A Soul Mate

I could tell just by the way Alex would look at Michelle, that they were true soul mates. Their guests could only say great things about the love they shared for one another... 7 years of love bliss! Finally they tied the knot at one of the most beautiful venues in San Antonio. The ceremony was at a church in LaVillita They were able to greet their family and friends for a reception to remember at La Fontana Event Center (the owners are Nancy and Cesar and they will treat you like one of their own).

Teenagers

I have had my fix of teenagers, ahhhhhh. Being a HS Science teacher for 15 years makes you fall in love with the carefree nature of teenagers. They make me feel young again and like I actually know what is hip in the world, what is the coolest song out there, and for a few minutes I don't feel so ancient. I know some of you are saying (especially those of you who have teenagers) what....she actually "likes" their quirky ways at this awkward age? Yep, I do. Teenagers only care about having fun, laughing, and for this group, who I did some school pics for, cared about academics. I did not look at their report cards, but the way they presented themselves, talked, and behaved, I could tell they are scholars and superstar athletes. You have a month left kiddos of text messaging in the middle of the night, "no homework" passes, sleeping in late, and going to the movies at 9pm. Ahhhhh, the joys of being a teenager during summer.

Free Spirit

This weekend was a busy one. I had several photoshoots (which I am always excited about). The fun of meeting new people warms my soul. People are so intriguing and I learn so much about becoming a better person from my clients. I must say that I think I have the best clients in the world :)



These kids were involved in a family photoshoot with their parents (maybe a couple against their will...haha...Chris). Finally at the end, they just wanted to goof off and have some fun. As they were doing this it was a great time to catch the wave of fun and their free spirits. Each of these young adults had a totally different personality, but a love for each other, their parents, and their family was easily expressed and contagious. I luv um !!

I will post more of the family soon, but wanted to start the week with a little joy.

Whatcha Doin'?

I was doing a photoshoot and this little guy was so interested into what I was doing. The best shots were over his momma's shoulder so that is where I stood (we always know that lighting is everything). This little guy loved my camera so I took some shots of him and later asked his mom if I could send her the images. Way to exciting cause come to find out this kiddo hates having his pictures taken (formal style). I just love the images we capture on the fly.... Happy Weekend!

What a Beautiful Family

I am so behind on posting sessions. So sorry, but it has been really busy. This is the angel family clients I had the privelege to meet a couple of weeks ago. I know I only met Jen for a couple of hours, but I can honestly say she would be a person who I would call my friend for days to come. She seems to be such a great mommy and her heart is so giving. She is my kind of person. I feel so lucky that she allowed me to capture some treasures for her, her hubby and 2 girls (who are way to cute). One thing I can share is that Jen has recently found it in her heart and a message from God to give to children (outside of the 2 angels of her own) who need special people to watch over them when their biological mommy and daddy can't. To say that I admire her and her husband is an understatement. Chad and I have been considering doing some foster care and perhaps adoption and I can only think that the Lord has sent Jen into my life at the right time for the right reasons (way beyond the picture-taking).

PS... those blue eyes on mommy and the girls are to die for!
W-to the-O to the - W...WOW!

She is so Beautiful

No, not a bride, newborn baby, or bridal flower bouquet, instead it's the ultimate beauty and her/his name is "Desire" from Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream parlor. I really tried to wait and take a picture of the entire cake but just could not resist. Instead of going upstairs to retrieve my camera, I resulted to the temptation of hubby holding a butcher knife (he would easily admit not knowing how to cut a piece of pie) asking if I wanted a piece. I could pretend that I wanted it cut for aesthetics and a nice camera shot, but the real reason is that I wanted the whole dang thing for my dinner. Who the heck cares about pork chops when you have this masterpiece sitting in the freezer?

So how did "she" get in my freezer? About 2 weeks ago, we rode our bikes to Cold Stone to get a smoothie and they were running a contest to win "Desire". All you had to do was put your business card (luckily I had one in my knapsack) in a bucket that had pinups of the tantalizing "Desire". On Saturday, they called, I have to admit when the caller ID read "Cold Stone", I did get a little scared that perhaps they realized they gave me an ounce too much of ice cream on the last visit. I have NEVER ...I mean EVER won anything and I am one of those sweepstakes junkies but low and behold, I won "Desire". She truly knows the pathway to my heart.

I Can't See You!

This little boy was so funny. He was 4 years old but acted like he was "grown". He did not like taking pictures and whenever I would get ready to take a shot he would cover his eyes and say, "you can't see me". Why is that? When kids can't see you they think that we can't see them. Sometimes I get outta bed and need to go to the grocery store, the post office, the bank and quite frankly, I don't always look my best. I think it would be so awesome if I could do some magic and maybe cover my eyes and people would not be able to see me during those times. I mean, come-on, who wants to see a girl in hair-curlers and reminants of some eye cream to take away the fine lines?

