Jade and Jerald Lewis's wedding at Oak Crossing in Lake Charles was a heartfelt celebration, beautifully capturing their love story. The day commenced with an emotional and intimate first look, setting a tender tone for the ceremony and the joyous festivities that followed with their cherished friends and family.​



 

The first look


Jade and Jerald's decision to share a first look before their ceremony added an extra layer of intimacy and emotion to their wedding day. This modern tradition, where couples see each other privately before the ceremony, offers several benefits:​


Benefits of a First Look:


Emotional Connection: A first look provides a secluded moment for couples to connect and share their feelings without the audience of guests. This private time can help ease nerves and set a heartfelt tone for the day. ​

Enhanced Photography Opportunities: Conducting a first look allows for the capture of genuine reactions and emotions, resulting in authentic and cherished photographs. It also opens up the schedule to take additional portraits before the ceremony. ​


Efficient Timeline: By completing couple and group photos prior to the ceremony, couples can enjoy more time with their guests during the cocktail hour and reception. This approach reduces the need to rush through portraits later in the day. ​


Alleviates Nerves: Seeing each other before the ceremony can help calm pre-wedding jitters, allowing couples to feel more relaxed and present during the ceremony itself. ​



A couple stands together outdoors under large oak trees on their wedding day, with the bride holding a burgundy bouquet.
A wedding couple stands under tree branches on their special day, sharing joyful expressions in an outdoor setting.
A couple shares a first look moment outdoors, with the bride in a white lace gown and groom in a navy suit.
A joyful wedding couple shares a candid moment outdoors under a large tree during their autumn celebration.
A bride in a white lace gown and groom in navy suit share a joyful moment under a large tree on their wedding day.
Newlyweds share a candid outdoor moment under a tree during their rustic fall wedding ceremony.
A couple embraces during their wedding photoshoot on a lawn with large trees and brick buildings in the background.
A bride and groom embrace under a large oak tree on their wedding day.
A couple shares an intimate moment outdoors on their wedding day, with the bride holding a beautiful floral bouquet.
Newlyweds stand beneath autumn trees as the groom reads his vows during an intimate outdoor ceremony.

Tips for a Memorable First Look:


Choose a Private Location: Select a secluded spot to ensure the moment remains intimate and free from interruptions. ​


Coordinate with Your Photographer: Discuss the plan with your photographer to ensure they capture the moment from the best angles without intruding on your privacy. ​

Consider the Lighting: Aim for a location with flattering natural light to enhance the quality of your photos. ​


Be Present: Take a deep breath and focus on each other during the first look. This is your moment to connect before the festivities begin.​

A couple exchanges vows during their outdoor wedding ceremony beneath a tree on a sunny winter day.

Venue: Oak Crossing


Nestled among majestic oak trees, Oak Crossing provided a picturesque backdrop for the couple's special day. The first took place under the oaks, while the ceremony and reception was held in The TreeHouse, a stunning 4,200-square-foot indoor venue overlooking the serene park. The neutral décor of The TreeHouse complemented the couple's chosen color palette, creating an elegant atmosphere. ​


Floral Arrangements


Wendi's Flower Cart adorned the venues with exquisite floral arrangements, enhancing the natural beauty of Oak Crossing. Their commitment to quality and artistic design was evident in every bouquet and centerpiece.


Brandy Christian also oversaw the catering, delivering a delectable menu that delighted guests. The wedding cake, crafted by Angela King of King's Cakes, was a masterpiece, both in design and flavor. ​

