Friday, July 27, 2012

Kori + Taylor | 07.2012 | Houston Engagement Photographer


I have known Kori's older sister, Kelly, since we were 12 years old. We met in the 6th grade when Kelly's mom was pregnant with her youngest sibling, Kevin. This, of course, means that I have known Kori since she was about seven. And now I'm taking her engagement pictures?? Wow. How the time does fly :)



Kori and Taylor met in high school at the young age of 15, and started dating shortly thereafter. Scott and I also started dating when we were 15, so I can certainly remember how naive and sweet high school love was, and what a treasure it is to grow into adulthood with your best friend. And marrying that person is the best part :)


Taylor enlisted the help of he and Kori's pet dog for his proposal at Yetti Polk Park. Taylor casually convinced Kori that there was something strange on the dog's collar, maybe she should go check it out... Something strange, indeed! It's not everyday you see a diamond ring on your dog's collar! Unless of course you live in Beverly Hills, California, but folks, this is central Texas! With the dog on all fours and Taylor on one knee, Kori said "yes" to a lifetime with her best friend.



Kori and Taylor, I love that you guys share a similar dating story to that of Scott and I :) It's not everyday you meet high school sweethearts. I am SO looking forward to photographing your uniting day next May! In the meantime, grow more in love and respect for each other - and enjoy your engagement pics!


Fire trucks and sundresses,

HK

The Harrop Family | 07.2012 | Central Texas Family Photographer


In the early '90s, my father-in-law had just accepted a position teaching a few courses at West Point Military Academy. One of many moves my in-laws would make in their young married life with two children, the Keys packed up their house and drove their family to New York. I cannot relate to what it must have been like to pack up and move every two to three years. I was born and raised in one small town. But, I know just from talking with Scott that making a life in a new city, much less a new state, was always an adjustment.

The Harrops pastored a smaller church in the area before becoming missionaries in Europe, and welcomed the Key family in with open arms. So open, in fact, that the two families have remained dear friends for the last 20 years (give or take a few ;) ). They have seen each other through moves to different states and new countries. They have watched each others' children grow from young toddlers to adults. Being a witness to their lasting friendship this past weekend was a treasure, and a wonderful glimpse into the future relationship that Scott and I will share with the friends we have made in our young married life.

The Harrops asked if I would mind spending a few minutes after church snapping some photos of them for the next missionary letter to their various sponsors and supporters. In a record 20 minutes, the Harrops smiles, laughter, and playful spirits created some lovely photos :) Thank you for your cooperation as I made you tromp through a field of tall grass and chiggers - I hope you find it was well worth the bites ;)











Sister love and chigger bites,

HK

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Corrie + Ryan | Wedding | 06.30.2012 | Houston Wedding Photographer


When I sat down just now to document this wedding, the only thing that came to me - other than a smile - was, "Corrie and Ryan are just awesome". I immediately began reminiscing their engagement shoot back in February - how they did these adorable silly dances between poses, how they smiled at each other, the inside jokes they shared. From those first two hours of my knowing them, it was obvious that they not only love each other, but they enjoy each other. They laugh together. They are silly together. They quote the same lines from T.V. shows. I knew right then that photographing their wedding would be so fun - and I was not let down!



I have been to weddings where the on-lookers "oo" and "aww" when the officiant makes that final announcement, "I now introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Smith". But friends, when Corrie and Ryan's pastor said those words, "I now introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Corrie P--", people cheered. People whooped. The smiles on the audiences faces were almost as radiant as the bride and groom's, and that is a testament to the love that not only Corrie and Ryan share for each other, but how much they love everyone else.



Corrie and Ryan, it was an honor to photograph your wedding. I hope that these few photos bring back some of the memories that you made, and maybe help you recall the details that you were too overwhelmed to embrace :)







And, of course, some thanks are due:
To my amazing husband and business partner who captures lovely photos and keeps me sane
To our friend, Michael, and his photography talent that has added charm and creativity to our Houston weddings
To Kate Osterhus, the wedding coordinator who made my job seamless!
To Ryan and Corrie's families and wedding party who were so encouraging and helpful on the wedding day
And to the follow vendors for their creative, beautiful, and tasty additions:
Cake: Supreme Kakes
Catering: The French Corner
Wedding Dress: Maggie Satero (designer) and Ventura's Bridal (bridal boutique)
Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse



Whimsical flowers and wonderful waffles,

HK