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I met this beautiful family at my home church in Austin while shooting their nieces wedding.  I was so excited when Jackie emailed me saying the girls were leaving for college and she really wanted some pictures taken before they were off to ACU for the next several years. Family photos are so important and so often we let the busyness of life take over and don’t take time to document the precious things in life : like your kids. I’m sure they will always remember that these photos were taken 2 days before the twins, Abbie and Hanna, left for college. With only two more nights with the whole family under the same roof for awhile, leaving their younger brother to be the “only” child for awhile.  More parents should cherish their childrens youth before they grow up before you even realize. I could tell what amazing parents Jackie and Jeff are just by speaking to their three kids for an hour. They are talented, God-loving, fun and intelligent people who have so much life ahead of them.  Thank you guys for letting me document a little piece of that.

To view more pictures of the Boyd family, CLICK HERE for a slideshow.

Abbie

Hanna

Carter – aka “Quarter”

When Carter busted out this old Canon – I was smitten. I love a kid with passion.

Like I said – talented. Abbie has a beautiful voice and can strum a guitar pretty well!

and so can Carter.

i love this.

I feel like one of Hanna’s talents is to listen and to fully take in and absorb the world around her.

I also like it when siblings appear to like each other. There three have a fun/teasing relationship with one another.

Jackie and Jeff.

These are my favorite – Totally sums up their personalities.

I love these airstream pictures – so glad we made it before sunset.

And I’ll end with this – one of my favorites. Good luck girls at ACU and Carter with the rest of High School – Thank you for letting me have a little peek into your lives!

To view more pictures of the Boyd family, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!

It only took one glance. One glance from Jen to let Josh know he could make his move. Standing across from each other in a small town Country bar, Josh knew he had to meet this girl. He quickly took advantage of the situation, since Jen was there with an acquaintance of his, Jenny. Polite introductions were made, Josh promptly asked Jen to dance, and a short while later Josh got on stage with his guitar to sing. That was it. The guitar was all it took for this Nebraska girl to know this country man had stolen her heart. They spent what little time she had left in Texas together but soon Jen had to go home.  Fast-forward a few years, Jen got a job in Austin and the rest is history.  Jen and Josh said I Do on the beautiful beach of Maui in front of their immediate family. Next weekend they will wear their wedding attire once again to celebrate with their friends and family the love that they have for one another.

Jen wanted to do a “day after” session in her dress and his suit, at Mandola Estate Winery outside of Austin to have a few to display at their reception.  I choose to show their images in black and white, something a little different. The day seemed so fairy tale like. So dreamy. The black and white just added to that feeling.  I’ll post a few in color soon, just to show the beautiful field of lavender flowers we found.

Jen and Josh – you are welcome in front of my camera anytime. I love you both. Congratulations.

Just two for now…

sweet baby Lilah – she was crying her head off – I put her in the sling and she stopped –

As I was driving down the winding roads on a beautiful, but chilly day I was reminded of how great our state is. I know this is random, but many of us don’t get the chance to take FM roads we wouldn’t normally take, drive past pastures of horses and cows, and then pull into the most beautiful family estate that I have ever been to. A very long driveway lined with trees and two giant ponds on either side, I drove silently towards the beautiful grand house sitting at the end. Truly a breathtaking place. I was very excited for our shoot – The house where Russ grew up, his parents house.

Ryleigh was a little cold we believe since she was having a bit of an off day – but still looking adorable we managed to shoot for several hours in the chilly wind.  Thankfully, Georgia, a friend of Michal’s came to lend a helping hand. Thanks Georgia – you were a life-saver!

Ryleigh’s little cowgirl boots were adorable

the horses were a big hit.

Ryleigh just learned to walk, like two days before the shoot – and was a  bit weirded out by the boots and being left alone.  poor baby.

So Michal MADE this dress – she was like yeah I saw a picture and was all “I can make that myself” Isn’t it awesome!

a few of mom and dad

love this…

and I’ll end with my favorite -

My good friends at Trendz – a fabulous hair salon in North Austin – and I collaborated on this amazing shoot focusing on showcasing their stylists amazing talent. From hair, makeup, nails and waxing, this salon has you covered.  These photos are going to make an awesome collage in their hair shop displaying to clients their work – printed and hung as decor on their walls.  I think this is a wonderful idea. Why fill up your walls with ads from other places for hair shampoo and things when you can advertise for your own stylists right on your walls?  Genius!! Each stylist choose a few of their clients – not hair models – just every day clients – to come in and model for our shoot. You would think they were professionals – everyone seriously rocked.

Here are a few of my favorites with each stylist under the photo.