Brides like Candis make wedding photographers love what they do.  On the morning of Candis’ wedding, when many brides would be nervous, she instead, had fun with her bridesmaids (all 12 of them)!  Rain chances for the afternoon or muggy weather didn’t have her down – and because of that, Candis and Cullen’s wedding was perfect!

Minutes before the wedding the rain started coming in making a romantic setting in this adorable little church.

Luckily during pictures before the ceremony the rain held off, but right after when it was time for bride and groom pictures, the rain was coming down harder than ever. Deborah Bradley, along with handling other changes in the day, suggested we shoot at Sengelmann Hall. Perfect idea.

Congratulations Candis and Cullen!!!

I knew each of these two separately first, much like they knew one another, as friends.  Sometimes without expecting, friendship can lead to much greater things, like finding your life partner in one another. That is exactly what happened with Kaylee and Michael and I was so happy to finally see the two of them together, as a couple and soon to be husband and wife. I’m greatly anticipating their wedding at Senglemann Hall this coming fall – it should be a good one!

I’ve lived in Austin for over 6 years, and central Texas all my life, so when I was asked to shoot a wedding on Beaver Island, I was clueless to where I’d be traveling. Located in Lake LBJ, outside Marble falls, DJ and his family have called Beaver Island their home for over 13 years.  When DJ and Nicole decided to become man and wife, I’m sure they couldn’t think of a better place than here.  Walking up the stairs and onto the large deck, my breath caught. In front of me stood the most beautiful sun-filled lake, blue skies, and a cool breeze whipping across my face. DJ and Nicole wed this past Saturday, on the most glorious May day, along side their closest family and friends, and their 4 adorable pups, who were dashing in their bow-tie collars.

DJ and Nicole, thanks for having me out – it was a beautiful wedding filled with love and laughter and the most dreamy sunset I’ve seen in a long time!

Continuing the story of the couples I photograph is one of the most remarkable things I’m blessed with doing.   When we first meet they are newly engaged, excited about what the unknown future holds and highly anticipating the most important day of their lives. During the engagements, I get to know the two of them as a couple. What makes her blush at his touch – what makes him beam when he sees her smile. During the wedding I see a new relationship unfold, one that is unbroken by the bond and promises they’ve made to one another. A quiet confidence as they revel in this new territory, of husband and wife. After all this, what I truly love the most is when we meet again, that same excitement and joy still there – but this time with giddiness knowing that so soon they will become parents  The confidence in one another is still there. He makes her laugh, she still giggles – but the look he gives his beautiful pregnant wife, that is what makes me melt.

“I have so much excitement inside of me, I don’t know what to do with it!” – is the first thing I heard Kathrine say as I walked into the bridal suite. Pink dresses and laughter, wide smiles and tears filled the room as Kathrine and all the most important ladies in her life got ready for her big day.  I’m not sure if I’ve ever photographed a bride who’s smile never left her face. Kathrine and Chris may have only been together for 8 months, but when you know you know — Kathrine’s words. I’m so beyond happy for the two of these people and for their wonderfully warm and lovely families. Congratulations!

When the exchanging of vows takes place between two people, the moment when they say I DO, and all you can see is love, you know you’re photographing the best moment of someones life. Lauren and Aaron have found great love.  Love that radiated off of Lauren all day, with her beaming smile and calm energy, the spotlight never left her face. She was that happy. And for Aaron. His calm and quite happiness shown through every time I saw him look at his new wife, which was quite often.  Lauren’s Dad pretty much summed this up in his toast. Toasting to his only daughter, and his new son-in-law, saying his time of guarding and protecting her was over, and Aaron’s time has come. It was such a lovely day for two very lovely people. Agave Road in Katy, Texas was the perfect backdrop for their day and the team and staff there did a remarkable job. Thank you Lauren and Aaron for allowing me to be a part of your very special day. I will always be grateful.

Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing, but motherhood, even a second time around, is even more remarkable. I had the privilege, once again, to document my sister’s birth last week. Seeing Karissa carry this child with such grace and ease, I often would forget she was pregnant. When you have another child demanding your time and attention, the second pregnancy isn’t at the forefront of your mind at all times, unlike the first. I’ve said time and again that having Grady in our lives has been such a blessing, so with the addition of a second little boy, we were all impatient ecstatic for him to arrive!

Karissa, two days before her second son was born, looking radiant and calm.

Small beeps and muffled heartbeats from the fetal monitor filled the room with quite anticipation of what was to come.  After the birth experience of Grady, we were all a bit nervous on how this birth would unfold the second time around. Grady was a big baby, and the fear of the same situation had us all a bit nervous.

Luckily, Karissa had her husband, Eric, by her side, cracking jokes helping her breathe and feeding her ice chips through the hours of labor.

And finally, at 5:19 in the afternoon, on March 28th, Zach Avery Kocian, weighing in at only 6 pounds 12 ounces, came whaling into our lives. The beautiful joy when you hear that first soft cry, unexplainable emotions of happiness and gratitude and an all encompassing pride in the little man that just made his way into our hearts, and for the woman that brought him here — that is God. Experiencing a birth, the first breaths of a new life, is when I feel closest to God – the one that creates us all, pure and beautiful and like him in every way.

I can’t imagine what this moment feels like. Feeling the warmth of the baby laying sleepily on your heart, healthy and happy. Fear of the childbirth behind you, pure relief and gratitude and a pride in the strength it took, that you overcame.

Finally it was time for Grady to meet his little brother. Overwhelmed at first, and only making side eyes to check him out, Grady, I think, was happier to see his momma.

It only took a little while before Grady warmed up to his new little brother.

He checked out his little fingers and toes and kept saying baby brother was so little. If you asked him to hug him, he’d say nooo baby brother, he’s too little.

I think it’s pretty remarkable for a three year old to recognize the differences in a newborn, knowing to be gentle and sweet. Later I asked Grady, “Do you like baby brother?” Grady said “No, cause he whines too much”

My mother is such a special woman. She took care of Grady for days, all the while dying to get in some cuddles with her newest grandson. I’d say Grady and Zach are pretty lucky for Grammi and the three other grandparents they have.

And I’ll end with my favorite photo of the day. My mom, holding Zach, beautiful light, and the sweetest face you ever did see.

It was such a joy to see two people, after 10 years of being together and still so in love, tie the knot on a sunny February day.  Choosing to have an intimate wedding with close friends and family is what Mike and Victoria choose to do – and I loved it so much.  I’m so thankful for what I do and the people I get to meet along the way!

For the second part of Karissa’s maternity shoot we traveled out to their new land. Pretty soon Grady and his little brother will be tramping around the land, catching bugs and rolling down the hills, so I couldn’t think of a more fitting place. To see my vision for my sister’s shoot unfold in front of my eyes was the icing on the cake. The wind and sunlight worked well in our favor creating the most luscious light that wrapped around her pregnant belly and made it the highlight of the shoot. Much like the bedroom shoot was about Grady, this shoot showcased Karissa and her beautiful baby bump.

All I can say is this picture better be framed somewhere.

Karissa made the most beautiful pregnant woman throughout this pregnancy. I remember her wishing she was the woman that just a a basketball in her tummy. Because, well last time, she

wasn’t that woman. Your second pregnancy, I’ve learned your body just knows what it’s doing a little better. That at least rings true for Karissa.

eek he’ll have a little feller following him around soon!

Grady likes to tell everyone “there’s a baby in mommy’s tummy,” and on occasion “there’s not a baby in BB’s tummy.” Thanks for clearing that up for me bud.

Yes, we know she probably shouldn’t be throwing this chunk around at 9 months….

oh this grass and this sunlight.

love love love. so soon i’ll be posting new baby pictures as well!! can’t wait!!