Hake Family Kids – Meyer Park – Spring, Texas
One of the joys of the holiday season? Trying to get 4 kids to look at the camera and smile. 
(but they still look adorable in their Christmas dresses – and Kyle in his sweater!)
This session was a surprise for the grandparents of the grandchildren in their Christmas attire.
Whoo Hoo!
I’ve been crazy busy, so I’ve been very behind in blogging. I’ve had at least 2 sessions every weekend since the first weekend in November, and there isn’t an end in sight until January! My priorities lately have been editing client’s photos, and school.
As some of you may know, I have been going to school for a loooong time. Sadly, I graduated High School 8 1/2 years ago. I’ve been taking courses at my local community college part-time through the years while working, running this business, trying to be a good wife, etc. Well, I finally finished my final course last week to “graduate” with my associates degree. I’m not sure what I’ll do now (my choices are to continue on to get my bachelor’s in… something, or have a life 
), but I’ve got my 2 year degree and a measly 3.6 GPA, and no one can take away that “accomplishment.” :p
In other news, I’ve joined a “Biggest Loser” style weight loss challenge with some other wedding photographers over at www.fitphotographers.com. Come check us out, and cheer us on with some comments! Don’t look back too far, although. I’ve got my “before” photos on there that I’m not too proud about. The good news is that so far, I’ve lost 7 lbs!
Bonin Family Session – Meyer Park, Klein, TX
Sometimes, you just have sessions where the atmosphere is perfect, the sun is setting beautifully, with the most awesome light. What puts the icing on the cake is when the family is this much fun!
We went to Meyer Park for the photo shoot where it was quite chilly, and little Jacey was so cold, but truly adorable when she shivered.
Kid kisses are the best!
This one is my favorite!
Jacey’s going to be a big sister soon! We had to add in a little maternity photo of the future-newest member of the family…
Check out Jacey’s adorable pants!
This is her “I’m really, really cold” face. :p
I love getting shots of kids playing! It gives me the chance to capture their biggest smiles and the cutest expressions.
Thanks guys! Even though it was chilly, Chad and I had a great time!
Tricia and Nathan’s Wedding – Rothko Chapel, Houston, TX
Who comes to Houston for a destination wedding?
Tricia and Nathan are an awesomely cool couple from Chicago. Neither have ever lived in Houston (although Nathan had a brief stint living in the Texas panhandle – we don’t talk about that), these long time lovers decided if they were going to officially tie the knot, they were going to make it unique, and random.
While it was all but snowing at their home in Chicago, these two were warming up with their marriage vows in near 80 degree Houston heat.
Tricia and Nathan were getting ready at the beautiful Magnolia Hotel in downtown Houston.
One of the little flower girls set up her stuffed animals to keep a watch on the city below.
I love calla lilies! (They were in all my bridesmaids bouquets from my wedding.) Tricia made her flowers extra special by bringing back oak leaves from Chicago (dipped in glycerin to preserve them) as a unique filler . 
Tricia was hiding away getting dressed in the closet.
Holly assisted me for their wedding and captured this lovely photo of the boutonnière.
If you can’t tell by now, I *love* wedding shoes.
… and on to the elevators.
The Magnolia’s lobby is awesomely beautiful! We stopped to capture some bridals with that Old Hollywood glamor feel. 
Isn’t she absolutely stunning?
They had an intimate Buddhist wedding ceremony at the Rothko Chapel near the museum district and the University of St. Thomas.
They don’t allow photographs inside the chapel, so here’s everyone emerging, and Tricia still wiping away her tears!
Holly captured this one in front of the broken obelisk with a bit of sun flare! 
The reception was held upstairs in the super swanky restaurant, Gravitas, in midtown.
Tricia and Nathan created their own centerpieces and hand-decorated masks for each guest.
Guess who even had a mask… :p
By the way, this was one of THE best cakes I’ve ever had! Pumpkin spiced cream filling or something… I just called it “good.”
And finally, some ring shots (with Tricia’s meticulously decorated pumpkins)!
A few weeks later, this cool couple threw another party in Chicago for the guests that weren’t able to make the trip down to Houston. But hey, who needs an excuse to party?
Ceremony Location: Rothko Chapel, w: www.rothkochapel.org
Reception Location: Gravitas Restaurant, w: www.gravitasrestaurant.com
Flowers: Flowers by Janice, w: www.flowersbyjanice.biz, e: flowersbyjanice@sbcglobal.net, p: 281-467-4625,
Palma family photo shoot – League City, Texas
Since I’m catching up on old blog posts, here’s a session from this summer:
I’ve known Nancy for about a 4 years now, and with both girls away at college, we had to wait until summer to find a weekend where both girls were back at home.
