Sometimes couples ask me “Why don’t we get every single image you shot at our session?”
Answer:  Because sometimes you both are talking and you look like this.

Selective Color For The Win!

Photoshop effects are fun!

Nothing says professional maternity photography quite like dressing a man up in a matching shirt and making him hold his wife uncomfortably.

Their hands make a heart.  Because they love the baby so much.

It’s like a Where’s Waldo game.

More awkward kissing and hugging.

For realz though these two are some of my favorite people ever.  They are having a baby next week and I can’t wait to see them be parents.  Go team McKellar!

So, to all you past brides out there who want a maternity shoot feel free to give me call.  Just be ready for the results.

Anyway, Brent & Vanessa McKellar are some of the most creative people I know so when she mentioned having The Mug Machine at her party I knew it would be a smash hit.  Don’t believe me?  Take a look:

Yes we did.

These two are getting married on 1-1-12.  I can’t wait to shoot their wedding.

Vanessa’s parents.  Great with pillow.

Vanessa & Erika.  Yes ladies, that’s Erika of Erika & Phil fame.

Family photo.

Our lovely host.  Who for some reason decided to point a sword at Vanessa’s womb.

So want to find out what she’s having?  Take a look at the little video she put together below.

That’s right.  There is a McKellar baby on the way.  I’m super excited for them and can’t wait to see them turn into incredible parents.  They made this little movie of them finding out as well as them telling their family.  I know the child will be loved.  I know the child will be smart.  I know the child will have the best home movies ever.

They are totally going to keep shooting weddings and the baby should be here the first part of next year.  That means you can book them for your Fall weddings of 2011 and your Spring 2012 weddings.

The girls and their socks.

Major props to La Te Da Flowers for all the centerpieces and florals at this wedding.

The girls without sock.  (But with cool shoes.)

Love how they decorated the arch at the Villa di Felicita.  Can’t wait for a bride to do all three arches!!!

The Village Bakery in Tyler doing what they do.  Tasty too, not that I had a piece.
About as “formal” as they get.
DJ Goldman made sure everyone danced for about 4 hours.  It was epic.

Vanessa & Brent McKellar were also their doing their video thing.  (Hit the bottom of this post to see their wedding trailer.)

Q: How do you end such a great wedding?
A: Crowd surfing.

You two were so much fun to shoot.  I had a blast spending the day with you and can’t wait to get you more photos.  Maybe your trailer from Vanessa & Brent McKellar can keep you satisfied for a little bit longer.

Ashley & Chase’s Trailer | Tyler, TX from Vanessa McKellar Productions on Vimeo.

Kecia & Zach from The Upper Hand Salons were there making everyone’s hair behave.

Whoop.
Whoop.  Whoop.
Melissa did not even make it to Ross for their First Look before she started tearing up.

Not a fan of the formals.
Whoop.  Whoop. Whoop.Claton from Southwest Sound did one of the best DJ jobs I have ever seen.  If you are getting married in the Houston area you have to hire him.
The wedding reception took place at Melissa’s parent’s house in the country.  It really was the perfect setting.
Somewhere in the madness that was the dance floor you might be able to pick out Vanessa McKellar.  She was there filming the wedding and even did a big of Super8 magic.  We even jumped out onto the dance floor together.  Click here to view my mad double dutch skills.

Even though Grand Finale Catering filled everyone’s tummy at 6:00, by 10:30 we were ready for a snack.  Whataburger Taquitos to the rescue!

So… technically I did not take this last photo at their wedding, but I feel like Melissa & Ross won’t mind sharing their blog post with the 2011 NCAA Women’s Basketball Champions.

If you know me you know that I ALWAYS encourage brides to get their wedding filmed.  AND, if you know anything about getting your wedding filmed you that all the cool brides get their wedding filmed in Super 8.  The thing with Super 8 is that it’s typically really expensive.  Here’s where it gets better.  Vanessa McKellar is running a limited time offer where you can save 50% on having your wedding filmed in Super 8.  This is a crazy good deal and if you have been on the fence about getting your wedding filmed then this should push you over the edge.  Go visit her site for all the details.  Also, here is a little trailer she did in Super 8 from Erika & Phil’s wedding that we shot together a little while ago.

This was the part of the session where I started calling Mitch “Hollister”.  He was totally a rock star model.

These two met at the gym where they both trained so we figured it would be a good place to shoot.  We were right.

Thanks again for a fantastic morning.  Can’t wait for your bridals.  We are going to blow Mitch’s brains with what we come up with.

This year was extra fun because my favorite wedding videographers Vanessa & Brent McKellar came along and filmed a family video for us. Our kids have already watched it over and over and I know the older they get the more this video will mean to us. I have tons of photos of my kids but there is something extra cool about capturing them on video. You really get a feel for their personality, how they walk, their tiny hands struggling to hold a huge burrito. It’s perfect. (The same is true for getting your wedding filmed. You absolutely MUST do it.)

Grab some popcorn and enjoy the flick.

(This is a service they offer to anyone so hop on it parents!)

One of the coolest things about Castle is their HUGE bridal suite.  This thing just blows away every other location.  If you have ever been a bridesmaid you know just how crowded these “prep” rooms can get.  Not the case with castle.  I shot a wedding with 10 bridesmaids getting ready in this room and there was still plenty of room for moms, aunts, and grandparents to come in and visit.  It’s awesome.

They have a couple of options for your ceremony.  One is a big a big tree.

The second is a cool rock wall they just built.

Finally, here is a video that Vanessa McKellar just shot.  Brittan is the bride you’ll see.  (La Tee Da Flowers did the flowers.)She’s also the owner and runs this place day in and day out.  She is super nice and will totally become your BFF as she helps you put together your wedding day.  Give her a call and get this placed booked! 903.721.3593.

Castle on the Lake
http://www.jacksonvillecastle.com/
903.721.3593.