Tag Archives: wedding photographer

Dia De Los Muertos Engagement Portraits

October 29, 2024

Celebrating Love and Heritage: A Día de los Muertos Engagement Session

When two people come together to celebrate their love, it’s a powerful, unforgettable moment. Add a touch of heritage, tradition, and a celebration of life and remembrance, and you have something truly magical. Last year, I had the honor of photographing an engagement session inspired by Día de los Muertos, and it was nothing short of incredible!

Here’s a look at how this unique session came together and why Día de los Muertos made the perfect backdrop for this couple’s engagement story.

Why Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cherished Mexican tradition that celebrates life, memory, and family. Rooted in vibrant colors, honoring loved ones, and joyous festivity, this holiday is a beautiful reflection of love that transcends generations. My couple wanted to incorporate these elements into their engagement session as a nod to their cultural heritage and as a way to bring deeper meaning into their love story.

Setting the Scene

To bring the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life, we chose a location rich with unique beauty and vibrant colors. We met at Smither Park on the east side of Houston, a location filled with vibrant color tiles and glass from artists around Houston.

The couple wore traditional-inspired outfits, blending modern attire with classic elements like embroidered floral designs and beautiful accessories. The couple dressed as a bride and groom bride-to-be and the groom had their faces panted. The bride wore several elaborate flower crowns. Their looks combined elegance, tradition, and personality, making each shot a true celebration of both their love and their heritage.

Capturing the Love Story

One of my favorite moments was photographing the couple by the altar, surrounded by vibrant tiles. The energy was warm, respectful, and joyful, capturing the essence of Día de los Muertos as a celebration of life and love. I used creative posing and gentle prompts to capture intimate, candid moments between them—whether it was a quiet glance, a heartfelt embrace, or a joyful laugh. Another part that I truly loved was taking their picture at Old Town Harrisburg which gave the image a more traditional feel. The sun was setting so beautifully behind the old church there.

As they shared stories of their relationship and future together, I couldn’t help but feel how perfectly Día de los Muertos symbolized their love: full of life, vibrant, and rooted in tradition. The images reflected the powerful connection they share, surrounded by symbols of family, heritage, and love.

Why This Session Was Unforgettable

This engagement session was unforgettable because it was more than just photos—it was an experience. Through every shot, this couple beautifully showcased the importance of honoring their past while celebrating their future. The vibrant colors, meaningful details, and rich symbolism of Día de los Muertos brought an incredible depth to their love story, and it was truly an honor to capture that for them.

Tips for Your Own Cultural-Inspired Engagement Session

Embrace Meaningful Details: Incorporate elements that hold personal or cultural significance. Small details, like traditional flowers, candles, or clothing, can add depth and beauty to your photos.
Choose the Right Location: Find a location that feels authentic to the theme or tradition you’re honoring. It can help set the tone and provide a visually stunning backdrop.
Make It Personal: Use the session to tell your story! Bring in elements that reflect who you are as a couple and what matters to you. It could be honoring family members, traditions, or even a specific style that resonates with you both.
Have Fun with It: This is a celebration! Whether you’re laughing, dancing, or sharing quiet moments, allow yourself to fully enjoy this special time together.

If you’re looking to create a memorable, cultural-inspired engagement session that tells your story, I’d love to work with you! Let’s capture your unique love, heritage, and future in a way that’s true to you.

Happy Día de los Muertos, and here’s to celebrating love, life, and legacy!

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Why Your Wedding Needs a Private Last Dance: A Perfect Ending to Your Day

October 8, 2024

Picture this: the reception is winding down, your guests are chatting and celebrating, but you and your partner step away for one last intimate moment. Just the two of you on the dance floor, with the world fading into the background. This is the magic of a private last dance—and here’s why it might be the most unforgettable part of your wedding day.

Wedding Days Are a Blur

Between the excitement, endless congratulations, and whirlwind of activities, your wedding day will fly by in a blink. Most couples find that there’s barely any time to truly soak in what’s happening. A private last dance creates a moment where you can slow down, reconnect, and reflect on the day you’ve just experienced together.

