The weekend before Elise and Ben’s wedding, North Texas was hit with a massive ice storm. Roads were slick, trees were glazed, and there was a collective “well… we’ll see” hanging in the air. Fast forward to their wedding day and somehow—truly miraculously—we lucked out. The ice had begun to melt, but just enough remained to dust The Hillside Estate with the prettiest winter-wonderland touches. Think sparkling branches, crisp air, and that cozy, romantic vibe you can’t plan but always hope for.
The Hillside Estate was the perfect backdrop for it all. Nestled into the landscape, it felt intimate and warm despite the winter chill outside. The kind of place where candlelight glows a little brighter and everyone leans in just a bit closer.
One of my favorite moments of the day came courtesy of Elise’s sense of humor. During the reception, Ben—an Aggie through and through—was presented with his grooms cake. What he didn’t know? The inside was pure Baylor green and gold. Watching his reaction as he cut into it was priceless. Elise absolutely nailed the prank, and the room erupted with laughter. Rivalries aside, it was such a fun, personal moment that felt so them.
As the night went on, the dance floor stayed packed. From the first song to the very last, guests showed up ready to celebrate, and the energy never dipped. These are the receptions photographers secretly love—the kind where no one wants to sit down and every song turns into a core memory.
To end the night, Elise and Ben stepped outside for a classic sparkler send-off. Against the winter night sky, surrounded by friends and family, they ran through a tunnel of light and cheers—a perfect ending to an already unforgettable day.
Elise and Ben, your wedding was proof that even after icy chaos, something incredibly beautiful can follow. Thank you for trusting me to capture it all—the laughter, the love, and all the joy the night brought. Here are some my favs from your Winter Wedding at The Hillside Estate.
Vendor Team
leave a comment