Happy Fall Y'all!

Ever since we moved, I have been smitten with the Midwestern fall colors. Texas doesn't quite show off in the way that Minnesota does in the fall. The colors are so  beautiful and rich. For the second time since we have lived here, I've watched the trees in our neighborhood slowly show their colors; some change all at once, like this stunning rich red maple around the corner. Other trees show off with their ombré-type rainbows of color. Either way, I'm glad to have something so beautiful to remember through the winter.  Disclaimer: This is not our tree or house. As I prepare for my last wedding in mid-November you'll start to see some of the incredible weddings I have photographed this year. For today, I just wanted to share an image of this beautiful tree and wish everyone a: "Happy Fall Y'all!"

Tom + Rochelle | Lifestyle

Wonderful, caring, genuine and a pleasure to be around are just a few words that I would use to describe this couple. They go together so well — like this morning's crisp-clean-smell-of-rain-clinking-on-a-tin-roof kind of well. They are both talented photographers and were gracious enough to let me step into their lives for a few moments for a lifestyle/early anniversary session. We started in their cozy home where Rochelle's heirloom piano begged to be photographed and finished up by wrestling with the hammock. You know how stubborn those hammocks can be. A trip to one of their favorite lakes nearby, Lake Calhoun, was a perfect close to their session. This session captured many of their favorites: their home where they are comfortable and have fun together, their possessions they hold dear, and one of their favorite local spots to enjoy the outdoors!

Tom + Rochelle, thank you for letting me capture the in-between. More on that later, but just know how special y'all are to me.        I feel so lucky to call y'all friends. Happy anniversary y'all! Here's to many more! 

The Neals | Family + Lifestyle | Pensacola, Florida

Remember that curly-headed cutie? Well, she's back! Introducing: The Neals. This family + lifestyle session was a hoot! Because of Florida's oppressive heat and humidity, we did this session in sections, which was much more accommodating to this one-of-a-kind family and that special little girl, Kennedy, in the dress. Sterling is my cousin, so for all intents and purposes, I can claim Kennedy as my niece, right? Well, I'm going to regardless because I do not have any brothers or sisters. Oh, and the dresses in this post? They are pretty special too. They are every-stitch-sewn-with-love, home-made dresses...by that little girl's great-grandmother. Even better, her mother wore them when she was young! YES. If you know anything about me by now, you know I love little unique touches like this that make sessions special and so much more meaningful. I mean, these dresses have stood the test of time, toddler tantrums and so much more (and they will have to withstand some more too, because Kennedy promptly stained one right before we switched outfits!). It was a privilege to photograph Kennedy in the home-made dresses her mother wore as a young child. This little girl has everyone around her little finger, including me, and I'm sure by the end of this post, she'll have you around her little finger too! Enjoy!

Chris, Sterling and Kennedy: Y'all are a beautiful family. Chris and Sterling, I can already see each of you in Kennedy in the way she laughs, her mannerisms and in how she is always on the go, exploring the great unknown. Your family is such a delight to my heart! Thank y'all for letting me capture this precious time in y'all's lives.

I had to get in at least one photo with this little monkey!

I could stare at these baby blues all day long. And yes, that is the real color of her eyes.

Sneak Peek: Tom + Rochelle

Spring has flown by! Between traveling for shoots, our anniversary, to see family, etc., I have been busy! Speaking of traveling, here's a sneak peek of a couple traveling to the blog soon: Tom + Rochelle!