Why a Private Last Dance Matters

A Moment to Reconnect
After spending most of your day surrounded by loved ones, a private last dance offers a rare moment of peace and connection. Just you, your partner, and a song that means something special. This quiet time together lets you pause, look at each other, and truly appreciate the incredible journey you’ve begun.
A Chance to Catch Your Breath
The reception can be a blur of dancing, toasts, and mingling with guests. A private last dance allows you to take a deep breath and savor the final moments of your wedding day. It’s a brief but meaningful pause before stepping into the next chapter of your lives as a married couple.
A Photographer’s Dream
From a photographer’s perspective, a private last dance provides some of the most emotional, genuine shots of the entire day. Without the distraction of guests, we can capture the quiet joy, the smiles, and the soft, intimate moments between you and your partner. These images often become some of the most cherished ones in your wedding album.
End the Day Your Way
As your guests enjoy the final songs of the night, a private last dance lets you end your celebration in a way that’s intentional and meaningful. Whether it’s to your favorite song or something that feels more reflective, this dance is yours—without interruptions, just the two of you ending your day with love and calm.
Smooth Transition to Your Grand Exit
A private last dance also helps with logistics. It gives your wedding party and coordinator time to organize and prep for your grand exit. This quiet moment together allows everything behind the scenes to flow seamlessly, ensuring a perfect transition to that magical send-off.

Why You Should Consider It

Including a private last dance in your wedding timeline doesn’t just create a beautiful moment to cap off the day—it offers you a chance to breathe, connect, and reflect before stepping into your future together. It’s a peaceful, heartfelt way to end the night and make sure your final moments as newlyweds are truly unforgettable.

So, when planning your big day, think about adding this one final dance for just the two of you. It’s a small but powerful way to make sure you leave your wedding with love, intimacy, and a moment you’ll cherish forever. 🌟

Capturing Love at the Orchard at Caney Creek

September 10, 2024

A Beautiful Engagement Session with Sam & liz.

Engagement photos are such a beautiful way to celebrate your love story before the big day, and when you pair that with a stunning location like The Orchard at Caney Creek in Wharton, TX, the result is pure magic. 🌿💍

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing an incredible couple at this breathtaking venue—a pair of amazing women whose love for each other radiated through every shot. Their story, their connection, and the stunning surroundings made for an unforgettable session.

What made this session even more special was the beautiful connection between these two women. Their love for each other was evident in every glance, every touch, and every laugh they shared during the session. It was a true honor to capture their bond and celebrate the diversity that makes love so unique and powerful.

Engagement sessions are about more than just pretty pictures—they’re about telling your love story, and this couple’s story was one of strength, joy, and authenticity. Seeing their love shine in every frame reminded me of why I love what I do.

The Orchard at Caney Creek in Wharton, TX, is truly a hidden gem, and it was the perfect place to capture the love between these two wonderful women. Their engagement session was full of laughter, joy, and tender moments, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.

Tips for Your Own Engagement Session at The Orchard at Caney Creek

Time it Right: The golden hour (just before sunset) is perfect for capturing those warm, glowing shots. The light filtering through the orchard trees during this time is pure magic! ✨
Bring Your Personality: This couple brought along some personal touches that made their session unique, and it really showed in the photos. Whether it’s a favorite jacket, a meaningful prop, or just your vibrant personalities, let your love shine through!
Relax and Have Fun: The best photos happen when you’re having a good time. Don’t stress about posing—just focus on each other, and the rest will fall into place. Trust me, your love will do all the work!

About the Venue

Nestled in the heart of Wharton, TX, The Orchard at Caney Creek offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and charm. The venue is surrounded by acres of lush trees, serene creeks, and gorgeous open spaces that create a dreamy backdrop for any engagement session. Whether you’re looking for a rustic vibe or something a bit more elegant, this location has it all.

If you’re looking for a photographer who understands the importance of telling your unique love story, I’d love to chat with you. Whether you’re planning a session at The Orchard or another beautiful location, let’s create something unforgettable together! 📸

Remember—your love is worth celebrating, and I’m here to help you do just that! 💕

Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer: Beyond the Price Tag

August 27, 2024

How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer: Key Questions to Consider

When planning your wedding, choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While the price is a significant factor, it’s crucial to dig deeper to ensure you find a photographer who perfectly aligns with your vision and needs. Here are some essential questions to ask your wedding photographer that go beyond just discussing the cost:

1. What is Your Photography Style?

Understanding a photographer’s style is key to ensuring their work aligns with your vision for your wedding day. Whether you prefer traditional posed shots, photojournalistic storytelling, or fine art photography, make sure their style matches what you envision for your special day.

