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Jae + Sophie and the gorgeous California Coast

Brittany — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:57:47 +0000

California never really appealed to me. Kinda like I didn’t like Austin when I was in high school. I clearly know they were both awesome, I just wanted to say I didn’t like them since I couldn’t live there. When I used to think of California I thought of Hollywood which still is the most appealing. Who would want a daily reminder that you are poor and can’t drive, eat, shop or even surf where the rich people go? Yeah no thanks for that. Well yes, I’ll eat my words and say that California is one of the most amazing places I have visited and would give my leg to be able to live there one day. I doubt I could really ever leave Austin but if I had to, I would choose Cali in a heart beat. Last May I made my first trip to “The Golden State” for a photography conference. Southern California was just like I imagined and I was loving the weather and the really nice people (didn’t so much see that one coming). I stayed in Newport Beach, rented a beach cruiser and realized that it’s a super surfer, laid-back kind of place with really rich people mixed in there. Love it.

So, I had made it to South Cali and then I had the opportunity to explore the Northern Coast with my good friend Jae and her little girl Sophia and fell even more in love. We rented a car and got to drive on the Pacific Coast Hwy (which scared me to death) and saw jaw-dropping view after another. We were lucky enough to stay in a small beach community of Martin’s Beach just outside of Half Moon Bay (45 min south San Fransisco). Jae’s friends Steve and Lourdes were so gracious in letting us stay in their little piece of heaven. I loved everything about it, but mostly the constant sound of waves that lulled me to sleep each night. I was all set on taking lots and lots of landscape and scenic pictures along with urban stuff in the city, but I love photographing people so Jae and Soph were the stars of this trip! I’m sure they didn’t mind. So here is our road trip across the northern California coast.

Ever since Full House I have always wanted to drive over Golden Gate Bridge! don’t judge.

The view of Alcatraz from Pier 39.

Everywhere we turned were dozens of Farmers Markets – I loved it!

Ouch – 5:00 traffic of Golden Gate

This is the adorable cottage we stayed in! It sat on a cliff looking over the ocean.

This was the road to the cottage! So beautiful!

We both really wanted to see big trees – so we said a prayer and went down to Muir Woods – the single most scared I think I have ever been in a car. Poor Jae — I made it ten times worse for her. She was driving and consoling me. I thought I was having a panic attack.

Muir Woods had the most amazing light of the entire trip.

Soph loved it!

look at those eyes.

and those little teeth.

The next day we drove down to Santa Cruz. I loved this town. So laid back and chill – This is the view from West Cliff Drive.

my favorite

A few minutes south of Santa Cruz is Capitola where the colorful little houses are. I am definitely going to be staying in one of those sometime.

another favorite. Sophie touching the Pacific for the first time.

Soph is trying to hide from the wind – it was freeezing down by the water.

The sign to our little private beach!

The rocks at Martin’s Beach. We stayed at the cottage this day and just relaxed. So we had a picnic down on the beach and had a little photo shot.

something about this photo I just love.

I love Cali.

Jessica and Jack : La Grange Wedding

Brittany — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:37:22 +0000

Walking into the bridal suite on Jessica and Jack’s wedding day was full of pure excitement, I’m sure mixed in with a little nerves. With 13 girls in the wedding, plus the bride, plus two mothers, you would think there would be absolute chaos. Instead, I walked in to hear quite laughter in the corner, calming nerves to the bride, big smiles all around the room with lots of hair and makeup to go around. Jessica has that way about her – she doesn’t seem to stress or get over-excited. She takes it all in and fully lives in her moment. Jack is the same way. The two of them make such a perfect whole to each of their halves. Jack is goofy but calm (maybe?) and Jessica is full of energy and life but has a calmness that matches Jack’s.

Their wedding was truly stunning in every way. Deborah Bradley and her team, along with the Hatfield’s, transformed the hall into a beautiful wedding wonderland. Everywhere you turned there were more beautiful flowers full of hydrangeas and soft pink and purple roses, candles and soft silks on the tables. It was a masterpiece in which they took a big rectangle room and made it the dream wedding that Jessica always wanted. Everything was perfect for these two – beautiful weather, light and love. Thank you for allowing me to document this day – it was truly amazing.

To see more of Jessica and Jack’s wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!

The amazing girls at Bloomin’ Junction did the bouquets and I loved it so much.

Jessica’s hair and make-up was done by Bethany Gonzales from Elegant Style – she made her look even more gorgeous than she already is.

Kaywin Kubesch of The Flower Company did all the amazing flowers at the reception. All were so breathtaking.

To see more pictures from Jessica and Jack’s wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!

