Kameron + Angela • 5 Year Anniversary

I got to be a part of a fun little reunion last week! I met Kameron & Angela at the last place I'd seen them almost exactly 5 years ago- when they got married at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion on the Texas Tech campus. These two live in Houston now but were making a trip back to their college home and Angela surprised Kameron with a quick photoshoot! It was so much fun to see them, find their brick, and walk around on a gorgeous Lubbock day. These two are as awesome as ever- still one of my favorite couples! Happy anniversary Kamgela!

Bradley + Arrington • Engagement

There's so much to love about Bradley and Arrington. Individually, they are both incredible people- Bradley is thoughtful, intentional and athletic, and Arrington is smart, stylish and funny. But what I enjoyed most about them on the day we shot their session was seeing who they were together. These two have their own couple vibe. Together, they are adventurous, know what they like, and clearly care for each other! I loved hearing about their adventures together, knowing that there are many more to come for them. It was a beautiful day and I have too many favorites, haha! Enjoy!

blake + barakha • wedding

Barakha's first email to me said, "Have you ever shot an Indian wedding before?"...and I think my response went something like, "OHMYGOODNESSNOBUTITOTALLYWANTTO!". Thank you, Barakha, for trusting me through my giddy excitement. :)

I really have always wanted to photograph an Indian wedding. You guys- it was awesome. I was a total culture-sponge. I loved getting to see all of the different traditions, the beautiful saris, and the warmth and wit of the Indian people. 

Blake may be one of the most hilarious people I have ever photographed- he kept us laughing the whole day, and watching he and Barakha together was so neat. They compliment each other very well. These two actually merged their cultures for their wedding ceremony- incorporating traditional Indian and Christian elements. I loved getting to witness and photograph it. 

Here are some of my favorite moments from their day. Hope you're ready for photo-overload!

the smith family

It's been a while since I photographed Jeremy + Kirby- and this time they had two new little faces in the family photo! These boys were so much fun and so sweet. I loved this quick little session with a super fun family. 

Brent + Lea Engagement • Lubbock Memorial Arboretum

It was pouring down rain when we met for Brent, Lea, and Emily's photoshoot. I was sure this couple wouldn't be up for shooting in the rain- but to my suprise, they totally were! This session was shot during the middle of a rainstorm- and I'm so grateful- we had some beautiful clouds and a great time. Loved photographing these two and sweet Emily. Congrats guys!

Kids in the Sprinklers

After eating at one of our favorite local spots for dinner last night, we got home and it was already 30 min past bedtime. Despite the fact that the kids probably needed to be in bed, we all ended up on the front lawn- the sprinklers were running and that gorgeous golden light was perfect. I don't think Liv had ever really played with the sprinklers, so it was fun to see her explore that and I'm glad I got my "real" camera out to photograph an everyday moment with my kids. 

I really am so thankful that this is our everyday. We are truly blessed!

I thought I'd share my camera settings for you guys who may be interested. I recently purchased a Nikkor 28-70 2.8 lens and I LOVE it. It's not as expensive as it's newer, fancier version, but it's perfect for what I need. I love my prime lenses, but I had a feeling I was missing out on some crucial moments while I spent time changing lenses. So, this lens was the perfect solution. I recently shot an entire wedding with JUST this lens. (Shawn was still working our "usual" lenses the whole time, though). So, I might be a little obsessed. :)

ALL IMAGES:

Nikon Df, Nikkor 28-70 2.8 lens, ISO 400

I shoot in RAW all the time, and had to bring up the exposure in Lightroom at least one stop, so I should have had a higher ISO to begin with- 800 or 1000 would have been a safe place to start, considering all the movement I was capturing and the setting sun.

I also used the VSCO Kodak Gold 100 for the color images and my own B&W Preset for Lightroom on all of these.

Photo info is below each image. :)

65mm, 3.5 1/160, ISO 400

48mm, 3.5, 1/160, ISO 400

28mm, 3.5, 1/160, ISO 400

50mm, 3.5, 1/250, ISO 400

70mm, 3.5, 1/250, ISO 400

56mm, 3.5, 1/200, ISO 400

52mm, 3.5, 1/200, ISO 400

28mm, 3.5m 1/200, ISO 400

50mm, 3.5, 1/200, ISO 400

35mm, 3.5, 1/200, ISO 400

So what do you think? Did you like seeing my camera settings? Have any questions? Let me know in the comments!

bobby + rishonna • engagement

The longer I have had my photography business, the more often it is that I am not able to actually meet my couples face-to-face before they book. Life is just too busy for them- and understandably so- they are smack dab in the middle of major life change, sometimes career change as well, AND trying to plan a wedding. So, I feel extra special when they see my work and trust me before we even meet in person. What an honor!

I literally, for the first time, met Bobby and Rishonna at 9 am in Slaton, Texas for their session. This means they had to drive in, wake up extra early for hair/makeup, and drive a few miles outside of Lubbock just so we could get "the good light". I'm so thankful they were willing to do so- I love so many of the images from their session and can't wait for their wedding in September!

ethan + haley • wedding • spirit ranch

I have such a fun wedding to share today. Bride Haley is a constant smile, and her husband Ethan is the perfect compliment! And on the day of their wedding, the enthusiasm was contagious. Spirit Ranch was looking beautiful and especially green for March- and I could not wait to photograph Haley + Ethan's ceremony beneath the trees. And you guys- it was BEAUTIFUL. The coordinator wisely waited just a few extra minutes- so that the setting sun was at just the perfect spot- to begin the music. The orange glow of the sunset washed over us all as they said their vows. It was simply gorgeous.

I adored the florals from The Fig & Flower Co. as well as the table and reception decor. We felt so honored to photograph this wedding and are so excited for this couple! Enjoy!

the manley family

Oh, how I love photographing this family- 4 boys makes for some fun and crazy photos. I always love shooting with this crew because I know Mama will let the boys play. :) As a mom, I KNOW it's tough to not intervene when your crazies are being, well, crazy- but let me tell you- those are ALWAYS my favorites. Thank you, Jen, for letting them play! 

tyler + maegan • wedding

This was one of those weddings that made me sure of God's sovereignty- for so many reasons. I grew up across the street from Tyler and our families consider each other family. I think back on those years of neighborhood water balloon fights and walking down to the baseball fields to get a snow cone...how could I have known that I'd one day get to photograph this guy's wedding? So cool. Tyler and Maegan met at my little sister Layne's wedding, and have been dating ever since. Sometimes stories seem to come together so naturally, but when you take a look at the bigger picture, you realize that it is only God who could have orchestrated it. This was such a special wedding for us to be a part of- and I'm so thankful that we got to photograph such a special day in their history.

These two were married in an intimate ceremony at Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo, followed by a delicious, special dinner at the Amarillo Club. They had a hometown reception last weekend at the Borger Country Club- filled with plenty of faces I hadn't seen in years and the most delicious treats from special people in Borger- including Tyler's dad, who made his famous cinnamon rolls! Maegan is a modern Cinderella- I loved photographing her and her classic style. Her Godmother MADE her wedding dress- which fit her perfectly. I couldn't get over it- it looked so beautiful on her. 

So excited for you guys. It's been an honor to watch you guys date and marry- and we are thankful to be part of your lives!