Vacationers

Call it fast friends or call it fate, but my family fell in love with the Miller family on our last Cruise to the Bahamas. We met randomly at lunch one afternoon when my brother, husband and I all found ourselves hungry for the Royal Caribbean lunch buffet at the same time as everyone else on the ship.... with no luck finding a table of our own, we were invited to sit with a sweet couple (hibachi style) at their table thinking, "ok we will make this quick and painless, let's just eat and run"... An hour later we discovered we were fellow Texans and that we had much more in common than we thought. They invited us to watch the water show from their private suite that evening, and in true Thames family style, we didn't decline. The rest was history, and I mean that.... the cruise was a blur from then on! We were sad for the trip to end, but they invited us to join them in Las Vegas for Kim's 40th birthday the following October... and once again, the Thames family didn't pass up a good time and we graciously accepted.

Vegas came and went as fast & furious as the cruise, and it just confirmed our friendship even more. I know for most of you this sounds very Dateline meets eHarmony, but if you knew this family (and ours) you would know that it was just a perfect act of fate and new friendships.

Mark is the CEO of an amazing company, Miller & Associates , and dreams up the kind of stuff you see in the movies.... he's basically a genius and Kevin James all rolled into one. On the cruise we were discussing his business and what programs they use and Auto CAD came up! (to those of you that don't know, this is the program that I spent 2 years of my college career learning- it's a very love/hate relationship, but it's the program I use for my design drafting). Mark's company of course uses the program to design things like you'd see in Avatar or CSI where as I make kitchens look real pretty.

Kim is a major work out girl and health guru. She is the author of a fabulous new blog: http://kimsfitandfab40s.wordpress.com/ check it out and show her some love.

After the cruise, Mark & Kim called to hire me to design their new kitchen in Dallas! It has been such a fun project, partly because it gives me an excuse to go to Dallas and see Kim, and also because they have amazing taste and I'm getting to think outside the box! The project is in the works, and I will of course be sharing it with everyone once construction roles around. As for now I'm posting pictures from our last visit before Christmas. Kim asked me to take some fun pictures of her family, as well as some senior shots of their daughter, Angela. Enjoy!

Life's a flash, capture accordingly

Amy-Rose King, as sweet as her name sounds.

This is a quick one, but I just wanted to thank Amy-Rose King for taking her precious time to interview me a couple weeks ago (I'm obviously behind on blogging!). Amy is seriously an inspiration to me in so many ways. Yeah yeah, I know people say this a lot, but I really mean it with this girl. We met at Starbucks two weeks ago to talk shop, and later found ourselves almost 3 hours into a conversation much deeper than photography. Oh, but let me back track to the start of our little date. I'm running 7 minutes late (a sad but very constant signature trait of mine) and rushed into a spot right off the main street running parallel to Starbucks (Milwaukee for you Lubbockites). I'm feeling cute in my new Zara blazer, skinny jeans, and black pleather boots (buy one pair, get one free at Charlette Rouse!). I rush out of my car and slip on the only patch of ice left un-thawed in the parking lot and COMPLETELY bust on the pavement! The only pain I felt was that of my ego, and it hurt. Not knowing if anyone caught a glimpse, I laughed awkwardly to myself and walked inside hoping Amy hadn't seen. Let's face it, being 5'10 (and walking in cheap plastic boots) comes with some serious coordination issues. Luckily Amy didn't see me bust, but when I reached out to shake her hand and had gravel impaled in my palms...I had to fess up. Telling her of my fall actually "broke the ice" for our interview!

