the sylvester family

This is one of my favorite families, the Sylvesters. It was time for our annual holiday photo extravaganza. I've known them for a very long time, and always have a super time at our sessions. It's a fun, collaborative process as we all come up with ideas for shots and then play around with them. My face hurts from smiling when I leave, which is a nice reminder of why I love working with such great families. Thanks you guys.....I'm still smiling!

Here are a few layouts I created with some of my favorite shots.

I can't take credit for the "overworked" and "underpaid" sayings. That was all them, and downright hilarious.

Oh.....to have this much energy again!

cousin debbie

My cousin Debbie was in town for a brief visit. She works for an airline and had a stop-over in Atlanta. I think of her whenever I get nervous on flights. I just think "Debbie does this all the time, so I'm sure everything will be cool". She's a super sweet, super fun lady, and my mom and I had a blast spending time with her. There was shopping, eating, and catching up. Mom and I managed to turn her on to the joy of Crocs (the cute ones anyway)! I always look forward to seeing her, and I wish it could be more often.

Here's Debbie and me (thanks to mom for filling in as photographer). I know I'm a pale gal, but next to Debbie, I look like you could practically see through me!

let's hear it for the boy!

My hubby Matt has been working as my second shooter at weddings, and I thought it was about time to post some of the awesome fruits of his labor. It's so nice to have his company and his help. I also love that he and I take very different types of photos, yet our styles go nicely together. Here are some of his images from Jeanie & Shawn's wedding in San Antonio. Soon, I'll post some of his shots from Chad & Cathy's wedding too!

I love the backlight he got on this

Matty, you're a rock star.

Chad & Cathy's Wedding

What a beautiful November day. A bright, blue sky surrounded by delicious shades of autumn leaves. Certainly an acceptable setting for Chad and Cathy's big day. I've been working with Chad for several years now, and knew that his wedding would reflect his personality....fun and relaxed. Those words rang true. Even Cathy seemed remarkably calm as she waited to walk down the aisle. She looked so elegant. The only thing that drew attention away from her gorgeous gown, was her lovely smile.

A huge congratulations to you both, and I know you'll enjoy a lifetime of happiness!

A shot of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. It's gigantic!

The lovely bride...

These were some fun bridesmaids! At the reception, they even sang a special song written for the occasion. Nice job, ladies!

These flowers were so perfect for a November wedding!

This may be one of my favorite photos. Ever.

Ah, the first dance....and there was fancy choreography!

CAKE!! So, this was a cheesecake! I even heard that there was pumpkin cheesecake. I don't know why I didn't head straight over and steal a piece. I was probably too busy stuffing my face with the incredible pasta dishes (the reception was at Maggiano's.....mmmmm).

Abandoned bouquets

The ballroom lighting was pretty spectacular.

For a slideshow of additional images from their super wedding, click HERE

memory xbox and happy new year

I decided to play around this eve and take some goofy photos for our 2007 holiday card. I think the nice, seasonal touches help make our obsessions not only seem normal, but downright inviting. Suddenly, I feel as though we've cheated my parents and Matt's mom. Instead of getting a cute card with a grandchild wearing a santa hat, they get this. I'll have to get them really good presents.

girls gone crafty

My mom and I love to make cards. It started out as something fun we could do together, and has gradually turned into a full-blown obsession. I swear, a few hours of making cards while chatting, drinking, and listening to dorky music, is better at stress relief than bikram yoga. Today, mom made some lovely cards with lots of yummy autumn colors. Typically, I don't like to make the same card twice since creating the design is my favorite part. However, I'm putting together packs of cards to give as gifts, so today I was a one-woman assembly line. I got a lot done and had a blast chillin' with mom.

Here's mom workin' hard in craft town

Two essential supplies for making great cards: wine and cheese!!

MOMY!

This is my mom-in-law, Susie. I like to call her Momy (moe-mee). She's one of the coolest people I've ever met. I sure like a world that has her in it. She has read more books than anyone I know. If you're fortunate enough to experience her sense of humor, you're likely to receive some friendly teasing that will hit you like a roundhouse kick to the thorax. She's awesome.

Jeanie & Shawn

Jeanie is one of a kind. She's been a dear friend for over 5 years. When you meet her, you feel lucky. Knowing her is like having won a prize. She's the whole package.....stunning beauty, a kind heart, a clever mind, and a keen wit.

She's also one of my favorite models when I have a crazy portrait idea. As you'll see below, she's willing to pose patiently while soaked for the sake of art.

I was so pleased to hear about Shawn and their sweet story of knowing each other for years and finally coming back to each other in a way that's like going home.

