I’m going through our archives and posting more weddings that we did not put on the blog last year. It is so much fun to look through the weddings! Lots more to come over the next few weeks from different shoots that we didn’t post here before!

Brooke & Nathan were married last fall at the amazing & gorgeous Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Houston, Texas. Elaine was still out due to her scooter accident, so Marc Brubaker joined me for the day. It was beautiful! We could not have asked for a nicer day!

Marc spent the time before the wedding with Nathan as he got ready, and captured some great images! Seems the guys found some light reading to keep themselves entertained.

Meanwhile, I started out with Brooke & her bridesmaids at the Magnolia Hotel across the street from Christ Church, and then we moved on to the church for her to get dressed and finish getting ready. She had one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen – it was so perfectly Brooke! Her flowers were stunning, and everyone just looked so wonderful!

I have to say, Christ Church Cathedral is one of the most stunning & gorgeous churches in all of Houston! However, as a wedding is sacred event and should be respected as such, they ask all guests to put away their cameras and take absolutely no photos during the ceremony. They also only allow professional photographers to take 2-3 images during the ceremony. The church coordinators tell the photographer exactly where they can photograph from, and even sit with the photographer to make sure that is all they take. Talk about pressure to get THE shot! I spent minutes before the kiss making sure I had every single setting set up and ready for the tricky lighting, I had the shot framed, I was ready – and I love the result!

Love this shot that Marc got of the flowergirl getting a lipgloss touch-up. The little girls were so cute!

Brooke & Nathan reserved the Rev Eco-Shuttles to help move people from the wedding at Christ Church Cathedral to the reception at the Plaza Club at One Shell on the other side of downtown Houston. Such a cool idea!

Thank you again to Brooke & Nathan for letting us be a part of your wonderful wedding day! Be sure to check out the photographs from theirwedding reception!

All the details!
Brooke’s Dress – Tomasina, purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue (right before they closed the bridal shop!)
Shoes: Brucette’s on San Felipe and Post Oak
Bridesmaid Dresses – Ventura’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Clutch: IMH Designs
Nathan’s Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair Stylist: Isabel Maples at Figaro Salon & Spa
Makeup: Kristi Darnold – (281) 224-9696
Church: Christ Church Cathedral
Getting Ready & Wedding Night Hotel: Magnolia Hotel
Reception Venue, Catering & Desserts: The Downtown Club at the Plaza Club – One Shell (Brooke added, “Jason Bailey, the coordinator there is the BEST in the business. Love him!”)
Reception Centerpieces: Jerry Mason Flowers, (713) 528-6466. (From Brooke, “He did such a great job on the flowers and the price was extremely reasonable.”)
Cake: Cakes by Gina
Invitations & Paper Goods: Endearing Letters by Megan Fath; Megan formatted the menus and place cards as well and Brooke printed them herself at home on cardstock. Brooke designed the Candy Bar cards.
Guestbook: Christine Tremoulet Photography
Candy Bar: Glass containers from Tuesday Morning, Baci candy from Phonecia, M&M’s sorted by Brooke from Halloween candy, Hershey’s kisses also Halloween candy, Chocolate Mints from HEB bulk candy section.
Transportation: REV Shuttle (Eco-Friendly!)

1. Brooke & Nathan’s Reception – The Plaza Club in Downtown Houston
2. Brooke & Nathan’s Engagement Session – Hill Country, Texas
3. Dana & Kievin’s Wedding – Houston, Texas Photography

I committed to posting here daily, and with the exception of two days where life simply got in the way, I’ve made it so far. One of those two days happened this weekend – I was too wrapped up with Farhana & Javad’s wedding weekend. It was the most amazing and incredible wedding, and completely reinforced how much I *love* photographing weddings full of culture and traditions – and lots and lots of color! We learned so much this weekend, and I’m forever grateful for Farhana & Javad and their family for teaching Elaine, Marc & I so much. I’m not exaggerating when I say that spending the past weekend with them has truly enriched my life.

