kate mefford :: photography blog

kate mefford :: photography blog http://katemeffordblog.com/ -McKinney and Austin, TX Photographer- Whimsically Stylish & Heartfelt...All in the Same Instance. Photography that will simultaneously put a spring in your step and send your heart a-flutter! en Copyright 2012 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:16:59 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Cozette is a Newborn! My next door neighbors, Bethany + Manny, moved into our 'hood last May, and we've been tracking the development of the "baby bump" for what seems like forever. FINALLY, at the beginning of the new year, sweet little Cozette arrived and officially made our neighborhood a whole lot cuter.

Bethany + Manny are complete NATURALS at parenting. They know all of the tricks to calm Cozette, like rocking her, snuggling her on the longest couch known to man, and of course playing Adele on the ol' iPod. I can't wait to watch Cozette get more active over the next few months (though she might be the most alert newborn I've ever known). It's gonna be so much fun!

Please give Bethany, Manny, and Baby Cozette some love in the comment box!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/cozette-is-a-newborn.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/cozette-is-a-newborn.html babies Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:16:59 -0600 Karis, Briley, & Cord :: The Brown Triplets Are Here! Now THIS is a baby blog post! Can you imagine three little sacks of sugar as cute as these? Friends of Taryn, Adam, and baby Walker, the Brown family came on board as clients in December. When I got the inquiry, my neighbors likely dialed 911. I mean, THREE BABIES? Two girls and a boy! That's a TRUCKLOAD of cute. I screamed with excitement at the possibility!

Katie and Adam (yep, another Adam!) are jugglers by now, and are really doing a stellar job of keeping Karis, Briley, & Cord fed, changed, snuggled, and more! Their patience impresses me to no end. I hope so much to watch these babies grow and change and begin interacting with each other. With all of that cute, they're gonna be forces to be reckoned with!

Leave the Browns a comment below in the comment box!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/karis-briley-cord-the-brown-triplets-are-here.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/karis-briley-cord-the-brown-triplets-are-here.html babies Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:35:54 -0600 Analyze THIS! {Fee Times a Mady} THRICE. That's how many cray cray dreams I had last night. Why, you ask? Because our dog Hazel had to get up that many times to pee in the middle of the night, and Bobby and I did a start-stop-start-stop-start-stop style of sleeping. I love that dog, but if there was ever a morning to give her the stink eye, it was this one.

Dream Numero Uno:
There's a house that I have recurring dreams about (pretty much all of my recurring dreams involve houses and rooms) often. It's a two story house with loads of rooms, but it needs a lot of work. It weirdly has two kitchens, one on either side of the house, much like a duplex. Well, my dream last night was that it got renovated! My mom, in my dream, took me to this house, and showed me that her friends had reworked each of the rooms, and knocked out that second kitchen to make space for an area to entertain guests with a really cool bar and almost like a little bistro setting. Everything was accented with Talavera tiles and was really shiny, warm, and inviting. The weirdest part was that one of my old babysitter's brothers was sitting on a bar stool, facing the wall, and had two bobby pins criss-crossed in the back part of his hair. And then I woke up.

Dream Numero Dos:
It was New Year's Eve. We were supposed to be going out to dinner and for drinks with friends. I was having a really hard time figuring out what to wear, so I say..."Take me to Bloom!" It's my favorite store in Downtown McKinney, and I can always find sumpthin'. So, even though we were needing to hustle to make it for our reservation time, I go to Bloom and start trying stuff on. The girls that were working were needing to leave to get their own New Year's on, so they started turning off the lights. Suddenly, everything was sooooo hard to match. Things I thought were pale pink and sleeveless turned out to be long sleeved outerwear. I was grabbing the wrong sizes, because, well, IT WAS DARK! I didn't want to ask them to turn on the lights because I was trying to be respectful that they wanted to leave, so I just decided on an outfit that was halfway okay and left. And then I woke up.

Dream Numero Tres:
My brother Joe was playing for the Packers. Green and Yellow. Seeing as how in real life he is not the most athletic, I was rightly shocked to see him be put in the game. All of a sudden, he caught the ball in the end zone, and SIX! TOUCHDOWN! And yes...we were watching from a schmancy suite. I don't know who was with me, but I know that we were all screaming and high-fiving. Victory!

So, yeah. Analyze THAT!

Image Credits: LaFuente Imports, Hairstyles for Girls, Grid Iron City, Bloom, and Denver New Year's Eve

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/analyze-this-fee-times-a-mady.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/analyze-this-fee-times-a-mady.html life and such Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:59:08 -0600 Analyze THIS! {Winecooler Wishes & Hooptie Dreamz} So, I had the craziest dream last night!

