Hey there, I'm AlexM, a wedding photographer located near Tyler, TX. This site is where you can find out all about my photography goodness. You can see my latest work, browse galleries, even find info on other wedding vendors. Take a look around but don't stay too long, I'd hate for you to get fired for reading my blog at work. :)
When I was talking with Heather & Blake about what they love to do together as a couple, the things that kept popping up were video games and wrestling. At first, this threw me off. But, once they explained that their family already included 10 & 8 year old boys, it all made perfect sense. Heather really impressed me with her ability to be “giddy engaged girl”, but still hold her own among all the testosterone in the room. Here are a few of my favorites.
100% natural lens flare. Yummy!
Everyone loves Mario Kart.
Check out the rock! I can’t wait to get some ring shots of this thing on the wedding day!
The boys are at the age where wedgies are “fun” Blake is happy to oblige.
Yep, that’s an official regulation size wrestling mat in the living room.
OMG!!! These are sooooo cool and original!! I love them. I hope you guys take more on the Wedding Day.
XOXO
Melissa Torres
Veronica Vielmas -February 8, 2010 - 11:23 am
Now that’s a HAPPY FAMILY!! U guys came out GREAT can’t 4 the wedding!!! =) MISS U LOTS H!!
Artisha Harden -February 8, 2010 - 11:24 am
OMG, their so cute and it’s so yall and I’m about to cry!!! I love you and precious. WINK! WINK!
Miss you and Melissa’s typing all this for me because you know i’m scared!!
Love you to H from M!
lol
Michelle Burns -February 8, 2010 - 11:28 am
Love love love these!
kris Fehn -February 8, 2010 - 11:48 am
You 2 are nutz1 I love them! i can’t wait to see the rest! video games..LOL
I LOVE the family pictures. they are perfect. I love the way the family pictures are! Very beautiful family.
Allen -February 8, 2010 - 2:14 pm
Woah! 2nd from the last is totally Uma Thurman.
Moma -February 8, 2010 - 2:32 pm
You are all my precious babies. I am so proud of you, Heather. I feel that you’ve made the right decision but you always have. Right? God bless all of you….Blake’s a very lucky man!!! Pictures tell a story don’t they.
Kim McBride -February 8, 2010 - 4:18 pm
Beautiful pictures! I am so proud for both of you, and the kids as well!
Jenny Gonzalez -February 8, 2010 - 4:39 pm
These pictures turned out great! Didn’t expect the wedgies!! Funny!
Sandra McBride -February 8, 2010 - 4:49 pm
Heather, I LOVE the pictures! You guys look great together!!! See you at the wedding!
Friday, February 5, 2010 8:36 amTags: Interview3 comments
If you follow this blog, you know I am a HUGE advocate of getting your wedding filmed. I have often run clips and quotes from Vanessa McKellar, but have never actually run a full on interview. Before we get to the interview though, let me talk real quick about wedding films in general.
Every now and then when I meet with a bride, they mention that they are not getting a videographer because they don’t think it’s all that important. A quote I hear frequently is, “We are already getting photos, and we can always have someone set up camera a in the back.”
Now, the reason many people don’t understand the value of a great wedding film is because all they have seen is footage from a friends wedding where it was just that: a camera set up in the back. A good wedding videographer will take your day and turn it into a movie. Beautiful images, great camera work, a soundtrack, and most important of all, your voices. That’s right, you talking. This is one of the areas where wedding photos just don’t do your day justice. You will experience so many emotions and thoughts on your day and not having someone document you saying those feelings will be something you regret. Anyway, Vanessa actually did a little blog post contrasting the differences between wedding photography and videography a few weeks back and used some photos from Your’s Truly. (Take a look at it here.)
Before we get to the interview, here is a short little trailer she recently finished. Take a look at it, then scroll down to read more about her.
How did you get started & how long have you been doing this?
I think my story really starts in the 90’s, when my love for weddings blossomed. I designed wedding dresses, subscribed to Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, all that stuff. I wanted to be a wedding coordinator when I grew up. Then when I went to film school at UT Austin, I decided that I should combine my two passions and become a wedding filmmaker.
I’ve been in the industry since 2001, when I started shooting and editing for wedding videographers while I was in school. When I graduated in ’03, I used my savings to buy a camera and computer, and I haven’t looked back since!
