The intention was to have this post up and running the first week of January… but alas… crazy life got in the way and now January is almost over. Nevertheless I said I was going to do a “Best of 2014” blog post so here it is… and the old words ring true… better late than never! It is always a challenge and a joy to choose my favorite photos from a year of my work. I put my heart into every photo so there is a little something of me in every one… These 125 photos were chosen from a pared down pool of about 20,000 photos. I can’t always explain why I love a photo… suffice it to say that sometimes it’s simply aesthetics, sometimes meaning, and sometimes it is something personal… no matter the why I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do.
THE PATRICK FAMILY
This is the season for wonderful family portraiture… and I am more than thrilled to share my session with the Patrick Family. I went to high school with Rob, and we reconnected as so many friends do, through Facebook. I have wanted to photograph his family ever since I saw photos of his romantic marriage proposal to Alisha in a hot air balloon. The way he speaks of her on Facebook and in person is so lovely… and one of the things I most admire in a man is his ability to love a woman well. Alisha and Rob and I had a long conversation over coffee about life and family before our session and I can assure you they are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Rob is also an excellent father to his son Carson, which is very evident in these photos… their father and son camaraderie is a really wonderful thing to watch. Rob, Alisha and Carson are a joy to spend time with and I think it shows in these images. I think family photos are so precious and so important for creating our legacy for those we love.
Speaking of love… these two are pretty romantic together… and you all know how I love photos of love.
Is there anything more heartwarming than a father and son who have that special bond and who just love being together?
This family has so much fun together… and their spirit of fun was contagious!
Rob, Alisha and Carson you three were a joy to work with! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
CATHY AND LEN ARE NOW MR. AND MRS. … AND THE JOY OVERFLOWED…
Cathy is one of my very best friends in the world… actually, she is more like family. My two girls and I lovingly call Cathy and her two sons Chris and Stephen our twin family… because we all have so much in common and we regularly have twin family dinners whenever we are all in town… the kids in from various universities over the recent years. Of course we gladly welcome Len into our twin family and we are pretty crazy about this man who treats Cathy like a queen and always has… the man buys her shoes for heaven’s sake! And this aside Len is so caring toward all of his and Cathy’s friends and if there is a need he can meet or he can connect you with someone who can, you can consider it done. Cathy and Len are two of the most loving, interesting, nurturing people I have ever known, and we laugh so much when we are together. So it was thrilling for me when Celeste and I were able to photograph the ceremony on the day that they became husband and wife. Len is a very talented musician, a percussionist, and Cathy is the producer of several local cable shows, About Towne, Profiles, and Discover Irving. She is also a very talented storyteller and actor. They are definitely a couple who are comfortable in front of others, but during their wedding ceremony they only had eyes for each other. They have been together for many years and all of their friends and loved ones were anxious to be there to celebrate with them. They were married at the canals at Las Colinas in the city of Irving, where Cathy has worked for over 20 years, and it was a lovely June day in Texas.
Once everyone had gathered Cathy arrived in her stylish red dress… which is so very appropriate for Cathy as she is so regal and vibrant and filled with a passion for life… her two sons stepped up and walked her to her groom…
I get a little emotional every time I look at those photos of Cathy and her boys… she is so happy and they are so happy for thier mom… sigh…it melts the heart. And then the ceremony began… with loved ones gathered round… and the vows were exchanged…
It may be true that youth is wasted on the young… but I can assure you that passion isn’t… I photograph a lot of weddings and have rarely seen a more passionate kiss…
Everyone was basking in this couple’s happiness… and Len warmly thanked everyone for being there… I swear I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man happier… And when Len mentioned how long it had taken them to actually tie the knot, Cathy had some opinions to interject… just a few of course.