Two of my most conservative (not politically---just in life choices) friends who are married showed up at our house one night in a turquoise & lime green hooptie, wearing backwards hats and were WASTED. We're talking bombed so bad they were slurrin' bombed. Bottles of cheap booze were all in the back seat of said hooptie. They were loud and obnoxious, like I have NEVER seen them!

They made Bobby and me get into the car and then drove us to an animal shelter where the animals were in tall, pristine glass cages with little cushions...almost like they were go-go dancers. There were bright colored lights, which would make it SEEM like a party was going on, but we were the only people there. And then...I woke up.

And yes, the font Curlz is a perfect match for this collage.
Avert your eyes, because it's making out with the word "Winecooler" as if they were long lost white trash cousins. I said it.

photo credits: Vintage Cars & Such and PetSugar

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/analyze-this-winecooler-wishes-hooptie-dreamz.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/analyze-this-winecooler-wishes-hooptie-dreamz.html life and such Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:46:06 -0600 Walker is a 1 Year Old! Little Mr. Walker is a tiny gentleman. He walks, and swings, and loves the soccer ball, but not more than he loves his mommy and daddy! Playtime with them is, by far, his FAVORITE thing! (Although, as proven in previous Walker posts, he does love him so electronics, yo!)

Leave Walker and his 'rents a comment below!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/walker-is-a-1-year-old.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/walker-is-a-1-year-old.html babies Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:24:24 -0600 Natty Goes to TCU ...okay, not really, but she went to her first college football game. Natty is short for Natalie, and she is one of Millie's favorite cousins. You might remember her from here. This TCU game was special. It was sweet to see Natty truly enjoy the festivities. Bounce houses, face painting, hot dogs, running on the football field before the game, meeting the cheerleaders, purple popcorn, high-fiving the team mascot, and being with your buddy...it doesn't get much better than that...am I right? Or am I RIGHT?!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/natty-goes-to-tcu.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/natty-goes-to-tcu.html life and such Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:37:13 -0600 I Wanted to Love You ...but I just can't. I waited a long, long time for us to get together again after rediscovering you on the internets (remember how I found you on Entertainment Weekly's site?), but you were not at all like you used to be. Where was your charm? Did you leave it back in 1993? Where was the subtle romance and the chemistry? I felt NOTHING. You couldn't even keep your facts straight on your story, Shady McShadypants. (I mean, did you graduate from Harvard FIRST in your class or FOURTH or FIFTH?)

I'll give you one more episode, The Firm, but after that, we are done-zo. Our next date is this Thursday, and you'd BETTER put out.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/i-wanted-to-love-you.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/i-wanted-to-love-you.html life and such Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:46:00 -0600 Where Gingerbread Houses Go To Die Because I am a sick, sick, twisted individual, I asked my family to participate in a strange science experiment today. At Sunday lunch at my mom's, we all sat staring at the gingerbread house we had created just weeks ago. We were ALL thinking the same thing. Now that Christmas was over and done with, just WHAT would become of our tiny mansion? Would it end up in the trash? We couldn't donate it to the Samaritan Inn Thrift Store like we do with everything else that becomes too tight/holey/faded or looks like it was worn by the cast of Saved by the Bell. I mean, we can't live in it, we can't wear it, and we can't ingest it at this point, so WHAT ELSE is it good for than an experiment? It took about 30 seconds of convincing, and then everyone was on board.

Starting today, January 8, 2012, the Meffords (and Nana...my mom) placed our tiny mansion out in nature to see what critters discover it. Will it last a day, a week, or a month? Which parts will be eaten first? (My guess is the awesome landscape job...gee, I wonder who did that part?) Will it get stolen by the punk teenagers who just moved down the street? Make your predictions below in the comment box, and I'll be updating my Facebook page daily to keep you in the loop.

(images were taken by my iPhone...don't judge)

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/where-gingerbread-houses-go-to-die.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/where-gingerbread-houses-go-to-die.html life and such Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:32:03 -0600 Gina + Jason :: Hitched Sometimes the snow comes down in June
Sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon
I see the passion in your eyes
Sometimes it's all a big surprise

Cause there was a time when all I did was wish,
You'd tell me this was love
It's not the way I hoped or how I planned
But somehow it's enough

And now we're standing face to face
Isn't this world a crazy place?
Just when I thought a chance had passed
You go and SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST

Yeah. I wrote this for Gina + Jason to show them my love. Not really. It's a Vanessa Williams song, circa 1991, but as I was compiling the images for their slideshow and then ultimately this very blog post, I couldn't get those lyrics outa my head! Damn. It should have been the song I chose for their slideshow, but I had to go all "new" on it with M83's Reunion.