Also, in the summer of ’08 my husband quit his day job in sales to come work with me full time, and it’s been fabulous. He brings a different eye to the table and I’m so excited with how he’s contributing with his filming and editing.
What is your favorite part about your job?
There’s no way I could pick one. First off, I love arriving the day of the wedding and seeing what the bride’s dress looks like, what color the flowers are, all those things the make a wedding a wedding. Every event is different and beautiful in its own way and I enjoy the aesthetics of it all.
My other favorite part is when I’m editing and it just “clicks” and I make myself cry. Might sound a little silly, but when the imagery and music combine to create something timeless, emotional, and touching, I know I’ve got the best job in the world.
What sets you apart from other wedding filmmakers?
For one thing, I’m female, and there aren’t a lot of female filmmakers out there. I’m a recently married bride, so I can completely empathize with everything a bride goes through on her wedding day and in the planning process. Plus, Vanessa McKellar Productions is a husband and wife team, so while I’m with the girls, there’s also someone the groomsmen can feel comfortable with too. And lastly, I have a blog that’s full of my videos and also wedding planning tips and ideas; it’s a great resource for brides.
What’s your favorite thing to film at wedding?
I love the few minutes right after the ceremony when all the bride and groom’s family and friends gather around and congratulate them. I think it’s one of the purest and most uncontrived moments of the whole day; everyone’s so excited about what has just taken place. Hugs and smiles and jokes and kisses all around. Brent likes to film crazy awesome moves on the dance floor.
When not filming weddings what are you doing?
Editing weddings! Beyond that I like to make jewelry, watch movies, read wedding blogs , eat out with my hubby, clean and/or decorate our new house, and chat with my amigas. Brent just tries to find something to do to counteract all the fufu female estrogen vibes everywhere.
OK, now that you totally love Vanessa and know you want her at your wedding, let me just show you one of my favorite things that she does. These are called Love Stories and they are AMAZING. It’s a perfect way for your friends and family to hear how you met. These are perfect for showing at your rehearsal dinner or even during your wedding. (Instead of that slideshow that has embarrassing baby photos of you growing up.) And, think of how cool it will be for your kids and grandkids to hear from your own mouth how you fell in love.
I second that! If anybody its needing anything video related for their wedding, then look no further.
Michelle Lindsey -February 6, 2010 - 12:42 pm
My husband and I had a love story made before our wedding, and I still get teary when we watch it. Vanessa and Brent are a wonderful couple to work with – always professional, yet warm and sincere at the same time. We had so much fun making our video, and they gave us an incredible finished product to watch for years to come.
I have a few new bells and whistles on my site and one of them is fancy schmancy slideshows. I thought I would try one out with one of my favorite couples. That’s Leigh & Tong, I’m talking about you!
Enjoy the slideshow guys. (You can also click the little box on the lower right and make it super big. )
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Come back tomorrow for and interview with one of my most-est favorite wedding vendors.
One of my favorite things about my job is getting to hear a couple’s story. Julia & Robert have a great one. They were “set up” by a some friends, but Julia did not know she was being set up.
They met at a birthday party for a 1 year old and Robert kept hogging the baby. Julia eventually pryed the kid away, but in the process she started to take an interest in Robert. A month later they were MySpace friends and two months later they were on their first date. The next month Robert was deployed to Iraq and 6 months later when he came in, he proposed! He went back overseas for a few more months and just came home for good about 3 weeks ago. 6 months from now they’ll be married at Castle on the Lake in Jacksonville, TX. (Not a bad year for the two of them eh?)
Anyway, we met up in Waco for their session and here are some of my favorites. Thanks guys for a great session. Julia, I can’t wait for your bridals. I already have some fun ideas.
I had a lot of fun, and the pictures look amazing! I’m very happy with everything. Alex, you are so much fun to work with, I was nervous about getting pictures taken and with your relaxed, fun style it made everything great. Thanks.
(I went to Iraq, not Afghanistan, but it’s not a big deal. I know we didn’t really talk about it much.)
Alex M -February 3, 2010 - 3:00 pm
Sorry about that Robert. I fixed it. I’m glad you had a good time.
Julia Petchinsky -February 3, 2010 - 4:43 pm
I love these!!! Thank you so much Alex!! We both had a great time! I can’t wait for my bridals!
Rochelle Jacobs -February 3, 2010 - 4:58 pm
These pictures are great. Love them. You two look so happy and that you had fun getting your pictures taken.
