Emily and I just love McKinney, TX.  The people are exceptionally friendly; there are a ton of locations that provide great backdrops for engagement and bridal images; and the local venues are perfect for amazing weddings both large and small.  Dawn and David’s wedding ceremony and reception at the Grand Hotel was no exception.

If you took one look at John and guessed that he met Candace at while working out, you would be at least partially right.  Although they met for the first time at the regularly scheduled 6AM UNT workouts, the real sparks did not fly for these two until they later met in the UNT computer lab.  One follow up phone call from Candace and a number of dates, often to their favorite Steak N Shake location, sealed the deal.

I initially met Alyssa while photographing the Furniture 4 Kids charity event. The funds raised at the event were donated to the Dallas Mavericks Foundation and being a Dallas Mavs Dancer at the time, Alyssa was there making an appearance and signing autographs. A short time later, Alyssa called to tell me that she was engaged and asked that Emily and I capture her engagement images. Having been inspired by images that she just loved, we collaborated with Alyssa and Erik to ensure that their concept came to life. Emily was able to scout out a rural, natural venue that would provide the perfect backdrop; Alyssa and Erik met us at 6:00 AM to avoid the heat of the day and use the beautiful sunrise.

You may be asking yourself, “Why is the title of this entry A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Engagement Images?” Well, that is the awesome postscript to this story. While recently chatting about her wedding plans, Alyssa shared with me that one of her life-long dreams had come true. After many years of hard work and dedication Alyssa had “made the cut” and was now a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for the 2010-2011 season. Congratulations Alyssa.  What a great year!

I have known Michelle for quite some time. In fact, I have known her long enough that to tell you just how long will hint at my ever increasing age. Let’s just say we go WAY back…but I digress. Michelle and Kevin met and were married last year. Unfortunately, their wedding coincided with ours in such close proximity, just one week apart, and we were therefore unable to attend one another’s special day. Such is life I suppose.

A short time later, Michelle called with more exciting news; they were having a baby girl. Emily and I schedule a trip to Orange County in July to capture these mother & daughter images of Michelle and Zoey. This adorable little apple did not fall far from the tree; she is gorgeous just like her mom.

The first question Emily and I ask a couple during their initial wedding photography consultation is, “Please tell us where and how you met”. As you can imagine, the list of places and ways that our couples begin their romantic journey is rather extensive. Collage sweethearts, the friend of a friend introduction and now on-line dating sites are some of the staples. Meredith and Cory’s start is somewhat unique in that they met when she joined the gym where he was a personal trainer. Their relationship remained entirely professional for the duration of her training but they could not deny that there was a definite spark between. Now, their life is a constant battle between her passion for chocolate and love of baking and his dedication to the gym and understanding that broccoli is good for you.

I always wondered if couples really meet at the gym. Now, thanks to Meredith and Cory, I am certain they not only meet there…they meet, court, fall in love and get married.

One thing that you can most certainly count on is that the Dallas summer is going to be H-O-T! Bonnie and Jeremy were referred to us by Rachel Phillips of Rachel Events and with there December wedding fast approaching the save-the-date cards needed to be sent out in short order. They wanted a fun image to include but really wanted to wait to capture their engagement images until the heat of summer had passed to allow for outdoor scenery. Emily and I suggested we meet for a “Save-The-Date Mini Session” that would allow is to create a clever image for their card. We brought a white foam core board, some Crayola Markers and a Magni-Doodle and recommended they let their creative juices flow. The creative process so fun and the end result was just wonderful!

As Bonnie and Jeremy started their project it was great to see how they collaborated quickly to make their save the date sign.

As Jeremy focused on the task at hand, his tongue was hanging half way out.  When I brought it to his attention both he and Bonnie laughed

Being visual artists ourselves, Emily and I have always shared a love of unique artistry in all its forms. We were recently introduced jewelry designer Lori Yeary. If you have the opportinity to spend even just a little time with her, you will quickly realize that Lori is immensely talented, gracious and candidly just an all around amazing person. Now, admittedly, we are not product photographers, however; while at one of her recent trunk shows at Soma Intimates in Plano, we captured a few images of the artist and her work and wanted to share them with you. I encourage you all to be a fan, visit one of her many trunk shows and support a truly gifted and remarkable artist.

I was so careful not to post Melissa’s bridal images before her wedding day that I neglected share them at all; however, I shall rectify that oversight right now with this entry.  We started Melissa’s session at the beautiful Hilton Park Cities and then made our way to a few locations throughout Highland Park.

I met Ed quite a few years ago while still working for corporate America.  Although we were not on the same project, we became friends over lunches and happy hours.  Being more technically advanced than me, Ed was even able to help me fix some challenges I was having with my blog site when initially designing it.  Little did I know that I would be posting images from his wedding day to that very same blog.

A well know Chicago landmark captured while preparing for Margy & Ed’s wedding.

Simple and elegant.

Margy and her bridesmaids had a great time getting ready.

Ed looked very dapper in his classic tuxedo.

Margy and Ed saw each other before their ceremony with a fun first look staged in the park.

What a lovely ceremony in a beautiful church in the suburbs of Chicago.

The party began on the bus to the reception.