When your best friend is a wedding photographer, and you are wearing a killer new dress, you have to pose for endless romantic couple photos on your wedding day… But I don’t think Cathy minded. And Len… well few men are as stylish and dapper as Len. This man can walk into a thrift store and walk out looking like he has stepped out of Brooks Brothers. He is rocking the seersucker and bow tie for his summer nuptials. Some dear friends had brought kazoos to provide mood music for the photo shoot… so a snappy rendition of “here comes the bride” ensued…
Couple photos complete, the wedding documents were signed and the party commenced! There were hugs all around and a lot of smiles and laughter…
I love these people and these photos so much. Cathy and Len we wish you every joy and continued happiness… and of course lots of laughter! xoxo
RACHEL AND BEN’S ROMANTIC JUNE WEDDING
Rachel and Ben tied the knot in a lovely June ceremony at Marie Gabrielle in downtown Dallas under a beautiful canopy of trees. Every detail was the epitome of style and down-to-earth prettiness… words aren’t really sufficient. Rachel was certainly one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever seen and Ben made such a handsome groom. Surrounded by family and friends it was more than evident that as the adorable card on each chair said, “true love is a big deal.” This couple met at Texas Tech and it wasn’t long before Ben knew that Rachel was the one for him. They are so sweet and easy together and it’s a joy to watch, and if anyone near them might have lost hope in true love… odds are they will make you believe again. The group dressed for the big day at the Stoneleigh Hotel, a gorgeous 1923 Art Deco building which was the perfect backdrop for the photos of one of my favorite parts of the day. I have to say that I have shot quite a few wedding dresses, but this dress shot is my favorite one to date.
The girls definitely weren’t the only ones putting on their finest. Over in the guys’s space the proper way to tie a bow tie was proving to be a bit of a challenge. Notice the monogrammed bow ties that each groomsman is wearing… these are the kind of details that make a wedding so special. There is something very ceremonial about the putting on of the wedding dress… and something so nurturing about the way women come together to care for one another at these times…
The gray bridesmaid dresses that Rachel chose from BHLDN are so ethereal, and perfectly complement her Vera Wang dress that she had altered to her specifications.
I am always jazzed about shooting outdoor ceremonies, being an outdoor enthusiast myself, and this one did not disappoint. Details like the eucalyptus, fern and jasmine chandelier that hung above Rachel and Ben when they said their vows, the sprigs of lavender tied to the aisle chairs, and the soft guitar music playing in the background were so lovely and created the perfect serene environment for a wedding. There are few things prettier than crisp white chairs in a green space. All the stationary for the wedding set the tone for the day and the cards and fans on the chairs added just the right personal touch.
The stage was well and truly set for two people to join their lives together before witnesses…
After the exchange of vows and an amazing kiss, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor stole away to cool off before the group shots…
And then the time had come for food and conviviality held in Marie Gabrielle’s beautiful space… everyone just basked in the love that was overflowing, and I think it’s safe to say that a wonderful time was had by all.
And of course there was dancing… and more dancing. If you want to know the truth of someone’s heart, watch them when they are dancing.
As exits go, this one was spectacular… sparklers and smiles all around as Rachel and Ben headed off to Italy. Really… it couldn’t have been more perfect. Bella… absolutely bella. We wish you every joy!
Lighting: Astounding Sounds / Music: The Revolvers / Flowers & Centerpieces: Kate Foley Designs / “Guest book” painting: Custom, Simone (New Orleans) / Hair & Makeup: Fairy Godmother Bridal & Kate Rodriguez of The Rodriguez Salon / Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN / Bridesmaid Earrings: Stella & Dot / Calligraphy (invitations & seating chart): Nicole Black of The Left Handed Calligrapher / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Marie Gabrielle / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang w/ custom alterations / Bride’s Earrings: Gurhan from Ylang23 / Bride’s Shoes: Givenchy / Cakes: Frosted Art / Programs, Sparkler Sleeves & Matchbooks: Sue Corral from Design Corral (online) / Small Business Cards w/ App info: DIY using Makr app / Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes: Culwell and Sons / Groom & Groomsmen Custom Bow Ties: Great Knots (online @greatknots.com) / Bride & Bridesmaids Robes: Gap Body / Hotel: The Stoneleigh / Wedding Planner: Amanda Connolly from After Yes / Photography: Tamytha Cameron Photography
ASHLEY’S ROMANTIC BRIDALS AT THE CRESCENT HOTEL
Celeste and I have known Ashley for many years, as Celeste and Ashley were in the same class in school. She and her lovely mom Julie are friends and so it was a special honor to be asked to be Ashley and Trevor’s wedding photographers, to accompany them to their destination wedding in CanCun. We just returned from their absolutely gorgeous wedding and as beautiful as the scenery was I have to say that the people were even more beautiful. These images are from her bridal session, shot some time ago at the Crescent Hotel here in Dallas. Ashley has such a sweet spirit about her and it shows through these images. She is just as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside! The classic elegance of the Crescent made the perfect backdrop for Ashley and her romantic Grecian inspired gown.
