alexis | austin family photography

It was an overcast day on Lake Travis and aside from a few dedicated fisherman scattered throughout the lake, we were the only ones enjoying the morning by the water. I imagine for Alexis and her parents it's difficult to find moments not to enjoy. They are truly a fun loving family--excited to spend their morning together feeding ducks, wading in the water, building sand castles and having tickle fights. Alexis knows she's lucky too, which I always love seeing in a kid so young. When I asked her who the happiest person in the world is she proudly chimed Mommy is! then when asked about the world's best hugger Daddy! was her immediate reply. Her parents have done a wonderful job bringing joy to her life and the proof is written all over her precious smile.

 

 

WWW - Sunday Dress

So many churches expect little more than jeans and flip flops these days. Maybe the term "Sunday Dress" is obsolete.

Though the Jones family's shoot will not necessarily occur on a Sunday, their precious outfits would totally fit. I feature a lot of casual outfits in WWW, so I thought I'd branch out today and show you how to dress it up, but coordinate well. I love these neutral tones together.

Keeping up with the Joneses may seem tough, but these simple duds would make any family look not so simple!

What do you think?

Jazz | Austin Senior Photography

It's pretty impossible to not like Jazz immediately. He's kind, laid back, easy to talk to, and he'll juggle for you if you just ask nicely. Seriously, we got our own private talent show. He also has a wonderfully refreshing sense of confidence. He's an aspiring rapper and when I asked him who his all time favorite rapper was, he replied without a hint of pride "I am" he explained that he was the only person whose goal was to rap exactly the way he liked. Totally endearing. I'm excited to keep tabs on his future, I have no doubt that with all his charisma (and juggling skills!) his future will be impressive.

editing mix | Issue 4

Sometimes when it comes to the music I edit to, I become my own little Pandora radio station, deciding on a unique thread that runs through a few artists and picking all my music based on that similarity. Usually it has to do with musical style but this week I was all about Austin bands. So here is a taste of the best of this week's Austin playlist.

Moon Rocks by Jesse Woods
This actually started the Austin trend. He's so talented and has such a unique voice.
Also, his sister is one of by best friends in the world. 

Gimme Fiction by Spoon
Spoon is one of my favorite bands to listen to, they're the perfect amount of upbeat. 

Let the Light In by Bob Schneider
I'm loving his new single.  I need to get out and finally see him in concert.

Mark + Julie | Austin Wedding Photographer

The spring breeze was the perfect addition to this warm April evening. Tears gathered in the corner of her eyes as Julie watched from his parent's bedroom window, her groom greet their dearest friends and family who would join them for this life-changing event. Even Jay, her three-year-old, seemed to know how important the day was to his mom. He clung to her leg with no regard for her gorgeous white dress. Jay loved the idea of everyday for always with "Mo" (Mark).

Julie and Mark managed to put together a beautiful wedding in four short weeks. The added sentiment of their ceremony being held in the backyard in which he grew up perfected their intimate wedding day. Of course, the event was flawless. With gorgeous floral arrangements, a fabulous dinner, refreshments, and a bounce house for the kids to boot - this couple's day was a perfect reflection of their love for one another, their friends and families and God.

Seldom do we get the pleasure of hearing multiple friends and family toast the bride and groom. My favorite part of their evening was probably listening to how loved Mark and Julie are by their friends. This couple has already changed the world for so many people. Imagining their lives together, I'm overwhelmed by the difference they will make within their community, their ministry and the world.

Mark and Julie, thank you so much for including us in your VERY special day!!!

 

 

alyssa | austin family photography

The morning we met Alyssa and her parents there was a chill blowing in the morning air and the sun was peeking through trees, bouncing back and forth between window-lined buildings. It was beautiful and a perfect compliment to sweet Alyssa. 

From the moment she got out of the car, she was all smiles and giggles, excited about spending her morning with mom and dad. It was difficult to determine what brought her more joy, listening to her mom sing fun songs or cuddling in her dad's arms, so we did lots of both. It's clear from the smiles on her face that she's already well aware of how blessed she is to be part of such an adoring family. In fact, her faces were so precious that I caught myself, more than once, cooing and talking to her while I post-processed images. It would have been terribly embarrassing if anyone had been here to notice, but I couldn't help myself. Her sweet smile just yanks the hello sweeties and ohh, hi sweet Alyssa girls! right out of my lips. 

It was such a delight to spend the morning with you three! 

moms

I spent the early part of Friday morning with one of my favorite new moms, soaking in the sweetness of her new motherhood and capturing some moments so she can always remember this time in her life. I love witnessing the transformation of a woman becoming a mom. There are so many subtle changes. Her sleeves become spit-up rags, her sleep grows light from anticipating the cries of her little one, and her schedule moves and molds to meet the needs of her growing baby. It is a role in life that requires more selflessness than any other, and yet moms achieve it with such grace and love because at the end of the day they get to cradle their sweet children in their arms, with an entire little hand wrapped around their finger, and feel absolutely blessed to have the job.

So here is a very sincere thank you to all of the wonderful moms out there, including our own. Thank you for your selfless love and the joys you took in raising us. We owe so much of who we are to the sacrifices you made in raising us and we are forever thankful!

Also, with Mother's Day fast approaching we've gotten several e-mails asking about gift cards, and wanted to announce on the blog that we do offer gift cards. They come personalized with the recipient and gifter's names, printed on heavy card stock and packaged in a thick bright envelope with white ribbon. Of course, for procrastinators there is also a pdf version that can be sent via e-mail within the day.  :)

We hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating their moms this Sunday!