2. Can We See a Full Wedding Gallery?

It’s easy to be swayed by a photographer’s highlight reel, but to get a true sense of their work, ask to see a complete wedding gallery. This will give you insight into how they capture the entirety of the day, from start to finish.

3. What Is Included in Your Packages?

Different photographers offer various packages, so it’s important to know what’s included. Ask about the number of hours of coverage, whether a second photographer is included, and what extras are part of the package, such as prints, albums, or digital files.

4. Do You Have a Backup Plan for Equipment Failure?

Technical issues can happen, so it’s crucial to know if your photographer has backup equipment ready to go. This ensures that they can handle any unexpected problems without compromising the quality of your photos.

5. How Do You Handle Unpredictable Situations, Like Weather or Venue Restrictions?

No one can predict the weather or specific venue restrictions. Ask how the photographer adapts to such situations and how they ensure they can still capture beautiful photos regardless of the circumstances.

6. How Many Weddings Have You Shot?

Experience matters in wedding photography. Find out how many weddings the photographer has covered to gauge their level of expertise and their ability to handle the dynamics of a wedding day.

7. Can You Provide References from Previous Clients?

Talking to past clients can offer valuable insights into the photographer’s professionalism, work ethic, and overall satisfaction. Ask for references to hear firsthand experiences from couples who have worked with them.

8. How Will You Coordinate with Other Vendors?

Smooth coordination with your wedding planner, videographer, and other vendors is crucial for capturing the best moments. Inquire about how the photographer works with other professionals to ensure a seamless experience.

9. What is Your Approach to Posing and Candid Shots?

Photographers vary in their approach to posing and capturing candid moments. Clarify whether they prefer directing poses or focusing on candid shots, and discuss how they handle special requests.

10. What is Your Editing Process?

Editing can significantly impact the final look of your photos. Ask about the photographer’s editing process, how many photos you can expect, and the style of editing they use to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

11. What is the Timeline for Receiving the Photos?

Understand the expected timeline for receiving your photos. Photographers usually take time to edit and process images, so ask about how long it will take to get your final photos and in what formats they will be delivered.

12. Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs?

Be clear about any potential extra charges. This could include travel expenses, overtime, or additional prints and albums. Knowing about these upfront will help you avoid surprises later.

13. How Do You Handle Copyright and Usage of the Photos?

Discuss the rights to the photos and how you can use them. Ensure you understand the photographer’s policies regarding social media sharing, printing, and any limitations on the use of the images.

14. What Happens if You’re Unable to Attend the Wedding?

In the rare event that the photographer cannot attend your wedding, it’s important to know their contingency plans. Ask if they have a backup photographer or an alternative solution to ensure your day is still captured beautifully.

Asking these questions will help you get a comprehensive understanding of your wedding photographer’s approach, experience, and services. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and ensure that your wedding photos are everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

Learn more about the Wedding Experience when working with me.

Should You Hire a Wedding Planner?

June 25, 2024

Here’s Why It Might Be the Best Decision for Your Big Day!

Planning your dream wedding can be one of the most magical journeys you embark upon. However, it also involves a whirlwind of details, decisions, and deadlines that can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re finding yourself torn between excitement and stress, or if you’re the type of person who can get overwhelmed quickly, it might be time to consider hiring a wedding planner. Here’s why bringing a professional on board could be the best decision you make for your big day.

1. Stress-Free Planning

One of the primary reasons to hire a wedding planner is to alleviate stress. From choosing the perfect venue to coordinating with vendors, a planner handles all the nitty-gritty details, allowing you to focus on the fun aspects of wedding planning. No more sleepless nights worrying about whether you’ve forgotten something important!

