Mr. and Mrs. Jones Part 2 – Lubbock, TX
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Jones!
We had originally scheduled engagement pictures before the surprise change of wedding date, but Rhett and Baylee decided to keep the date for the session. So, we shot engagement/newly married portraits, and I am sure glad they did! Look how stunning and lovely this beautiful couple is!
Here is their story:
How they met: Both Baylee and Rhett work at Seminole High School. In a world where online dating apps are the norm, meeting someone in person who embodied everything Rhett was looking for in a soulmate felt refreshing. Their connection blossomed effortlessly and organically. Rhett found himself navigating unfamiliar territory, unsure how to handle someone who genuinely wanted to spend all her time time with him. But upon reflection, he realized that everything he had ever wanted in a wife was right before his eyes, and he couldn’t let it slip away. Instead of asking her to be his girlfriend, Rhett confidently told Baylee that they were dating – “You are my girlfriend now” were his words.
Dating: Right from the start, their relationship never felt like mere dating. Only four days after making it official, as Baylee bid farewell after a playoff football game in Odessa, she let slip the words, “I love you.” Surprised but undeniably moved, Rhett echoed those words back, realizing in that moment that he truly meant them. For them, dating felt like a mere formality – fun, but certainly a stepping stone towards something deeper.
The Proposal: Two months and 14 days into their relationship, Rhett decided it was time to take the next step. He meticulously planned a proposal, ensuring it was a moment Baylee would cherish forever. He had a ring custom-made, wanting it to be exactly what Baylee wanted and a ring worthy of her finger. Inspired by Baylee’s love for all things Seminole (especially the water tower), sunrises, and sunsets, Rhett orchestrated a romantic sunrise proposal atop the Wigwam Stadium press box, with the Seminole Water tower just to the East. Setting the stage with LED candles forming a heart shape and the ring at its center, he waited for the perfect moment. As the sun began to rise, he guided Baylee to the top of the press box, where he had prepared everything. With tears of joy and anticipation, Baylee realized what was happening. Despite her awareness, the magic of the moment wasn’t lost as Rhett popped the question, as Baylee’s parents watched from afar. It was a beautiful moment captured by a photographer, with the sunrise providing a beautiful backdrop to the water tower, as well as the silhouette of Baylee and Rhett right at the moment he proposed.
The Wedding: Following the proposal, Rhett and Baylee decided they didn’t want to wait long to tie the knot. They opted for a small family wedding on June 29, allowing ample time for planning before Rhett’s coaching commitments resumed in mid-July. However, their plans took an unexpected turn when it was discovered that Baylee’s grandmother was suffering from a brain tumor. Suddenly faced with uncertainty, they made a spur-of-the-moment decision to wed on March 19 to ensure Nana could be present at their wedding. With a quick trip to Lubbock, they obtained their marriage license and exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony, surrounded by family right there in Nana’s hospital room. The preacher’s message was about the covenant the couple was making with each other – a fitting reflection considering the location inside Covenant Medical Center. Their unexpected journey to marriage taught them that love knows no bounds, and sometimes, the best moments happen when you least expect them.
Rhett and Baylee, may your marriage be filled with blessings! I’ve cried so many times over the pure joy your love radiates and how special you made each moment! Thank you for asking me to capture one of your most memorable moments in life. It means the world to me.
