I drove over to Austin for Jamie & Dave’s engagement session and they did not disappoint. I love shooting in different locations and Austin is always willing to provide those.

Skulls because it’s Austin or skulls because it’s October? Yes.

Thanks guys for a great session. Looking forward to your wedding at the fancy schmancy Villa di Felicita!

Lilli’s first bridal session date got rained out and we thought it might rain today, but it held out and away we went. Her wedding is going to be at Elmwood Gardens, but 1 day is not enough to really explore everything there is to see so we did the bridal session there as well. :)

Hello, we are Lilli’s eyes and we are A-to-the-MAZING!

Lilli also brought what most brides bring to their bridal session. Her favorite gnome.


Her fiance’ Cameron played hockey in college so she decided to wear the jersey and have some fun with it.
(It still kinda smelled like locker room so I’m amazed she put it on.)

Thank you Lilli & friends for a great day, and a special thanks to Hollie Wells, Lilli’s great planner, for helping get the session days worked out.

Ah “Formals” we all love them. They are EVERYONE’S favorite part of the wedding day. It’s so easy to get everyone dressed and ready on time. Everyone is ALWAYS in the right place and your step parents never make things awkward. :) OK, OK, enough with the sarcasm. You get it.

The thing is as much as photographers like to complain about formals I actually don’t mind them. They are usually pretty painless and I think getting those shots are very much a part of your day. These are the people you have grown up with. Everyone is dressed up and looking their best so capturing a few shots of them SHOULD be a part of your day. I think I have only posted formals like 2 or 3 times in the 4 years I have been blogging so enjoy these while you can. :) In fact, I think the questions moms ask me the most is… “Do you take formals?” Girls this is your chance. E-Mail this post to your mom and give her the proof she is looking for.

Here are 3 little tips to make this part of your day flow smoother.

1. Long Lists are for Losers.
I’m pretty sure every bridal magazine in the world tells you to come up with a list of poses you need. Bride w/mom Bride w/dad Bride w/mom & dad Bride w/sister Bride w/mom, dad, & sister Bride w/groom Bride w/hot dog Bride w/toothbrush Trust me. I get it. You want a picture with the important people in your life. I typically only ask for a list of out of the ordinary important people in you life. (Ex: If you are super close friends with your aunt and want a photo of ONLY you and her, let me know.) The best way to keep this part of the process enjoyable is by limiting just how many of these we take. This way everyone stays fresh and your day doesn’t turn into a 2 hour Olan Mills session.

2. Losen Up.
I mean it. These are just photos. If ever single thread of your dress is not in perfect place the world will not come to an end. I promise. Relax. Enjoy the process. These are some of the closest people in your lives. You share memories and stories and this is one more you are having together. If your dad always wears a cowboy hat. Let him. He’ll be happier and the photo will seam more genuine. Don’t try and be someone you are not. Embrace the craziness that is your family.

3. Lie.
If you need people dressed and ready by 5:00, tell them 4:30. The worst thing that could happen is they have to sit around in a tux for a bit. It’s much better than having everyone else wait on them for 15 minutes to get ready. This also lowers the stress level of your day because everyone is there ready to go rather than calling your phone saying.. “we are about 20 minutes away and will get dressed as soon as we get there.” One final thing… I know I beat you over the head with the First Look thing a few weeks ago, but having one really really helps this part of your day go much smoother. Again, people are relaxed, we are not rushing to get to the reception and everyone can enjoy the process.

When planning Jessica & Charlie’s engagement session they mentioned that they like to make make pottery together. A quick google search turned up a great place in Longview called The Mud Hut. If you are into pottery, have small kids, or are just looking for a unique date idea you really should drive over and check them out.



After about 20 minutes of just hanging out with these two I felt like I had known them for months. They were so relaxed and it was great to see them in their element.

The coasters Charlie made. Not bad eh?

When they are not painting pottery these two are… LAWYERS! Crazy eh? They actually met the first day of law school and just finished taking the Bar Exam.

Also, when they are not practicing law they are…. BUYING A HOUSE! We stopped by their place that they are closing on tomorrow and got a great cheesy home owner photo.

You’ll see more of these two in December when they tie the knot over at the Villa id Felicita.

I had a blast in Longview with Jessica & Charlie. I can’t wait to give their engagement session the full blog post it deserves, but this sneak peak will have to hold you over for now.