I can't believe today is Friday. Gosh, another week has gone by way to fast. Unfortunately no more rain for us in South Texas, so these next couple of weeks it is gonna be super hot. Maybe I can get some fun summer shots in.

Have a great weekend!

Love is in the Air

It is wedding season. It seems that everywhere I look, I see something that reminds me of the love people have for one another, in the image of wedding details. I had a great wedding that I try to think of often, especially when Chad leaves socks laying around the house, forgets to make the bed, looses the remotes, etc. I want to always live in that moment of novelty when the itty-bitty stuff did not matter. Somehow, 14 years later, I sometimes let those little things get the best of me, so I thank him for being so patient with me. I wish we could all live with the same thoughts, feelings, emotions, and love we had on our wedding day. If so, the world would be a better place.

This is Kelly and she is such a beautiful bride inside and out. We were able to shoot her bridal photos at a magnificent location in the Alamo City. Rustic and bridal.....yummy!



This is Kelly's dad. The expression on his face says so much. Guess what was happening when I caught this shot?

Charlie Brown

Alyssa would move her bedroom to the pool or tree house if she could. The kid loves to be outside. I don't think there has been a day this summer that she has not been swimming. She has such a vivid imagination and today was no exception. She calls this move the "Charlie Brown". I don't know why she calls it that, but, who cares, I love her imagination. Chad and I try to go swimming with her at least once a day, and the dogs go the rest of the times. About 5 dripping bathing suits are in the washroom at all times. Don't you just love the summer? One little hand behind her head and one little hand grabbing her leg. I would have to say she is a professional "Charlie Brown" stunt-girl.

July 4th: Freedom is Not Free

Today is a special day to celebrate the commitment and dedication that men and women, like my hubby, demonstrate each day to maintain our independence. The flag that is displayed on my husband's arm, almost every single day for the last 17 years, is one of adoration and admiration. Embedded in his soul are those colors of red, white, and blue. He gives of himself, sometimes at the expense of family, friends, and himself, to fulfill his promise to our country. I thank God that he is not one of the thousands of soldiers fighting for freedom in the middle east, instead he is on the frontline at home trying to find others who believe in this great nation of ours and are willing to defend the freedom that is not free. He is an US Army Recruiter and I am so proud of him. It is people like him, young and old, who have made our country what it is today. One person in a team of others. It is such a selfless job, that I know I could never do.

My brother-in-law is also part of our nations strength. He is now on his second tour in Iraq and has come home this weekend to rest and love my sister, my beauty-queen niece, and my silly nephew. Chad and I admire his courage. Our Lissy prays for him each night. It is upsetting, the thought of my brother-in-law going back into the warzone in just a couple of short weeks, but I know he will be ready to carry on with his duties. How brave these men and women are and I thank you for giving me freedom.

Happy 4th of July to you and to all!

21 Hours Later

I saw him on Oprah and was inspired, read his book, and renewed. It has been almost 22 hours since I picked up this little book and I just finished it. Have you ever felt for a minute that you just needed to rest, that you hated to wash those dished with crusted PB & J on it, felt like you needed just one more pair of shoes or a new handbag? That is me, and now I feel so guilty to have those feelings rather than embracing every single minute in my speck of life that the Lord has given me. This little book is so powerful and will allow you accept and love the brick walls in your life as well as those graces of God that seem to just come to you. It will manifest the love you have for your experiences and humankind.

Such a simple but powerful read that only took hours for me with in between a bedtime story,
PB & J sanwiches, a backyard picnic with my 6 year old, and painted toe-nails. Pick it up... it is on-sale and everyone is embracing the Last Lecture.

My Office

Welcome to my office. Not really...it is my living room. I do have an office, but it is not as comfy as the little couch by the big window and bird feeders. I love to sit there when I am editing a ton of pictures, reading a great book (which I found and will share with you later), or just taking five minutes to myself. Sometimes I get a grumpy look from my family when I am editing pictures, because each shoot literally takes hours to edit. That is one thing that some may not realize...if you have great pictures, your photographer probably spent a ton of hours making it just perfect for you. Photography is so much more than just a "click".

So on Monday, I was busy editing and Lissy asked if she could take a pictures with my camera (something she is not allowed to touch). Feeling like a guilty momma, I let her..... this is one that she got. Me, with my computer, trying to think how I was going to create a storyboard for a family who is expecting their first baby. Such a special time for them and wanting to create a special treasure.