of Justi and Weston

≪ Previous: Ashton Depot Wedding Reception Details of Justi and Weston

Hey everybody!

Justi's day was filled with pretty and sweet moments... just like a wedding should be! And just what Justi and Weston deserve (after all, Justi is the queen of pretty AND sweet!).
I love her dress! {and hair... and makeup... and accessories...}

This moment is really touching!

This is a cool moment. Weston's son was admiring his ring. How great is that?!

Then we were off to shoot some portraits (I'll post more of these pretties tomorrow!)

Oooh, a little Benny Backlight, Texas style!

Then inside to a sweet first dance as husband and wife.

Weston thought he'd tease her with the cake. Kind of adorable.

Then it was party time!

Silly kids. I love 'em.

Haha... this cracks me up every.single.time.

I love this last dance shot Mere got as the night was winding down. The Ashton Depot is a gorgeous reception venue!

Perfect ending to a perfect day!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Wedding portraits of Justi and Weston

May 23, 2014, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Anna's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

≪ Previous: Fort Worth Wedding and Reception at Ashton Depot

Hey everybody!

Here we go! Portraits from Justi and Weston's Fort Worth wedding! This one was right outside the Ashton Depot when the sun was starting to set. LOVE the color of the light here!

Yay... Benny Backlight!

Let's give them a hand, friends! Such an amazing day!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Anna's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

May 25, 2014, 5:37 pm

≫ Next: Spring Family Portraits: Happy Anniversary Chelsea and Tyler!

≪ Previous: Wedding portraits of Justi and Weston

Hey everybody!

Check out this gorgeous Benny Bride, Anna! We are actually in Savannah, GA to shoot her wedding today! She and her husband Parke are such wonderful people and we are having a BLAST hanging out with them. Get ready for some of the most gorgeous southern wedding pics over the next few days... in the meantime, check out her super pretty bridal portraits!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Spring Family Portraits: Happy Anniversary Chelsea and Tyler!

May 26, 2014, 8:46 pm

≫ Next: Little Rock Wedding of Taylor and Brett

≪ Previous: Anna's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

Hey everybody!

Today is the anniversary of one of my favorite Benny couples: Chelsea and Tyler! It just so happens that I was able to photograph the couple with their sweet little boy, Slone, recently - he was ALL smiles. Such a happy and blessed family, and such a beautiful family… photographing them honestly is a treat for me!
I’m honored and grateful that they are so loyal to us and always ask us to come out to photograph them! Now, stop taking my word for it and have a look at this beautiful family!

And here are a couple from their wedding day two years ago!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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