Every girl needs a goofy dad…
Yes, even if they’re this goofy.
Feets! :p
Kadie shows them how it’s done…
… and now we’ve got everyone jumping!
This is probably one of my favorites of the family. I love it!
Nancy and Phil on a stroll
Back at the house we had to include the dogs because, after all, they’re family too!
All the girls!
Nancy and Phil had this home built less then a year ago. I love the porches! It’s an awesome home!
Before we left, we got a couple shots of Alex on the piano (she’s quite good!) And because I love details… 
For my Grandma
Early this morning, my Grandmother, Ruth Vollman, passed away closing the book on the oldest generation of the Vollman family. She was 92 years old.
(added 11/10:) I was going to make this post short, but I lied awake last night thinking about her, and although my memories are just a fragment of her long life, I wanted to share.
I remember how she introduced me to the gooey goodness that is Cadbury Creme Eggs, which my mom told me I wouldn’t like….
I remember picking my Grandma up on Sundays on the way to church Downtown. On the way there, she’d complain. On the way back, she’d tell us how much she enjoyed us picking her up.
I remember my Grandma holding up a pack of her cigarettes and telling me, “Don’t ever do these” as she lit the one pursed between her lips.
I remember the stormy night my sister was born. My parents dropped me off at Grandma’s house and we stayed up late together in anticipation of the good news.
I remember the day my Grandma collapsed in the Wyatt’s Cafeteria and was rushed to the hospital. They discovered she had an aneurysm, but she beat the odds and survived. She was one tough cookie. When she got out, she’d forgotten that she’d ever smoked.
I remember how each Christmas and Thanksgiving she would say, “Y’all better be nice to me. This may be my last Christmas!” She said that each time we got together for the last 10 years.
We’ll miss you this Thanksgiving and Christmas, Grandma. We’ll miss you telling us its time to take you home. We’ll miss you.
When are you available?
That’s the most common question I’m receiving as this year wraps up. And the answer? Not much.
Here is a listing of my available weekend dates for the remainder of the year for family, kids, and engagement session photographs. I will try to keep this updated as the dates fill.
Sat 11/15
Sun 11/16
Sat 12/20
Sun 12/21
Sun 12/28
**********************************************************************************
Update 11/4:
11/23, 11/29, 11/30, and 12/14 are now booked. Thanks!
Lauren and David’s Family Session – Tomball, Texas
One of my good friends from waaaay back, Lauren, was in town last weekend from Virgina Beach, VA, with her husband, David, and daughter, Kayla. We went to Kleb Woods Nature Preserve in Tomball, TX for their Christmas Card photos.
I’ve found a renewed obsession with my wide angle lens lately to incorporate the landscape and sky into many of my photographs. I love the little arbor…
Then we went over to some old farm equipment for some more posed photos.
Kayla is such a stinkin’ ham. (She gets it from her mom.) :p
But an adorable ham.
I’ve had this kick with laying on airport runways or roads lately…
Here’s the middle of the street.
We all know who’s boss. There’s no need to hide it.
We saved a little sunlight for some romantic photos of Lauren and David together…
What can I say, I always seem to bring out the best in people. Its a gift, I suppose…
Thank you guys! I hope to see you again soon!
Pewin and Xiaolei’s Wedding – Houston, TX
Pewin and Xiaolei had a very elegant and small intimate wedding this summer in Houston. I say “in Houston” because they’re having four weddings!
This lovely couple is finally going to be spending some time together after being apart. One is from Vancouver, BC, the other attending school in Connecticut (both by way of Shanghai, China). So, yes, apparently people do have destination weddings IN Houston!
Regardless, here’s the Houston leg of the tour for this absolutely gorgeous couple!
Arriving at the church…
Rock star wedding shoes:
Such a beautiful bride! Isn’t she absolutely stunning?
(She thought I was silly for standing on a chair, but whatever…) :p
The church was so pretty! Flowers everywhere! (and I love flowers!)
Lighting the unity candle…
… and exchanging the rings.
This was Pewin’s traditional Chinese dress that she wore for the reception. It was so detailed and beautiful!
Their reception was held at the Remington restaurant in the fabulous St. Regis.
Toasts!
These two were so sweet! This was literally, their first dance.
As you can see, they needed a little help getting closer… no, closer… even closer you two!
I love these close, emotional shots! And their bright Chinese wedding attire makes it feel even warmer.
And now, for a little faster song, Pewin rocks out with her dad…
Finally, some totally kickin’ ring shots!!!
Thank you Pewin and Xiaolei (and Teddy and Ming too!) for allowing me be a part of your special day!
Vendors:
Ceremony: Lakewood United Methodist Church, Cypress, TX
Reception: St. Regis Hotel, Houston – The Remington Restaurant