One of the many things I learned through the planning of this wedding was about the practice of the hijab. From Wikipedia, “Hijab or ḥijāb (حجاب, pronounced [ħiˈdʒæːb] ) is the Arabic word for “curtain / cover” (noun), based on the root حجب meaning “to cover, to veil, to shelter”. In popular use, hijab means “head cover and modest dress for women” among Muslims … According to Islamic scholarship, hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality.”

For most of our weddings, we normally set up an online gallery that we launch with proofs a few weeks after the event (normally at the same time as the Premiere Party) and announce to the people who have pre-registered for the gallery. At my first meeting with Farhana, I asked her about how she would like to handle the gallery of images, as I knew this would be a concern. Out of respect for hijab, we have made special arrangements where Farhana will have access initially to all images, and she will then approve which sections we can release in a different gallery for the rest of the guests to view — and at that point, she will provide them with the access information. Photos from the Mendhi on Friday and the Nikah (wedding ceremony) on Saturday, which were women only events and where women were not in hijab, will not be released for public view out of respect for their beliefs, but we will instead create access for the women only to those images.

The week before the wedding, Elaine, Marc & I sat down with Farhana to discuss all four days of her wedding weekend to make sure we had everything covered to her wishes. We had a male photographer (the awesome Marc!) for the men’s events, including the Nikah at the Mosque which has male-only and female-only areas. While Farhana did not ask Elaine or I to dress in hijab, we did ask her what she wanted us to wear and we would have gladly done so if she had requested it.

My friend Ayesha has also helped to advise me on best practices for Muslim clients, and she has written a great post on her practices here, which has inspired this post. Thanks to her, I’ve found a lab that will work with me to insure that only a female technician will handle the photographs at clients requests, and I also have wedding album solutions in place for these same concerns – I will have prints created by the lab and create the album myself to insure the most privacy possible. I also make sure that only a female handles the images through the process of editing.

Speaking of privacy – I’ll be posting more from this past weekend, once I talk with Farhana and get her approval on the images!

I absolutely love working with weddings from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Ok, I love all weddings — I have the BEST job in the world!!! I can’t wait for our next one!

1. Congratulations to Leah & Ryan! New Iberia, Louisiana Wedding
2. Wedding Photography Advice
3. Farhana & Javad – Engagement Session in Downtown Houston, Texas

On May 1st I received a phone call from my friend Mark, my friend that connected me with Lauren & Dante’s wedding back in 2007. He wanted to know if I would be willing to go to Mexico for a wedding … in a week. Due to a variety of circumstances, not to mention the Sw*ne Flu, he couldn’t go to Mexico – but I was more than happy to hop on a flight and head south of the border!

The life lesson from this whole wedding weekend was that plans change, but if you roll with it, it is often even better then you dreamed! For example, Mike flew down to Mexico with me, and when we arrived at the airport in Puerto Vallarta, we went to arrange for a taxi to get to the property. Neither one of us speaks Spanish really. We tell the driver to take us to Riu Jallasco. When he pulled up to Riu Palace Pacifico in Nuevo Vallarta, we were completely confused. It wasn’t until we got to the front desk (convinced we were going to be back in a cab soon to get to the other property) that we learned that due to the flu and so many cancellations, everyone had been moved to their top end property! It was so beautiful — and being all-inclusive, we were well taken care of too! We finally were able to meet up with Lynsey & Justin at the front desk as we checked in, and they are such awesome people! Both of their families and all of their friends were so welcoming too – we were immediately a part of their whole wedding weekend and we had such a great time!

My husband, Mike, will be the first to tell you that he isn’t a photographer. Don’t believe him. I asked him to get backup photos for me, just so had a few options of different angles. He went ahead and stayed with the guys while they were getting ready and got a variety of photos, and then during the ceremony he took photos from other vantage points then I was getting. His photo is on the left. My photo is on the right. It was a lot of fun shooting with him — although he doesn’t seem too anxious to do it again!

