McKinney, Texas Engagement Portraits: Shannon & Josh

It's so much fun when I get to photograph long-time friends! I've known Shannon since she moved to my town halfway through 3rd grade. We were the best of friends for quite a few years. We drifted apart some over time, as often happens, and I hadn't seen her outside of facebook since high school until she contacted me about shooting her wedding. I'm thrilled to see her get married, and particularly honored that she's chosen me to photograph the day. I'm looking forward to September!

This portrait session was just the second time I talked to her fiance, Josh (the first time was at our consultation earlier this year). That is exactly why I offer free engagement sessions with my wedding packages. I want to make sure the couple is comfortable with my camera snapping away in their direction before the wedding day, but even more importantly, it's a great opportunity to get to know the couple. Sometimes I already know one or the other of them quite well, and sometimes I've only chatted with them over coffee or via email. Establishing that personal connection ahead of time helps me capture my best work on the wedding day.

Josh strikes me as a really fun, easy-going kind of guy, and I think he complements and balances Shannon's personality very well. I love to see friends happy, and so I'm thrilled that they've found each other.

Wedding Preview: Kelly & Jon

Last night, I had the privilege of photographing Kelly & Jon's wedding at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, and at the McKinney Performing Arts Center in McKinney, Texas. Kelly and I have known each other since sometime in elementary school, and we lived a block away from each other for about 8 years. We had different social circles for the most part, but at the age where girls are typically cruel, Kelly was one of those very few popular girls who was always kind to the people outside of her crowd. I wasn't unpopular per se (more like somewhere awkwardly in the middle) but I was always appreciative of Kelly's compassionate nature. She's grown into an equally kind-hearted, beautiful woman, and Jon is lucky to have snagged her! They met via Texas A&M's alphabetical seating technique, and lucky for Kelly, she doesn't even have to change her last name to share Jon's! Given how much time I spent waiting in government offices to become a Cyrus, I am undeniably jealous.

Though I'm not from one myself, I know a little something about military families (my husband was a Marine Corps brat, and my sister is an Army wife), and I admire Jon & Kelly for the sacrifices that each of them are making. It's not an easy row to hoe, but in the brief time I've spent with the two of them, I can see that if anyone has the strength to make it through, these two do. I wish nothing but the best for all of the ups and downs that life will throw their way. Congratulations on the shiny new marriage! Here's to the start of a lifetime!

Wedding Sneak Peek: Sarah & Dustin

Yesterday I had the honor of photographing Sarah & Dustin's wedding at Butler's Courtyard in League City, Texas. It's a beautiful venue in the Houston suburb of League City (yes, I travel to Houston!). I stayed at the same hotel as most of the bride and groom's out-of-town family, so I got to know the guests much better than at many weddings I've shot. It's always nice to have a lot of familiar faces in the crowd at a wedding.

Here's a very small peek at their wonderful wedding day! Congratulations Dustin & Sarah!

Allen, Texas Bridal Portraits: Sarah

Since Sarah's wedding is today (hello from Houston!), I can finally share her bridal portraits! We met up last month at Celebration Park in Allen, where Dustin proposed to her. My husband Opie proposed to me in another Allen park, so I was all for this sentimental location. It's not somewhere I've ever done a portrait session before, but I'm really pleased with what we captured there. It's not the most traditional spot for bridal portraits, which I think is why I like it so! After we finished up at Celebration Park, we drove up Highway 5 to downtown McKinney. Got some great shots there too!











That last shot is actually in front of the venue where I'm shooting a wedding next weekend! Kelly, it's your turn next. :)