Work it!

Okay, so I spend all this time photographing bellies, babies, and other families... I'm terrible at making time to shoot my favorite people.  Finally after nearly an entire year, I bundled us up and forced us out in the snow.  We ended up at a castle and we're all so glad we did.   As FREEZING as it was, we had a great time and we got some really great shots.  Here are a few of our not so little any longer, girl!

Beautiful Family, Beautiful Fall

If we all could be so lucky!

Look at this belly!  Simply flawless, beautiful belly - I can't wait to see who's inside!

Love this lil' one!

Molly & Mark, Ft. Worth TX

This 4th, well 5th of July, for me, will be always remembered as the Wedding Celebration of Molly, the daughter of my dear friend Doneva, to Mark Murtaugh.  Molly and Mark, both TCU grads, joined their lives together at TCU's own, Robert Car Chapel, followed by dinner and dancing at the Timarron Country Club in Southlake, TX.  The day was so perfect from weather, to the dress, to the smallest detail.  Molly, who could probably show Ms. Martha a thing or two, thought of everything.  My favorite, Pot Belly, sandwiches and cookies for lunch at the salon; the "reserved" place setting marked with a yellow bow, in honor of Mark's sister on deployment with the United States Navy; the activity station for the little ones, with their very own bowl of green, pink and brown M&M's; the smorgasbord of homemade cookies and tea; I could go on and on.  This wedding was a true family event, from big sis taking on the wedding planning role to Molly baking cookies with her Aunt the entire day before the wedding.  And we never forget the countless hours Mom and Dad "spend" making sure everything is perfect for their little girl.

This particular wedding is very special to me, very valuable to me for that matter.  Because, it was not only the last wedding I shot in Texas before moving to Germany for the next three years but, most of all, being such good friends with Doneva, allowed me insight from the "wedding planning" perspective. Eight years ago today, my husband and I were married.  I, of course, have very fond memories of that day, but the details of just exactly how much work goes into planning a wedding have quickly faded over the years.  It was always a pleasure keeping up with the daily qualms of "do we want sparklers that burn for 2 minutes or 3", or "we can get either two small limos, or one huge one".  Information, I don't normally get, being the photographer.

Congratulations you two, and thank you so much for allowing me to document such a beautiful day!

Congratulations on your Engagement, Molly & Mark

Today, I had the pleasure of photographing an upcoming wedding couple, Molly & Mark, in Las Colinas, TX.  What a wonderful place, so many fantastic backdrops!  Here are a few of my favorites... 

Jessie & Jaques - Wichita, KS

I am so glad to have the wonderful memory of all of us together again to celebrate the long awaited, union of our good friends, Jessie Cooprider and Jaques Williams, to replace all of those too close-call juvenile Illinois River float trips - some I'd rather forget! (at least Jessie and I would, that is :-))

I must say that I, still, am rather impressed with Mrs. Williams.  I always knew she was a sophisticated woman, but she is totally over the top! From the quaint little "Mom & Pop" Italian Resturant, Sweet Basil, near Downtown Wichita, to the Elegance of Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, the beautiful dress, cake, wonderful food, I could just go on and on!  I do however feel that the people they so graciously chose to share in this breathtaking union may quite possibly be the best part of the entire 3 day event.  I met so many wonderful spirits.  So many people connected to this wonderful couple touched my heart in so many ways.  

Okay, yes, I'm probably a little biased.  And, that's probably what made this wedding so special for me.  I've never been so challenged.  It was all I could do to keep the tears out of my eyes so I could capture the important stuff durring the ceremony.  Between Jaques' sister Nikia's (who came all the way from Japan) unbelievable voice singing solo during the sand unity ceremony to the most honest and loving and intimate vows Jess and Jaq wrote to one another; I was simply a mess, along with many others including my Husband! 

I just can't describe how wonderful this weekend was and what it means to me as a friend and a photographer to be a part of such an incredible celebration!  I'm honored you guys chose me to capture your love - tear!  Thank you guys and Joseph and I wish you a life time of joy and memories to come.  Much Love.

Here are just a few of my absolute fav's.

Awaiting Baby Brother

Today I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with old friends.  It was also my first time meeting Aiden (big brother).   Aiden now, four was born in Hawaii, so unfortunately, I missed out on his belly and baby pics.  Never the less, these are priceless and so will be Aiden's love and devotion to his baby brother!  Unfortunately, we will have already left for Germany by the time Aiden's baby brother is born.   We expect to see pictures as soon as possible!  Thanks again you guys!