2. Expertise & Experience

Wedding planners bring a wealth of experience and insider knowledge to the table. They know the industry inside out and can navigate any potential pitfalls with ease. Whether it’s securing that highly sought-after venue or negotiating with caterers, their expertise ensures everything is executed flawlessly.

3. Time-Saving

Balancing work, life, and wedding planning can be incredibly challenging. A wedding planner saves you countless hours by managing your schedule, handling the research, and making sure everything is on track. This allows you to enjoy your engagement period without feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists.

4. Budget Management

Weddings can be expensive, and costs can quickly spiral out of control if not managed properly. A wedding planner helps you create and stick to a budget, finding the best deals and ensuring your money is spent wisely. They know where to splurge and where to save, helping you get the most value for your budget.

5. Creativity & Personalization

Have a unique vision for your wedding? A planner can bring your ideas to life with creative solutions and personalized touches that reflect your style and personality. From custom decor to unique ceremony ideas, they ensure your wedding is as unique as your love story.

6. Day-Of Coordination

On your wedding day, the last thing you want is to be bogged down with logistics. A wedding planner takes charge of the day-of coordination, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They handle any unexpected issues, coordinate with vendors, and keep the timeline on track, so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in every precious moment.

Hiring a wedding planner can transform your wedding planning experience from a stressful chore into a joyful journey. They bring peace of mind, expert advice, and a touch of magic to your big day, allowing you to savor every moment without worry. If you want to ensure your wedding is everything you’ve dreamed of and more, consider enlisting the help of a professional wedding planner.

As a wedding photographer, I find it easier when a client has hired a wedding planner, or at least a day of coordinator for their wedding. The coordinator helps me round up the wedding details, makes sure everyone is on schedule and updates me when things are running behind.

Want a list of recommenced wedding planners? Shoot me a quick email and I will send over my list!

Sandlewood Manor Wedding Photography

June 11, 2024

A Red Wedding with a happy ending (because we all needed one!)

Lukas & Tori’s stunning wedding at Sandlewood manor was one for the ages! I honestly don’t know how they did it. Everything was immaculately selected and matched perfectly(red is an IMPOSSIBLE color to match!) Their personality was so bright and bubbly, the red was a perfect choice against the staunch white of the venue.

Because of the venue’s policy on real flowers inside their chapel, we had an abundance of real red rose petals after the ceremony that we were able to play with. It was so much fun getting the wedding party involved!

After taking our time getting all the amazing portraits, we headed into the reception hall for the grand entrance and the first dance. The couple had a desert bar as well as a coffee & tea station (so cool!) and probably my most favorite part of their reception decor was the red telephone for guests to leave a sweet message for the couple.

As the night winded to a close, Tori had an outfit chance then the couple had a private last dance while guests set up for the sparkler exit on the front drive. Lukas and Tori exited amongst friends and family through the sparklers flames to the cherry red Corvette.

What a night! Check out the vendors & photos below

Venue: Sandlewood Manor
Coordinator: Toast Entertainment
Flowers: HEB Blooms
DJ: Toast Entertainment
Videographer: Toast Entertainment
Wedding Gown: Dream Day Bridal

Embracing Your Inner Geek: A Nerdy Guide to Wedding Bliss

May 21, 2024

Welcome, fellow nerds, to a celebration of love that’s as epic as your favorite saga and as magical as a critical hit… your wedding!

Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of nerdy weddings—a realm where love, passion, and fandom collide in the most spectacular ways.

For too long, the term “wedding” may have conjured images of traditional ceremonies and cookie-cutter receptions. But fear not, fellow geeks, for your special day can be anything but ordinary. It’s time to let your nerd flag fly high and infuse your wedding with all the quirks, passions, and obsessions that make you who you are.

First things first, let’s talk themes. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, a dedicated gamer, or a devoted bookworm, there’s a theme out there just waiting to be embraced. Imagine walking down the aisle to the sound of your favorite movie soundtrack (especially if it’s the instrumental version), exchanging vows in a setting straight out of a fantasy novel, or cutting the cake with a lightsaber. The possibilities are as limitless as the multiverse itself!

But it’s not just about the decorations and attire—it’s about infusing every aspect of your wedding with your unique personality and interests. From incorporating your favorite quotes into your vows to designing custom invitations inspired by your favorite fandom, the devil is in the details, and the nerdy possibilities are endless.

