such a cutie!

I met this precious little one at a recent wedding and just couldn't keep my lens off of her. She was eyeing that wedding cake all day and right before the bride and groom sliced in, just had to get a taste! I'm always happy when children are included in the festivites. I realize that is not the wedding for everyone and no offense to those that don't include them. I completely understand about wanting an "adult environment" while celebrating your day. But when they are there...it's so fun.

wendy + david

Wendy and David were married Saturday, Oct. 22nd, in Ben Wheeler, TX at the Roseland Plantation. The day could not have been any better. It was clear, beautiful and when the sun set, just chilly enough to dance close. (The coffee bar was a definite plus as well.) A sneak peek is available HERE on their web event page. For further details, scroll on down.

I miss my kids

I'm in Dallas killing time before i start covering Wendy + Dave's wedding. I miss my kids. I was thinking about how cool it would be to start a blog with just rantings and ravings about them. Even though I kind of do it here. And how that would keep me more in touch with them while I'm out and about. What would be really cool is if you do that for at least a year and go back and look at how much they've changed. It happens so fast. And Granny said it would. "Slow down.", she would say. She probably still says it.

ellen + jed

I traveled to North Carolina over the weekend to photograph for a fellow photographer (and friend.), Laura. It was an amazing fun time, full of laughter and fun. Very different from what we do here in West Texas, but hey, it's still a girl, and a guy, falling in love and saying "I do." Exactly what I like to photograph.

I'm at the airport in Austin, posting before I head home and my plane is at the gate. I'll add to the thread more when I get home. (Loved North Carolina, but you know that saying...it's good to be home? Well, Austin feels like home, too. I love Texans!)















All imamges in this thread are copyright of Laura Speake Photography.

the courtney family

I've photographed Dogs before with families. Afterall, they are a big part of them and when documenting the family, the dog should be included. I have one myself, Canon, and I've shared photographs of him before on this blog. He's pretty laid back, for a JRT and I've tried to get easy going, open mouth, big pink tounge, shot of him. Dogs look happy with their mouths open. Almost like they are smiling. I can capture him alert, and yes, happy, but it's not the same as "laid back" hanging out with the family. Nope. Maybe when he's matured.

Well, last night. I met Jingles. A golden retreiver whom is very well loved in the Courtney Family. I can't remember how old she is? Karen (mom) told me once. But regardless, she was wonderful to work with and the highlight of our session. As if on cue, she would open that big friendly mouth and dangle that cute, pink tongue. No coaxing by me. She could care less where I was concerned. She only lived to please her family. Man's true best friend. Oh, and the rest of the family did well with their mouths and tounges, too. Thank you, Courtney Family. I had a wonderful time.

lindsay + carl

Married on a Friday, moving on a Sunday.

Meet Lindsay and Carl. I'm in Wisconsin this weekend photographing their wedding. The date was moved once, due to the United States Army. Yep, Carl's an enlisted man, and there's simply no time for honeymoon! They have to report to Fort Killeen next week. When you are in love like this, though...you just don't really care about "the honeymoon". Being together is the most important part.

My very good friend, Jodel, is Lindsay's aunt. Jodel has 2nd shot for me at several weddings, so when she announced Lindsay's and Carl's engagement, I of course, wondered if we could photograph it. I was thrilled to be a part of their weekend, and excited to meet all the people Jodel talks about.

We were a great team this weekend! I wanted to get a sneak peek up for everyone before we head home Sunday. The entire weekend revolved around good food and family. I ate "flip flop" chicken for the first time, along with "calico beans". Both very yummy. I also got to meet a wide array of people from the town Police Cheif who looks like he coud live in Texas, black cowboy hat and all, to a 63 year old grandmother with a belly button ring! Go Kathy!

Other things I've noticed since I've been here...

• trees are beautiful, however, by this time next week, awesome! We'll miss the major turning, but the tease was still sweet.
• all small roads lead to another. Towns are close around here. Just a few miles up the road and you can go from Fredric to Webster or back down the road to Siren
• the old RR tracks have been pulled up and turned into bike trails in the summer and snowmobiling trails in the winter. Way cool!
• After a while, you get used to the speech. Wow! They really do talk different. It's mainly with the vowels. And I'm sure I sound a bit silly as well.
• Jodel and her Mom have a cute, strange little "hair relationship" that I got to witness first hand over the weekend
• They grow them tall her in Wisconsin and they love to kill animals and display them in their basements.

I'll think of doezen more things that have happened and I hope I write them down somewhere so I never forget my first Wisconsin Trip EVER! I've been so pleased with the people and the way they talk, they way they share. Most of all, I love they way they have a real love for one another. Nothing is put on or showboated. You are what you are here, and they take you as you are, too.
Congratulations you two! And remember what I said about your first born. I wasn't teasing.