Carys and Jack {Santa Monica, CA Family Photographer}

With Thanksgiving fast approaching and family on the mind, I came across these images while taking a look back at my recent trip to California. I had the pleasure of meeting up with my cousin Maurice and his wife Stephanie at Santa Monica Pier. It was so great to see them! Both Maurice and Stephanie graduated from Baylor, so they would make weekend trips up to Dallas to visit my husband and I. We became rather close. Both were in our wedding.

Since many of my family members read my blog, I'm going to save their family pictures for their Christmas card and just share a few of their adorable children. How could I possibly NOT share sweet Carys and her brother Jack with you?

This was my first time meeting Carys. What a sweet-heart. Her brother Jack is all boy and as cute as can be. He's roughly my daughter Alden's age. It was great to spend a little time with these gorgeous, blonde, Dutch cousins (and by that I mean the whole family).

Thanks for meeting up with me, guys. I hope to see you all at the family reunion in Colorado this summer.

Alden's First School Playdate

Alden's dreams finally came true. She had a play date with her very best Mother's Day Out buddy Ava today. In fact, it was her very first play date with a school friend.

The day flew by. The girls were having so much fun playing in the play set outside, playing dress up inside, writing on the patio with sidewalk chalk, and eating yummy sprinkle cookies. (I even caught them eating sand pies once or twice. Ew....) They played so well together. What a joy to watch my little girl learning how to be a friend.


Ava's mommy, Allison, just had a baby boy not too long ago. What a handsome little man baby Conor is. It was all I could do to leave my camera in the office all day. But, four hours of cuteness was too much to bear and I eventually caved. Literally 10 minutes before it was time to run out the door to pick up my son from school, I grabbed my camera and started shooting. How could I not? It would have been a shame not to document Alden's special day anyway, right?

Here's the adorable, oh so sweet, Conor.



I STILL can't get over my new camera. Can you believe all three of these images were shot wide open at f/2.8 at ISO 1000? That's crazy sharpness! Also, I am super loyal to the mother of all lenses - the 70-200 mm f/2.8 IS - these days. I kid you not. Most of my favorite images lately have been shot using that lens. It's my first choice lens these days for sure. The sharpness, depth of field, and clarity are out of this world. If you have not checked that baby out yet, you need to do so pronto!

Allison, thank you for indulging my photography addiction. Alden and I were so thrilled to have had you, Ava, and Conor over today. Come again soon!

Grace: Urban Girl {McKinney, TX Family Photographer}{McKinney Urban Photography}

Ann-Marie and her husband are renovating an older home in the quaint, historic, down-town area of McKinney. They love the vibe of the down-town square and thought it would be the perfect location for their family session this year. Of course, I loved the idea. It is one of my favorite locations. I love all things urban, and sweet Grace was simply adorable in this setting.

Grace is also in my daughter's class at school, so it was fun to get to know one of Alden's classmates and their family a little better. Toward the end of our session I had made a new friend. It was so sweet to hold her hand while we walked from one spot to the next. So sweet...

You did a great job, Grace! I'm really proud of you!



We had sweet Grace up on this elevated loading dock and she was a bit leary of being up there on her own. I asked mom and dad to come in to hold her hands for a bit to ease her nerves. Turns out, it made for the perfect shot. One of my favorites of the day!


I'll have the rest of your gallery up in a few days, Ann-Marie. Thanks again for coming out!

Bethany & Josh: Engagement Session {Dallas,TX Engagement Photography}{Dallas,TX Wedding Photography}

I finally got to meet Bethany's other half this weekend. Josh and Bethany are getting married over Thanksgiving on a cruise ship. It fits their fun relationship perfectly, don't you think? And any guy who doesn't mind being "trapped" on a cruise ship with his Bride's family is a keeper for sure.

I decided to start their session out with a little "boot skoot boogie" to set the mood for a fun and carefree session. It worked like a charm. They let loose for sure! I'm thrilled to have captured them just being them. And can I just say this: What fun to photograph a couple who isn't afraid of a little PDA!

Best wishes for a wonderful wedding and new life together as husband and wife, Josh and Bethany.

Enjoy your sneak peak, guys! Your gallery will be up this evening.

Kris and Kamryn {Allen/McKinney/Dallas, TX Family Photographer}

This session has been in the works since early this Spring. Though it took awhile, we were finally able to harmonize our schedules. What a joy it was to spend such a perfect fall afternoon with this beautiful mother and daughter. It's clear they love each other very much.

Ladies, I loved your wardrobe choices, your boots, your bright sparkly eyes, and your never-ending cheerful smiles. It was such a pleasure to finally meet you, Kris and Kamryn.

Kamryn is in fourth grade and loves to cheer for her school. I have to say watching her perform those spunky cheers brought back some fun Junior High cheerleading memories for me. (Here's a little shout out to all my fellow Warrior cheer leaders. Say it with me now: Be aggressive. B-E-A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E. Be Agressive.)

Back to Texas...

I'm learning that Texans are pretty serious about cheer leading. There are even little girls in my son's Kindergarten class enrolled in cheer leading. That's CRAZY! (But seriously FUN). And how cool are the cheer leader's moms these days? Check out Kris's cute jersey. I'm thinking I need me one of those. Love the sleeves!

Oh, and Kris, I know I'm dating myself by saying this, but I still say you remind me of Cheryl Ladd. Any Charlie's Angels fans out there agree?

Enjoy your sneak peak, ladies. I can't wait for you to see the rest.