I fell in love with Amy after the first 10 minutes. She is cool, calm & collected without being intimidating. She was sweet to share tips and tricks of the trade and even offered to shoot a wedding with me in Fredericksburg coming up in the spring. I'm so excited to learn from her, especially on the wedding circuit. One of her best friends Ashley Rodgers, who I've gotten the pleasure of knowing (and love) through my brother with their previous pole-vaulting ties, met up with us for some caffeine and conversation as well. Both of these photographers have incredible work and better yet, are just fun girls to be around. Check them out: Amy-Rose King Blog, Amy-Rose King Website, & Ashley Rogers blog

Also, see my interview with Amy-Rose on her blog. Be sure to peruse around the other Lubbock photographers while you're at it, this town has some serious talent. You will be amazed with Amy's work and the talent she displays through her blog. Not to mention she's a mom and works part time at the hospital! Seriously? I'm tired just thinking of her work load, and to 'crown' it all (yes, that's her logo and I'm forcefully using it as a pun), she makes time to interview AND photograph new photographers to introduce them to the local photography market... she is a true JEWEL! Thanks so much Amy :)

Photograph by Amy-Rose King

Introducing Mrs. Kevin Koronka

Yay!!! So I can finally add a blushing bride to my ongoing portfolio! I was so thrilled when one of my high school friends, Meg Hall, asked me to take her bridals in Dallas this past December. Meg has always reminded me of Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama, I don't really know why, but if you knew Meg and watched the movie you'd get it. She's got class & a witty sense of humor mixed with a little side of sass, and well- it just doesn't get much better than that. I knew that Meg would bring something fun and innovative  to her wedding attire, and she did not disappoint! Besides her amazing dress, she rocked the coolest blue shoes embellished with peacock feathers! I mean seriously, who else but Meg would think of that? Her wedding took place in Dallas and we would not have MISSED it for the world!! The ceremony was something straight out of a movie with the maid of honor (and sister Melissa) singing a solo that sent goosebumps through the congregation. The reception at the Magnolia Hotel was just my style equipped with an open bar and macaroni & cheese station. Our group closed down the reception and found our way to the Iron Cactus for a little post party. Two other high school friends (Jaclyn, who's engagement session I did back in the fall) & Lindsey (who's baby Lyv stole our hearts from her session in October), their significant others (both of which are named Cody), my mom and I then proceeded to close down the restaurant at 2:00 am. Such a fun night, and I'm so pumped I can finally post Meg's bridals- it's official. Meet Mrs. Kevin Koronka:

life's a flash, capture accordingly.

Traci + Clay

What better way to start out 2011 than with one seriously fabulous couple. Traci & Clay are set to be married next June and asked me to take some formal (yet fun) engagements pictures of the two of them. We had a quick mini- session with one outfit and two locations, but got a lot of really great images in our short time together... seriously, how could anyone not with this cute of a pair? Traci and I have always been acquaintances, but have never spent much time together... I've absolutely LOVED getting to know this girl better over the past couple of weeks and have to say that this is a prime example of why I love my job, getting to know people and making new relationships!! Traci sells Stella & Dot jewelry, which if you haven't checked it out, you should- it's fabulous! I have these earings (thanks to my awesome mother-in-law).

and desperately want this necklace- please someone tell my husband.

Any-who, if you like this jewelry hit up Traci Felton to buy it! You can find her on facebook. Now, onto the images! ahhhh, love...

life's a flash, capture accordingly.

Beauty & Brains

One of my best friend's, Nikki, built a new house and moved in a few months back... With a new house comes new neighbors, which let's face it, is often a crap-shoot. Luckily though, Nikki was placed  on a street across from a sweet little blonde named Amy, who seriously has to be the coolest neighbor ever. The girls hit it off instantly and turned borrowing eggs from your neighbor a thing of the past... they share more fun things like wine & dinner :) Amy is a dermatology resident here at Texas Tech and get in line people, she's got quite a following already! Nikki and I call her first when we need skin remedies & beauty treatments!! Amy is not only obviously brilliant but she is beautiful too (and domestic! she even made hot apple cider for our second location in the cold!). I've had fun getting to pop in on her & Nikki on occasion and wishing I was their neighbor as well... mainly because they cook and drink together :)

Amy  called to set up a Christmas gift of family pictures for her mom & dad. She arranged the whole thing and I was totally flattered to be a part! I had met her parents briefly one time before but this time I actually got to know them and her little sister. This family seriously fell straight off of a GAP ad. I mean all beautiful, all energetic, all classic, all fun. I had a blast with them. Thanks for thinking of me Amy!!

Meet the Wolthoff family:

Life's a flash, capture accordingly.

