Lubbock Wedding || In Joy and In Sorrow || Kelcee + Andrew, the full film
/Kelcee and Andrew are the kind of people who are known for "bringing spice" to everyone's lives. They are smiling adventurers who delight in their friends; they are never short of being entertaining, and they are reliable allies. Their West Texas wedding is filled with the kind of fun details that, while not common, are consistent with the cutest of weddings -- they had a University of Texas "track-and-field" themed groom's cake, quirky photo-booth props, a buffet with southern delights like pickled okra, a surprise choreographed mother-son dance, and a whole troupe of adorable flower girls accompanied by one tuxedo-clad, flag-waving ring bearer.
What might surprise you about their story is the sheer strength of their love, because while Kelcee and Andrew are both bold, witty people, their boldness is matched by their kindness. In fact, Andrew's mother Sharon stood in front of the crowd at the rehearsal dinner, and in her speech, she confessed that several years ago when she found out Andrew was dating someone she didn't know, she "researched" Kelcee among her friends and relatives to find out what this young lady was like. What she learned of Kelcee's compassion and character was so overwhelming that it caused her to say, "we loved you before we even knew you."
Several months ago, Jones was initially contacted by Andrew's mother Sharon to film this event. We are often contacted by parents, so what made her call unique was that we had already filmed her daughter's wedding a few years ago, and she was now interested in having us film her youngest son Andrew's wedding. We already consider this job to be an honor and a privilege, but it is truly humbling to be invited into the life of a family repeatedly and see their legacy bloom to the next generation over the years.
The weekend began with a hunting-themed rehearsal dinner at Caprock Winery, just outside of Lubbock, TX. Andrew and his groomsmen had spent the afternoon getting their final fittings for their tuxes, and joined the whole party for the rehearsal at the church. As guests rushed inside to escape the (unseasonably) wintery West Texas wind, they found the comforts of a crackling fire, sweet potato soup appetizers, a live guitarist strumming love songs, and wine stored from ceiling to floor. Their menu included a top tier signature salad with goat cheese coulis, micro field greens, spiced pecans and mandarin oranges with roasted maple syrup, followed by a grilled beef tenderloin with Texas Tech signature sauce and cedar planked salmon garnished with fresh dill and rosemary, roasted potatoes and winter vegetables. The dinner was capped off with toasts, a molten lava cake, and gifts of boots for all the groomsmen.
The surprise wintery weather met the groomsmen on the golf course the next morning, but nothing could squash the men's happy spirits as they played golf and enjoyed one another's company. Jack-rabbits sprinted in and out of the scramble as the sun melted the frost off of the greens, and the Cash Foundation clubhouse staff was quick to deliver coffee and hot chocolate to keep the group warm.
Kelcee, on the other hand, spent her morning getting ready at the church. Amidst the bridesmaids in gold dresses and flower girls learning how to use their petal wands (see the video, it's pretty cute!), Andrew's mother and father had a special gift they presented to their new daughter-in-law: a bracelet with heirloom gold and jewels from Andrew's family heritage. The jewels were set in a cross charm that was modeled after the cross that stands on the altar at the church where the ceremony was happening. They had done the same thing for their eldest daughter, Elizabeth, and for their second son's wife, too.
This bracelet and many other details were specifically chosen to honor their loved ones and friends who had passed away. The groomsmen each wore a special lapel pin in remembrance of Kelcee's brother who had died when Kelcee was young from a congenital heart defect, and Kelcee also gave Andrew a special pocket-watch and coin to honor one of Andrew's close friends who had passed away. Andrew and Kelcee shared with us that this was how they chose to represent that even though these special people couldn't be at the wedding, their love for them was very present and very real.
Kelcee & Andrew's story of how they have cherished & supported each other by giving honor to their loved ones who have passed away is affirmation of the power of love. In their wedding vows, they promised to support each other in joy and in sorrow, and in many ways, they already have. Their love is a strong reminder to us all that grief and loss can be comforted with compassion, and that life is fullest when we live purposefully, taking every opportunity to share joy, tenderness, and affection with each other in a close-knit community.
Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist Church Lubbock
1411 Broadway Lubbock, TX 79401
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: CapRock Winery
408 E Woodrow Rd Lubbock, TX 79423
Reception Venue: The Historic Baker Building
1211 13th St Lubbock, TX 79401
Florist: Box of Rain Floral
Reception Entertainment Band: The Atlantics
Photography: Helen Byrd
Wedding Videographer: Mason Jar Films
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