Marcie + Ed, the Wedding

So Marcie and Ed have been battling weather every time I've had an appointment for a shoot with either of them. For their engagement shoot, we had one of the rainiest winter days ever, but it managed to clear up (and be bone-chilling cold for Marcie in her sexy dresses) and be great picture-taking weather with the lingering clouds diffusing the bright sun.

Marcie's bridal shoot did not fare so well... we basically had to revamp and go with Plan B to shoot mostly indoors due to the torrential rains that day. Luckily Tara at The Gallery was extremely accommodating, and we were able to shoot there without having to worry about the weather... the portrait Marcie chose for display at the wedding actually ended up being one that we'd used my swanky black and white umbrella in!

Fitting, though...

The day of the wedding was great-- cloud cover, but no rain. Marcie was absolutely stunning in her vintage-inspired gown and jewelry, and Ed was smoldering and handsome in a classic black tux. Their outdoor ceremony was all set up and ready to go... and of course that's when the sprinkling began. Some of the guests even pulled out umbrellas! The ceremony went well, and JUST as the new Mr. and Mrs. were turning to walk down the aisle, the sky rang with a huge clap of thunder. I don't think it ever actually rained, but it was pretty fitting for guests to walk into the reception area to a beautiful portrait of the bride holding an umbrella.

MUCH fun was had at this reception, people... SO much fun. Buddy the groomsman (whose wedding to Susan the bridesmaid I will be shooting in January, can't WAIT!) was entirely entertaining. At one point, he and another groomsman trapped Ed in a Doug-and-Steve-Butabi "Night at the Roxbury" style bounce-dance... Karen and I couldn't wait to see what this crowd was going to come up with next.

Marcie and Ed's departure in a vintage Rolls Royce was a perfect end to the evening, with the two of them looking all vintage-swanky in the lamplight.

The exquisite florals were provided by Stephanie and her crew at Flora Bella, Marcie's look was perfected with the hair and makeup expertise of Hues by Heather, and the beautiful glowy golden up-lighting at the reception was crafted by Chris of Cafe Natalie (also responsible for the tasty dinner). It was all brought together, kept on schedule, and skillfully planned by the fabulous Kelly Balfour of Eventology Weddings. Thanks to my sweet friend and client Marianne for Marcie's referral!

Marcie & Ed... triumphing over rain!

Like most brides, Marcie was reallllly excited about taking her engagement portraits with her husband to be... but there was one problem, thunderstorms (we'd planed an outdoor downtown session). Did that stop Marcie? Oh no it did not. She went out and bought some cute rain boots and umbrellas because she was not going to let a little thing like the weather keep her from having fun and taking some great pictures! I will admit, I was looking a little forward to shooting in the rain (though I assure you my camera gear was not).

And now... Marcie has some cute rain boots and umbrellas that she never had to use for the photo session-- because the rain stopped miraculously just in time for the shoot. It was absolutely perfect weather for photography; my infinitely flattering and shadow-free diffused light coming through the cloudcover. A gift from the heavens. We must have allll done something nice that day!

I'm not gonna lie... it was cold. It was reallllly cold. It was somewhat reminiscent of me and my husband's trek out to the Las Vegas Red Rocks one December evening with Studio ATG (we had some really cool portraits done of us). Girl in dress freezing her rear off, changing clothes, walking around in giant high heels, grabbing for the overcoat every time we weren't shooting... Freezing assistant... Photographer jumping up and down to keep warm from time to time. Hey, it's great for snuggly-couple pictures, though. Nobody's makeup is melting on days like this.

I have to say it was worth it! Marcie is thrilled with the images, and so am I. Anyone who knows anything about me knows I think there is basically no such thing as "too much" where happy color is concerned; bright popping colors are my favorite kind of eye candy. Eureka, I have found it-- one of the most colorful places in Houston to shoot! Discovery Green Park. Not only are there these great little buildings that house the parking garage stairs (Synchronicity of Color), but the fun Jean Debuffet Monument au Fantome sculpture that used to be over on Louisiana. Among other things, I also enjoyed the big sloping hill o' yellow snapdragons.

We went over to Main Street as well, for a little of "the usual", which alwasy turns out well with the lovebirds. Warren's Bar is truly one of my favorite classic backdrops-- I love a bright green wall. Hear that Warren? Don't you even think about re-painting my wall a different color!

One final note-- please do your best to notice Marcie's shoe wardrobe throught the session. She brought a suitcase of shoes. A SUITCASE! Kindred souls, we are. If only I could take a whole suitcase of shoes every time I travel.

Marcie's Bridals... umbrella and all.

It just wasn't enough that it rained the whole day of Marcie & Ed's engagement session-- it had to pour on the day of her bridals as well. We had planned for splitting our session time between The Gallery (Marcie's wedding venue) and Rice University, but decided to skip Rice since we were having a torrential downpour.

Since she had already scheduled her hair and makeup with Hues by Heather (beautiful job, Heather!), we opted not to reschedule and instead make the best of it... I couldn't have been more pleased with the way our session turned out! While we were shooting indoors, the rain subsided (but of course that wonderful cloudcover stayed and gave us beautiful diffused light)and we were able to utilize some of the great outdoor spaces at The Gallery. Marcie was absolutely stunning in a vintage-inspired beaded lace gown, adorned with some fabulous handmade jewelry and a simple fingertip veil.

Marcie and Ed were married this weekend. As luck would have it, for the large display at the reception Marcie chose one of the images where she's holding an umbrella-- quite appropriate since it was very windy and sprinkling as the outdoor ceremony began. Many guests in their seats had already opened umbrellas! The ceremony stayed dry, but just as they were pronounced husband and wife the sky let loose with a giant clap of thunder. It'll be a great story ; )