Seriously Stunning

Brace yourselves... The photos below contain my seriously stunning sister-in-law, Taylor, and may take your breathe away :) All jokes aside, Taylor lives in Ft. Worth and last time we were in Vegas for a family vacation we (Taylor, me, and both our moms) took advantage of the beautiful ambiance and did a little mini "fashionista" shoot. It was fabulous to have 4 creative minds work together with such a gorgeous model and spectacular venue!! My mom, who dabbles in photography herself, was handy to have around for photog questions, while Susan was thumbing through high fashion magazines for ideas! We sipped cocktails (which let's face it, always helps with the creativity side of things) and had the BEST time. I'm so lucky to have such a cool family!

I've been on Taylor's case now for a good 6 months about pursuing a modeling career. Let's face it, the girls' got it. More than that though she is such a fun sister to have! I've never had a little sister so Taylor serves as my surrogate  "lil sis"... we like to leave the "in-law" part off! I'm going to make this one short and let the images speak for themselves. Leave Taylor some love on the comment section below!! Let's get this girl a career!

I've made you all wait for the full round of edits, but as promised, here they are- enjoy.

Life's a flash, capture accordingly.

Bailey Ladies

I met Dwayna when I underwent an elaborate hunt to find a hair dresser that could do my hair for our wedding. Seeing as how I had never been happy with an up-do since 8th grade (including 9th-12th grade homecomings AND proms.. I mean having a small head is tricky...) this was quite a task. A mutual friend referred Dwayna and said she was great.... So it was on.... I would test her with my bridal portrait and see how it went....well she MORE than thrilled me with what she came up with!! I was SO pleased at the way she made my hair look- it was classic and simple and went right along with the theme of our wedding. I fell in love with Dwayna and have been going to her ever since. She is an amazing person and I always learn a little something from her during our 3 hour appointments once every 2 months :) Oh! One more thing, she sells Arbonne and it's amazing, hit her up if you need some!

Dwayna's masterpiece! Photo by Kristin Bednarz

I was very flattered when Dwayna called me for two projects, a graphic design job and a portrait session with her and her daughter Sarah. We had SUCH a blast at the Funky Door where we started our shoot. We ended up out in the country on my parents land for some wintery outdoor field shots. These pictures were to be a surprise for their family for Christmas so I figure now it's safe to blog! Meet Dwayna & Sarah, beautiful mother & daughter!!

Here's a quick look at the graphic I designed for her

life's a flash, capture accordingly.

Gage Family Pictures

Since I can remember these two sisters have been SUCH a hoot. I cheered with both of them through high school...I couldn't help but have flash backs of the fun they brought to the cheerleading squad when I was with them a couple of weeks ago for our shoot. Whitney contacted me a while back to take pictures of her sister & husband for her mom's Christmas present this year. We searched for dates and could finally squeeze a session in around Thanksgiving. Don't worry, I already asked the two if I could blog the pics before Christmas and they seemed quite certain that their mom wouldn't see the post... So if anyone knows Mrs. Gage, keep it on the DL! She knows we took pictures for her Christmas surprise, she just doesn't know how super cute her kids look in them! We had so much fun the day of our shoot, groups like this are always pretty entertaining- I just love sibling dynamics. Makes me feel right at home :) Mika brought her boyfriend along for a couple of shots as well. I'm so happy with how they turned out and think they will make a very Merry Christmas present for their sweet mama! Enjoy! Life's a flash, captures accordingly.

The Bayouth Bunch

I'm obsessed with the Bayouth family- I just am.... and I can say this without being creepy because they are some of our very good family friends- I like to think MINE in particular! When I transferred back to TTU Debbie would called me to babysit her adorable kids. Sometimes babysitting was just to get the extra cash I needed for the next weekend's itinerary .... however, with the Bayouths it wasn't ever about the money. I enjoyed spending time with those kids and still miss them like crazy now that I'm old & married and babysitting doesn't constitute as my full time job! Luckily, Charlie is one of my dad's partners at work so we conveniently still get to see them from time to time, especially during football season! When I was babysitting for Debbie I found myself looking up to her. She's one of those people you feel like you've known forever. She's beautiful, confident, an amazing mom, wife, athlete.....she really has it all together! She also married her husband, Charlie while he was in the midst of medical school (just like Ryan and I) and has been SUCH an amazing mentor as to what I should expect during my "life as a med-school wife". I really am so grateful for her words of wisdom and her sweet friendship.

