These two had me smiling constantly on the afternoon of their engagement session. Jada and Kevin are two of the warmest people I’ve ever met–their hearts are the size of Texas. :)
Archive for July, 2012
Sarah + Michael | Austin TX Engagement Photos
July 24
You’re about to meet two of the coolest people ever. I just loved being around them on the afternoon of their engagement session. They dream big–they love traveling, experiencing new cultures and people, they believe in living life to the fullest, they are super cool and on top of the best art and music, and their kindness for everyone, even strangers, is inspiring beyond words. I love the spirit of whimsey they brought to their photos.
I am BLESSED to be your wedding photographer Sarah & Michael! Can’t wait!
sabrina + ben’s wedding | TCU wedding
July 17
I had the great joy of photographing Ben & Sabrina’s incredibly heartfelt and beautiful wedding last weekend in Fort Worth, TX at the Robert Carr Chapel at TCU. Enjoy a sneak peek for now! Much more prettiness to come. :)
When you just can’t make things happen | Part 2
July 12
A few weeks ago, I blogged about the frustration that comes when you can’t seem to make any progress on dreams, goals, and big ideas that you have. You’ve either got your hands full with other previous commitments, or it’s simply not in the budget, or your application is turned down, or the doctor says it’s impossible…whatever the reason is, it’s frustrating when you have the energy, the ideas, the passion–but you seem to be stuck there due to things outside your control.
Ever since I posted about it, I tried to quiet my energy and ask the Lord for contentment in my heart. But it didn’t happen. Something surprising happened: He began to show me other areas–other projects, if you will–that needed my attention, even more so than the grand ideas I had before. I realized (with relief and joy) that the energy I had didn’t need to be quelled–it needed to be refocused. I believe I was frustrated in my efforts for a reason. I was supposed to be a little discontent–so I’d be fired up and take action on the things HE had for me.
It kind of freaked me out a little, you know? :)
If you’re in a similar place, I hope this encourages your heart a little.
Soft & Pretty Fourth of July Inspired Wedding
July 11
Growing up, the 4th of July was my family’s favorite holiday–even more so than Christmas! I’m not sure how exactly that happened, but something about summertime mixed with fireworks and BBQ down at our grandparent’s farm made us crazy happy. I’ve wanted to photograph a 4th of July inspiration shoot for years–and thank you 2012 for being awesome–it happened this year!
This shoot wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for some incredible–and I mean INCREDIBLE–people who helped me make this dream a reality. Abbey at Chips and Salsa (based in Dallas) designed our beautiful calligraphy paper suite. Lindy at Lindy Floral (based in Austin) designed all of the stunning floral arrangements–Lindy also designed the florals at my own wedding, so she has a special place in my heart. :) The adorable couple, Kristin and Jason, were clients of mine last year and graciously dressed up in their wedding clothes and allowed me to follow them around with a camera, again. And my dear sister in law, McKenna at McKenna Anne Boutique Events (based in Dallas) styled the shoot perfectly.
My very favorite thing about this shoot–you’re going to laugh–is the cute factor brought in by the red plaid dish towels–yes dish towels–that we used as napkins. Well, that and the gold sparkly shoes. Oh, and the sweet book United States of Pie. Oh yeah, and the paper fans from BHLDN. Okay, too many favorites. Love. Love. Love. :)
A very heartfelt thank you to Amanda at Ruffled for featuring this shoot on their blog. XOXO.
July Goals
July 1
-Read Love Does by Bob Goff–staying on track with my goal to read at least one book a month. People and relationships have been on my heart lately, and I thought I’d heard good things about the relational business networking book Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. I bought it on Kindle a few days ago, and I have to say, I’m totally disappointed. About halfway through I just started scanning. There were a few nuggets here and there, but over all I found it to be skin deep and not really the sort of networking I want to focus on. So I changed directions a bit and picked up this book instead from the recommendation of my sweet friend Lara Casey.
-Continue filming my bio video, with a plan to launch it in August. Part one is complete, so Aaron and I will be filming various scenes throughout the month of July.
-Take a day to play at the Barton Springs Pool. We’ve lived in Austin for 8 months now, and HAVEN’T been swimming at Barton Springs?! WHO ARE WE?!
-Celebrate the Olympics! By making sure to never miss a gymnastics event and painting my nails all kinds of glittery patriotic.
-Continue going to the gym every day. Unless I’m out of town or have friends/family in town, my goal is to go every day. This was an amazing success in June–SO proud! But I know it’s all too easy to start strong and then lose steam. July is my follow through month–I’m committing to go every day again. No “I’m too busy with work” excuses.
Side note: I’m trying to remove the word “busy” from my vocabulary. It’s too easy to make it an excuse. I want to realize that there’s always another issue behind “busy.” Am I using my time poorly? Am I avoiding something? Am I truly taking on too much, and need to learn to say no? I’m learning a lot about myself.
-Update my website. My web designer, Cathy, is amazing, and we’re adding some really fun new features to my website, along with new galleries and photos.
-Officially change my name. Raise your hand if you’ve been married 8 months and haven’t changed your name yet. :)
