Houston Wedding Photography - The Bell Tower on 34th - Lauren & Chris

I spoke with Lauren for the first time a couple of months ago. It really seemed like we hit it off but I didn’t hear from her again…until 2 weeks before her wedding day….

I almost didn’t take her day on. This was the day that capped off the weekend for me. A Sunday wedding that followed events on both the Friday and Saturday prior. I had a pretty good idea that I would be exhausted but she was a sweetheart…loved my work…and really needed a photographer at the very last minute. How could I say no?

Lauren and Chris are two amazing people and the weekend could not have ended on a more awesome note than it did by spending the day with them, their friends and family. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and with a backdrop like the Bell Tower, how could it not be?

Lauren & Chris…I know you were a wee bit stressed over the photography portion of your wedding day. I hope the time we spent together and the few samples below melt that stress away! It was an honor to be there and to have met you both and I have only the best wishes for you both for your future together. If you ever need anything at all….you know who to call! Thank you for trusting me with all of your memories and here’s to you both making many more!

Houston Wedding Photography - Bell Tower on 34th - Yesenia & Zachary

Yesenia & Zachary kicked off this past weekend with a Friday wedding that set the bar for the days to come. The Bell Tower on 34th Street is simply one of the most gorgeous places in Houston to have a wedding and they do it with style.

I wasn't Yesenia's first choice. In fact, she had never heard of me until the photographer she had previously booked recommended me when he announced he was leaving the city. When we first met for coffee on her lunch break the decisions were made quickly and I knew then that she and Zach would be fantastic clients. You won't meet a more friendly couple anywhere and it was a pleasure to be the one to capture all of their memories. 

Yesenia & Zach!....You guys are awesome and it was an honor to work with you both. From the engagement session to your wedding day you were both a breeze to work with and to photograph as your love for one another shows with every look in each other's direction. Never lose that! I hope you and your family enjoy these samples and I know I enjoyed being their to capture them!

As usual...a huge thank you to Joel Gutowski for being an awesome associate & second shooter!

Houston Wedding Photography - House Plantation - Megan & Nathan

Megan & Nathan were one of the first couples to visit our booth at the House Plantation open House earlier this year. After only a few minutes of discussion they were signing a contract and ensuring our day together would come! Upon first meeting them there was no doubt it would be pure pleasure to work with them both...an extremely happy couple with an intense love for one another. In all of the time I have been doing this amazing job, I have been hoping to shoot at this wonderful venue and the first time there couldn't have been a better day than it was with Megan, Nathan, their family and friends!

The ninety percent chance of rain that was promised to us only showed up for a few minutes and only after the reception began so everyone was able to enjoy the beauty of all House Plantation has to offer with a beautiful landscape surrounding the 1890s era plantation style home, turned wedding venue. The owners, Pam & Calvin House, are a wonderful couple and you're sure to meet them if you are there and their coordinator, Connie, attends to your every need in awesome fashion!

It is difficult to truly capture the beauty and emotion of a day such as this at a place such as this and I can only hope that you all enjoy these few samples of their day as much as I enjoyed being there to capture them.

Megan & Nathan; I know I have said it before, but once again, Congratulations on your marriage and I wish you both only the absolute best for your future together. It was an honor to join you both on your day and to be the one to capture all of your memorable moments!

You can find everything you need to know about House Plantation HERE. Tell them we sent you!

As usual, I have to give a special thanks to my team...Lawrence Moody and your amazing video skills and my associate shooter, Joel Gutowsky....You rock sir!

The First Look - Should You Forego Tradition?

I, of all people, understand tradition and it’s importance to many people; especially on a wedding day. More and more we are seeing wedding days break traditions and go with what is most wanted by the couples and families who experience the day together.

One of these traditions that are most often questioned is the first look. Should you or should you not entertain the thought? I can’t answer this question for you as it is a part of your day that will be remembered. Everyone wants to see the groom’s reaction when he first sees his bride walking down the isle. That moment of awe at the beauty of the one he will spend the rest of his life with as she walks down the isle to be joined with him is a treasured moment without a doubt.

There is also something to be said about this moment when done prior to the ceremony. The moment of awe and joy is still there, and often even more so. When a first look is set up to be a private moment between a husband and wife to be, it is just that…a private and loving moment. There is time to just be together and soak it all in before the ceremony ever begins; a moment to embrace and to let each other know what the comings moments mean to them.

There is a big plus in many of these occasions as well. Take the couple in the above photo, for instance; When the first look was done, an hour of time remained before the ceremony. This meant we could get the family and bridal party in place and take care of all of the formal photos before the ceremony even began. When a day is scheduled correctly with a first look, this is almost always possible and a good photographer will always be willing to assist youth the time-table required. When the ceremony is over and the guests are off to cocktail hour while awaiting the bridal party….the bridal party can then join them immediately and enjoy the day or evening together. There are no more time restraints on formal photos and a couple can join their family and friends without delay.

So what are your thoughts on this? Will you do a ‘First Look’ or stay true to tradition? I would love to hear your opinions!

Houston Wedding Photography - Chateau Polonez - Claire & Greg

I must sound like a broken record at this point but, I can not say it enough times how lucky I am to have the clients that I have. Claire and Greg are no different. Well I have to take that back, they are awesome! The definition of a busy couple; I met Claire and her mom way back in August of last year, then Greg a couple of months later...and didn't see them again until the rehearsal and dinner! We never had the opportunity to get those engagement shots done (which we re still going to do, right guys?), and rolled right into an amazing wedding day at Chateau Polonez. 

We here in Houston know exactly how the weather has been over the last few weeks and were expecting more of the same on this past Saturday. The sun, however, decided to grace us with her presence for most of the day...the floodgates opened just after the ceremony!

When you have been doing the job that I am blessed with doing for a while, it is rare to see something all-together new on a wedding day. Claire had something in store for us all, including their guests that surprised many! Just before the ceremony she pulled me aside and told me of 'the happenings' just after the ceremony would finish. When I met Claire, she had short hair but had let it grow long for the wedding. To the surprise of many, her hairdresser was prepared and directly after the ceremony her long locks were chopped once again. A new experience, a change of pace and some great additional photos and video to tell their story!

Claire & Greg; I only hope you know how much of a pleasure it was to spend your day with you, your family and friends. Every one of them were fabulous and made my entire team feel like a part of the family. Thank you for allowing us to capture the memories of your day! I hope you enjoy these few samples as much as I enjoyed being there to capture the moments!

I have to give a HUGE thank you to Lawrence Moody for the amazing video skills and to Collen Vu for being an absolutely rocking 2nd photographer! The day would not have been the same without you all!