Now on to the kids.... Jacob, Joseph, Katie & Lauren (or LuLu as we call her)- The most perfect sibling dynamic since the Brady Bunch.... They are all very smart, well behaved, & active kids that have great futures ahead of them. The two youngest were actually flower girls in our wedding! I remember vividly babysitting all of them one day and watching them play in the back yard.... each one had a buddy (with there being 4 of them you know) and they all watched out for each other and got along so well! I went home and told Ryan we needed to have 4 kids so that no one would be left out... verdict is still out on that decision :)

I was thrilled when Debbie called me for some pictures of the kids. We made a day of it doing all 4 kids in the morning, breaking for a fabulous lunch at Chili's (thank you Debbie!), and doing a "mom & me" session with Debbie & her youngest in the afternoon. They are such a beautiful family, and better yet- just really great people.

Meet the Bayouths!

Life's a flash, capture accordingly

Stewart Family Session

A couple weeks ago I got to photograph one of my very best friends Nikki & her entire family!! You may remember her from these fun images (where she played the part of an urban hippy transitions into breakfast at Tiffany's!) Nikki and I were just playing for fun that day, but her sweet mom hired me recently to take their family pictures. Nikki and I were cheerleaders together back in high school and lived together our last 2 years of college. We have had the funniest memories along the way- I won't get in to any of those today...(you can thank me later Nikki!) She is one of my only best friends remaining in Lubbock- all you other ones MOVED off and left us...boo! Nikki and I manage to stir up trouble on our own though. This past weekend Nikki & Chris sat with our family at the football game and had a blast- didn't we Nik :)

Nikki's mom Patti & step-dad Brent are salt of the earth kind of people. They drove me back from Dallas after a wedding not too long ago, and I don't think we stopped talking the entire way! Patti has Nikki (her husband Chris) & her son Chase while Brent has Steven (and now his sweet wife Vanessa). Brent owns All State Fence & Supply so call him up if you ever need a heavy duty fence- he's the best!

We started our shoot down town and then ended up out in the country at my parents pecan orchard right as the leaves were changing & the sun was setting. I absolutely love this time of year and think we got some great images of a truly great family. Oh and a big thanks to my mom for hanging with us this day. It's always nice to have a second eye with a big family session. Love you mom :)

Meet the Stewart Family!

Life's a flash, capture accordingly.

"Fallen"

I must say- it sure is nice having beautiful people in your family to take pictures of during family vacations & holidays. I recently took some BREATHTAKING pictures of my gorgeous sister-in-law Taylor when we were on a fun "VegasVacation" a couple weeks back. Here is one of my favorites from the shoot: Don't think I'm crazy- I fully plan to post an entire update on ALL the amazing images from that day. It was like we played dress up and the stars just aligned! I'm still working on a few more edits from the weekend and want to complete the entire session before I post them all for you to see up here on the blog. In the meantime however I had another chance to steal a few shots of miss Taylor after our delicious Thanksgiving meal (thanks Susan & Grammy, fantastic cooking!). Taylor is working in Ft. Worth as a recruiter for a wonderful oil company... but see the only problem is, when you're THIS beautiful, people need to SEE you, not just hear you over the phone! My mother-in-law Susan and I have had big plans for Taylor's modeling career long before now, however we are finally getting a chance to start brainstorming her portfolio now that I've found myself in the photography  business. These things have a funny way of working out- and I love it. I totally believe in fate. Taylor is going to be famous....yup, I just decided :)

Enjoy these fun shots of Taylor after our Thanksgiving day feast in the fabulous Midland fall leaves.

Oh, and I threw in a couple shots of my sweet one-eyed pup Emma for fun!! I LOVE FALL!!

My sweet baby girl!

she loves fall too. Emma is smart- she practices restraint....something I'm currently working on...