Victoria -February 3, 2010 - 4:59 pm
Great photos. I love how you caught them naturally instead of posed and stiff. And btw, I LOVE the shoes. Totally cute.
Jessica -February 3, 2010 - 5:00 pm
Love the pics!!!
Joann -February 3, 2010 - 5:01 pm
I like the two with Bob in his uniform, and especially the ones with Julia in the camo shoes:) You both look so happy. Love from Lee & Joann
Anna -February 3, 2010 - 5:07 pm
Really great photos! I live in MI and will be having engagement photos done this coming spring so it’s great to see other couple’s photos that are so amazing! Super cute shoes
Kate -February 3, 2010 - 5:07 pm
These are lovely photo’s. He’s captured how happy you are together well.
Kate Jones -February 3, 2010 - 5:15 pm
I adore them.. so naturally happy and relaxed and very much in love.. and loving the camo shoes!!!!!
Frances -February 3, 2010 - 5:25 pm
LOVE the shoe shots!! AWESOME
molly -February 3, 2010 - 5:26 pm
Aww! So cute!! My favorite is in front of the blank wall with them kissing. And those shoes are awesome!!
Donna Herrmann -February 3, 2010 - 5:32 pm
These are gorgeous!!
Danielle -February 3, 2010 - 5:49 pm
I love the photos of you – the black and white is my favorite
Maggie -February 3, 2010 - 5:52 pm
Great pics, love the black and white one. My SIL would love those shoes!
Casey -February 3, 2010 - 5:57 pm
AWESOME SHOES!! Hope your wedding pics are just as great!!
tamara -February 3, 2010 - 5:58 pm
awsome pictures!! i love the graffitti
Heather -February 3, 2010 - 6:48 pm
These pictures are great! I LOVE the ones with him in his uniform!! Very cool!!!
Annabelle -February 3, 2010 - 7:02 pm
Wonderful pictures! The photographer has done a great job of capturing the love!
Bailey -February 3, 2010 - 7:04 pm
Just beautiful! I love the shoes by the way…super cute!
Melanie -February 3, 2010 - 7:05 pm
Awesome pictures!! You two are adorable! You can tell you two are truly in Love!!
Angela B. -February 3, 2010 - 7:16 pm
All of the pics are amazing…my favorite is the black and white of both of you laying on the ground…I can’t wait to see you guys at the wedding!!
Meghan -February 3, 2010 - 7:24 pm
Julia and Robert, These are to die for!! You guys look amazing together. Love you both!!
Steff -February 3, 2010 - 8:33 pm
I adore the shoes, what a great tie in!
Nichole -February 3, 2010 - 9:40 pm
Amazing pictures!! I love them!
Abby -February 3, 2010 - 10:42 pm
Awesome, My sister and Robert look awesome, great job .
Jim and Jessica O'Neill -February 3, 2010 - 10:55 pm
Congratulation you two! You make a beautiful couple.
Mom -February 4, 2010 - 12:11 am
WOW!!! You both look spectacular!!!
Sara -February 4, 2010 - 12:19 am
The fourth one up from the bottom is so cute, he looks like he is going to break you! haha Very adorable!
Kylee stewart -February 4, 2010 - 12:23 am
Your pitures are great! The two o you look so happy with each other. I can’t wait forthr big day!
Sondra -February 4, 2010 - 12:27 am
Love the pictures. They are really great
Dad -February 4, 2010 - 12:31 am
These are some great pictures. The big day is on the way!
Steve -February 4, 2010 - 1:28 am
You guys look great, happy! Can’t wait for the wedding!
Samara -February 4, 2010 - 1:32 am
Wonderful!! I especially love the one with him in uniform! I also love your camo shoes gorgeous!!
shelby -February 4, 2010 - 1:40 am
awww so cute!!
Katha -February 4, 2010 - 2:19 am
I love these! Especially the last one!
Jaime -February 4, 2010 - 2:25 am
Adorable pictures. You guys look so happy! Can’t what for the wedding and to see the bridal pictures! Great pics…
Kera -February 4, 2010 - 2:54 am
They are so cute! I love your shoes and i cant wait to meet Robert
Karen Obermier -February 4, 2010 - 7:46 am
These are fantastic – each one with something special about it! And YES, where DID you get those shoes?
mike o'neill -February 4, 2010 - 7:54 am
Great pics. I like the one of you 2 kissing. I think that one shows happiness and is real not “posed”.
