I’m thrilled to finally be publishing these images, now that the feature has been revealed on Wedding Chicks! Holly and Shane’s wedding will forever be one of the most memorable things I’ve ever been a part of. When they told me they wanted to elope on a Thursday morning at a Houston ranch, I really had no clue what to expect. I know that the only people present would be them, myself, and the officiant, but other than that, I was clueless. Would she be wearing a dress? Would he be wearing a tux? Would there be dancing? Would they see each other before the ceremony? I arrived expecting nothing, and prepared to simply “go with the flow” (which is a crucial ability when you work in the wedding industry). What I discovered was an event that taught me what weddings are truly about – not the big fancy centerpieces, not the 20 piece band, and not even the room full of family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors – but about the love between a man and a woman, and the beginning of their lives together. I get a little emotional just thinking about it! Whenever I get caught up or stressed out with my own wedding planning, I just think back and remember this wedding, and I realize that as long as my beloved is there by my side (and the photographer, of course!), the rest is just details. Here are some of my favorites from their gorgeous intimate ceremony:

…Unusually awesome, that is!!

I am pretty used to my clients coming to their sessions with props or location requests. Lots of people want to shoot at places that are meaningful to them, which I recommend, and they want to include things that symbolize a part of their relationship, which I also recommend. However, never in my life did I expect to use the words “live fish” and “hospital” and “engagement session” in the same sentence. I can now thank Rebecca and Eric for making that moment possible for me.

Eric and Rebecca are pretty stellar for a number of reasons, but they’re extra special to me because they are unique, and they’re willing to go that extra mile to make their photos special. Literally – Rebecca ran a 5K the morning of their session! And while she was doing that, Eric was out fishing so he could use two poor unsuspecting little swimmers as props for their session. Talk about dedication! And to top things off, they ended the session with something I always dream about but can never convince my clients to do: they hopped in a waterpark and got soaked! The story is much better told in images than in words, so here are some of my favorites of the day, starting with some shots in the lobby of Hermann Memorial Hospital. (PS :: Did I mention they’re both drop dead beautiful?)

Rebecca and Eric, you guys will always and forever be two of my favorite clients because you are just so gosh darn unique, and you’re up for anything! I’m happy to say that no animals were harmed in the making of your engagement photos, and please tell your darling puppy not to give me any more heart attacks by disappearing into the seaweed. Love you guys, can’t wait for the wedding!! :)

Some fun stuff to share for this week’s Humpdates. This past weekend was a rare weekend where I did not have one single photography related thing to do AT ALL, but of course I managed to find a way to make it all about my business.. By redecorating the office! Jason and I had been using it as a catch-all office and storage space.  However, because he is virtually never in it and I am virtually always in it, I got his approval to get rid of his desk, repaint, and redo the room (as long as it wasn’t too girly, that is). What do you think – too girly?

Prior to this, the wall color had been my least favorite color in the entire world – burnt orange.  Gag! ;)  Although this grey-blue is not exactly what I wanted (I was hoping for something more pewter), it’s nice and bright and neutral, which is good for a photography office.  Most of the furniture and decor pieces are from either Ikea or Target.

Eventually I will have a ton of canvases and print arrangements hanging on the wall, as well as a projector set up for showing slideshows and doing projection proofing, but for now it is a happy little workspace.  If you’re in the area, come by and kick your shoes off and hang out  :)

On Saturday I headed to the Frisco Petsmart to help out with the Frisco Humane Society Adopt-A-Pet.  In college community service was a huge part of my life, and I ashamed to say that since graduating I have mostly focused on doing things that benefit me and my business.  It felt so good to finally give back to a cause that was bigger than myself, and  the care of animals is very very near to my heart.  Naturally I had to bring my camera along and get some shots of these adorable little pups!!

If you’re looking for a pet, I strongly encourage you to check out your local humane society instead of going to a breeder or a pet store.  There are so many kind, loving animals out there who desperately want homes, and rescuing one of them from a life alone or, worse yet, no life at all, will be the single most rewarding thing you will ever do.  Check out some animals who need loving homes in your city by going to Petfinder.com!

Last but not least, last week I shot a killer portrait session that I can’t wait to share with you all in the next day or two, but until then, here is a small little hint… Anyone know where this spot is??  Jason Huang, your guess does not count!