Life's a flash, capture accordingly.

"Mom & Me" session

I LOVE MY MOM!! I'm sure all you reading this love your mama's too. That's why I've decided to post about the fun "mom & me" sessions I've been doing lately. I've done a couple of these in the past and have a few more booked for the next couple weeks. With all our mom's do for us it is a fun gift to give them something sweet for Christmas, birthdays, or MOTHER's DAY!! I sat in awe over Thanksgiving doing little side jobs in the kitchen as my mom mastered about 12 side dishes and a delicious turkey ALL on her own!! NOT to mention the incredible Thanksgiving breakfast she cooked for the fist half of our family the morning before. Our family was a little discombobulated this year for turkey day, but my mom didn't let that get in the way of making sure everyone she loved had a Thanksgiving meal. To top it off, after our big family meal, she froze portions to take to HER parents in Houston the next day, and then made more pies when she got there! Now that's a super mom if I've ever seen one. Enough of my fabulous mama and on to the next. My sweet friend Taylor and I both grew up in Lubbock. I have her dad to thank for my super straight teeth (well they would be straighter if I had worn my retainer like he suggested!)- he was my orthodontist! Taylor and I used to hang out during KKG chapter meetings when I transferred back to Tech. I just loved her because while I was doodling she was listening and would share any info I missed. In the meantime Taylor had the most ADORABLE little girl Maddi. She is the most incredible mom and has tackled going to nursing school while raising a baby. She is about to graduate this December and will be a full fledged nurse!! She called me up to take some fun "mom & me" pics of the two of them to share with her family & friends. I was so thrilled and we had a blast during our shoot. Hope you enjoy!

Life's a flash, capture accordingly.

Jaclyn + Cody

Jaclyn and I met when I moved to Frenship back in the 5th grade. I've discussed my awkward turtle years before, but let me paint you a picture.... I was about the same height I am now minus 75 pounds.... skinny, lanky, uncoordinated, you get it.... Jaclyn was a natural born athlete. In Junior High I somehow managed to make the "A" team in basketball. When I knocked someone down I would apologize and help them up.... That defensive/aggression thing never was my style. Jaclyn was amazing though. She totally ruled the court and went on to be quite the basketball star all through school. I on the other hand made the switch after 8th grade to cheerleading- a safe bet for us side-liners.... Jaclyn and I both shipped of to the University of Texas in 2004 to embark on our new "independent lives" as college students. We lived in different dorms and saw each other at the occasional fraternity party. We still keep in touch, but not enough! I was SO excited to get to catch up with her (and get to know her main man, Cody) in Austin. Jaclyn got in touch with me a few months back about potentially shooting her wedding in Jamaica. JAMAICA?!?! Yes, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since! Her and Cody are having a stunning Martha Stewart style destination wedding next June and have invited me to be a part of it all! Of course all good weddings start with a fabulous engagement. The two make such a great couple. They are real and genuine and there is nothing I love more! Stay tuned for bridals and their spectacular beach wedding to come!

Meet Jaclyn & Cody

life's a flash, capture accordingly

Baby J-Gray

Ok, I know I talk about baby fever on my blog enough to make everyone think I'm actually getting it.... truth is- it's not my fault. You spend an afternoon with the most handsome, adorable, sweetest, loving baby in the world and tell me if you don't get a slight bit of baby fever as well! Meet John Grayson Zachry.

Mom: Allison Zachry- beauty, brains, amazing faith, fabulous mom, personality, SHE has it all.

Dad: Casey Zachry- good looking, smart, athletic, full of faith, fun loving, HE has it all.