Anyhoo, I feel like I did save the best for last. I ended my wedding career on a COMPLETE high note! This wedding was full of personality and warmth, through and through, and Gina and Jason are tops, m' friends. TOPS. I love them dearly and feel that these images are like little gifts. Let's all help them unwrap them. Leave Gina + Jason loads of comments. We've gotta go out of the whole wedding photography thing with a BANG! Do it!

Don't forget to leave a comment for Gina + Jason below! MWAH!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/gina-jason-hitched.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/gina-jason-hitched.html weddings Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:38:53 -0600 My Little Turkey Ok. Don't judge. These frames are from Millie's Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast which---I KNOW---was two months ago, but I've been L-I-V-I-N', y'all. I've been either working like a dog or have been SOOO on break that Bobby was considering checking my pulse. ON or OFF. Actually, more like ON or ASLEEP. That's how I do. But in all of my light-switchiness, I can always count on my Mills to keep me grounded. Little homegirl gives me perspective. I am so thankful for that. And, I have to say that I am SUPER thankful that she is a ham. Millie has personality for miles. I'm not really a fan of robot/yes-men children, so it pretty much worked out for me. I win.

I know I should be asking about what your New Year's resolutions are, but I'm curious and want to know for what things about your kid/pet are you most thankful?
Be honest and candid!

PS---I'm also thankful Millie has big blue eyes and freckles, loves fashion like it's going out of style (did you see what I did there?) and that she can imitate/mimic accents and voices better than anyone I know outside of Bobby. Now, show me yours!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/my-little-turkey.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/my-little-turkey.html life and such Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:58:52 -0600 Presenting, Moi Before Thanksgiving, I was a presenter at the Foundation Conference in New Orleans. It was so fun to share some thoughts of mine with such a friendly audience. As I mentioned before, I spoke about authenticity in branding, and played hostess to an experiential exercise. I had a blast doing this, and can mark that off of the ol' bucket list. Would I do it again? Sure. But there's nothing quite like the first time, right?

Thanks to my dear friend and one of my photographer besties, Olivia Brown, for taking these pictures during my presentation! I'm also forever grateful to my "Hottie Helpers" for helping me cut, organize, and distribute the materials for the exercise, as well as for making sure I had enough of a sandwich before the presentation so I didn't pass out! I love my homegirls! (Kathryn Krueger, Kirsten Lewis, Rosaura Sandoval, Erin Chrisman, Morgan Razi, Olivia Brown, Jenny Jimenez, and Davina Palik are the bee's knees!)

This presentation was the catalyst for something great, and I can't wait to share more about that soon! Hope you all had a fantastic break and that you're warm and cozy!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/presenting-moi.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/presenting-moi.html life and such Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:38:32 -0600 Danuser Family :: Christmas 2011 One of my favorite fams chose to wrap up 2011 right, y'all. I straight up told their story...and it's a beautiful one, complete with children full of personality and no inhibitions...just the way they should be.

I LOVE what we came up with for this session. I use "came up with" loosely, as it really involved me running and chasing them a lot...but it's a solid set of frames that really shows what life is like as a Danuser: quick wit, preppy garb, sharp minds, and a sprinkling of sweat from running after Huddy and fielding questions from Ava. No wonder why Christine and Mark are so fit.

I could look at that last image ALL.DAY.LONG. So stinking funny!

Leave these fools a comment, yo!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2011/12/danuser-family-christmas-2011.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2011/12/danuser-family-christmas-2011.html families Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:15:45 -0600 Dash :: Christmas 2011 Y'all better watch out. There's a new sheriff in town, and his name is Dash. Blazin' trails, this 4 year old will hunt you down and then, he will use his pretend cellular phone to call Batman. I mean, who else would know exactly what to do in the Wild West other than the Caped Crusader? Ummm, duh.

The Dash man continues to slay me, as that mischievous grin and those baby blues behind the glasses never get old. In a cookie cutter world, this little sheriff is quite the original!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2011/12/dash-christmas-2011.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2011/12/dash-christmas-2011.html kids Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:49:42 -0600 Brecht + Brandon :: Anniversary One year later, Brecht and Brandon are just as sweet. Happy Anniversary to two of the kindest people with whom I've worked. Give Reece a little smooch for me, you guys!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2011/12/brecht-brandon-anniversary.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2011/12/brecht-brandon-anniversary.html individuals Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:42:34 -0600 Carson is a 2 Year Old! This kid could not have cooler style...he MIGHT be the the most stylish 2 year old I know. Plus---he is well aware of the pull he has on this universe, and he is not afraid to use it! One day, he will be the owner of his own company, or at least in control of the board room. Carson is a visionary who loves his mommy's and daddy's snuggles! I love this boy and his family!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2011/12/carson-is-a-2-year-old.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2011/12/carson-is-a-2-year-old.html babies Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:59:18 -0600