They wanted to jump, so jump they did! Then the men & I went to get shots down by the water, and the women had Mike take more jumping shots. It was hot, be we were having such a great time taking photos on the beach!

And eventually, Lynsey, Justin & I went off and took some photos alone. I love the emotion I see in the photographs of alone time with the couple after the wedding!

Because the wedding was in Mexico, and during the height of the media’s coverage of the Sw*ne Flu, Justin’s mom decorated custom medical masks just for them to coordinate with their wedding attire! Sw*ne Flu be damned, guests and members of the wedding party not being able to come because of it, love and a beautiful beach wedding in Mexico can not be stopped!

We ended the formal activities of the evening with a dinner at the steak house on the property, out on the patio overlooking the water at sunset. There was so much love and laughter surrounding Justin & Lynsey and such a sharing of all the joy. It was amazing! I get a bit misty-eyed just thinking about it. The toasts were that wonderful. It was a blessing to be a part of it all! Thank you again to Justin & Lynsey and your families for having us as a part of it – and we’re looking forward getting together with you again soon!

Decorations, flowers & coordination of the wedding all provided by Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

1. Galleries Galore!
2. Justin & Mary Spread the Love to Houston!
3. Real Simple Planning!

Elaine & I went to Farhana’s parent’s house on Thursday night to see her henna being applied by the fabulous Soniya of The Original Henna Company. It was so cool to watch Soniya work, and she was so fast!

While the henna is fresh it is raised and textured – Elaine & I were having fun photographing that! Eventually it dries and flakes off, but the color is left behind. It is so beautiful!

Last night was the Mendhi ceremony, tonight is the Nikah (wedding) ceremony, and then tomorrow night is the reception. So many customs, so much color! I can’t wait to share photos from the rest of the weekend!

Soniya placed Javad’s name in the artwork on Farhana’s left hand – here you can see her adding the J. I know where all the letters are – hopefully Javad can find them tonight!

1. Planning Your Wedding Photography – Tips For Muslim Brides
2. Help! I Broke the Blog!
3. Gearing up for WPPI!

Sarah met Elaine & I back in 2006 at the Ballunar Festival at NASA when we were there for an Assignment:Houston Flickr meetup. Since then, we have all followed each other on Twitter, and we were so excited to learn there when Sarah & Jose got engaged in Japan — and even more excited when she contacted us (through Twitter!) to be their wedding photographers!

This is just a sneak peek of the fabulousness that was Sarah & Jose’s wedding. It was so full of details, and I loved, loved, loved that she picked a color scheme from one of my favorite stores, Paper Source, to craft their invitations, programs, favors, and so much more! Everything tied together so well – and matched the Pool blue sash on her dress, her sister’s bridesmaid dress, and Jose & his brother’s ties even! LOVE!

The Magnolia Ballroom in downtown Houston, Texas was the *perfect* setting for their wedding – it was so stunning! Everything ran so smoothly too thanks to Cidnie’s direction – I just love the venue, and she makes it even better! DJ Tera and MC Wayne kept the party going, got everyone out on the dance floor, and made the whole reception a ton of fun! We’re wrapping up the photographs right now, but I couldn’t wait to share some of the ones that we showed at the slideshow there at the wedding!

Oh goodness, sometimes I just love the surprises I find when we go through the photos later – I knew I was getting reflections in the mirror of Sarah’s mother, and I just loved this look of joy reflected on her face right after the kiss!

They even carried the theme colors through on the cake, and Sarah made the cake toppers! Aren’t they precious? I just adore them!

1. Sarah & Adrian – Houston, Texas Wedding
2. Congratulations, Sarah & Sean! Wedding Photography in Houston, Texas
3. Sarah & Jose’s Engagement Session at the Pearland Airport

Erika & Nick’s Wedding Reception was at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas near the Bay. It was a gorgeous evening, and so much fun! The kicked the night off entering doing the snake move from the movie Dodgeball. It was hysterical!

