Gloria + James... a familiar place

Gloria and James were married on a beautiful clear sunny day at Christ the Redeemer in Cypress.

I was really excited to come back and shoot at this church; it was my home Parish for most of my life. I remember when I was little, we actually had mass in an elementary school cafeteria for a few years while money was being raised for the new church to be built. We were all so happy to finally have a church of our own, and never would have imagined that all these years later CTR would be building an even larger sanctuary to accommodate for the urban sprawl that's hit Cypress over the years. The new sanctuary is absolutely beautiful! So much natural light coming in, beautiful elements of design, keeping true to the sparse, open, natural-wood feel of the old one. It's like walking into the old church, but with a newer, fresher feeling. I've included several pictures of the sacrificial lamb tile mosaic at the top of the ceiling... stunning!

But back to Gloria and James! Family and friends joined them for a full mass with marriage rites, then for barbecue and dancing at the Longwood Golf Club. The florals were a wedding classic-- stargazer lillies and deep red roses, dotted with hydrangea, Queen Anne's lace and other gentle greenery.

I was happy for a sunny day, as we were able to go out on the course for some fabulous couple portraits-- avid golfer James is sure to love them.

Enjoy! Congratulations Gloria and James on a beautiful marriage... many blessing to you for a happy, healthy life together with your new family (check out the picture of Daniel high-fiving his new stepfather!).

Annnnnd... Kathy's Bridals!

I was clapping to myself when Kathy arrived because I saw her vintage-inspired headpiece and birdcage veil... I love a good birdcage veil! Pair it with some floaty feathers and you've got one of my favorite looks. Her elegant gown stayed in the same vintage tone with its antique lace, simple lines, and satin sash.

I don't believe I mentioned it before, but Kathy is the hairstylist for one of my previous brides, Dara. I'm not 100% sure, she may have done the makeup as well... beee-yoooo-teeful job, because Dara looked fantastic. If you're in Galveston and need a hairdresser, please let meknow and I'll put you in touch with her.

For Kathy's session we went near the water at Hall Park, then over to the photographer favorite in League City, Helen's Garden. It's a little park tucked away on a small plot near Main Street; basically a photographer's dream. They really do a great job of keeping the grounds and planting beautiful colorful flowers in the beds! The peepy-pink azaleas were in full bloom, so we took advantage. I also made sure to get a few images that showcase Kathy's cute little tattoo, which is kind of a caricature of her, kind of medusa-with-snakes. LOVE IT!

Beach Blessing... Renewal of Vows

Heather & Dave reside just outside Chicago, and had a simple wedding ceremony there this past April. They took a delayed honeymoon to Galveston (before Ike, thankfully!) in July and had a lovely ceremony on the beach to bless their marriage. I was privileged to be their photographer of choice for the ceremony, which was presided over by John Bostock, the "Island Minister", whose soothing British accent and easygoing temprament fit perfectly with the calm surroundings. I cried a little... he had some very touching reflections on marriage and life, and related them to the sea.

We shot some fun, romantic couples portraits afterward-- so very smiley and kissy, these two, without my even having to ask. Heather and Dave each have a simple tattoo of their wedding date from this past April, and found out shortly before leaving for their trip that they're expecting a baby.

Congratulations, both of you-- and I hope that somehow, somewhere, our paths cross again.