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It’s just a fact that SOMETHING will go wrong on your wedding day. For some lucky brides, it’s a late bridesmaid or a bouquet with the wrong type of flowers. For other not so lucky brides, it’s a power failure at the reception site or a best man who ends up in a jail cell with the wedding rings in his pocket. I’ve seen all of these situations firsthand, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the only thing that can truly ruin a wedding is the way the bride and groom react to these situations. If the bride panics and goed into hysterics or the groom goes on an angry rampage, then everyone is on edge, and the day becomes miserable for everyone involved. On the other hand, if the bride and groom allow these troubles to roll off their shoulders and stay focused on the real meaning behind the day, then the wedding becomes that much more special, and not even the worst emergency can ruin it. Zi and Gary are the epitome of the latter type of couple. They were so focused on enjoying their friends and family and loving each other that not even a freak monsoon could keep everyone at their (outdoor) wedding from having a blast.


The day started off smoothly enough..
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
Both the ceremony and the reception were being held at Gary’s family’s home in Highland Park, near White Rock Lake.  Gary’s sister did an amazing job decorating their lovely yard, including both soft spring colors and infusing bits of Zi’s heritage, as well.  The ceremony was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, and the seating with guests on both sides of the gazebo made the whole ceremony feel intimate and open.
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
As Zi changed into her reception dress, the family prepared for the reception, transforming the ceremony area into a party tent.  Although it had been sprinkling occasionally, the sun had been peeking through and we thought we might be in the clear.
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
Then, as is wont to happen during May in Texas, the weather suddenly changed, and things started getting a little… wet……
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
We all waited and waited for the skies to clear, but the rain only got harder and harder, and the afternoon sky turned almost black.  A snap decision was made to move everyone into the living room and continue the festivities!
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
Finally the rain let up and we all resumed the party outside!
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves
wedding of Zi Ling and Gary Lichliter at a private residence in Highland Park near White Rock Lake by Dallas wedding photographer Stacy Reeves

As evidenced by the photos, these two had smiles glued to their faces all day, even when the rain forced all the wedding guests into the living room.  These two, and their AWESOME families, made sure that no matter what happened in the skies, they were going to have a great party and start Zi and Gary’s wedding off with a bang.  Every bride should take a lesson from these two and remember that it’s possible to have a great wedding day even when the flowers aren’t right, the DJ plays all the wrong songs, the groomsmen get drunk, or the reception ends up happening in someone’s living room!

Special thanks to Scotty Perry for flying all the way out from Louisville to second shoot with me!

12 Comments

  1. ken kienow said . . .

    SCOTTY SHOT THIS WITH YOU? Jealous. Great blog post. :)

    Posted November 4, 2009 at 1:39 pm | Permalink
  2. Alexandra said . . .

    These are so clean and beautiful. I love them.

    Posted November 4, 2009 at 2:28 pm | Permalink
  3. Kat Braman said . . .

    stunning! the details are so so beautiful. you summed it up perfectly – great advice

    Posted November 4, 2009 at 2:30 pm | Permalink
  4. Jennifer Farris said . . .

    Amazing!! Love the details! The ring shots are beautiful!

    Posted November 5, 2009 at 9:27 am | Permalink
  5. Kayla said . . .

    These are beautiful!

    Posted November 5, 2009 at 11:01 am | Permalink
  6. Sarah Lee said . . .

    What a cute couple!!! Amazing images as always Stacy!

    Posted November 5, 2009 at 5:00 pm | Permalink
  7. donna good said . . .

    love your work!

    Posted November 5, 2009 at 9:39 pm | Permalink
  8. Shari said . . .

    You two did a beautiful job on this! Love it!!

    Posted November 6, 2009 at 7:22 am | Permalink
  9. imthiaz houseman said . . .

    stunning work! you caught so amazing moments.

    Posted November 9, 2009 at 1:48 pm | Permalink
  10. Lara Hanlon said . . .

    Ken, don’t you mean SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTY? :) Great job, amazing wedding! Love the bride’s attitude!

    Posted November 14, 2009 at 6:28 pm | Permalink
  11. Charles Williams said . . .

    Great work very inspiring!

    Posted January 25, 2012 at 11:18 am | Permalink
  12. Zee Wells said . . .

    The photos are beautiful; I actually got a huge lump in my throat. The pictures make me feel as though I was a guest too (LOL) Absolutely beautiful couple and the photo with Mom & daughter snuggled, YOUR MONEY SHOT. God bless!

    Posted June 28, 2012 at 11:17 am | Permalink

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