When it comes to planning your wedding, the wedding venue plays a huge part in setting the vibe for the day. The music, flower arrangements, and food all need to be set to your vision, but the wedding venue plays the most important role. Not only does the look have to be right, but the location will be the setting for turning some of the biggest moments of your life into the feelings that produce the photos and videos you will cherish forever. If you are looking for that "straight out of a wedding magazine" feel, or you want to get away from the normal locations that you have attended weddings at before, you will want to check out Willow Creek, in Waxahachie. Known for its timeless, southern style, it is located on 12 acres of serene Texas Countryside just around 30 minutes south of downtown Dallas; close enough for all of your guests to make it, but far enough away to make you feel like you have stepped outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. Willow Creek is one of the most magical wedding venues you will find in or around the DFW metroplex, which is why it was chosen as one of our favorite venues to shoot at. Most recently, we had the pleasure of working with Lauren and Tyler on their big day.

Lauren and Tyler took full advantage of the space provided, and when you pair a fun couple with a beautiful venue, it is not hard to get stunning photos. The venue was designed in such a way that it captures a one-of-a-kind dreamy atmosphere that every wedding setup needs. Open fields and manicured landscapes that are perfect for sunset type photos, indoor and outdoor ceremony options, and LOTS of space inside. Willow Creek is a spacious wedding venue, both the ceremony and reception areas can easily accommodate up to 300 guests.

One thing we really liked about the bridal suite that Lauren got ready in was all of the light! The natural light that spilled into the suite paired very nicely with the white walls and white ceilings, which is ideal for pictures. One of our favorite photos of the day came from when the bridesmaids came back in the room to see Lauren for the first time - their excitement and happiness was so evident on their faces that are nearly impossible to look at that photo and not smile yourself.

Tyler took advantage of the floor to ceiling windows in the atrium for his prep photos, and for his letter reading. But the groom's suit was nothing to overlook either - filled with a pool table, Xbox, and cable tv, relaxing with your best friends and waiting for one of the biggest days of your life has never looked so easy. The bridal suite and groom's room are all part of the Wedding Party house, which is a 2,000 square foot house complete with a living room, kitchen, and mother's suite, so there is plenty of room for everyone to get ready.

A pretty white bridge leads you to what they call their White Chapel Gazebo. This bridge is where Lauren and Tyler did their super cute "no look first look" (she got to see him, he was blindfolded) so they could share a few moments together before the big "I do's". As you might guess, this bridge and the woodsy looking area around it provided a beautiful backdrop for when Lauren walked down the aisle, and Tyler saw her for the first time that day (and as you can tell, he couldn't wait for her to get there.)After their sweet ceremony, group photos and a few couples portraits were taken in the gazebo, and then it was time for some really pretty couples portraits with the scenic backgrounds provided. After some of the fun in the reception, we snuck back out for some "hang these on your wall" worthy portraits back on that bridge. Talk about dreamy!

Speaking of fun - the dance floor sure stayed busy! The couple's table was stationed on somewhat of a stage, which made it easy for the guests to see them (this was really well thought through by the venue.) The cake cutting featured a beautiful background made out of lace and golden looking lights. You could tell everyone involved was having a night they were going to remember. The couple closed down the night with a private last dance, and then a sparkler exit (which are always so much fun.)

Willow Creek has an open vendor policy. That means that you can hire Photographers and Videographers (like...us!), Planner/Coordination and Specialty Vendors, Catering service, Bakers, DJs, Floral and Décor service and stylists of your choice.

Lauren and Tyler's day was a beautiful one, for sure, and the venue played a big part of that. When it comes time for you to start looking for wedding venues, you should definitely consider Willow Creek!