I'm thrilled and humbled that Jeanie and Shawn trusted me to photograph their big day in San Antonio. My husband (also a long-time friend of Jeanie) came with me to join in the celebration and be my second shooter. I have to mention how well cared for we were the whole trip. Jeanie's dad Bruce gave us the best tour of the town imaginable. Their family and friends really created a joyful environment at every step. Everyone had such warm comments about these two. My favorite was from Shawn's mom who said that when they found each other, it was like they won the lottery.

Jeanie, I adore you, and now I also adore Shawn and your family and friends too! My most heart-felt congratulations to the both of you and my wishes for a life full of love and happiness.

A pic at the Alamo at the end of the night

Some shots from our fun "day after" session

I can't imagine a more gorgeous couple!

I hope they don't mind me telling this story. For the shot below, I was a good distance away, but could clearly see Shawn mouth the following sentiment just before this kiss, "I've always loved you, and I always will". I couldn't hold back the tears after that!

The amazing San Fernando Cathedral

Jeanie's perfect, lovely gown

Jeanie and Shawn decided to see each other before the ceremony (gotta love that!). This was taken at the fantastic Club Giraud just after their special meeting that day.

For a slideshow of more images from the beautiful wedding, click HERE

Far Overdue!

Way back at the beginning of this year, my parents took me and my hubby and my sister and her hubby on a fantastic cruise to Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize. Friends of the family, Mike and Mary, joined us as well. I had never been on a cruise before and was amazed with how easy everything was. You could relax, or be entertained, or pig out, or participate in little adventures off the ship. Completely awesome. It's probably the first family vacation we've taken since I was about 10 years old.

I think my favorite part was riding an ATV in Cozumel. Yeeeee haaaawwww!

So, I promised my folks that I would make them an album of our super-cruise photos. It only took me 8 months to finish it! Disclaimer: albums don't typically take this long. I figured the anticipation would make them enjoy it even more. Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Mom and Dad, you're the best, and I'm so grateful that we got to spend time traveling and sharing these memories that we'll always remember!

Beautiful flowers in Guatemala

On this trip, I discovered that my Dad really likes the song "I Will Survive". Don't ask, I'm still confused. It was just so great to see him dancing and having such a blast. He and I are cutting a rug below, which reminds me of when we used to dance to "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" when I was little. The pic on the right is the whole fam damily: me, Mom, Dad, my hubby Matt, my sister Trischa, and her hubby Ricardo. Say cheese!

For a slideshow of all the cruise album layouts, click HERE

that's "Mr. Brooks" to you

Gosh, I've known Brad for a while now. Enough to know that I'd have a daggum blast shooting his headshots. And I did. My face actually cramped up from the smiling. Ahhhh....talking to someone who understands conversation about a good pair of Kenneth Cole shoes. The t-straps are the best. I love a designer who generally makes very classy shoes, and then occasionally throws in a really trampy pair. Anyway, I digress. Brad, you're awesome and I'm sure in some alternate universe, you and I are starring in our own reality TV show about something hilariously useless.

I hope you enjoy the shots, and that you book gross amounts of work!!

Here's the handsome devil himself...

Denise & Rick's Wedding

There's nothing like Paris in September....or Paris in Atlanta. Walking into The Moulin Rouge Room at Paris On Ponce was like stepping into another world (or at least a great French film). The cabaret feel, the red lights, the cafe tables....ooh la la! Now as if the setting wasn't enough to make for an incredible wedding, there was also a murder mystery performance built around the ceremony. Don't worry though, the only victim was the cake, and I assure you it was just as tasty after having been stabbed.

It's hard to believe possible, but Denise & Rick's wedding was even more fun than I predicted (see earlier post of their engagement pics). I can truly say that this wedding was an EVENT, and one that myself and the guests will be talking about for years to come.

Denise, you seriously crack me up. I love your fun spirit. Rick, I totally lost it when you pulled out the giant glasses at the end of the night. Awesome. I can't possibly comment on every fun moment!

Congratulations, Denise and Rick, and thank you for such an unforgettable night!

The "murder" victim!

Vive la France!

If you hang around Denise, this is an expression you'll see often.

Here's some of the cast of performers. I'm partial to the second one from the left in glasses. That's my handsome hubby. I have several other buds in the cast, including "The Jen" (in jean jacket). She's a rock star.

Speaking of rock stars....ELVIS!!!


Best silly string sneak attack ever.

What an exit!

For a slideshow of more of Denise & Rick's wedding photos, click HERE