I think almost every girl has a twirling instinct… especially in a romantic gown… and Ashley is no exception!
We had such a good time on this shoot and Ashley is so wonderful to photograph and so willing to be fully present in the midst of the process… something tells me that being a bride agrees with her.
The wonderful thing about the Crescent is all the nooks, hallways and lovely outdoor groomed garden spots that perfectly compliment the spirit of bride… and Ashley really shone in this environment…
There are few things in life lovelier than a woman in love… than a bride… and I am quite certain that Trevor is going to cherish these images of Ashley for years to come. He is one lucky man.
ADRIENNE AND COLE AND BABY MAKES THREE
Adrienne and Cole are so wonderful together… so easy and loving and full of life. I had such a great time photographing this expectant couple and I am pretty crazy about these images. These two proud parents-to-be will be welcoming baby Jack in June… and It was the perfect time to document this joyful season in their lives with some photos. I have to say that I have rarely seen such a gorgeous and radiant mommy-to-be… and even the wind we fought with for most of the session only served to make her more beautiful.
Cole and Adrienne met on a blind date, set up by mutual friends… and it seems to me that things took off from there and are going pretty great wouldn’t you say? Adrienne says she remembers Cole wearing a jacket with his jeans and how she thought he was such a “grown up.” I just love that… since I remember what I wore to almost every past occasion even if I can’t remember anything else. Here they were telling me their story, mid-session of course… me with my pesky questions.
Cole was so attentive to Adrienne as we were navigating some hills and rocks, and it is always helpful to have a strong man around when getting into difficult spots… also when encountering unwelcome visitors outdoors like snakes! Yes that was a first for me… but Cole handled it and all was well. It makes sense that he is so gallant… gorgeous wives like Adrienne tend to bring it out in a man.
We went from this location near their home to an open green field… one of my favorite places to shoot… and it was a perfect setting for these two lovebirds. I mean have you ever seen a more gorgeous mommy-to-be? So stunning!
Cole is from Michigan and is a big Detroit Lions fan… so of course Baby Jack is already outfitted with appropriate fan gear… and their beautiful dog is just as excited about the arrival as everyone else… at least Cole and Adrienne hope so. 🙂
I just loved spending the afternoon with you two and I for one can’t wait to meet Baby Jack!
FEBRUARY, TRAINS AND TEXTURES
Every couple months Celeste and I head out with our cameras and scout out new spots for sessions… and to be real, we like photos as much as our clients. We get tired of the photos we have and we are ready for new images for all the social media sites we are addicted to. It has been really cold here in Texas. We had a virtual icepocalypse in December, some more sleet and ice in January… and February, not to be outdone had a pretty icy day as well. This sort of thing really throws Texans for a loop so we have all had a bit of cabin fever… but today the sun came out and it was beautiful and so voila! It was time for a scouting shoot! I always love shooting with my daughter and fellow photographer Celeste… as she is always game for anything.
One of the best things about this spot in Frisco is all the rustic textures and rich colors… I am always seeing photographs in my mind, and here my “mind palace” as Sherlock would say, was full to the brim.
I was pretty crazy about the beautiful black train… I just love color and graphic elements in photos… and the tin wall reflected light so beautifully. It really highlighted Celeste’s eyes.
The last time I shot in this area was with two families and it was actually rainy and cold… today everything looked more vibrant.
We had so much fun today as we always do with our cameras… outdoors. We are ready for all of you beautiful people to join us.
COLLYN IN THE SUNSHINE
This session with the stunning Collyn Robison is just so lovely and so full of light that I couldn’t resist sharing it on this cold January day. There are people that the camera loves… and Collyn is certainly one of them. Her smile just fills the frame and draws you in. Not to mention her lovely eyes, perfectly arched brows… and that hair… I mean this girl is a beauty. I can also attest that she is smart, kind, and humble, and so much fun to be around. She’s heading to the University of Texas in Austin in the fall, carrying on the Longhorn tradition that is very much a part of her family. Collyn and her mom Sally spent an afternoon at the Shops at Legacy with Celeste and I and we were fortunate to have that coveted golden light. Check out the results… I’m pretty crazy about these images.
