Ashley + Charles

Ashley and Charles were married at Centurion Palace in League City, on one of the most beautiful October days ever... the sunny blue sky turned into a beautiful evening as they were married in the garden with the sun setting behind them.

Bridals!

Ashley is getting married next weekend, and wanted to squeeze in a bridal portrait session before it got to be too late... so I made a little room for her during the Boudoir Weekend shoot, and we shot in the fancy-schmancy hotel!

Ashley at The Parador

Ashley's bridal portrait session took place at a great historic venue in Houston, The Parador (many thanks to Shelia for allowing us to shoot there). We had an absolute blast shooting these portraits, and I really had some fun in the editing process. One of the great things about shooting at an indoor venue (aside from the roof over our heads and the nice clean bathroom to change in) is the flexibility-- the availability of gorgeous natural light and shadows. We've got cool windows, lovely architectural features, and clean dry places to sit.

She showed up with an absolutely stunning bouquet of flowers (arranged by Wedding Flowers by Lisa) that added a fun pop of color to many of the images!

While Ashley's wedding images aren't quite ready yet, I would like to reference her maid of honor-- her sister-- who said during the toast that people often refer to the two sisters as "each other's catnip". I can't think of a more perfect way to describe Ashley! She's as happy, fun, and sweet as a kitten on catnip (and I mean that in a good way). Her mother is a doll as well. I received a very sweet e-mail from Mom a couple of days after the wedding:

We just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful pictures you took of Ashley at her bridal sitting. They are just beautiful. And also for all you did at the wedding. You were so patient with us calling on your for family pictures! We can't wait to see the wedding pictures! You are most talented at what you do. May God continue to bless you in all you do!

Needless to say, they were an absolutely wonderful group to work with. Ashley, if you're reading this... your wedding pics are next in the queue :)

Another huge THANK YOU to Kelly the Great-- Kelly Balfour of Eventology Weddings. She not only coordinated the wedding but accompanied us on the bridal shoot. She ever-so-professionally negotiated a little extra time for us at the Parador, helping Ashley to be more relaxed and allowing me to shoot until I was satisfied.

Some December Wedding Favorites

Here are a few of my favorite wedding images from last December... the ones that stick out in my mind the most. Erin and John were married in Galveston and had a reception at Garten Verein, where outside there were some streetlamps shining on an arbor of vines that were leafless for the winter. Who'd have thought dead vines could be so pretty?

Leslie and Miguel's wedding sticks out in my mind because they'd previously planned a destination wedding, but moved it up at the last minute simply because they didn't want to wait to get married. Their last dance before the exit was "All I Want for Christmas is You".

Ashley and Jason were just laid back, go-with-the-flow people. The picture of her cracking up during the cermeony is par for the course of their wedding day.

Elizabeth and Andrew were a couple of cute young Aggies, and I lucked out at their church with a great blacony from which to capture the Cinderella-dancing image.