Robert Koch the Elder -February 4, 2010 - 7:55 am
Very Nice photos! You really captured their spirits and they way they really adore each other!
Mom in Michigan -February 4, 2010 - 8:00 am
Great photos – Wonderful to see you guys looking so happy and can’t wait to see you in person – it’s been such a long time! Love you!
Danielle Raab -February 4, 2010 - 8:05 am
Great pictures!!!
jonesz -February 4, 2010 - 8:12 am
and they said u didnt clean up nice…what do they know
These are too awesome for words…the black and white one is my favorite, plus love the kickin’ shoes! Can’t wait till August, to see you again. Love and prayers, Mom2
Phyllis Obermier-Striho -February 4, 2010 - 8:27 am
Hi! These are a great bunch of photos! I love the first one and then the black and white best, but all are really good. Yes, if an old lady could wear that high a heel, I’d be asking about the shoes too! Wouldn’t want to tower over the hubby. Best of luck to both..Grandma
Great shots way to catch the personality – can’t wait to see the wedding photos
Nancy Wright -February 4, 2010 - 8:36 am
I work with your mom Bob, congratulations to you and your wife to be. Good luck to you both.
Marie Whipple -February 4, 2010 - 8:37 am
Great pictures! I hope you’re as happy for the rest of your life as what you look like in these pictures.
Karen Yokom -February 4, 2010 - 9:08 am
I work with your Mom too. I absolutely love the shoes. Congrats to you both. Always look back at these photos and remember how you felt when it all started.
Nancy (Lowing) Lentz -February 4, 2010 - 9:11 am
Bob I work with your Mom at DHS and have known you since you were a baby. Congratulations to you both you look very happy. Best wishes to you both.
Mike Koch -February 4, 2010 - 9:31 am
Super pictures…(love that 1st Cav patch – my first unit). We wish both of you the very best and God’s richest blessings.
Juli Strong -February 4, 2010 - 9:38 am
Congrats to you both and you look amazing in all the pictures
Shawn O'Neill -February 4, 2010 - 10:48 am
I love the pictures, can’t wait to see you. Best of luck
Richard -February 4, 2010 - 11:30 am
Great photos! Really captured the joy these two share.
Q Kramer -February 4, 2010 - 11:45 am
Good photos. There’s a good mix of composition, close-ups, black and white. I’d say Robert has chosen a winner (fiance and photographer). And he’s got his mother’s eyes and smile. ;-}
OH MY GOD! The photographer sister TOTALLY approves! These are amazing and a wonderful representation of your love! How totally awesome! I can’t wait to see you at the wedding! You better have the same photographer! These are prefect!!
Anytime someone asks me to photograph them it’s an honor. For you to trust me to capture who you are and your personality means so much to me. It’s extra special when the person asking to be photographed is a wedding photographer themselves. I have known Angela Duncan for about a year now and we have been Facebook friends the whole time. She lives down in Houston and we had never had a chance to meet up and talk photography. When she called and asked me if I would do some head shots for her and also photograph her and her husband Greg I jumped at the chance.
I loved them both right away because the first words out of here mouth were. “Here is a bag full of cookies for your kids.”
AWESOME!!! Here are a few from our cold windy afternoon session.
This may be my favorite.
Look at them! Doing what my 4 year old Sara would call a “married people kiss.”
There were photographers EVERYWHERE. I’ll tell you more about that one that snuck into my frame later.
Angela & Greg love to read. The library seemed like a good location.
I love that she has bright, colorful, trashy novels and Greg ended up with dull, boring, scholarly looking books.
I can’t express enough how in love with these I am! Thank you so, so very much! I’ll be honest – I’ve been checking your blog like a hawk since the session (now I know how my clients feel!) They are amazing! You are awesome and I absolutely love them!
Thank you a million times!
Bethany -February 4, 2010 - 8:57 am
Angela took pictures at my wedding and I LOVED them! She’s such a sweetheart! You did a great job capturing her spirit and spunk!
Davi -February 4, 2010 - 11:36 am
I read/loved all of those “bright, colorful, trashy” novels! Love these pics Alex!
At first, this threw me off. But, once they explained that their family already included 10 & 8 year old boys, it all made perfect sense. Heather really impressed me with her ability to be “giddy engaged girl”, but still hold her own among all the testosterone in the room. Here are a few of my favorites.
13 comments