Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Kristin and Beau

Kristin and Beau traveled from the largest state in the US... Alaska where they both live to the second largest... the great state of Texas for their wedding. It was a simply gorgeous day and lovely evening at Kali-Kate in Buda. Kristen's grandmother preformed a funny yet heartwarming marriage ceremony in the bright afternoon sun. The rings were pinned to and carried in on a teddy bear from Beau's childhood. The look on his face when he saw the well-loved bear was priceless. Everything in this wedding was special from the flowers and decorations designed by a family member to parasols for the afternoon sun, Alaska beer, well staged toasts, slideshow of pictures, and a fun mother and son dance. The love and tenderness Kristin and Beau had for each other, as well as their family and friends was as joy to capture through photography.
 


Friday, April 16, 2010

Bluebonnets

I was out running some errands the other day and decided to stop and shoot a few wild flowers. I found these at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. More to come as I get out this spring. Hope they last a while longer. Really a great crop this year.


Monday, April 12, 2010

Texas A&M, UT and Arkansas...


Now that is a blended family! Gary and Candi selected us to photograph their upcoming wedding and decided this would be a great opportunity to take a family photo and have a mini engagement session. We told the happy couple to kiss to the moans and groans of the kids saying "oh gross". In the end, Gary, Candi and the boys put on their favorite college shirts. I can just picture game days in the Troxell home!


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Wedding Photography Tips - Capturing Wedding Toasts


Raising a glass to toast a bride and groom has an important purpose: to wish the couple happiness and success. Toasts can be emotional or funny, sometimes embarrassing, but always heartfelt. They can also be tricky to photograph. We have an advantage because we have two photographers working to capture the moment. Logistically, the toast is usually limited to reach of a microphone and its’ relationship to the DJ who is usually put in the corner of the room. So, we are starting with a negative. Here are a few tips that you can consider to increase your chances of your photographers capturing the moment.


Standing is better than sitting. Flowers can block your face and tables with plates that have not been cleared are not really pretty.

Go to the middle of the dance floor, if possible.

Stand relatively near the individual giving the toast to minimize empty space. Be aware of where your photographer is standing. If you can’t see us, we can’t see you!

Have the person actually say “please raise your glasses” as part of their toast. Then finish the toast with a last statement. This creates an opportunity for some great pics.

Photography Tips - Don’t sweat the small stuff


With all of the ideas, planning, dreams and money spent….you want your day to be perfect! But stuff happens. We have been at weddings where the flowers showed up 5 minutes before the ceremony, the minister was late because he was stuck in an elevator, not all the linen’s arrived, the bride left her veil at home, or it was too windy to keep the candles lit. You name it, we have probably seen it. Stress or disappointment will and does show on your face!

Something will most likely go wrong. For our daughter, the string quartet forgot her song list and did not play the music she had selected for her walk down the aisle. So here is the biggest tip of all - Remember a wedding does not make a marriage! How you handle a mishap, error, weather, or problem will set the tone for your day. I was so impressed with Amy when it looked like her flowers might not arrive. She said to me “Oh well I don’t need the flowers. I am still going to marry Drew”. Wow! Attitude is everything. Things will happen that will be out of your control. Keep a smile on your face and remain cool, calm and collected. Last tip- don’t over book your day and remember to hydrate and eat. You will feel better and be physically prepared for a very busy day. When we say we have seen it all…we have- like the bride who fainted at the altar because she hadn’t eaten all day!