The cakes were so gorgeous – and so delicious!

Kelly was having fun capturing the girls dancing before dinner.

And of course there were toasts – including a really sweet one by Erika’s nephew. I may have cried just a little. (I always do.)

After the toasts, they had their first dance, followed by the Father & Daughter dance, the Mother & Son dance – and then the dance floor was open!

Elaine has these miniatures that she uses for different photography projects. As we were talking about different ring shot ideas, the thought of using Nick’s ring as a pen for the cows came up. This shot cracks me up!

This one is even more fabulous!

Someone got a little feisty during the cake cutting!

We left the reception for a few minutes to get some portraits in the lobby.

My shot of Erika.

Kelly’s shot of Nick at the same time, different angle.

Meanwhile, Elaine was keeping an eye on all the action on the dance floor!

I was totally caught off guard when they announced it was their last dance, and the DJ started to play the music from my website! (Which reminds me, we need to add it back to the portfolio. I miss it.) Turns out that Erika played it for Nick all the time in the months leading up to their wedding – through my site!

And all too soon, the night was over – but not before a loud version of us all signing the ultimate closing song, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” by David Allen Coe. (The memories of many nights at the Dixie Chicken at Texas A&M – I still know all the words after 20 years!)

Thank you again to Erika & Nick and both of their families for letting us be a part of their beautiful and amazing day! I can’t wait to see them when they come to visit Houston – soon!

1. Erika & Nick’s Wedding Photography, Part 2 – Corpus Christi, Texas
2. Erika & Nick’s Wedding Photography – Getting Ready – Corpus Christi, Texas
3. Erika & Nick’s Engagement Session! Discovery Green, Houston, Texas

Part 1 of their wedding photographs can be seen here, their engagement session is here, and the full gallery of their wedding photos is here.

Kelly was down on the floor capturing the wedding party as they entered – this is Nick’s brother and sister.

My favorite moment at every wedding is when the groom first sees the bride. Kelly captured this one as well!

Weddings are so full of emotions. Kelly caught these maybe a second apart, but I love how she goes from one emotion to another so fast!

Elaine got the perfect shot of the kiss!

Nick’s brother, being a ham for the group shots after the ceremony!

Erika’s brother wanted a photo of them for his phone.

Mother Nature was not on our side that day, so we opted to do photos of Erika & the bridesmaids indoors instead.

Kelly was down on the floor again, and we told them to just walk right on over her!

Part 3 and their wedding slideshow will be blogged next week!

1. Erika & Nick’s Wedding Photography – Getting Ready – Corpus Christi, Texas
2. Erika & Nick’s Wedding Reception – Corpus Christi, Texas
3. Erika & Nick’s Engagement Session! Discovery Green, Houston, Texas

Next Friday and Saturday, we’re having a Grand Opening for the studio at 1024 Studewood, in conjunction with Heights First Saturday! (I’m always at a loss for what to call it, since we’re not really just opening the studio, but rather celebrating the expansion of the space!) On Friday, March 6th from 11am-8pm and on Saturday, March 7, from 10am – 4pm, stop by for refreshments, to check out the space, see our latest work and sample albums, and the brand new photos on the wall – including a 60×33.75 inch, 2.5″ deep gallery wrap canvas of the above image hanging over the brand new sofas. It is going to be *gorgeous*! I am so excited – I can’t wait for it to arrive!!!

Everyone who stops by can pick up a gift certificate good for a complimentary mini session! A 30 minute session at the studio or in the Heights (valued at $75) – perfect for couples that just want a photo or two for their engagement session or bridal portrait, a mini boudoir session, a maternity portrait, a family photograph, newborn photography, a mini senior portrait session – you name it! We’ll also have a list of dates and times available for the sessions, so you can get on the calendar on the spot if you’re interested. If you would like to upgrade the mini session to a full session, you can for a special price! Just ask!

