Of the past month, I've had a few reasons to toot my own horn.  As always with this, I am late to announce.  Bragging feels dirty, but I know it's good to keep my readers in the loop, and after all, I AM incredibly honored.  Sooooo (big breath), here we go.

FEARLESS IMAGE AWARDS
I am so proud to be a part of this selective photographers' group.  The company in which I keep there is comprised of the best in the wedding industry, as far as I am concerned.  These photographers push the boundaries and continue to challenge themselves creatively and technically with each assignment/commission, and they always amaze me.

Last month, I found out I won 2 image awards on their new website.

Here's the Fearless site's description:

Earlier on the day of Casey + Billy's wedding, Billy hosted "Wild Bill's Wedding Invitational" for his boys, at Brenham Country Club.  I had never photographed anyone playing golf before, and quite frankly did not anticipate just how much fun it would be.  I'm definitely at ease around a group of guys...even when they are drinking, swearing, and talking about balls (GOLF balls, people...get your minds outa the gutter), and this was right up my alley.  Most of all, I love photographing people enjoying themselves, and these guys MOST DEFINITELY DID.  What a blast!

On top of being one of the sweetest and most bubbly ladies I've ever met, Kara is a talented jewelry designer.  She currently retails out of her Etsy shop, and is expanding her line to include wedding jewelry (yay!).  Kara loves using freshwater pearls to create sophisticated yet accessible pieces that would be perfect for brides who appreciate the organic look.  Watch out bridesmaids...she's got some fun stuff comin' your way, as well.  Feast your eyes on some of her lovely creations below.  So darling!

Thanks to the always sunny Stephanie at Grisham Farms for letting us use their digs for our shoot!

What is the NUMBER ONE thing all of my clients have in common?  Well, sure, they're all cute and smart and thoughtful and soulful, but the NUMBER ONE quality they ALL possess is HUMOR.  This couple is no different.  Genevieve + Adam find humor in the smallest things, which makes me like them even more.  They don't bother with the obvious.  They are far too clever for that, and get major snaps from me as a bonus.

Gen + Adam are just so at ease with each other.  It's so apparent that they are meant to be together once you see their interactions and the way they speak of each other.  They make it very easy for me to focus on the moments, and I'm so touched that moments are what they truly value.  It was just a few days ago that Gen said something that stopped me in my tracks. In an email regarding Baby Dahlia, she said, "Not gonna lie, looking at these baby pictures, I can't wait to have you photograph ours - eventually. Or rather, emotograph ours, since your photographs are more emotions than pictures."  I can't tell you how much this statement meant and means to me.  I am so grateful that I can actually move people like that by just reflecting how I see their story.  Wowzers.

It was a delight to photograph their Jewish ceremony and reception at the gorgeous Driskill Hotel.  Though elegant, hilarity did ensue.  The cake was munched on BEFORE the cake cutting.  I guess those people just felt right at home with Gen + Adam and decided to dig in.  Gen + Adam DO have that quality about them!

So...if you are not the slideshow type, and you loves you some still images, today is your lucky day!  There are enough still images here to kill a small farm animal (whatever THAT means!), and I hope you love the story that is Melissa + Ray. 

This stylish NYC couple got married in Austin on Melissa's beloved Texas Longhorns worst day of the year...at least THIS year it was.  Though they lost their big football game to Oklahoma University, it was still a glorious day due to the joy pumping through every wedding guests' veins.

Caplan Miller Events in Austin planned everything to the Nth degree.  The whole nine.  The entire event went off without a hitch, was easy breezy, heartfelt, and gorgeous...just the way Melissa + Ray wanted it to be.  These two are soulmates, through and through, and it is plainly obvious that they are on the same page in life.  It makes my job feel like a playdate when I get to work with kind, open-minded, accepting, and worldly people like them.  I feel like I have gained friends in them, and so appreciate who they are as individuals and as a couple.  Melissa + Ray inspire me, and I think it shows in their story below.  Enjoy!