Kurush+Khyati+Jia: Houston Family Photographer

This family was an absolute pleasure to photograph.  (They generally are, aren't they?)  Either I'm a super-lucky human and the universe is placing nothing but lovely people in my path, or my humanness just meshes well with other humans.... heh- umm...okay, back to the shoot.  ;)

It was extremely important that we plan this particular photo session quickly, as Kurush was leaving for Afghanistan- in fact, he left the very day of our shoot!  Khyati warned me they had been super-busy with packing and such, but you wouldn't have been able to tell there was an ounce of stress by the way they played and smiled and cooed over gorgeous little Jia.

PS- Props to Khyati for the simple and bright color-scheme!

Rhianna & Chris

Rhianna and Chris opted to have a super-small wedding and save their money for a killer honeymoon instead.  :)  Travelers after my own heart!  They went to an all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica where they got to soak up sun on the beach and RV up the steep jungle-mountains.

Now they're back to the "real world", but their post-wedding bliss has not subsided a bit!  They are both writers who are quirky, fun and absolutely in love with one another.  (I will never tire of seeing that.)  We had a grand old time playing with geese and meandering through Meyer Park on a lazy Saturday afternoon... my job is pretty much amazing.

Timeless...

It's official!

They exude happiness!

Michael & Charlene: Houston event photographer

Michael and Charlene are another one of those sweet couples that make you just elated to be around.  Like Kitra and Terrance, theirs is not a shy, young romance, but a sophisticated love story.  Michael and Charlene were married 5 years ago and have already begun their family.  As Charlene told me in our consultation, "A lot of people get married, and spend a lot of money on a great big wedding right away, but we decided to wait until we had a little more money to do it right."

That is exactly what happened.  It seems Charlene has been preparing for this day her whole life... she has been to cosmetology school, is trained in event planning and even has her own catering business!  Yes, she did her own hair, make up AND catered her own wedding!  (Charlene is known as "Superwoman" in various parts around the world.)

I loved the classy feel to the all black and white wedding... and particularly the special touch of switching the black and white between the bride and groom!  (Why be the same when you can be different?)

This group was prepared to dance the night away, and Charlene even had a costume-change before getting down on the dance floor!  Never a bad thing to be prepared.

The bridal palette

The five-minutes smokey purple eye, by Charlene

Yep... she did that herself- in about 5 seconds!

Charlene promised herself she wouldn't cry... but don't we all?

The ever multi-tasking bride

Charlene wasn't the only one with tears in her eyes-

Kitra & Terrance: Houston Wedding Photographer

Kitra and Terrance are a delightful couple that already have a lifetime of memories together.  Their lives have been intertwined for quite some time- most evident of their 18 year-old son in the ceremony!

I met up with Kitra and a few bridesmaids in Cypress, TX before we headed to South Houston for the ceremony.  Houston traffic was strong on this Friday before spring break, but luckily, a test run the day before warned everyone to leave a bit early.  :)

Kitra was a lovely bride and had a whole army to take care of her in the dressing room!  The ceremony was held in the evening, so we were unable to take any group photos outdoors, but I definitely feel like we caught the essence of the day.

Kitra before we left for the venue...

Some details of her lovely dress...

So many dresses!

That army I was talking about-

Kitra and Terrance's wedding had some very classic touches.

The candy bar was a big hit!

I love how the grooms always appear to be so confused!

..did I mention I love dancing?

I've never seen so many women excited about the bouquet toss!

Ashley & Don: Houston Wedding Photographer

 interlocking toasting glasses

Ashley and Don were officially married in December at the Renaissance Festival (the same place Don proposed last year).  Because it was a small ceremony, the two decided to have a belated reception so that more friends and family could celebrate their joyful union.  The reception was held on New Year's Day at Shirley Acres (the same place we took Ashley's bridals!)

There were some wonderful, unique touches that I just adored (I think the groom's cake topped it all), and I just loved watching these two lovebirds dance the night away.  They are one of those couples that just beam love; no doubt about it, Don and Ashley were made for one another.

This cake had beautiful detail

Check out the pirate-themed cake hand-made by our bride and groom!

..best groom's cake ever!

..so in love.

Sentimental toast made by Dad... he even quoted Winnie the Pooh!

Hah!  Their expressions are priceless-

Thank you random flash for adding a magical touch

This little girl was so fun

Everyone danced all night long

Brother and sister share a moment