Sneak Peek: England Family Portraits

I took a vacation last week to visit my sister up in the Seattle area. Before I went, I made plans with my online friend, Emerald England, to meet up for a photo trade. It was so great to finally meet her in person! It's ridiculous how much we have in common. She shot some new headshots for me; the one I've been using was taken well over three years ago. She also created some gorgeous portraits of my sister and her son, and some with me in the mix too. In exchange, I shot family portraits for her. The last time they'd had family portraits made was shortly after their daughter was born six years ago. What is with us photographers neglecting to have our own lives photographed? Right now I'm angling for new professional portraits of my husband and me; the only ones we've ever had were on our wedding day in 2009. I can only do so much with a tripod and a self-timer. In any case, Emerald and I are both a little less neglectful now, thanks to this trade. I'm thrilled with the photos I received, and I hope she will be just as happy with hers. Here's a little peek at the photos of her gorgeous family:

Oh, and here's my favorite headshot from the bazillion that Em gave me to choose from! That's little ol' me!

Farah & Francisco: Allen, Texas Engagement Portrait Preview

I met up with Farah & Francisco at dawn yesterday morning for their engagement portraits. Since they're both from small Texas towns and are having a country wedding, they really wanted a "wide open spaces" vibe for their portraits. Happily we have some great options for that in the area! I really enjoyed meeting both of them and can't wait to dive into the rest of their photos!

Kelly & Jon: McKinney Performing Arts Center Wedding

In May, I photographed this beautiful, fun, undeniably emotional wedding at St. Jude Catholic Church and at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Almost every wedding is "emotional", but when the groom and father-of-the-bride both started tearing up during the processional (not to call them out, but you'll see it in the photos anyhow), the whole bridal party almost lost it. The same goes for the mother-son dance; I don't think there was a dry eye in the house, myself included. It certainly wasn't all tears though! There was so much laughter too, and while I finished shooting before the dance floor really opened up, it sounds like they danced into the night. And since this was an Aggie and Marine Corps wedding, Whoop-ing and Oorah-ing abounded all night long!

They're one of the most handsome couples I've photographed, which didn't make it any easier to narrow down my favorite photos for this blog post. Hopefully no one minds that I just didn't narrow it down that much after all. To Kelly and Jon, I wish you the best in your marriage and in life, and in light of Jon's military service, that you both always come home safely to one another. I admire and am thankful for the sacrifices that both of you are making.