Windy Point Park

Brittany — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:30:26 +0000

So I’ve said this before but I can’t believe it’s AUGUST. Where has summer gone? It’s hot, it’s humid and the thought of sweat trickling down my back the second I step outside again tomorrow is gonna kill me. I’m not gonna lie – stepping outside hasn’t happened much in the last few weeks since I’ve been pretty protected in my little cave with the thermostat generously set on 68. Yes Dad, I know that is bad. So in this heat I generally shy away from August photo shoots which has resulted in some crickets chirping around here- do crickets chirp? Anyway It’s been like the eye before the storm. The storm being the crazy and wonderful fall wedding season that is about to approach which I am so ready for! Many of you know I don’t like being hot. Sweating and being uncomfortable outside is just not what I call a good time, but even still, I’m sad I didn’t fully take advantage of what Austin has to offer in the summer. We have done some of my checklist for this summer but not enough…So I planned a date. Recently Bryan and I have had Wednesday Date Day and it was my turn to plan. He knocked it out of the park last week taking me to see the bats fly while sitting on the lake in a kayak. I won’t mention the fact that a big guano (bat poop) landed on my chest. Awesome.

So I woke up early this morning (thanks to Stacy) went to Whole Foods and prepared a picnic for the two of us. I had heard that Windy Point Park on Lake Travis was a great spot for relaxing in the water and catching some rays – and hence the name, it’s windy, so maybe I could escape that darn little trickle. We pulled up, unloaded and immideatly headed down to the water to relax on our floaties but were stopped when I felt a little nibble on my toe. There were minnows everywhere and sadly both Bryan and I stood on the shore scared to walk further down into the water. I mean there were A LOT so cut us a little break. Bryan grew some courage and went first, realizing that yes, we would live walking through them all!!

Here is Bryan, with his new best friend, the iPhone4, taking in the view and texting Tommy to make him jealous. Amarillo doesn’t quite have a Lake Travis all the way up there!!

The Boyd Family

Brittany — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:24:58 +0000

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!

Margaret and Derrick : Georgetown Wedding

Brittany — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:29:49 +0000

I feel so blessed to know Margaret and Derrick. The first time I met them I knew they were honest, genuine and really in love with one another. Before the ceremony Margaret was so nervous to see her groom, or maybe to walk in front everyone, but I could see on her face when here eyes locked with Derricks that the nerves ran dry and she was ready to marry the man of her dreams. The decor at the reception was impeccable, with Margaret’s yellow and green theme with plentiful hydrangeas, and daisies. It all seemed so peaceful and relaxing, with a twist of fun, perfect for the bride and grooms personality.

The Maid of Honor, Amy’s, little flower girls were adorable.

The ceremony was beautiful and traditional – and very personal.

I think Margaret grinned at Derrick during the entire ceremony.

I just loved this cake topper – Never seen one like it and it tied the whole wedding decor in nicely.

Of course a Texas topper on the Groom’s cake made from chocolate…mmmm

Margaret had special touches everywhere around the reception. This vintage gown, originally worn my her grandmother, grandmother’s, Margaret Roper, greeted all the guests as the walked into the reception. Also on the tables were old photographs of all the married couples in their family.

Pam Emmert, of Simply Elegant, and Laurie Kriegel did such a wonderful job creating the reception. Pam and Laurie were amazing to work with and so helpful. Thank you ladies!!

The first dance.

Congratulations you two! I wish you a lifetime of happiness! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

New Orleans Road Trip

Brittany — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:57:49 +0000

So I’m pretty sure I blinked and summer flew out the window before I even realized. It’s been a good and busy summer with a few twists I wasn’t expecting and I’d have to say it was one of my favorites! With everything winding to a close and the lurking of the busy fall wedding season just around the corner, we desperately needed a road trip! I’m pretty sure I was saying this over and over and just hoping someone would hop on board with me, and yes my friends, it happened. Destination chosen : NOLA You all might be surprised one would drive 8 hours to the hottest place on Earth in the summer – but Texas is large and there isn’t much of a traveling distance within reach out of the state. I mean Oklahoma is up there but really what do they even do up there for fun? Kick around red dirt? SO anyway – no knocks against New Orleans, I just remember saying only a short two years go that I would never, NEVER go to New Orleans in August ever again. I specifically remember biting off a very sweet girls head from what I can only imagine was a near heat stroke. Now I can handle heat (I do live in Texas) but New Orleans heat is different. It’s suffocating. But being the good friend that I am I knew my friend Stacy would love it there – especially the food. She has quite a liking to gumbocrawfishcrabshripoysterspoboys and anything else that swims around in the gulf. And friends I have to say it was the most fun I have ever had on a trip! I’m still trying to kick the cold that I’m only certain I got from the dirty street of one little famous one called Bourbon. Yuck. But honestly it wasn’t really about where I was but who I was with. Stacy. Candace. Laurie. Me. Wonderful and amazing girls that I lovesomuch!! I debated on taking my professional camera but one day I busted it out and we have a little fun. Unfortunately, I was distracted from the beauty of the French Quarter by my beautiful friends and that is what the majority of my pictures consist of – next trip I might finally get some good ones for the walls – but until then — meet my beautiful friends.

