A Stolen Moment {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

Okay so the truth, I love photographing weddings (in fact it is all I would like to do if I could) but sometimes it can be a little repetitive. You know, the father walks his daughter down the aisle, they get married, go to the reception. Cake gets cut, first dance, speeches, dancing, garter and bouquet toss, grand exit. That's it in a nutshell. But wait, why is it then, that I enjoy weddings so much? It is because of moments like this:



It isn't that these are technically great photos. If one were to critique them they'd say that maybe they weren't composed correctly, maybe the lighting is off, or they're not tack sharp. I don't care. There is just something that's so magical about this series of images.

If you were there you'd see a room full of over 200 Aggies singing their A&M War Hymn, with every verse the volume and intensity in the room increasing.

If you were there you'd see that at the peak or their hymn everyone was running around and grabbing random people's arms, frolicking in a circle, then moving on to the next person.

If you were there you'd see the moment Jake grabs Mallory's arm and realizes it is her. Instantaneously they were totally and completely lost in each other.
It was straight out of a romance novel, the way their eyes met and right then, despite all of the chaos around them, they were the only two people that existed in the world. In one breath they shared a quiet moment, a little kiss.

Yep, right there.

Those are the moments that break the repetition. Those are the moments that take my breath away.

That is the reason I will always love photographing weddings.

Oh and by the way, those that think I'm exaggerating about the whole "200 Aggies" thing, here is your proof:

Something.... {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

It's a tradition for every bride; finding something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Deriving from an English rhyme, you can help the bride to be, choose a modern or traditional touch to the customary ritual. It doesn't have to be a dreaded mission, but one that can bring meaning and inspiration for everyone involved.
Jenny's mom gave this little box of mementos to carry with her on her wedding day. Each item had a symbolic purpose for being there. I love this whole idea, I think it keeps things very traditional. Not only is she able to carry things with her on her wedding day that are heirlooms to her family, it was also very sweet and thoughtful of her mother to put the meaning of each item on a list for her to keep. Jenny put all the items in a coin bag and carried it with her in her dress pocket ( love pockets) on her wedding day.

Something old: A charm from her Nana
Something new: Earrings from her sister
Something borrowed: Lace from her great grandmothers dress
Something blue: A handkerchief that had her grandma's initial embroidered on it (which also happened to be Jenny's initial too!)

There were a bunch of other things in there including the necklace that Jenny wore which were presents from her parents. While a child Jenny had admired a similar collection that her mother had framed in a shadow frame from her own wedding day.
Anyways, when I saw this I immediately fell in love with the concept. Enjoy!

If the shoe fits.....

There is so much thought that gets put into choosing the right dress, the shoes should compliment the dress, as well as being a good, comfortable fit. The selection of bridal shoes available today is completely different to when your parents got married.
Seemingly every fabric, shape, size and style has been thought of, in the form of a wedding shoe. Traditional and modern. Maybe the bride and groom are having a beach wedding? They even have bridal flip flops! Maybe you can't find the right color? Wedding shoes can be dyed, to match pretty much everything! Or you can just simply go with the traditional white/off white.

The choice a bride makes can have a huge impact on her enjoyment on the day. Many hours will be spent in these shoes, so keep this in mind when choosing your shoes, always to try them on, and walk around. Could you manage to do that all day? When it comes to heel height, always best to stick to what you know. If you want to go for a little more heel than usual, keep it realistic and get some practice in, before the big day. Stilettos are generally used for half the night, then your shoes are either off or you put flats on, but be realistic do you really want to be dancing in a 4-6 inch heel all night? I personally would recommend nothing more than 2-3 inch on the heel .

Women today want to be comfortable or showy. There is not a whole lot of room for in between in the area of shoes. Some brides want the 'bling' of their wedding day theme to be carried over to the shoes they are wearing, whereas other women want a flat shoe that is more akin to a sandal, and has little to do with being formal! Be creative, think outside the box! oh and by the way my favorite pair of wedding shoes listed below are the ones with the little skirt on the back, almost as if the shoes had a dress of its own :)

Pinterest {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

So I have found a new obsession (and have shared it with many of my brides) Pinterest.

Pinterest

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pinterest is an vision board-styled social photo sharing website where users can create and manage theme-based image collections.

If you haven't heard about it, well be prepared to be addicted. Pinterest is amazing (in my opinion) app where you can find the most aw-inspiring ideas for your wedding. If I was Oprah, it would be on my favorite list.

Speaking of lists, you need to check out my receptions board. Who knew that baby's breath can make a gorgeous arrangement. Seriously.

Pinterest is a relatively new website/app and can be a little buggy (doesn't always function as it should) but it is well worth your time and patience.

Check it out- no seriously, right now.

