Meredith, 10 Days Old

I visited Meredith in her home for portraits, but as soon as I arrived, I was whisked away to Grandma's house for some beautiful four-generation portraits!  All four of these ladies were in great spirits as we captured some images that will surely be treasured by the family for years.  Once we got back home, I got down to my regular business of building a warm, comfy set for Meredith's first portrait session... she was an angel, completely relaxed, and did beautifully!

Little Miss Maggie, 2 weeks old

I shot Samantha & Chad's wedding last July, and when they stopped by my open house in October and let me know they were expecting a baby, I was thrilled to hear the news! These two are so sweet, so very honest, and so very in love. It's enchanting to be around them... but even moreso when they're both staring at their newborn daughter.

Chad contacted me to arrange for a surprise session for Sam-- I gave her a call when I was in Galveston (to give her the news of her gift) and told her I could come that day or the next. No big surprise, although she was overjoyed she opted for the next day... so she could be ready. I had offered to come back one evening when Chad could be there so we could get some family shots, but he was able to be there when I arrived for the shoot. LUCKY ME! I got all three of them : )

Like most newborns, Maggie was wholly uncooperative for the first 30 minutes or so. She was awake, crying, hungry, squawky, and all-around not into it... unless she was being held near her Mommy or Daddy's face. We took advantage of this and got some absolutely breathtaking candids. There's one where Sam is holding Maggie up to her face, eyes closed, and it just looks like she's breathing her in. You can almost feel that swelling of pride in Sam's chest, knowing she's holding her perfect little angel right there in her arms. It's a true portrait of a mother's beautiful, happy, miraculous place in the world.

After about 30 minutes, Maggie fell asleep, became much more pliable, and let us put hats on her. Chad evidently bought the little guitar hat, and when they found out they were having a girl, Sam's mom sewed a little pink bow on for her (Chad's a guitarist). We took a pic in the cute little owl hat, since the family's last name is Hooten.

There was just so much emotion flying around this room. I had an absolute blast shooting this session! Thinking back to our first meeting at a coffee shop when they were engaged (when I knew I'd like them because they hired me, wrote a check right there, and said they totally trusted me to do a great job and had no worries... can we say IDEAL clients?), to Sam's bridal portrait session where she showed off her flashy purple shoes... to all of the beautiful moments at the wedding and the utter happiness that flowed through their fingertips as they touched one another during the first dance... to the smiles when they told me they were having a baby...

...and there I was, looking at them both having become parents to this beautiful little girl.

I absolutely, undoubtedly love my job. More than that, I love the people I am blessed to have come in contact with, and built friendships with.

Welcome, dear sweet Maggie! I'm so excited to be a part of your life already. Your parents are really special people, you are one lucky little girl : )

Mia, Ava, and Andrew: Triplets turning one

Mia, Ava, and Andrew turned one recently, and I traveled to their home in Cypress for a special birthday session!

Initially, no one was really in the mood. Mom, Dad, and Grandma worked hard to get these little monkeys to buck up and get happy! We had dad running circles around the yard, Grandma chirping a little toy bird, and everyone making noises and being silly. Multiples can certainly be a challenge, but teamwork pays off.

Nature even lent a hand, as the kids were totally in awe of a flock of birds flying overhead.

Surprisingly enough, we were able to get everyone looking one direction and not crying for a full family session!

After a quick snack, the babies had a wardrobe change into their birthday outfits-- three peas in a pod was the theme-- the ladies had lovely green tutus and Andrew's matching shirt was paired with jeans.

Jack's Back! Two Years Old : )

I met Jack when he was just an infant, and shot him several times throughout his first year. He accompanied Mom to my studio open house, and I was so happy to see him again! We scheduled a studio mini-session and Jack was just as adorable as ever with his plump cheeks and lips, and those happy brown eyes.

Mom stepped in for a few shots at the end... as you can see, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Absolutely ADORABLE Abby : )

I met Abby's mom Allyson at the recent wedding of our mutual friend Michelle. We were seated at the same table, and she had complimented me on Michelle's bridal portraits... at some point during dinner, the sweetest little brown-eyed baby girl appeared on her lap (Abby had been sleeping in her carrier on the floor)! We talked more, enjoyed the wedding, and a few weeks later I heard from Mom... we scheduled a shoot at their home in Humble.

The rest is absolutely adorable history!

Abby's first birthday is coming up soon, so Allyson wanted to have a custom birthday invitation made with one of the images from our shoot. She dressed Abby in her birthday outfit-- an ensemble of onesie, tutu, and bloomers all coordinating and embroidered-- for some precious shots in the house and the backyard. I don't envy her, having to choose from all the little faces and expressions Abby showed us that day. It won't be easy, but whatever shot is chosen is sure to please everyone who opens their mail to see Abby's face!