I first met Erica last year (?) when she attended one of my lifestyle photography workshops in Austin. She is a VERY talented photographer in the Washington, D.C. area and I was very honored when she said that to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary, she and her new husband were planning a big trip to Texas and she wanted to do some portraits…in her wedding dress…in a creek. Um. Yes, please.
While we were hoping for some golden Texas sunshine that afternoon, it ended up being rather overcast. I actually liked the moodiness it added to the images as we sort of ended up telling the story of a Sleeping Beauty resting in a quiet creek, rescued by her Prince Charming…
[Is this one my fav? Can’t decide…]
A while back, someone mentioned to me that I never shared my sister’s bridal session that we did back in September. How could that possibly be???? I had to check and sure enough, I had not. I also did not realize that the other day was National Sibling Day. She’s been on my my mind a lot, for many reasons. I love my sister very much. We’ve been through a lot together and I feel very blessed that we now get to live right down the road from one another. She has the most wonderful sense of humor and is such a thoughtful, beautiful person. I am grateful to have her.
So here is my beautiful, beautiful sister just before she got married last year. I will never ever forget this day we had together. I loved throwing together her bouquet from a bunch of grocery store flowers while we listened to music and she got made up. I loved that we changed our location plans last minute just because we felt like it. I loved helping her get into her gown in the parking garage at UT ;-). I loved how it took me FOREVER to actually shoot the images because I kept breaking down into tears of happiness for her. I loved hearing all of the “Congratulations!” and “You look so beautiful!” and the other well wishes all of the people on campus sent to her while we were shooting. I loved seeing her look so radiant and confident and happy. I loved our dinner afterwards. I loved how much we laughed and laughed and laughed. It could not have been more perfect (well, I wish our mommy could have been there to share in it with us).
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that I recently put together an album just for myself from the FABULOUS wedding images by Tanya with Cozy Impressions Photography. Not having professional photos from my wedding and considering the timing of her wedding, these images mean the WORLD to me and I can’t help but to grin from ear to ear each time I flip through this album. Looking through images on a CD somehow just doesn’t have the same power and impact as they do when they have been put together to tell the story in something tangible. Tanya’s images are gorgeous. I can’t wait to take my album to my date with my sis tomorrow so she can enjoy her day all over again, too!
Wedding photography by Tanya with Cozy Impressions Photography (I’m sorry I can’t get my watermark off the gallery…please forgive me).
Hair and make up for the bridals AND for the wedding party by my friend Katie with Modern Muse Makeup
This little man’s arrival was much anticipated and I must say, his newborn photo session did not disappoint. I mean, I can count on maybe 1 finger how many times a newborn baby has smiled during the very first 5 or so shots taken. He was cuddly and snuggly when we wanted him to be and he treated us to his beautiful eyes at the end of his session (we had to work for that just a little bit). What a handsome and sweet little baby boy. He is the perfect addition to their family! In honor of Father’s Day, HERE’s my favorite father-son image from the session.
From his beautiful mommy…
1) Tell us a little bit about your family… Geoff and I have been married for almost 5 years and just had our first baby, a boy named Fisher.
2) What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc? We knew we had to have Michelle document our new baby.
3) Where was your session held and why? Our house. A place we feel comfortable and convenient with a newborn.
4) What did you like about your session location? It was easy!
5) What was your favorite part of your session? All of the creative ways Michelle photographed Fisher. it was so much fun creating different backdrops and places to put him.
6) Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session? If the baby would cooperate for long enough to get all the shots we wanted.
7) Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session? Fisher was out like a light for most of the session. He wasn’t even phased by all the positions and places we put him.
8) Any advice to other families before their photo sessions? Trust Michelle!
9) What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? My family has used her for years (she even did my bridal portraits) and her pictures turn out perfect every time. Her eye is incredible and she really knows how to capture those sweet and special moments you don’t even know are happening.
10) What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images? I’m so glad we have these!
——————-
Don’t forget: If you are expecting and due this fall, you might want to check out the Pinkle Toes Summer Baby Shower!
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!
We met up on a beautiful evening a few weeks ago to celebrate their engagement and upcoming wedding in true texas style: in the bluebonnets. Fun, fun couple with lots of energy and even more love between them! More bluebonnets HERE! And do you see the ladybug, too?
Last year, a good friend of mine had a baby at the very same time my sister was walking down the aisle. I was supposed to have been at the birth, but alas, I was matron-of-honoring for my sis and I owed Lynds something in exchange for these. So, I managed to grab some during a short visit when Jonah was a babe (here and here), but we needed to do more. I didn’t mind so much. He’s pretty darned cute and may be the most photographed baby on the planet ;-). Seriously, though, he has the most perfect, creamy baby skin and those eyes/lashes and that smile? Edible baby ;-).
Maybe somehow you missed the announcement, but my little side project .emme. boudoir is bringing back the mini session marathon in early September and this time, the theme is “Secret Garden.” We’ve gotten the greenhouse all set up and ready to go and I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Katie of Modern Muse Beauty once again to create these fantastical, romantic, etherial portraits to highlight your natural beauty. We are so excited about all of the possibilities this set lends us and I cannot wait to see how creative and artistic we can get as we paint with light and nature and fantasy. Don’t miss the special offer that is only being advertised on our .emme. Facebook page as well. You can also browse some images that represent the feel and atmosphere for the “Secret Garden.” Our last round of boudoir mini sessions was incredible and I can’t wait to do it all again in September! Please contact me for more details ASAP as our openings are very limited.
XOXO,
Michele
