Wedding Preview: Kelly & Jon

Last night, I had the privilege of photographing Kelly & Jon's wedding at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, and at the McKinney Performing Arts Center in McKinney, Texas. Kelly and I have known each other since sometime in elementary school, and we lived a block away from each other for about 8 years. We had different social circles for the most part, but at the age where girls are typically cruel, Kelly was one of those very few popular girls who was always kind to the people outside of her crowd. I wasn't unpopular per se (more like somewhere awkwardly in the middle) but I was always appreciative of Kelly's compassionate nature. She's grown into an equally kind-hearted, beautiful woman, and Jon is lucky to have snagged her! They met via Texas A&M's alphabetical seating technique, and lucky for Kelly, she doesn't even have to change her last name to share Jon's! Given how much time I spent waiting in government offices to become a Cyrus, I am undeniably jealous.

Though I'm not from one myself, I know a little something about military families (my husband was a Marine Corps brat, and my sister is an Army wife), and I admire Jon & Kelly for the sacrifices that each of them are making. It's not an easy row to hoe, but in the brief time I've spent with the two of them, I can see that if anyone has the strength to make it through, these two do. I wish nothing but the best for all of the ups and downs that life will throw their way. Congratulations on the shiny new marriage! Here's to the start of a lifetime!

Wedding Sneak Peek: Sarah & Dustin

Yesterday I had the honor of photographing Sarah & Dustin's wedding at Butler's Courtyard in League City, Texas. It's a beautiful venue in the Houston suburb of League City (yes, I travel to Houston!). I stayed at the same hotel as most of the bride and groom's out-of-town family, so I got to know the guests much better than at many weddings I've shot. It's always nice to have a lot of familiar faces in the crowd at a wedding.

Here's a very small peek at their wonderful wedding day! Congratulations Dustin & Sarah!

Allen, Texas Bridal Portraits: Sarah

Since Sarah's wedding is today (hello from Houston!), I can finally share her bridal portraits! We met up last month at Celebration Park in Allen, where Dustin proposed to her. My husband Opie proposed to me in another Allen park, so I was all for this sentimental location. It's not somewhere I've ever done a portrait session before, but I'm really pleased with what we captured there. It's not the most traditional spot for bridal portraits, which I think is why I like it so! After we finished up at Celebration Park, we drove up Highway 5 to downtown McKinney. Got some great shots there too!











That last shot is actually in front of the venue where I'm shooting a wedding next weekend! Kelly, it's your turn next. :)

Natasha's LSU College Graduation Portraits in Allen, Texas

Last month, I had a fun time photographing the beautiful Miss Natasha whom I've known since Middle School in our Great Dallas Youth Orchestra days. She's graduating from Louisiana State University this semester, and wanted some new portraits to include in her graduation announcements. I know that's the norm in this area for high school graduates, but what a great idea for college too! Plus it's always great to get beautiful portraits made of yourself. I know I need some new ones too!

Garret's Wakeland High School Senior Portraits

Last month, I photographed Garret's high school senior portraits for his graduation announcements. We met up at sunrise at the square in downtown McKinney, and the weather couldn't have possibly been any more cooperative for an outdoor shoot. It was perfect! Graduating from Wakeland High School in Frisco this month, he's heading off to Texas Tech in the Fall to study engineering. Congrats on your graduation, Garret, and the best of luck as you head off for the next big adventure: College!