lonestar in roundrock, tx

We were in the Austin area over the weekend. Kalyn had a soccer tournament and we made the trek with Devin's parents in their van. Can you say Gilmore Girls? Great way to spend 4-6 hours. Especially if you have headphones and the guys don't have to hear.

Lonestar didn't play very well, and we didn't place in the tournament. A first for our little team. Kinda depressing. But a life lesson all the same. Kalyn handled it pretty well, and despite a bruised foot and some stuffy nose problems, managed to have a fun weekend. I did too.

Here's some highlights and you can find more photographs HERE.

bring me a rose

Meet Father James.

I had the pleasure of spending my Tuesday morning with Father at his home in Mercy Center. Busy fellow by body and spirit, he's always planning his next project, which usually involves some dirt and hard labor. He's never one to shy away from the work zone.

Father was a priest in my parish, St. Joseph for several years before he retired, and he's always soft spoken and exemplifies such a kind spirit. In photography, we look for male models with angular faces and square jaws. Bold masculine faces that jump out at you make you feel a sense of strength. That was not Father's face one bit. As he told me, "my mother gave it to me", when I inquired about his blue eyes and round face. It's a soft spirit that surrounds you the second you are in his presence. And you are simply happy.

I know he doesn't have time for "blogs" and keeping up with my whereabouts, but I know friends of his that do. So, to you'all, please thank Father when you see him. Give him a hug and tell him I enjoyed his blue eyes. But most of all, tell him thank you for the song. It's always my favorite when he sings it.

lonestar 94 in roundrock, texas

We were in the Austin area over the weekend. Kalyn had a soccer tournament and we made the trek with Devin's parents in their van. Can you say Gilmore Girls? Great way to spend 4-6 hours. Especially if you have headphones and the guys don't have to hear.

Lonestar didn't play very well, and we didn't place in the tournament. A first for our little team. Kinda depressing. But a life lesson all the same. Kalyn handled it pretty well, and despite a bruised foot and some stuffy nose problems, managed to have a fun weekend. I did too.

Here's some highlights and you can find more photographs HERE.

2 dogs, a sweeet motorcycle, and a priest

My youngest daughter Summer Zoe was sick last week. I book sessions typically a week or two in advance, and I had to bump everyone a few days in order to stay home and take care of her. I try to make sure the priorities are in order.

Monday, I had the chance to photograph the dogs, their owners, Stephanie and Nate and Nate's R I D E. Only way to describe this honey is to show her! An amazing bike! It features things I can even talk about, most of all including a shower toy that Stephanie suction cups to the bike in order to park her skinny butt there and have her man take her for a ride. They moved to West Texas this past fall and are loving the expeirence so far. I came for love, they came for business. They own and operate a branch of newenough.com called "Hard Parts".

The dogs were absolutely precious. And I must say, much better behaved than most 2 years olds. Glad I got to know just a bit about them. Wishing now I would have photographed Elvis. Yep, you read me, Elvis. Maybe another time.

Thanks, Nate and Stephanie!

Stay tuned for the priest.

amarillo wedding

Melanie and Brancent were married today! It was a lovely ceremony, with lots of emotion and so many family and friends. I heard Mom worrying as the guests were filing in, about the food at the reception. It's wonderful that so many family and friends wanted to see them get married.

An especially emotional part for everyone was when Melanie presented a necklace to Kate, Brancent's daughter. She started by mentioning something about not being her biological mother but that always loving her. The tears just started flowing! All across the sanctuary, the tissues came out and the noses started sniffling. Such a moment!

Ceremony: Paramount Baptist Deaf Church, Amarillo TX
Reception: Ambassador Hotel
Minister: Darrell Bonjour
Wedding PCoordinator: GayLynn Bonjour
Florist: Sharon Latham
Baker: Cakes n More by Trudy

need a good laugh?

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life is made up of moments

I'll get back to the brides in a sec...but first I had to talk about the "moments in life". I know it sounds so "cliche", and it probably is. The phrase, that is. But I think why I put up with all the poop that goes along with this business, is for the moments that come in between. This work is hard. Very time consuming and it can drain a mom, a wife, a friend. Even a sister. But today I was desiging a slidewhow that is going out to Mandy and Emily, future brides, (I hope) and in doing so, I had to pull images from previous weddings. I only chose images that I felt reflected my work, my style, my passion. Going back through the ones I chose, one thread was combined. I've often said, I love the "mushy stuff" in life. The kisses, the glances, the tears, the emotion. I think the mushy stuff is what drives us as human beings to connect with others and live. Most of the images I chose for the Sample Slideshow, were SURPRISE....the mushy ones. And what better place to share those than here, with you. This first post of images is from a wedding I photographed in El Paso in 2004. The bride and groom were having a "moment" at their reception, when the evening was nearing the end and way after the couple's first dance. I was standing in a doorway, just in the other room, and watched him and her go to the dance floor and just knew. I felt it. It's hard to explain but you do this job long enough, you feel the energy of the moment before it happens. I loved this series! These two were so into each other, it was like me and all the guests were invisible! They were lost in the Celebration and really enjoying the "moment". To me, when I was standing there, I saw love. A total expression of love and happiness. I instantly felt good and happy, and great, (even though my feet were killling me) and the world really was this terrific place.

and even more...

You meet people, they come into your life, you photograph them, and you go home. Eventually time marches all over your brain and you don't think about them again. Well, Nicole is not one of those you forget.

I met her at Joey and Amy's wedding in Ft. Worth. Her husband was in Joey's wedding, they grew up together and Nicole and Casey are best friends, lovers, husband and wife. Nicole is a giver, a sweetheart of a person that opens up her arms wide and welcomes you in! When I think of Texas Sweethearts? Nicole comes to mind. She's a true lady, yet so much fun!

Not to mention the fact that, JUST LOOK AT HER BODY IN THIS GOWN!

Oh, my...the girl totally ROCKS!

To see even more of Nicole, click here.

Location: Caprock Winery, and secret ranch that I shall never disclose.
dress: private designer, who designed her gown for the Miss Texas pageant. (did I get that right Nicole?)









This is Nicole's Mom, Becky. If you would, when you look at this, say a prayer for Becky. Life throws you lemons sometimes, and she needs a bit of help making the lemonade. Love you, Nicloe!