A brick entrance monument with 'Oak Crossing' text signage and landscaped shrubs surrounds the community entrance.
A brick and stucco building with dormer windows and rustic exterior features a 'TreeHouse' sign mounted on its facade.
A wall-mounted sign reading 'The TreeHouse' with stylized lettering and design elements.
Indoor wedding ceremony setup with light wooden chairs and tall greenery arrangements creating an elegant aisle.
Indoor wedding ceremony space with white crossback chairs and floral arch arrangements against cream walls.
Elegant wedding reception table set with white linens, light wood chairs, and a tall red and white floral centerpiece.
An elegant wedding reception table with tall floral centerpiece, burgundy accents, and white linens in a light-filled room.
An elegant banquet hall decorated with white tablecloths, crossback chairs, and burgundy accents for a formal event setting.
A decorative alligator statue in a whimsical pose wearing lace and floral-print garments stands outside a brick building.
Elegant white wedding shoes and invitations with floral designs arranged on wooden surface with delicate lace details.
An elegant white wedding dress and sage green bridesmaid dress hanging on hangers between cream curtains in a bridal suite.
Elegant white wedding dress with lace train and spaghetti straps hangs in front of mirror in bridal boutique.
An elegant white wedding dress on a personalized hanger reflects in a mirror beside a decorative wall sconce.
Engagement ring in a white box with white roses, a burgundy ribbon, and a decorative carved wooden box in the background.
A touching moment between two people at a wedding, one in a navy blue dress and one in an elegant white bridal gown.
Two people share an intimate moment as they embrace, one wearing a navy dress and one in an elegant white wedding gown.
Two people share a tender moment in an indoor setting, with one wearing a navy dress and one in a white gown.
Woman in coral-colored dress helps bride with her stunning white mermaid-style wedding gown in an elegant room.
Man wearing a classic black tuxedo with bow tie and boutonniere smiles warmly while standing indoors.
A bride and groom pose together at their wedding, with her in a white slit dress holding a burgundy bouquet.
A stylish groom in a classic black three-piece tuxedo and bow tie smiles while looking off to the side at his wedding.
A well-dressed person sits on exercise equipment in a gym wearing formal attire and a bow tie.
Bridesmaids in burgundy dresses gather excitedly around the bride in white during pre-wedding preparations.
A couple shares an intimate moment under a floral arch at an elegant indoor wedding reception.
A couple walks down the aisle at an indoor wedding ceremony while guests look on from wooden chairs.
Wedding ceremony with elegant floral arch featuring white roses and greenery against white drapery backdrop.
A happy wedding couple shares their first kiss during ceremony surrounded by green foliage arch and white backdrop.
A joyful newlywed couple celebrates with their wedding party at a white indoor ceremony space adorned with greenery.
A wedding couple walks back down the aisle together after their ceremony as guests look on from their seats.
A couple shares their first dance at their wedding reception on a dark hardwood floor surrounded by guests.
Wedding couple dances joyfully on a dark wooden floor as guests watch from cross-back chairs in the background.
Bride in sleek white gown dances with partner at wedding reception while guests watch from behind.
Couple shares first dance in reception hall surrounded by wedding guests in formal attire.
A couple shares an intimate first dance moment at their wedding reception while guests look on from the background.
Couple sharing a tender dance moment at an indoor reception venue with guests watching in the background.
A couple shares their first dance on a hardwood floor during a wedding reception as guests watch from dining tables.

Reception Highlights


Best man giving a heartfelt wedding toast while newlyweds share a joyful moment with champagne.
A white tiered wedding cake decorated with burgundy and pink roses sits on a gold cake stand at a wedding reception.
A stylish wedding cake display with white tiers decorated with burgundy flowers and eucalyptus leaves on a silver stand.
A couple shares a joyous moment on the dance floor at their wedding reception, both laughing and dancing together.
Wedding guests dance energetically at a reception with people wearing formal attire on a dark dance floor.
Party guests in formal wear sing and celebrate together in a dimly lit reception hall.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating together on the dance floor during a festive reception.
A bride wearing a sparkly long-sleeved top and white pants dances joyfully at a wedding reception.
A couple sharing an intimate dance moment at a wedding reception on a dark hardwood floor surrounded by seated guests.
Party guests sharing laughter while dancing together at a celebration event on a dark dance floor.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating together on the dance floor during a festive reception.
Wedding guests dancing energetically on a dark dance floor with colorful formal attire.
Enthusiastic dancer in blue shirt shows off moves while party guests cheer at formal event.
A lively dance party scene at a senior community with people dancing and smiling together.
Partygoer performs dramatic dance move on floor surrounded by formal crowd in evening wear.
Wedding guests enjoying themselves and dancing on a crowded dance floor with colorful party lights in the background.
People dancing and having fun at a nightclub with colorful lights and hazy atmosphere.
Two guests perform dramatic dance moves at formal event while others cheer and watch.
Guests laughing and enjoying themselves on the dance floor at an energetic wedding reception.
Celebration breaks out on dance floor as wedding guests cheer and raise drinks in formal attire.
Wedding guests dancing energetically on the reception dance floor during an evening celebration.

Photography and Videography


As the lead photographer, I, Cindy Sabrina, had the pleasure of capturing the day's precious moments, alongside associate photographer Lenisse Robertson of Lenisse Robertson Photography. Lenisse's passion for creating timeless and romantic images added depth to the visual narrative of the event. ​


Videographer LaVina Bostock of Your Day Production brought her 17 years of experience to the fore, crafting a cinematic experience that encapsulated the emotions and highlights of the day. ​

Happy couple shares a joyful moment together while dancing and laughing at their wedding reception.

Vendors


DJ Emille Fontenot kept the energy high, curating a playlist that had everyone dancing and celebrating the newlyweds.​


Attire Jade's stunning wedding dress from David's Bridal and Jerald's dashing tuxedo from The Black Tux added to the elegance of the occasion.​


The seamless collaboration of these talented vendors, combined with the love shared by Jade and Jerald, made for an unforgettable wedding day.​

A lively group in white shirts and dark pants pose energetically together at an indoor celebration event.
A festive wedding party group poses together in formal attire including blue, white and emerald green outfits.
A group of party guests in formal attire pose together and celebrate at an event with indoor plants in the background.
A lively group in formal attire poses together at an indoor venue, celebrating with energetic and joyful expressions.
Party guests dancing and celebrating enthusiastically at a lively indoor event with dim lighting and joyful atmosphere.
Empty plate with spoons and champagne glasses on white tablecloth next to wine bottle and green foliage arrangement.
Empty plate with food remnants next to a bottle of Korbel Sweet Rose and champagne glasses on a table setting.