Showin' some love for the Veil {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

Whether to wear a veil or or not shouldn't be a question! In my humble opinion, every bride should have one!
First off, the veil has symbolic reasons behind it (ehum, you don't have to be ummm... well you know... pure.. to wear one), for example, wedding veils were once donned as protection from evil spirits or used to prevent the bride and groom from seeing each other until the deal was sealed in an arranged marriage.
My interest in veils, well has to be for the A-M-A-Z-I-N-G photos!
Times obviously have changed, but the wedding veil still remains popular and almost is an accessory to add to their dress or even be used to make some pretty creative images; rather than something to ward off evil spirits :} That being said, you do not have to wear a veil on your wedding day, just as you do not have to toss your bouquet, wear a garter, or smear cake on each other's faces.

If you do choose to wear a wedding veil, I would recommend blusher-style veil down the aisle, which is then lifted by your father before he leaves your side (I love), followed by either a cathedral veil, finger tip length veil, or elbow length veil underneath the blusher. I personally like that cathedral veil. It not only look stunning as you are walking down the aisle,it also adds a little something extra to your dress. Something to keep in mind, if you do choose a cathedral veil, you do not have to wear it the whole time. You can take it off after the ceremony and have a elbow length veil, or something simple like a broach to wear during the reception.

Creative Engagment Sessions {San Antonio Engagement Photography}

Some photos are nice when they are posed. But they are also nice when they are natural...when you are just doing your thing with your man...just being yourselves. Here are some tips and ideas on how to think outside the box.


Either of you play an instrument? Bring the instrument along and stage a fake concert together!

Hats are also a quick and fun way to change your look and add some fun without changing clothing.

Balloons (one big or lots of little ones) are becoming very popular in engagement shoots for that extra fun factor.

Make signs and hold them up.

Utilize the engagement shoot to make table numbers for your wedding and hold up the various numbers. Cynthia and Rick tried and it was really fun and unique!

Have a favorite book? Bring it along! Is reading a passion? Maybe a library as a location

Have a pet? Have a family friend bring the pet to the shoot for some quick pictures with you. Jessica and Larry had a family member bring their dog out for a few quick pictures at the beginning of their shoot.

Old cameras. Are you budding photographers? Bring your cameras along or better yet bring old cameras to the shoot!

Shoes. You know I had to go here. Got some fabulous shoes? BRING THEM!

Flowers are simple but easy props to bring into the engagement session.

Are you wine drinkers? Bring your favorite bottle and share it for pictures.

Also, one of my favorites is if you have a great piece of furniture that you love, we might be able to help make it possible

I hope this post made some of our future couples think out side the box!!!

The Fireman & The Hot Little Lady { Glenda & Justin}

We get asked all the time by clients about ideas for engagement photos. Some wanted ideas, or places to go, or asked to see photos. So I just figured I'd share some of mine so that you can all get some ideas.

Some photos are nice when they are posed But they are also nice when they are natural...when you are just doing your thing with your man...just being yourselves. We are photographers, who was once a bride, who was also in your shoes. We want you to love your photos as much as we do. I have listed some ideas to keep in mind when you are trying to figure out the feel of your session.


Either of you play an instrument? Bring the instrument along and stage a fake concert together!

Hats are also a quick and fun way to change your look and add some fun without changing clothing. Hence Glenda and Justin :)

Balloons (one big or lots of little ones) are becoming very popular in engagement shoots for that extra fun factor.

Make signs and hold them up.

Utilize the engagement shoot to make table numbers for your wedding and hold up the various numbers. Codi and Joe did this and it was really fun and unique!

Have a favorite book? Bring it along!

Have a pet? Have a family friend bring the pet to the shoot for some quick pictures with you. Jessica and Larry had a family member bring their dog out for a few quick pictures at the beginning of their shoot.

Old cameras. Are you budding photographers? Bring your cameras along or better yet bring old cameras to the shoto!

Shoes. You know I had to go here. Got some fabulous shoes? BRING THEM!

Flowers are simple but easy props to bring into the engagement session.

Are you wine drinkers? Bring your favorite bottle and share it for pictures.

Something that is very important to keep is mind is BE YOURSELF as a couple. Do the things you love and the session will turn out great!

Hair {San Antonio Bridal Photography}

It's best to first decide which is more important to you, a certain hairstyle you've always dreamed of wearing on your wedding day, or the style of bridal veil you've had your heart set on wearing. The hair style you choose and your wedding veil must work well together. Making this happen can sometimes be a formidable task if not planned well ahead of time. Once you've decided you can work with your designer or hair stylist to complete the look.
I would recommend that you go see a hair stylist as soon as you find out that you are getting married. That way you can find out what will work for your hair, if you need to grow it out, or even change the color. f you are planning a big change do it early enough to leave time to make adjustments if you need to.
As soon as Carly found out that she was getting married she went to her hair stylist and told her the look she was going for. The stylist then suggested that she part her hair a different side than she normally would, so her hair piece would be seen while she was at the alter. It is always good to get a second opinion on your hair style for this reason.
Carly's hair turned out beautiful and stayed through the whole night, even after she removed the veil it looked flawless. She was a stunning bride!