They are both engineers and have been married I believe for three years now. They are parents to the cutest baby on the plant, Grayson, and are currently living happily ever after. They live in Midland (home town of my husband) and when we visit his family they are a regular stop we make! Recently Alli asked me to help her with some design decisions around her house, and I was VERY willing! Allison has spectacular taste (and it always helps when the designer and client have similar styles!) The Zachry's house is full of warmth. Seriously as cheesy as this sounds, they are straight out of a novel. The picture perfect family and the perfect house to match! Grayson's baby nursery (I believe) was even featured in a local Midland magazine. Makes you wonder why she needs me right? Casey & Allison are some of mine and Ryan's best friends in the world. No matter how long we go without seeing them, it doesn't take much to catch right back up. Now that they have Grayson, I feel like I've been visiting more frequently! Babies change too fast, so we just have to visit more often I suppose :)

Last time I was there I stole Grayson for a miniature 20 minute session to get some festive fall pics.  Enjoy!

life's a flash, capture accordingly

Becton & Brynlee

As I've mentioned before, and will probably mention a million more times throughout my blog posts here, the thing I love most about photography is keeping in touch with old friends.... Well, old friends of my sister's from high school that I like to call my own :)  Back when Kacee Taylor Hogg and my sister Ginger were in high school I thought I was one of "the girls". Even though I was clearly not (and merely an awkward 6th grader at the time) they let me play along. I would follow "the girls" everywhere.... well everywhere my curfew would permit... They carted me to the movies, to the mall, and anywhere else I could bug them enough to take me. Having an older sister with cool friends during my awkward-turtle years definitely had its perks. Now that we're all grown up (and I've hopefully left my awkward-turtle back at Junior High) Kacee hired me to take her kiddos pictures. I was SO thrilled! My mom had taken her oldest, Brynlee's pictures in Houston a few years back and I got to play assistant. This time around I was the main shooter and my sweet photog mom was the assistant! Becton and Brynlee were full of fun (and full of energy) during our shoot. Brynlee loved the camera and was my little model for the day. Becton on the other hand had his heart set on getting into the things that weren't so camera friendly. We had a yard full of the sweetest antique tractors and, as boys will be boys, Becton jumped on the orange Kabota!! We certainly made it work and even got to play with Brynlee's palomino horse at the end. It was a fun shoot and a great chance to catch up with Kacee!

Life's a flash, capture accordingly

Megan + Sean

I was totally ecstatic when a good family friend called me to take her engagement photos recently! Megan Hale is best friends with my sister in law Taylor. Since I've known my in-laws, I've known Miss Megan. She has been an intrinsic part of the Rowland family long before I ever was. I've had the pleasure of traveling with Megan, (to Vegas of all places!) and have hysterical memories with that girl. It has been a fun connection knowing the Hale's because the sisters (Megan & Taylor), brothers (Tyler & Ryan), and moms (Valerie & Susan) are all great friends! Now I've jumped in the mix and have the pleasure of hanging out with them all on different occasions! Their entire family is one that you feel like you've known for years. Megan's mom Valerie was kind enough to book me for a job through her marketing agency a couple months back. They are always thinking of how they can help others and are just really great people. Is everyone up to speed on the connections? Megan and Sean met while at Texas Tech. They are a fun loving couple and are both currently in the Midland/Odessa area. Sean is an engineer in Odessa and Megan is working and wedding planning in Midland. The day of our shoot, Sean was a feeling a bit under the weather but was the most incredible sport! He was all smiles and if he did feel bad, didn't let us know. We had a blast going around Midland and finding fun places as backdrops for our shoot. My sweet and seriously fabulous mother in law Susan went with us and was the best assistant ever. She navigated the car, held equipment, fixed fly aways, made us laugh, and was the perfect assistant for the day. I wish I would have recorded Megan, Valerie, Susan and I all getting ready for the shoot. The moms were on outfit duty while Megan did her make-up and I did her hair (no pressure!). Both Valerie and Susan were amazing and just watching them gave me flash backs to coordinating outfits for Rush. They had clothing paired with the specific accessories to a tee. Valerie even had h'orderves before we left and homemade bread and seafood soup when we got back! I may have to hire the duo for future jobs!!

Meet Megan & Sean:

Life's a flash, capture accordingly

Babies anyone?

