A Summer Wedding at Broken Spur Event Center in Lubbock, Texas

Eric & Mya // The Broken Spur Event Center

DJ: Chris Ruiz

I’ve known Eric for almost ten years, and his family has always held a very special place in my heart. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was living in Houston and feeling especially isolated, his family welcomed me into their home for six weeks. So when Eric and Mya asked me to photograph their wedding, it was truly an honor.

I didn’t know Mya nearly as well before the wedding, but I was so excited to spend more time with her and see the two of them together. And I can confidently say I have never seen Eric smile the way he did around Mya that day. This is the same man who once refused to participate in a family “hug circle” with me because, in his words, “I don’t know you like that.” Seeing him completely lit up around his bride was one of my favorite parts of the entire day.

Their August wedding took place at Broken Spur Event Center in Lubbock, Texas, on one of those blazing West Texas summer days. Temperatures were well into the 90s, and their ceremony was outdoors, but somehow the heat never took away from how beautiful the day felt. We started with getting-ready photos and details before moving into Eric and Mya’s first look. With the midday sun overhead, we found pockets of shade around the venue for portraits before moving into bridal party and family photos. Wedding days rarely unfold exactly on schedule, and this one required a little flexibility as family members arrived, but we simply adjusted the order and kept everything moving.

Before the ceremony, I photographed the outdoor ceremony space while guests arrived with both electric and paper fans provided by the couple, a very appreciated detail in the Texas heat. Their ceremony was especially meaningful, centered on the purpose of marriage and the way it can glorify the Lord. Afterward, everyone headed inside Broken Spur for dinner, including steaks, an especially fitting choice for Eric, followed by cake and a packed dance floor. Their DJ kept the party going all evening, and both families made sure the dance floor stayed full.

It was such a joyful, personal wedding to photograph, and one I’ll always be grateful I was invited to document.