Emily | Houston Portrait Photographer

It had been several months (maybe a year!) since I had last seen Emily. In fact, I think the last time we saw each other in person was my last day as a graduate student. Emily and I trudged through graduate school together, she and I and 38 others, pursuing our Masters degree in speech-language pathology. We stressed together, quizzed each other frantically before tests, and bounced clinical strategies back and forth - an ideal environment for developing a supportive and encouraging group of girlfriends :)

Well, I am glad to say that when Emily stepped out of her adorable little Mini Coop, looking snazzy and stunning in her Fossil/Gap inspired outfit, we were able to embrace and catch up on each other's lives without a Voice Disorders test looming over our heads!

In our little chat as we drove up to St. Thomas University (and subsequently drove in circles looking for a parking space! Sorry, Em!), I learned that she and I have more in common than our career. Emily hired me to take some head shots for her as she pursues her dream to become an actress. You see, like me, Emily needs acting to fulfill her creative side like I need photography to do the same. Like me, she needs an outlet for that right brain's nagging.

Emily, thank you for allowing me to engage my creativity to assist you in following your creative dreams. You are such a beautiful, energetic, and kind woman. I have no doubt that your acting career will take you places you could never have imagined :)

It was at THIS point in our shoot that a very attractive St. Thomas soccer player approached us and starting boldly hitting on Emily! Who wouldn't! I'm pretty sure he used the word "model", and he definitely invited her to his soccer game that afternoon. Score! (haha, pun definitely intended) She handled it beautifully and confidently whereas I, on the other hand, became absurdly awkward. Good thing I found the man of my dreams in high school, because my ability to compose myself in the presence of unfamiliar males, as of late, looks something like a 6th grader with braces and glasses standing in her underwear on a stage in front of the high school football team. Yikes.

Blue eyes and big smiles,

HK

Sarah + Bobby | 08.25.2012 | Houston Wedding Photographer

Sarah's parents went out to a new wine bar in town for an evening out. Their server that night was a young, kind man that reminded of them Sarah - so much in fact that Sarah's mom returned home that night and told her they met "the boy version of [Sarah]". Sarah was looking for a job, and with a little bit of coaxing from her mother, Sarah applied at the wine bar. And so they met. And they went on a few dates. And after their fourth date at a Coldplay concert, Bobby says that he knew that Sarah was going to be his girl for life. 

Sarah is an occupational therapist, and a devoted one at that. She faithfully reads the AOTA publication, OT Practice, and when she saw an early edition of the magazine sitting on the table at the wine bar she was mildly suspicious. As she casually flipped through the pages, skimming the titles of research articles and glazing over the ads, a particular ad caught her eye. There, in the OT Practice magazine, was a photograph of her and Bobby with a simple, sweet poem scripted on the left of the photo that read:

Will you be my OT for life? 

Or better yet, my wife?

Dear Sarah Marie,

Will you marry me?

Looking up with wide eyes, Sarah said, "Yes! Of course I will!" 

And so the wedding planning commenced :) 

As for the wedding, it was a perfect end-of-August day, especially for Houston - the kind of day you pray for if you are getting married in August in Texas ;) The temperature was below 100 degrees, the sky was overcast. Sarah pulled up in a black limo, umbrella in hand, looking beautiful already with her hair and makeup complete, wearing just a pair of jeans and a button-up shirt. Bobby was awaiting the call giving him the "okay" to arrive at the Julia Ideson Library after his bride was tucked away in her bridal suite following pictures.

Sarah walked delicately down the aisle on her father's arm, joined hands with her best friend, and they vowed a life committed to one other. 

Many thanks go out to the following individuals who made sure that the details of this wedding were perfect:

Coordinator :: Brittany Mclelland @ Julia Ideson Library

Cake :: Epicure Cafe

Catering :: Wicked Whisk

DJ :: Eddie Dolan

Musicians :: Sheryl & Geoff Speelman

I also want to give a shout-out to Sarah's MOH and bridesmaids who assisted me prior to the ceremony! You guys are awesome!

And, as always, a special thanks goes to my husband who calms and reassures me on top of taking thousands of pictures as my co-shooter, and to our friend, Michael Fowler, for dedicating his Saturdays to helping us photograph these weddings - your talent is invaluable to us :)

Dusty books and cityscapes,

HK

Ashtyn | 6 Months Old | Houston Infant Photographer

I do love the big bows and frills that adorn baby girls. And I especially love how those baby girls wear 'em proud! Ashtyn was no exception. I photographed her as a small, delicate newborn and she has since grown into a cheerful, chubby-cheeked, blue-eyed doll :) 

Thanks to her momma and daddy for giving me another opportunity to photograph this little sweet heart! Photographing infants gives me the chance to crawl around on the floor and crouch in the grass - brings out my youthful side ;)

Enjoy! And smile big!

Lace and bows,

HK