Jessica and Charlie were married on a cold rainy day. (That is one of the great things about a venue like the Villa Di Felicita, they have both outdoor AND indoor spots for your ceremony.)

The weather did not bother Jess one bit because pretty much the whole day long I would catch her squealing with delight as she saw her day unfolding.

Both Jessica & Charlie just passed their bar exam a few weeks ago. I overheard Jessica telling someone that the only way they made it through those study sessions was with the help of these little 5 hour energy drinks. She had one for him in the groom’s room so I thought it would be fun to work it into their ring shot.

A bit of shoe bling.

Cindy’s Creative Cakes out of Kilgore made Charlie’s cake both yummy and good looking.

Overheard 5 minutes before their First Look: “Someone make sure Charlie brushes his teeth” – Jessica




Jerry’s Flowers did all the arrangements for the day and Nathan from A Thousand Word Productions was there filming.

This little guy did not want ANYONE to see him on his way down the aisle.

Jessica is friends with two of my past brides, Juliana and her husband Jordan were there so they get a bit of blog love.

All you need to know about Charlie is with all the great tasting grown up food they had, he still wanted a plate full of chicken nuggets from the kid’s buffet.



Every wedding should end with fireworks.

Also if you love you some Jessica & Charlie you can view their Engagement Photography here and her Bridal Photography here.

I had so much fun on Erin’s bridal session. Her engagement session was a blast (they were a Same Day Edit) so I knew that this one would be great as well. I’m already looking forward to starting 2010 with a bang with their Jan 2nd wedding!

The 67 Firebird was cool, but it was not the best prop she had for the session. (trust me)

It’s almost impossible to catch her not smiling or giggling.

Erin has a great voice and is in the music program at UT Tyler. The stage was a natural fit…

Remember that comment about a the “best” prop. How about an opera helmet! Best. Prop. Ever.

I mentioned in my last post that I did a bit of second shooting in August. Leisha and Chris were married at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX and for this wedding I shot for the fun and talented Lauren Dennard out of Dallas. I had never second shot for anyone till these past two weddings so it was neat to document a wedding and not be the main photographer. It’s almost like it was happening in slow motion and I picked up lots of little tricks for my next “real weddings”.

I was in charge of the guys and had a blast coming up with crazy stuff for them to do. The basketball court was too good to pass up.

All four of the groomsmen played during the ceremony, so I decided to give Chris a shot at being a rock star.  I actually shot Brant’s wedding (the one on the right) way back in 2006 at Roseland Plantation.

A few from their First Look



Once again I was allowed to do the rings shots. Serious fun.

Leisha had coloring books for any kids to use during the ceremony! (Don’t tell anyone, but I snuck one home for Sara.)

A few more portraits of them right after the ceremony.

Congrats Leisha & Chris!

I had a great time shooting Nick & Kristina’s Engagement session in Tyler today. We started downtown where they had their first date and they told me that they finished their date talking by the fountain so I knew we would end up there, I just didn’t know it would be as fun as it was.

These ladies were having fun watching us take some photos. When I asked them if they wanted to be in one they jumped at the chance. :)

Kristina is a dancer. Nick is…. Nick.

Check out Kristina’s feet. Even in the craziness of the moment she remembers to point her toes.

Nick unleashing his two handed wave.

Thanks for a great session guys.

About 5 minutes into Megan’s bridal session she became my least favorite bride of 2009. Here is the problem. Megan found out about me and booked me AFTER she had booked her wedding photographer. Boo. However, she liked my work enough to ask me to do her bridal session. Yeah! Then I met her and started her session and realized that the bridal session would not be enough and I wish I was shooting her wedding in a few months. Boo again.

In all seriousness it was an absolute blast to work with both Megan and her mom. It was super hot the day of the session so they suggested doing some “in their house”. Let me be blunt. This is typically not an idea I jump up and down about, most houses are not designed to host bridal sessions, they are designed to live in. Once I walked into their house however I pretty much felt like I was in photography heaven. Super cool furniture, great lighting, and the perfect dress/bride combo to complete the look. Enough blabbing. Enjoy…

My new favorite picture.

My new second favorite picture.

I totally could not pick just one to blog.

At her house Megan’s mom also told me about a “friend who has a great back yard”. (Another phrase that gives me chills.) Again, nothing against back yards, but potted plants, and green grass do not a Secret Garden make. But, being polite and well paid, I played along and hoped for the best.

Ladies and gentlemen… I give you the Best. Backyard. Ever.

Tyler, Texas everybody.

Thanks so much for an amazing session. I can’t wait to get you the rest of your images and am still mad at you for getting married without me. :)