And let’s not forget about the entertainment! Why settle for a boring old DJ when you could have a live band playing all your favorite video game tunes? Or how about a cosplay photo booth where guests can dress up as their favorite characters and strike a pose? The key is to keep the fun and excitement going all night long, ensuring that your wedding is a celebration unlike any other.

But perhaps the most important thing to remember is that your wedding day is about more than just the theme or the decorations—it’s about celebrating the love and connection that you share with your partner. So whether you’re exchanging rings in a galaxy far, far away or saying “I do” in a language only fellow nerds can understand, never lose sight of what truly matters: each other.

So go ahead, fellow nerds, and let your imagination run wild. Your wedding day is your chance to embrace your inner geek, celebrate your passions, and create memories that are truly out of this world. So grab your lightsaber, don your wizard robes, and get ready for the nerdiest, most epic wedding celebration this side of the TARDIS!

Texas Ren Fest festival wedding photography

Enchanted Rock Adventure wedding Photography

bright and bold houston wedding photographer

Enchanted Rock Wedding

May 14, 2024

Phillip & Erica’s Enchanted Rock wedding photos

A few of weeks ago I showed you Phillip & Erica’s Brazos Bend engagement. This week, I have the pleasure of sharing their adventurous wedding photography at Enchanted Rock with you!

You can make plans all you want and sometimes life will throw you curve ball after curve ball. It’s not about the curve balls, but how you handle them. Phillip and Erica were masters of their pitches!

The couple love to hike and are super adventurous. They wanted to have a wedding at the top of Enchanted Rock. It’s a bit of a hike and on the wedding day, mother nature wanted them to have a magical misty wedding. We were informed by the park that they were going to close the trail to Enchanted rock so if we didn’t start climbing, we wouldn’t be allowed to have the wedding where Phillip and Erica wanted. It was a wet and sometimes slippery climb.

My Husband and Spawn accompanied us (because I had surgery the week before and wasn’t allowed to carry anything). Andy not only helped carry my equipment but he hung back and made sure some of the guests at the back of the pack could make it up. The spawn happily chatted anyone and everyone’s ears off who was in his vicinity as we climbed.

Everyone reached the summit without any issue and we were able to have one of the most romantic wedding ceremonies I’ve ever had the honor of being a part of. Though we were wet and maybe a little out of breath, the sight was unbelievable. The mist made it feel like we were thousands of feet in the air instead of a “mere” 425 feet.

After the ceremony, we slowly (and I mean at a snail’s pace) made our way back down. The rock face at Enchanted rock isn’t the grippiest of rocks and it was slick from all the rain. We were surprised by Troop 999 who had come down to came from Plano. They noticed a wedding and wanted to organize a grand exit for the couple. They set up along the stairs and cheered as the couple passed.

Phillip and Erica had a small cake they wanted to do a cake cutting at a picnic table before heading to their reception for brunch at a Western Edge Kitchen & Cocktails in Fredericksburg.

What a wedding! A marriage sure to be filled with adventure & excitement!

See some of their amazing photos below!

Houston JP Wedding

February 20, 2024

Lee & Stephany’s JP wedding at the downtown Houston courthouse.

Monday Andy and I took the spawn to the local courthouse to get his very first passport. That reminded me of this amazing JP wedding I shot downtown last year. The interesting thing about the JP weddings at the downtown courthouse is that they don’t happen in an actual court but in the rotunda. Family can line up along the spiral staircase or around the edge of the rotunda to watch.

Before Lee and Stephany’s wedding, we took some family photos as well as couple portraits around the courthouse. I loved getting to meet their fur-baby and taking some photos of him as well.

Check out the photos here!

Houston Field Engagement

February 6, 2024

Victor & Jordyn’s spring field engagement in Houston.

Close to the end of spring flower season last year, Victor and Jordyn met me at Memorial Park to take some photos in a cute little field just beyond the regular running/walking paths. Luckily there were still some wildflowers in the field, including thistle (which I love!). I enjoyed walking through the small paths made by human or animal as we chatted about all things wedding and life in general.

Take a look at the engagement photos below!