Miss Brenna and the Bluebonnet patch

I absolutely love this time of year, you know, when parents park their suburbans and minivans on the shoulders of our Texas highways and drag their kids out, dressed in their Sunday-best, to take pictures in the Bluebonnets, Indian Blankets, and Buttercups...

It's been awhile since my last photo shoot with Miss Brenna, so I kindly asked her mom if I could coax my little photo star into allowing me to snap a few shots of her looking adorable in the Bluebonnets. A few days later, we picked a time and agreed upon the perfect spot along Hwy 71 just east of La Grange.

Here are a few of my favorites...Just look how cute she is!!

I love how happy Miss Brenna is, and it's always the little things that she finds great joy in. 

My sister also came out to join in the fun - she talked Miss Brenna into checking out the pretty Indian Blankets...this is my favorite shot of the day.

We all had a lot of fun, even though a few mean fire ants tried to chase us away. Thanks Miss Brenna for letting us hang out with you again - as always - you are so sweet to let us capture your big adventures. 

Happy 30th...to me

So it finally happened...I turned the big 3-0! 

In recent years, several of my best friends have turned 30. From stretch Excursions and a night out downtown, to a fun-filled day on the lake and camping, to eating yummy Tex-Mex followed with two-stepping - we've all brought 30 in, IN STYLE! Not knowing how I wanted to celebrate this momentous occasion, the only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted my birthday to feel fabulous and include close friends and family.

So in honor of my 30th, I asked everyone to dress up and join me for dinner at Iron Cactus. Here are a few shots we took before leaving the house. (And yes, I still have not put photos in my frames.)

Look how cute Emmie is. She even put on her party dress too!

 

And look how hot my girls were!!! (It was too funny we all wore black...but everyone needs to own a little black dress!)

All the girls looked amazing and the guys very handsome! After dinner, we stepped into the bar area and continued to celebrate.

The night was perfect and I have a good feeling that my thirties are going to be memorable!

Matt and Ashley: Wedding

Their story began in middle school and grew stronger as the years passed. You see, Matt and Ashley had fallen in love a long time ago, long before they understood what it meant to truly love someone with their whole hearts. Today, Matt and Ashley, in front of their family and close friends, vowed to love each other again - but this time - for a lifetime.

I was invited by Brittany Dawson to second shoot this very special occasion. This was the first time we'd worked together, but I've known her for a long time - she and my sister were friends back in high school. As I entered St. Paul Lutheran 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony, I was amazed at the number of people already there. Not only was Bethany and her very talented team from 36th Street Events busy tying up loose ends, guests were already taking their seats. And let me say these girls were incredible! The day ran flawlessly and no detail was left undone. Be sure to check out their website.

Soon the church was packed with standing room only and the ceremony was ready to begin. Ashley was a truly stunning bride and Matt, quite the handsome groom. Together, they are absolutely made for each other and I felt blessed to share in their special day. 

I just love this altar shot.

Check out the reception. It looked absolutely amazing! Ashley had a very specific vision and I think she did a beautiful job of capturing every detail. 

At one point I saw this really cool shadow of a chandelier on the wall. I just had to have it!

And this little girl was too cute. I loved her polka dot dress, and even more, I loved that her mom had one too!

Matt and Ashley, I wish you all the best. May you live happily ever after. 

Stacey the Stylist

So Stacey is talented in more ways than one. Not only does she share a passion for photography with me, she is an ultra fab hair stylist too! Having taken a few months off to find the perfect salon, sister is now in full swing and accepting appointments. To celebrate her new venture, we took advantage of the warm weather today and headed to downtown Austin for an afternoon of fun.

Check out the hair sign we came across - very fitting don't cha think?

And this ivy wall was just killer to take photos in front of.

These leopard print high heels may have not made it home with her - I just loved them!

 

Stacey, you are super photogenic and have a great sense of style. Good luck in everything you do.

These Boots Were Made for Walking

For the past year, I've carried around a card from Cavender's Boot City in my purse. To just anyone it looks like a business card from some store manager named Robert, but to me, it lists the sku number and the perfect size of a pair of Lucchese boots that I just adored.

Thinking back, I've only ever owned one pair of boots in my life - during eighth grade when I went through my 'hee-haw' phase. At the time, I was listening to country music, attending rodeos and learning how to do the Texas two-step. But like a typical teenager, time passed and so did the phase. At that point, I swore to never, ever buy another pair of boots again, mostly because that just wasn't my style. But like mom always says, 'never say never'...so 15 years later, I break down - mostly in the name of fashion because they are just so darn cute!

After trying on several pair, in various colors, I picked the chocolate brown snip toe western boots. Hey! They go with everything and can be worn everywhere! In fact, I broke them in at my friend's 30th birthday party last night - we went dancin'. Happy 30th Michelle!!

Aren't they cute?

Are you ready boots? Start walkin'!