Archive for January, 2015
We were originally slated to take their family pictures in December, but thanks to some nasty weather and a hectic schedule, we had to wait until this month. And…I’m so glad we did because LOOK AT THAT BEAUTIFUL BABY BUMP!!!! We had perfect, perfect, perfect weather and a stunning golden sunset and thanks to the delay, we got to turn the family portraits into maternity portraits, too. [My fav from the maternity portion ;-)]. We had to work a little bit to get big brother to smile but when we caught it, WOW! He’s got the best smile and amazing lashes and lips, doesn’t he?
Let me tell you, it was REALLY cold out during her senior portrait photo session. Much, much too cold for Austin. And we lost our light sooooooooo fast. I truly thought it might just snow on us…that’s how it looked. But you know what? This absolutely beautiful young lady wasn’t phased one bit. She didn’t complain once and she just rolled through the session like everything was awesome. And because of that, it was! And doesn’t she have the most perfect smile ever???? That’s what happens when a wonderful personality radiates from the inside, out.
I lived in Virginia growing up, but had several visits to TX throughout my childhood. Every now and then, I would get a chance to hang out with my cousin near Fort Worth. I regret the fact that while I was all wrapped up in my tween-ness, since she was a couple of years younger than me, I never really took the time to get to know her personally. I so touched and honored that she asked me (me???) to do an engagement photo session for her and her fiancé last December. After my time with them that evening, my childhood regret grew quite a bit as I realized just how much I missed out in not hanging with her more often. She is graceful, confident, brilliant, beautiful, funny, engaging, charming and caring. We were able to pick up conversation like we were life-long best friends (family is always family) and that evening shared with the two of them over at my place will forever be a joyful memory. I very much look forward to many more years of gatherings like that. And I mean it, you two!!!! Congratulations on your engagement and I cannot wait to see your beautiful wedding photos!
The wind plays with the snowy cotton tufts of your hair and lifts the freshly washed sheets you pin to the line. Timid of the “Hulk” that chased your beloved birds the other day, I gather a bouquet of silver, velvet willows I was certain came from kittens.
Tonight, after I fumble with the familiar fruits and flowers collected on your fridge, we will follow the yellow brick road and you’ll shield my eyes from the witch. I’ll watch dancers magically twirl to twinkling music among your jewelry. Then I will snuggle up against your soft, warm cheek in a fit of giggles over a made up game of “Peep, Ribbit.”
As I lay on my tummy lost in Saturday morning cartoons, you’ll bring me a tray with orange juice and a perfectly buttered English Muffin. When I go back home, I’ll ride in your lap, your arms a protective seatbelt laced across my rounded, little girl tummy, feeling loved by you and forever five.
When Katie and I first discussed the family photo session we were planning, she asked me, “If you could shoot anyplace in Texas, where would that be?” Simple. “A castle,” I replied. “Find me a castle and we are good to go.”
And find me a castle she did.
It feels like ages of planning went into this session and with our Type A personalities, I actually think it did. When she showed me that amazing gold sequined skirt she was planning to wear, I was ecstatic!!! It doesn’t take much for Katie to be comfortable in front of the camera (she knows this), but I was little worried about her daughter opening up and being able to relax in such an overwhelming environment. Totally unnecessary worry, it turns out, as she embraced her role as Mommy’s and Daddy’s little princess and totally let herself get wrapped up in the fairytale atmosphere. And what about that completely unplanned Cinderella moment up there when our little princess lost her shoe while dancing? My heart just melted.
My heart also melted when she did this.
Katie, you did a phenomenal job pulling all of this together and making all my photographer fairytale dreams come true. Thank you for helping me close out 2014 floating on a cloud! (Another full shot of the castle for you to enjoy.) Can’t wait to see her again this weekend for our .emme. boudoir Snow Angels marathon!!