I remember the first few conversations I had with Sima about her upcoming wedding day, I could sense that both her and her then-fiancé, now husband, Kevin, were huge on family. That turned out to be completely true and was apparent in their family-gathering style slash lakeside mansions reception.

Let’s get back to the beginning. We initially met up by the Buffalo River in Northwest Arkansas for their engagement session on a pretty warm day (good thing you can jump in the water) in the spots by the river where Kevin spent his childhood playing. I love it when couples choose locations that have a significance to their relationship or childhood. I think Kevin was a tiny bit uncomfortable at first, but the longer we got into the session, the more confident he got. This is why sessions are an hour long, as it can often take 10-15 minutes for many to warm up for pictures. Sima rocked it from the beginning btw!

Engagement Photo Session near the Buffalo River in Arkansas

A couple dances at their Engagement Photo Session near the Buffalo River in Arkansas

Two people in the Buffalo River in Arkansas

People kissing near the Buffalo River in Arkansas

Moving on to our next meeting on to a beautiful morning, late in October 2021, at Mildred B. Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista. It was Kevin and Sima’s wedding day with family and friends coming from all over the United States and across the Atlantic to witness them tie the knot. I really couldn’t be more excited, the Cooper Chapel is one of my favorite ceremony venues in all of Northwest Arkansas, the light is exceptional in there, a true wedding photographer’s dream.

After Kevin and Sima’s sweet and swoon-worthy ceremony, we made our way towards Loch Lomond and Cedar Lodge Resort for their laid-back afternoon reception. I had never been there before but absolutely loved the warm interiors of the lodge and all of the kitschy but fun memorabilia that decorated the mansion. The wedding reception was informal and friendly as Kevin and Sima’s family members were many meeting for the first time, I think it was a perfect spot for two families to join. We had had a mini wedding portrait session at the chapel but the lodge and the lake was the location I really wanted to shine and make astonishing wedding pictures for them to look back at. All in all, what a beautiful and romantic day with these two love birds!