Ruthe Jackson Center Garden Wedding by Jim Rode - Dallas professional wedding photographer

On a recent Saturday night, Second City was in the hearts of two people in love. They gathered in the evening air at the gardens of the Ruthe Jackson Center for a wedding witnessed by friends and family. Then they danced the night away before heading out for the fabulous W. I loved -loved when our fab master of ceremonies (Randy Roberson) ensured every table stopped by the brides table to sing a song...and earn their place in line for dinner. So very cool! Lucia Bitnar of Foster Blue kept things running smoothly and of course the Ruthe Jackson Center was A+ as a quality setting.

For a 3 minute glimpse of this fabulous night, here is a webcast with music. Cari and Vincent


If you are engaged, contact me about turning your wedding into fabulous! JimRode.com the art of the wedding. Dallas wedding photography from Jim Rode Photographer.

Aristide Event Center photography by Jim Rode, Dallas wedding photographer

Ervey and Patti went "all in" and got married. Wow -it was the perfect wedding too at the Aristide Event Center in Mansfield, Texas. Patti wore a fantastic signature gown from Bliss Bridal. She was so gorgeous! Ervey was the handsome groom - that's him in front of the Bentley. Cool jazz filled the air courtesy of David Carr Jr. Florals by Twigs, video by A Very Special Day. As long as I'm giving details...the dj was Alex Frausto of Complete Music, cake from Sweet Memories, mariachi band from El Mariachi de Oro, and coordination by the wonderful Lucia Bitnar of Foster Blue.

Patti and Ervey are such a great couple - so nice! The morning after the wedding we got together near the Farmers Market in Dallas and cruised around having fun, shooting cool shots wearing that gorgeous gown (Patti not me!). I love the images we got in the museum district. Yes, it was the perfect wedding...fitting for the perfect couple.

If you are engaged, contact me about turning your wedding into fabulous! JimRode.com the art of the wedding.

Ruthe Jackson Center HDR Wedding - Jim Rode Dallas wedding photographer

The Ruthe Jackson Center was a wonderful place for Amy and Lyalls wedding. The wedding ceremony was at sunset in the Gardens at Ruthe Jackson in Grand Prairie. Family and friends were abundant and had a blast, from arrival to a sparkler sendoff. The decorations were gorgeous, thanks to Signature Productions and Lori Jackson the entertainment director was cool! Guests could wander to the photobooth for fun pics. Of course, it all ran smoothly under the watchful eye of Lucia Bitnar of Foster Blue.

Truth is, things went so smoothly it was easy to simply have fun and watch Amy and Lyall kiss, hug, whisper, dance, party. Wow, what a great night!


The next morning we borrowed Rick's car (Amy's Dad -so generous!)


I feel so lucky every minute I was with these fantastic people.

The romantic hour was so heartwarming I hardly noticed it was 37˚!

If you are engaged, contact me about turning your wedding into fabulous! JimRode.com the art of the wedding. Dallas wedding photography from Jim Rode Photographer.

Saturday, I photographed an extraordinary couple, Amy and Lyall. Lyall was in for the weekend from Ft. Hood. (Thank you sir...we appreciate your service to our nation.)

They were accompanied by Lucia Bitner of Foster Blue (their wedding planner), who became my assistant for the day -to carry equipment, buy me a diet coke, praise me...all the hard stuff! We began at Children's Medical Center where Amy is a nurse, and where Lyall proposed...then we explored the Art's District and Deep Ellum. We had a blast.

I'll have more pictures in the coming days. It takes a bit of time to make the photographs special. -You didn't think they come out of the camera this way? It's not a magic camera...it's a magic photographer! I took hundreds of shots as the day went flying by. I hope to bring Amy and Lyall images they will love the rest of their lives.


For more images, go to www.JimRode.com.

Ryan Manor Tour - Jim Rode Dallas Weddings

What do you do when Monday rolls around and the sky is overcast...and it's Feb. 1 and 50 degrees outside? Road Trip! I made a fun jaunt over to the Ryan Manor on Inwood Road. (Do you know how convenient it can be for out-of-town guests arriving the week of your wedding to simply fly in to Love field? It's about a mile west of the Manor -that sure makes life easier for your family!)

Chris Ryan (owner) and Martha O'Brian (Event Coordinator) graciously welcomed myself and the ladies of Foster Blue and Company Wedding and Event Planers -Cheryl Allgood and Lucia Bitnar. Together we got the VIP tour.

Ryan Manor is gorgeous. Catch the image of the back lawn...that can hold a huge event tent! I also love the patios on both sides of the manor with a generous walkway connecting both.

Hey brides...has your fiance' been a tiny bit bored visiting different venues in your wedding search? Wait till he sees that cool pool table. That knocked me out. It becomes easy to get the guys to the wedding a couple hours early if they've got time to kill and shoot a little pool. It will take the edge off his nervousness, knowing he will soon pledge his life to you in front of everyone in the world! Wow, I can't wait for that wedding!