Whenever I do a session with a senior I love seeing their clothing choices… being a fashion addict myself, I know the power of a good outfit… and Collyn’s choices were fabulous. The heels on her shoes are a killer ombre metallic… take note ladies.
These images with Collyn in this dreamy white in one of my favorite spots with wavy golden grass are so ethereal… I just love them. They are stylish, bohemian, and happy all at the same time. I have a feeling Collyn is going to make quite a splash at UT.
AT HOME WITH THE WENZEL’S
This adorable family is a favorite of mine… I mean one look at these images and you will see that they just radiate happiness. They are their own party all by themselves. We always have a ball! I have shot this family several times before, and you’ve seen them on this blog. We did a wonderful mother’s day shoot with both Kelly and Brent’s moms and the kids… and I have captured both Cooper and Hadley’s birthday parties. Kelly is a heck of a party planner, on top of being a business woman and mom… and any party she throws is going to be creative and fun. This time Kelly wanted to do a different kind of shoot… one in the place they are most relaxed… at home. I just love this idea and hope to do it with more families… people’s personalities are reflected in their surroundings and this beautiful, stylish, colorful family have a beautiful, stylish, colorful home to match.
Those of you who are familiar with my work know that I absolutely love color… and Brent, Kelly, Cooper and Hadley never disappoint. I love the bright, cheerful aura that permeates this family and their home. The following photos, shot in the back yard, are some of my favorites. These kids are absolutely brimming over with personality!
Being an only child myself, I have always envied people with siblings… and these two are pretty sweet together…
Celeste and I had no problem finding something colorful and fun in the Wenzel home to bring some pizzazz into these photos. Honestly, these kids don’t really need any added pizzazz, but we threw some colorful tinsel and colored lights into the mix anyway and I’m pretty crazy about the results. I.just.love.these.photos!
One of the things I like best about this family is the way they play and laugh together… the family that is silly together is the best kind… don’t you think?
Every time I finish a session with this group I am excited to get home and start editing… and just looking through the resulting images makes me smile and look forward to the next time. Happy happy 2014 to you guys!
IT’S ALL ABOUT BABY WILLIAM
I had the privilege of photographing Karen and Shea for their couple’s maternity session… you guys may remember them as I blogged about it not too long ago. They are such a sweet and easy going couple who laugh so much together and they are truly a joy to be around. We did the session pretty close to Karen’s due date and she was really the epitome of the glowing mom-to-be.
The session is one that will always be a favorite because of the laughter and because the images are so full of love. Their sweet baby boy, William Braxton, was born on November 23 weighing 9 1/2 pounds. He is so beautiful… as are the three of them together… and I was super lucky as we split this session into two parts so we could photograph Baby William with both mom and dad. I honestly could have done three more sessions and been happy as a clam… and looking at these images you will see why! That little face just makes you want to swoon…
The thing that is so apparent when you are with Karen and Shea is their happiness… and humor is just a part of their home and the laughter just bubbles over so easily. We had so much fun and I learned a thing or two from them… William is going to grow up in a happy household. Shea is very good at imitating the facial expressions and gestures of his son, as you will see… and I am told that Baby William is the spitting image of Shea at that age so that makes sense… and to add to that William can look forward to inheriting his dad’s amazing hair. Oh… and please notice the Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the background of some of these photos… so cute… it’s in the details you know. The main thing you can’t help but soak up when you look through these images is the love and the joy that these three feel together… and it is such a privilege to catch something like that on film. It’s why I do what I do.
Let’s return again to the subject of that adorable little face…
I think one of the few things sweeter in life than a precious little baby is a precious little baby in the masculine hands of their father…
I could talk about Baby William all day… but I must also mention Nellie, their dog, who is most certainly a part of this family and she is adjusting very well. You may have noticed in the maternity session photos that William had a little turkey hat perched on his mom’s tummy… because he was to be born so close to Thanksgiving… well he also has a little football hat and he wasn’t very amenable to wearing it for his photo session…
Karen, Shea and Baby William I can’t wait to photograph your growing family through the years… you’re not going to be able to get rid of me you know. Happy joyful 2014… as if you could have any other kind. 🙂