So after the recent news that my sister and good friend Amanda are both pregnant and expecting within a month of each other, I have been on the baby circuit. NOT that I want one yet- because I don't know how another eating, breathing, living thing would fit into my crazy life at this point (I mean my adorable husband is enough to take care of right now!) However- being the sister (and friend) of a pregnant woman is one of the best roles I've played yet. Why so stoked you may ask? Because you get all the excitement of the pregnancy without any of the nausea or swollen ankles. I'm getting to help both of them plan their nurseries, baby showers, and take their maternity pictures, yet I don't have to change the dirty diapers....although I'm sure I'll get stuck with a few of those :) BUT even that I don't mind! Just the smell of baby skin alone is enough to make me want one----errrr....think about wanting one! Ok, so maybe I am getting some side effects of baby fever..... but don't tell my husband. Oh and speaking of side effects, I decided to gain 5 lbs. along with my sister just to be supportive.......or that's what I'm telling people anyway.... ;) Enough of my baby brainstorming and back the sweet baby that this blog post is actually about! My darling friend Lindsey recently called me wanting pictures of her adorable baby girl. She lives in the Ft. Worth area which was perfect because I was able to pair a few more remodel jobs with Lindsey's photo shoot while I was down that way. Lindsey is one of those girls that just keeps getting prettier each time I see her. When we were 10 I remember thinking how stinkin' beautiful she was and let me tell you, the girl is still the same.

Lindsey's mom became very sick when we were in college and moved to Houston to undergo treatment there. Lindsey, being an incredible daughter, followed her mom and attended U of H while caring for her mother. She showed such courage and grace and never batted an eyelash to what her role was at that time. While in Houston, Lindsey was swept away by a handsome football player Cody. They dated, fell in love, got married, had a baby, and are currently living happily ever after. Lindsey's sweet mother Pat past away previous to the birth of Lindsey's baby... and ladies, grab a tissue... She named her baby Patricia Lyv as a namesake to her mother....doesn't that just give you goosebumps?? She is an incredible person and has the most PRECIOUS daughter ever. Meet Lyv.

life's a flash, capture accordingly

Stacy + Brandon

I have been antsy to share these pictures from Stacy & Brandon's engagement session but have waited because I wanted them to be the first images shown on my new blog! Stacy called me recently to inquire about a wedding photographer and we ended up clicking (yes. pun intended!) like we had been friends all along. I'm super excited to photograph their wedding this coming summer and am having a blast getting to know them in the meantime. Stacy and Brandon are seriously one hot couple. Yes, I know it is so cliche to say "Oh, their so in love, blah blah blah.... but seriously, the way these two look at each other is enough to make a girl crave a good Reese Witherspoon romantic comedy! Stacy is a hoot and I can only imagine the fun we are going to have getting ready for the wedding. I'm so pumped to be a part of this amazing time in their lives, and am even more grateful to have two new friends. Enjoy! life's a flash, capture accordingly

the big debut

I truly cannot believe it! After passing out about 50 business cards with an inactive website address and contact email, I finally found the time to make my website & professional blog LIVE! I know I know- I told most of you it would be finished about a month ago, and you can thank my annoying OCD personality for that. However I hope it is well worth your wait. It certainly is for me :)

I started taking pictures for hire this past August and haven't batted an eyelash since. This whole new venture has just snowballed and completely gone viral and I have all of you to thank for it! It has been with the help of my friends, family, and patient husband that I have been able to jump head first into this new chapter of my life. A HUGE thanks goes out to Kristin Bednarz, who without her I would still be metering my shots the longest way possible! She has completely given me confidence and guidance through this entire process and has devoted her precious time to help a friend. I still can't believe that it was only three months ago that I was contemplating going back to school to get my masters in environmental design. Funny how someone else's plan always ends up taking precedence over my own (thanks there God-  you really know what your doing!). So much has happened in this past three months that I almost feel I should devote my next blog post to recapping this crazy journey. Maybe I'll do that when it's not 2:45 in the morning.....

That's it for tonight....I'm not even going to post any pictures quite yet, instead I think I'll just bask in the glory of my fresh new clean blog! Don't worry, if anyone IS actually interested in what Ryan and I are up to, I will still be posting personal family blog entries to our little family blog. Here's to the future and lot's of potential laughter, memories, and friendships to come!

Life's a flash, capture accordingly.

Heather.