It is often heard that it is not such much what you know but rather who you know in life.  I can think of one instance in which this is without question the case.

Christina, at TPC Craig Ranch heard about Emily and me from Wendy Kidd, wedding planner extraordinaire at Each & Every Detail and Andrea of Circle Park Bridal fame.  That is without a doubt one awesome introduction that honored and humbled us.

Anne and Michael contacted us about their TPC Craig Ranch wedding based on being listed as one of Christina’s recommended photographers.  When it came time for their engagement session, they requested that we travel up to Frisco to capture the images since this is where home is and where they spend much of their time.  We were happy to travel the few miles north and loved the intimate park they selected for their backdrop!

At Camerine’s first wedding photography consultation, the topic of her engagement session came up and she quickly confessed that she really wanted to have their images captured at Punk Carter Ranch.  Ironically, when we began discussing her bridal session, she really had no idea where she wanted to go.

Since her wedding is taking place at the gorgeous TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, I thought a classic venue in a more urban setting would be fun.  Since I am fortunate to be well acquainted with Paula Fenner, Jessica Cates and the rest of the team at the historic Adolphus Hotel, I recommended that we photograph there.

Camerine, being a true cowgirl at heart was at first a little unsettled.  She is far more comfortable in boots riding Bentley than she is wearing makeup (even when done by Randee Strand of About Face Artistry) and a wedding gown.  Of course, after the initial nerves wore off, she became much more comfortable.  We then spent a few hours having a great time capturing her bridal photos all over the hotel.

Incidentally, although she chose a variety of images from the session as her favorites, the one that she chose for her wedding day canvas was one of the few country styled images.  I suppose you can take the cowgirl off the ranch but can’t take the cowgirl out of the bride…then again, why would you ever want to?

Engagements session locations can generally be considered urban or rural. We are always happy to provide guidance to our couples but the ultimate decision regarding where their images will be captured is entirely up to them.

Megan and Josh knew they were more rural than they were urban. They also knew that they wanted us to capture their images at one of their favorite parks where they spent many afternoons walking, talking an exploring. Their only question was whether we would be willing and able to include their treasured Jeep Wrangler in a few of the images.  Of course we were and we certainly did!

Those of you that are loyal readers will likely recall how much Emily and I love shooting in Dallas’s Design District. For those of you that are not loyal readers, it is high time that you too become loyal readers. But, I digress.

Angie and Tanner called Emily and me based on a recommendation from the ladies at their wedding reception venue, Edison’s Dallas (thank you as always Lauren and Brittany). We needed to get their engagement session knocked out quickly so that they could get their Save-The-Date designed, printed and mailed. We again turned to our trusty Dallas Design District area for that contemporary urban backdrop. A beautiful couple + a beautiful backdrop = beautiful images!

The incredible team at Leather Craftsmen has done it once again. Don’t get me wrong, we are not at all surprised that the hand bound album they crafted for Shanika and Stephen was a true work of art, it is just always nice to have an opportunity to share.

The contemporary design that we created was well complimented by Shanika’s selection of a split tone cover of violet leather and cloth and was enhanced with a inset cover image from their reception in Fort Worth.

If I had the opportunity to officially hand out awards to each of our brides for their one super special trait, Kaylee would win the “Most Organized, Proactive, Pleasure to Work With Bride” award.

She clearly possessed all these qualities from the very first time we met.  Discussing and scheduling her bridal session was no exception.  She knew exactly where she wanted them to be captured, contacted the venue, scheduled the session arrived early, was ready quickly and was enthusiastic throughout the session.  The result was some of our favorite rustic bridal photos and a very happy bride!

It is always such an honor when members of the wedding industry choose to trust us with capturing the special moments on their wedding day! We consider it even more of an honor when the wedding is a destination wedding…in New York…in June! Woo Hoo – that’s a long weekend out of the oppressive heat of a Dallas summer. (I kid, of course.)

In the past year, we have gotten to know Brittany and Jimmy very well and, because of that, I am comfortable sharing a fun anecdote. When I asked Brittany where she would like to photograph her engagement images, I had no idea that I was unleashing an e-mail response of “Dear Abby” proportions. Every possible question, consideration and concern was presented in a endearingly meticulous fashion. The correspondence should have been signed, “Distressed in Dallas” rather than simply – xoxo, Brittany.

We all put our heads together and determined that Dallas’ Design District offered the variety we were looking for and truly provided a perfect backdrop for the engagement photos. Kudos to Brittany for her chic styling and the fun details she brought for the photos…to include a small donkey for JL. Don’t ask…that’s a LONG story for another time.

Most if not all wedding professionals will tell you that having a great wedding planner has a profound impact on the experience a couple has throughout not only the planning process but also on the wedding day.  The ability to take a deep breath and know that all the details are coming together and that you do not have to be concerned about them is such a relief.  Lauren Schmidt, owner and planner at The Creative Touch, Events by Lauren affords her couples that deep breath of relaxation!  Luckily for us, we get to enjoy that relaxation as well when we have the pleasure of working with her.

LaShundra and Courtney’s family and friends came together on a very cold day in January, some from as far away as New York, to celebrate with them on their wedding day.  There was snow on the ground and the sky was overcast and the view from the fourth floor at City Place was beautiful.  A ballerina scattering flower petals as she danced down the aisle made for a particularly unique and beautiful moment during the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, guests braved the cold weather for a grand departure complete with sparklers for the bride and groom.  Their Edison’s Dallas reception was really rockin’ with music, food and fun.  One of the most special moments to witness and photograph was the father/daughter dance; so much love and emotion!

Thanks, Lauren for introducing us to LaShundra and Courtney and congratulations on coordinating a simply wonderful day.

Tonight was the DFW NACE Community Service Program and Iron Chef Challenge.  Teams competed to make their very best chili for the panel of judges but, more importantly, members and guests learned all about the North Texas Food Bank, the wonderful things they do and the many people they help. DFW NACE had set a pretty aggressive goal of 500 cans and yet they exceeded their goal with 600 plus cans donated!  Job well done.

When we started discussing where to capture Jenni and Topher’s engagement photos we came up against one challenge…they had so many great ideas. Since they live in the uptown area of Dallas, they spend much of their time in the city and therefore love the gritty urban feel of that area; however, they also spend a great time running at White Rock Lake and love that natural landscape. Oh, what to do?

The answer is simple…capture engagement photos in downtown Dallas AND White Rock Lake!