Tadao Ando & Jennifer (and Ryan)
Tadao Ando & Jennifer (and Ryan)

There are so many ways I could start this post.  I could talk about how fun they are.  I could talk about how I’ve photographed 3 of their friends’ weddings over the years. (Lauren & Brent, Grace & Lucas, Ashley & Blake)  I could talk about how over the top Jennifer is for architecture.  You know what?  Why don’t we start at the beginning.

March 16, 2013

That was the day Ashley & Blake were married.  It was also the date Jennifer caught the bouquet.

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A few items of note.

1. She was the shortest one out there.
2. She had poor positioning.
3. She was barefoot.

 

That’s how it’s done ladies.  I mean seriously.  Look at the girl in the blue dress.  Clearly not even trying.

 

Jennifer wanted to get married.  She went for the flowers.  8 months later.  Engaged.  Just like that.

 

OK, on to our session.  We started off at the Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth.

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I LOVE Jennifer & Ryan’s story.  These two grew up in the same church but didn’t really start hanging out ’til they were in the youth group together.  Jennifer really had little to no interest in him because he was “so much younger.” (1 year.)  Anyway, homecoming came around and she asked if he had a date.  He did not, so they agreed to go as friends.  A year later they were at a Halloween party together and Jennifer realized just how fabulous Ryan was.  (Plus he had a pool so that didn’t hurt.)  Fast forward 9 years and now they are friends with benefits.

 

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One of my goals as a photographer is to capture authentic images of my couples.  Just because you are engaged does not require you to go to a field at sunset for your session.  I love getting couples in their environment doing what they love.  I feel that adds so much depth and an extra layer to the images.  And, as time goes by, when they look back on them, they will remember those places and seasons of life even more.  Man, is that ever true of this session.  Jennifer is an architecture major.  She also loves her some Tadao Ando.  (He is the architect who designed the museum.)  She went on and on about him and the process.  (At times it felt like she had memorized the wikipedia entry.)

 

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fter we finished up at The Modern we walked over to the Kimbell Art Museum across the street.  More fun, more art.  More photos.

 

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The only instructions Jennifer’s mom gave was to not have any awkward smiles.  You mean like these? :)
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Jennifer’s favorite part of the buildings was the super smooth concrete and perfectly aligned circle hole thingy boppers. (architect terminology)  I figured we should end the session with those.


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A girl & her Horse
A girl & her Horse

I’m always sad when a bride contacts me to shoot her wedding and I’m already booked. :( (Because I love to make me some MONEY! CHA-CHING!!!) Anyway… back when Kathleen contacted me about her date I had to give her the sad news that her date was already taken. :( Blame Emily & Lucas ; )

I was however super excited when she asked if I would still do a bridal session for her. I was more excited when she told me Bubbles would be there.

First off… How amazing is her dress?

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Meet Bubbles.  Kathleen and Bubbles have been together since her first high school rodeo.  Together they went on to College Nationals in Casper, WY rodeoing for Texas A&M. (WHOOP!)  After that they decided they should head down to Belle Fourche, SD and win their first pro rodeo.  Kathleen has also placed on her at pro rodeos in Casper, WY Laramie, WY, Garden City, KS and a few others.  So yeah… They kinda have a bit of history together.

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Anyone wanna take bets on whether or not Kathleen’s fiancé noticed her eyes?

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Thanks so much for the session.  Your mom and sister were a hoot.  Tell them I said hello and tell your mom thanks for making me fall off the mule.

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The McKellars Are Giving Stuff Away!!!
The McKellars Are Giving Stuff Away!!!

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I LOVE when couples get their wedding filmed! My favorite film makers The McKellars are doing a giveaway to celebrate 10 years in the world of weddings! This is great news for you. If you are getting married, you can enter to win a Love Story. (Super Super Cool.) If you are not getting married, you can enter to win all other type of great things. If you don’t win, it’s ok. I’m sure they will be happy to take your money if you want them at your wedding. It’s worth it. I promise. This contest ends tomorrow so jump on it!

Watch this trailer from a wedding we did together a little while back.

Now that you totally love them and need them at your wedding keep reading…

The McKellars have been filming weddings, events, and families for 10 years! To celebrate this milestone, we’re doing a fantastic giveaway worth $1200-$2500. If you’re engaged, a small business owner, or a parent, this is for you. If you’re not, you can give it to someone who is! Just share this image on your Facebook page, “like” our Facebook page if you haven’t already (www.facebook.com/TheMcKellars), and leave a comment on any of our blog posts (find the blog at www.TheMcKellars.com). The winner will be announced on our Facebook page on April 15th, so be sure to check back then.

Here are examples of the films:

Love Story

Family Film

Promo Film

The fine print: Must be redeemed within one year. Travel fees apply for shoots over 60 miles from Tyler, TX. Prize is transferable.

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Happy Snake Attack Day!
Happy Snake Attack Day!

It’s that time of year again, as we flip the calendar and look towards April and all things spring, it’s the time of year when our little house celebrates one of our favorite holidays.  I’m talking of course about Snake Attack Day.

7 years ago while sitting at my desk working I heard Danielle let out a blood curdling scream.  Being someone who likes to document events I grabbed my camera and headed her way.  The following video is the result.

So now each year we celebrate our victory over the slithery beast.  We partake in gummy worms and crushed oreos to remind us of how close we came to defeat.  We tell tells of battles won against the serpents of yesteryear.  We share theses stories to remind the young that one day their time will come.  They will have a family and house of their own to defend.  And just when all hope seams lost they will think back on April 5,  2006 and remember how their father conquered the carnivorous reptile and protected his legacy and linage.

Happy Snake Attack Day everyone.

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10 Amazing Places to Get Married In East Texas
10 Amazing Places to Get Married In East Texas

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One of the best things about weddings here in the East Texas area is just how many great venues there are for brides to choose from.  Most of these places were build from the ground up with weddings in mind.  They have plenty of rooms to get ready in, multiple locations for you to have your ceremony and reception and some even offer a place for you to stay the night.  Many will offer catering and provide you with packages that include a few other wedding vendors as well.  A good wedding venue is totally worth the money once you factor in all these things.  Here are the 10 best East Texas wedding venues. (In alphabetical order.)

 

The Arbor
2215 Roy Rd.
Tyler, TX
903-534-4997
www.arborvenue.com

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The Belgium House
Longview, TX
903-720-6414
www.thebelgiumhouse.com

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Bella Sera Ranch
286 ACR 1400
Palestine, TX
903-723-0900
www.bellaseraranch.com

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Castle on the Lake
9110 US Hwy. 79 W.
Jacksonville, TX
903-721-3593
www.jacksonvillecastle.com

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Elmwood Gardens
680 ACR 446
Palestine, TX
903-549-2716
www.elmwoodgardens.com

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Lake Tyler Petroleum Club
15898 Eastside Dr.
Tyler, TX
903-566-4444
www.laketylerpetroleumclub.com

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The Legacy
Jacksonville, TX
903-571-9644
www.thelegacy-venue.com

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The Reserve
7725 Hwy. 259
Longview, TX
903-431-3496
www.bookthereserve.com

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Stone Oak Ranch
Murchison, TX
903-530-4201
www.stoneoakranch.com

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Villa di Felicitá
7891 Hwy. 110
Tyler, TX
903-597-0002
villadifelicita.com

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