The road trip begins…

Bourbon St.

Candace.

Stacy.

I don’t know why but this picture is funny.

This is Michael – we picked him up on Bourbon! Stranger Danger you are thinking? No actually Laurie went to college with him – just random to see him there.

a bit blurry but it was super dark in there – ISO was all the way up at 6400 – but Michael did a good job!!

We liked this wall. So we had a photo shoot!

this guy was giving us a little thumbs up!

Yes. Laurie rode the bull. twice. wait no, three times.

and I’ll end with my favorite. on the border line of LA and TX – good to be home.

I fell in love with New Orleans and my girls all over again….

Layton and Nolan

Brittany — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:58:58 +0000

How adorable are these little boys? – just take a look at their beautiful eyes. Just like their momma’s. These little boys belong to Casey “Stork” Ellis and her husband Blake. I’d say she made so pretty handsome little guys. I couldn’t even glance at Nolan without getting a big toothy smile.

Layton

Nolan

I’ll end with my favorite – they seem so peaceful!

Happy Birthday Logan!

Brittany — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:43:02 +0000

Happy Birthday to you!!

Logan is my now TWO little cousin. I’m sure y’all have seen is adorable face somewhere on this blog over the last two years, but these are my favorite so far! Who said terrible twos were the worst. Logan looked at me, listened to me, and while yes he was all over the place and made me want to faint from heat exhaustion, these pictures were A LOT easier than our last photo shoot at Christmas. Rebecca, his mom got that adorable banner you see above from etsy that Logan immediately wanted to tear up – he did get the monkey face but we managed to put it back together. I thought it would be fun to show this little guy over the years. Kurt and Becca – I can’t believe how big your baby man is getting — y’all are wonderful parents therefor have some more kids! thanks!!

disclaimer** I love my little cousin Callen just as much as Logan but I didn’t get this bright idea a few months back in May when Callen turned two. So that means we need to do another photo shoot of Callen so he can have his very own Happy Birthday post as well. Please still love me.

Logan in the belly. So he’s negative 7 months old here right? or does that make since? you get it.

from his newborn pictures

Three months old — his lips…i just love em.

I guess I’m missing a few months – but this is Logan at 1 year!

This was Christmas – soooo like a year and a half? right?

and now TWO!! such a big boy!

my favorite.

The Ferro Family

Brittany — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:11:17 +0000

I love everything about this family. From their Italian roots, their big family get togethers and their love for the Cubs, they welcomed me in years ago after I had met Mel at college. Mel wanted some family pictures since it had been years since they had any taken, and they especially needed an updated one with new members – 2 husbands and 2 kids – so we were able to find a date and set it up. I had about 20 minutes for the family – it was HOT and sticky and really buggie — gotta love the Texas humidity, but before Jeff (Papa Ferro) split I was able to get some family ones all together! Fortunately, it won’t be too long until I get them all in front of the camera again since Nick is getting married! Get ready for lots more pics guys – you especially Nick!

The Whole Clan

The original Clan – The Ferros

Anthony, Kathleen, Jeff, Melissa, Nick, Andrea

The two who started it all

Andrea and Allan’s adorable boys, Aidan and Maddox

a mom and her girls.

i love the bond grandparents have with their grandbabies

and of course – Chase and Mel. All the others jetted off because it was seriously hot – like sitting in a sauna – like sticking your head down a steam pipe. HOT!

But not for Mel and Chase -the picture taking King and Queen!!

i love this one.

Mel’s newest Tattoo. She’s had it awhile but I hadn’t taken any pictures of it yet. It’s beautiful and showcases so much of what Mel believes.

love.

Thank you all for enduring the heat and letting me capture y’alls beautiful family.

Grady

Brittany — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:34:13 +0000

I just really can’t believe how fast time is flying by. Karissa is already planning his 1 year birthday party, he’s crawling, pulling up, shaking his head no no no, laughing (although he’s a touch crowd), and he’s literally the most adorable thing I have ever seen. Grady is NINE months and from the very beginning I have said that I couldn’t wait for this time. It’s my favorite baby age. They are fun and expressive, they laugh and smile and they sit still – I was wrong on that one. Grady won’t stay in a single place and gets a little huffy if you try to make him. Karissa and I have tried to take montly pictures of him but we weren’t so good since 6 months — but I had to make sure to get this age. We shot for about 10 minutes right outside my apartment door while my Mom and I were watching him. I have to say to all you Moms out there – my mom was the BEST at acting a fool behind me to get Grady’s attention. He loves his Grammy and it shows in these pictures.

Please note all of Grady’s different expressions. Never a dull face or moment with this one.

this one is my favorite.

We were saying “Yay Grady” – he usually claps for himself if we say that!

psh trying to appear to be shy.

the many faces of Grady – here is just a few.

he has the bluest of blue eyes.

and last his I’m gonna eat you face. or you’re kinda dumb face.