Engagement: Danielle + Josh

Four weeks after having Gunnar, I met up with these two in Dallas. It was  a first time away from everyone. I was on my own and man did I forget  how to be ME! It's kind of hilarious how odd you can be when in the foggy, "4th-trimester" stage of life. These two were so gracious and fun! I remember even looking down at my camera and my hands not able to do what my brain was telling them! 

Anyways... I had a blast getting to know these two. We were intentional about this session because I was first approached to photograph their wedding in OKC. I grew up with Danielle in church. She and I would sit in the back and I was often entertained by her sense of humor all wrapped up in a tiny package. I never met her boo thang, so this session was an opportunity for us to all meet and hang! If I had one word to describe this couple, it would be cool. They are far cooler than I will ever be which made this session fun. They really, really love each other and I can't wait to be a part of their special day! Seriously, these moments just keep finding me and I'm so grateful for all the friends I'm making as a photographer!

Maternity: Hale Family

I love nothing more than photographing friends. Especially when I've been able to see these friends grow & celebrate seasons through my lens & when the camera is away.. I ESPECIALLY love it when other friends are involved in the behind the scenes process. Just makes the whole experience fun and special. I have beautiful and talented friends, ya'll! Oh, and Isn't Jen just stunning!?  

Sweet, Baby Sloane

I love the way a newborn makes a home feel. Sloane came into this world about 5 months ago. I still remember how peaceful her home felt and so many more sweet details. I remember feeling Gunnar moving all around in my tummy when I was taking these pictures. I remember being excited for my friend Ashli...she has her baby girl. I remember the anxious hope growing inside of me as I spent time with this family. A hope that soon my home would be filled with a newborn again. I can tell you this... that peaceful/calm/quiet feeling in a home definitely comes with the first born. My sweet, second born has endured the noisy and energetic presence of a big brother. But I wouldn't trade it for all the world. 

Engagement: Alex & Clay

It was 6am. I was 9 months pregnant. Alex came bearing cinnamon rolls. These two have a whole lot of love for one another! That's about all I remember (I kid...I kid)! The early sky left us speechless. There was a beautiful rosy-pink touching everything in sight. A display and picture of our Creator's beauty. This couple will be my first, full wedding to capture and lead out! I'm grateful for how this bride and friend has faith in me. She has been such an encouragement and I can't wait to be there on her big day ! 

Senior: Grace

Grace and I began dreaming about her senior session a year ago! We met at church last year and instantly hit it off. We began talking about her interest in photography which then some how led to us planning her senior session. It's really fun capturing seniors who have an eye and interest in photography. Grace was really engaged in her session. The future has a lot of creative, upcoming photographers! This girl is so comfortable in her own skin. She's original and cool, but it's effortless and I'm pretty sure she's unaware of how awesome she is. She has a lot of random hobbies and interests which make her unique. Oh, don't forget that natural blonde, curly hair and a sweetness that adds to her beauty too. 

GRACE SITZES:

1) What is your favorite high school memory? My favorite memory took place during this past spring break. I went on a road trip with some friends and camped out in Austin, San Antonio, Mustang Island State Park, & Hot Springs, Arkansas all in one week! It was crazy, we averaged over 1200 miles that trip. 

2) How do you like to spend your free time? I enjoy attaching reruns on That's 70s Show, working weekends at Laity Lodge Youth Camp, hiking, & taking pictures of my friends.

3) What are your plans after you graduate from high school? I am hoping to get into University of Texas. If not, I will take a gap year with the World Race! I want to study Radio/TV/Film at UT, or physics/engineering. 

 

Newborn Lifestyle: Welcome Home, Mable Mae

It was a quiet, peaceful morning in the Smith household. The newness Mable Mae brought, and the long awaited prayer of hope she represented, had us all without words. You just gaze and praise Jesus all at the same time. Her mama/my friend tells the full story beautifully. You can find their story here. 

Maternity: Rachel & Paul

I remember finding out the day before this maternity session that we were expecting our second! I had just met Rachel and Paul for the first time (weird because we have so many mutual friends) & I couldn't contain my excitement! I had to share the news with someone! 

I also remember when Rachel walked out of her car. She was beautiful and flawless. And that Free People caftan... I want to live in it. Their baby girl, Hazel, is now 4 months old and they are a precious family of 3. 

 

 

Senior 2016: Abbie

If I was to describe my time with senior, Abbie, it would be this...sun! She literally is a ball of SUNshine. The SUN made a bright appearance that day, too. And them Texas SUNflowers were in full bloom, smiling away at her and she smiled right back! 

What is your favorite high school memory?

Mostly me just making a complete fool of myself. Whether it be falling in font of the whole football team or having my skirt caught in my backpack... I've learned to embrace it! A specific memory was getting voted class favorite my sophomore year. I always feel kind of weird bringing that up, but honestly, that's one of my favorite memories. It's just too cool to have your whole grade choose you! 

How do you like to spend your free time?:

When I'm home, which is very rare because I work after school, I usually draw. I like to dig into the word by reading something and then drawing right after. 

Future goal/plans?:

My hope is to go to Baylor University! That's my dream school and I would do anything to go there!

Newborn Lifestyle: Douglas Family of 5

First, they had one...

Then, a second... 

And then, a third!... baby GIRL! 

All beautiful. Each unique from the other. Truly loved by their parents. I enjoyed spending time with this family and the newest little, Livvy. I watched mom and dad model such a sweet, "go with the flow" attitude. Things may have gotten "too fun" at times and no one may be listening all at once, but their tone and words were so encouraging (as a parent myself) to watch. These moments are real & true and I loved how the parents would just laugh and kiss during them. All their smiles were rewarded with homemade, grilled cheese sandwiches at the end! 

Madi

Texas, you are currently a blazing hot! Thank goodness one of my favorite trees (if it is a tree, or a bush) are crape myrtles and they bloom just when everything else is drying up. Recently, I found a small field covered in crape myrtles nearby. I asked Madi to come over with a red dress & no eye makeup on. I added a deep red lip, put her in milkmaid braids, and in 15 minutes she was ready to go. 

Castro Family of 4

My college friend, Mandy, had her second baby girl a little over a month ago. Hazel Lucia is a tiny, beautiful soul. Her big sister totally stole the show at times and left us all laughing.  I loved my time with this family as we celebrated Hazel's life in the home she'll be raised & loved in. 

Leigh Roark

Leigh's mother and I were pregnant around the same time. Studies/tests revealed some difficult news for the Roark family. I remember praying daily for this little girl's health and comfort for her parents. My husband works with her father and would provide me updates along the way. She was born a couple of months before Wyatt and has ceased to amaze. I never got to meet her... I never got to hug her mama. Two things I longed to do. When her mother reached out to me asking if I could capture some 18 month photos of Leigh, I was over the moon!

Her headbands came in their individual packaging. Each outfit had me eyeing every detail. When this girl would look me in the eye and grin... I melted. What caught this little girl's eye were the wildflowers and an open field. This once shy girl, quickly became comfortable in her surroundings. She held my hand & all I could think was "I'm holding the hand of an answered prayer". 

Senior: Haley

Haley

You represent one of many reasons I love spending time with seniors. You are peaceful to be around and sweet from head to toe. I had a rich and full time capturing these moments along with you and your lovely mama. And props to your boyfriend going off and picking Indian Paintbrushes. Best of luck to you at UNT!

Engagement: Kayla & Ryan

 Kayla & Ryan,

I cherish my time spent with you on this day. It's evident and felt that you too are in love, but more than that there is friendship & commitment. That is what makes these photos so beautiful. I'm excited! Really, really excited for this wedding! 

Love you both,

Ash