A Love Rooted in Strength: Kent & Shawna’s Romantic Rustic Wedding
Some wedding days leave an imprint on your heart forever. Kent and Shawna Jones’ wedding was one of those days—filled with love, resilience, and the kind of unwavering commitment that makes marriage so beautiful. From the moment I met them, I knew their love story was special, but getting to capture their wedding and coordinate every detail made it even more meaningful.
A Ceremony Filled with Deep & Emotion Roots
The couple chose Hillcrest Church of Abilene for their ceremony—a place that holds deep significance for Shawna. The intimate space, with its wooden pews, a breathtaking mosaic window, and a grand chandelier, set the perfect stage for their vows. The moment Shawna walked down the aisle, seeing Kent for the first time, was everything they had dreamed of. They had opted not to do a first look, wanting to experience that raw emotion as she made her way toward him.
But the most touching moment of the ceremony? Right after exchanging rings, when “Not a Moment Too Soon” by Tim McGraw played softly in the background. Kent and Shawna held onto each other as the weight of the moment settled in, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the church—including mine.
A Unique & Personal Wedding Design
When Shawna first told me her vision, she described it as minimal yet romantic, with a touch of camo—a reflection of both of their personalities. Kent, a dedicated outdoorsman, specifically requested Realtree camo, and we found beautiful ways to incorporate it into their decor while still maintaining the elegance Shawna envisioned.
Some of the key design elements included:
Antlers from Kent’s personal hunts, carefully placed on the stairs leading to the altar and on the double hexagon arch, making the ceremony feel personal and deeply connected to their journey together.
Lush eucalyptus vines, draping the arch and flowing throughout the space to soften the rustic elements with a touch of romance.
Candlelit ambiance, with golden candle holders and vases filled with flickering candles, bringing a warm glow to the sweetheart table and ceremony.
A Realtree camo sweetheart table, provided by the couple, topped with elegant decor to seamlessly blend their love for the outdoors with the romance of the day.
A playful hunting-themed touch—a miniature deer hunting toy set that was incredibly meaningful to them, displayed near the cake and gifts.
Overcoming Challenges with Love & Care
Every wedding has its challenges, but this one came with an extra layer of care. Kent, still recovering from treatments, was growing weak throughout the day. We knew comfort was key, so we made a last-minute call to secure a wheelchair for him. Seeing him light up, able to enjoy his wedding day without unnecessary strain, made every effort worth it.
Additionally, as the day unfolded, I noticed Kent was starting to get very tired earlier than expected. Instead of letting the timeline become a stressor for Shawna, I simply adjusted things on my end and gently let her know the changes. She trusted me completely, and we made sure the schedule worked around what was best for them.
Another small but powerful moment happened early in the day when hair and makeup arrived. I reminded Shawna that from that moment forward, she was simply a bride. Any questions, concerns, or logistical details? Those were on me. She deserved to just enjoy every second.
A Love That Overcomes Everything
Perhaps the most profound part of the day was witnessing the deep, unwavering love between these two. The way Kent melted into Shawna after the ring exchange, how their children played such important roles in the ceremony, and the pure joy they felt when they saw their reception setup—every detail made this day unforgettable.
One of my favorite captures from the day? The private moment between Shawna and her father at the reception. It was a beautiful reminder of the bonds that make wedding days so special.
Their Reaction & A Wedding I’ll Never Forget
When I delivered their gallery, Shawna couldn’t stop raving about how much she loved the photos. Even now, she still sends me messages about how beautiful everything turned out. Hearing that kind of feedback reminds me why I do what I do.
This wedding wasn’t just about the beautiful decor, the perfect lighting, or even the stunning photos. It was about love—the kind that endures through sickness and health, through challenges and triumphs. Kent and Shawna’s wedding was the definition of a love story worth telling, and I’m so honored to have been a part of it.
A Beautiful Beginning, A Story Worth Telling
Kent and Shawna’s wedding was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to love, resilience, and the beauty of standing by each other through every season of life. From the candlelit romance of their ceremony to the laughter shared at their reception, every detail reflected who they are as a couple. It was an honor to not only capture these moments but to create an experience that allowed them to truly be present in their day.
At The Bluebonnet Studio, we believe in crafting weddings that aren’t just beautifully planned but deeply felt. We plan, we create, we capture—and we do it all with heart.
Ready to Make Your Wedding as Unforgettable as Your Love Story?
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, we’d love to bring your vision to life. Let’s create something that’s uniquely you—where every detail tells your story.
📩 Reach out today and let’s start planning your perfect day!
Until then, keep dreaming, keep celebrating, and let love lead the way. 💙
Our wedding was so beautiful and it was because of you! You made everything you did so personal and so beautiful. You keep the day stressless and made my day so amazing. I love you for what you did!!!
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! It was such an honor to be part of your beautiful wedding day. Knowing that I could help make your day stress-free and truly special means the world to me. I’m so grateful to have been able to play a role in creating those unforgettable moments for you. Wishing you a lifetime filled with love and happiness—you deserve nothing less!
What a beautifully written feature about such a heartfelt and meaningful wedding! Kent and Shawna’s love story shines through every detail, from the camo accents to the personalized decor reflecting their shared passions. I especially loved the inclusion of antlers and eucalyptus vines—it perfectly blended rustic charm with romantic elegance. The way they overcame challenges with such grace and care is truly inspiring. Congratulations to the couple on creating a celebration that not only honored their love but also their journey together. A stunning example of love rooted in strength!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! It warms my heart to know that Kent and Shawna’s love story resonated so deeply with you. Their wedding was truly a reflection of their unique bond and shared passions, and I couldn’t agree more about how beautifully the rustic charm and romantic elegance came together. Your kind words mean the world—thank you for sharing in their special day!