I will also be releasing the latest pricelist at the beginning of next week; we review and revise them every 3-4 months. After extensive discussions with our clients and prospective clients, I have decided to expand my a la carte´pricing in it, including the option to book us on an hourly basis. I will also be offering the option to hire only me instead of two photographers for weddings with 150 guests or less, or to have two photographer coverage for part of the day, and single photographer coverage for the rest of it. I really want everything to be flexible to fit your needs!

I hope you can come by next weekend – I would *love* to see you there! It is time to CELEBRATE!!!

AFTER PARTY! — After the Grand Opening at the studio, head on over to Taft St. Coffee to see Elaine’s photo exhibit on display there! The reception for her exhibit is also on March 7th, from 5-8pm. She will be showing off (and selling) her Through the Viewfinder (TTV) prints, which would normally be hanging at the studio but aren’t going to be next weekend. They are really cool! You won’t want to miss the show! 2115 Taft St. – very easy to get to from the studio!

1. Reasons to Celebrate!
2. The Photography Studio in the Heights – Houston Texas
3. Studio/Office Mate Wanted – Photography Studio in the Heights, Houston Texas

In January I drove down to Corpus Christi with Elaine and our friend Kelly to photograph the wedding of Erika & Nick. Ok, to be honest – I rode down. They drove. I love road trips, but prefer to be in the passenger seat! (That way, I can knit!) Erika & Nick are such a sweet, gorgeous couple, and we had such a fantastic time at their wedding! I can’t even put into words the love I could feel when I was around them and their families. It was a wonderful thing.

Erika & Nick graduated from college in December, and then started their lives together as husband & wife in January – I think 2009 is their year! So many changes on the road ahead, and I can tell that their love will keep them strong and guide them through it all.

Photograph by Elaine Mesker-Garcia.

Photograph by Kelly Niemann.

I love this moment captured while everyone is getting ready. So many vignettes, such a buzz of activity and excitement. Getting Erika, the bridesmaids, and the mother of the bride all ready for the ceremony. Something about it draws me in every time I look at this photograph.

Photograph by Kelly Niemann. So much easier for the guys to get ready…

Photograph by Kelly Niemann.

Photograph by Kelly Niemann. You can’t tell how windy it was out there, but it was blowing so hard, I’m surprised they weren’t toppling over!

Elaine helped to save the day with her sewing kit, helping to prevent a dress disaster!

Erika’s father, ready to walk her down the aisle!

More to come from the ceremony & the reception later this week!

1. Erika & Nick’s Wedding Photography, Part 2 – Corpus Christi, Texas
2. Erika & Nick’s Wedding Reception – Corpus Christi, Texas
3. Erika & Nick’s Wedding Album Preview

The fairytale aisle for the brides to walk down!

The Rachael Ray Show with the Houston wedding at Minute Maid Park will air today in Houston at 2pm on KPRC (channel 2). It has already aired in different locations around the country – here are the photos I took before the ceremony started! I’ll be posting photos of the three couples I worked with over the next few days!

I still find it so very heartbreaking that Bella Terrazza and Tuscany at Garden Oaks closed down and left so many couples stranded. It was truly an honor to be asked by the Rachael Ray Show to help with this event — I’m so glad I could do this for the couples impacted by this! You can see a full list of the vendors that helped out with this on the Rachael Ray Show website, and more details on the event itself here!

On a side note, I’m offering a 20% discount to any couple that books me for 2009 that was impacted by this situation. Contact me right away if you’re interested — 2009 dates are filling up fast!

The officiants – they had several denominations covered!

1. Rachel Ray Comes to Houston!
2. Bridal Extravaganza Special! Houston Wedding Photography
3. The Bridal Soiree is Coming! {Houston Wedding Show}