PH Studios

I am thankful…

Posted on November 27, 2009

Yesterday afternoon, after stuffing myself silly with turkey and dressing, I sat at the kitchen table and just had one of those moments. I was sitting at the table with my daughter, my mother, her mother, and her mother — five generations in one room. I listened as my great grandmother told stories of life when she was younger and what my grandmother was like as a little girl, and I wondered to myself… who gets this chance? Today, we visited my other grandparents, and as our once small family tried to fit all 50 of us into their 900 square foot house, I was just in awe. In awe that I am part of a family that really loves each other and truly enjoys being together. As I walked through their house, I couldn’t help but notice the sweet letters and notes that my grandfather leaves for the love of his life all over the place, and I loved reading how much he just adores her still after all these years. It’s amazing. I looked at pictures, I took in the laughter, gave lots of hugs… and I felt so humbled to be part of such an amazing legacy. Wow. I am humbled, awed, and completely thankful for all that I have been given, and I am inspired and excited as Aaron and I build our own family and continue that legacy and make memories. God, I thank you for love, for family, and for laughter. I feel so blessed.

We’re out of town the rest of this week so I haven’t been able to download my pictures yet for the “Thankfulness Challenge”, but I’ll do that as soon as I get back! In the mean time, post a link to your photos in the comments section and I’ll announce the winner of the Starbucks gift card on Sunday! Happy Thanksgiving!

Being Thankful (and a CHALLENGE!)

Posted on November 18, 2009

Of all the “attitudes” we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing.
–Zig Ziglar (Zig Ziglar’s Little Book of Big Quotes)

In honor of the wonderful Thanksgiving holiday that is before us, and in an effort to become more thankful myself, I have issued myself a challenge. I will spend the next 7 days being very deliberately grateful. I am so blessed, but I don’t always take the time to realize it and to really soak it in. So for the next week, I will be keeping a camera handy (even if it’s only the camera on my phone) and documenting all things that I am thankful for — big and small.

I thought it’d be fun if we did this one together, so I issue the same challenge to you. Between now and Thanksgiving, live gratefully and make a visual journal of all the great things in your life. Have fun, be creative, but most of all take the time to breathe it all in. On Thanksgiving day, post your images (on your blog, collage, a slideshow, in a Photobucket album… wherever) and share the link with us so we can all see them (I’ll do the same). Then, on Saturday, one lucky winner will be chosen and will win a $10 Starbucks card! I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

And, because every post is better with a picture, here is a pic of my kiddos making pomanders on our recent trip to Love Creek Orchards.

Jason + Candace [Wedding]

Posted on November 11, 2009

I got to be a part of the coolest wedding this past weekend.

I met Jason and Candace a number of months ago when they started coming to our life group at church. Some people you just know you like from the moment you meet. Candace was super sweet, smart, and had that cool, fashionable feel about her and Jason was funny and thoughtful. They were just a cool couple who seemed to really love eachother. And they have a cool story. Jason and Candace had actually alredy been married, but then divorced. And then God did the miraculous and brought them back together, stronger than ever, so they decided to get married… again. And it was even more significant than the first time… the vows had even more meaning, and every detail truly fit their personality (…and isn’t her dress fantastic?! That’s my favorite color and my favorite style dress. Candace, can I copy you?!). Just a few family and friends made it a truly intimate, beautiful, meaningful, and totally fun event.

Jason and Candace, you are an inspiration to us all and I thank you for letting me be a part of such an incredible event. I’m so glad to call you friends.

Special Thanks: Landa Park [Ceremony], Gruene River Grill [Dinner], Francesca Watson Designs [Custom Jewelry], Comal Flower Shop [Flowers]

Brian + Octavia [Wedding]

Posted on November 4, 2009

From the first meeting with Brian and Octavia, I knew I wanted to work with them. They were fun, creative, energetic, laid back, interesting people who were crazy in love with each other…. and they had super cool accents! It amazes me to hear how two people who grew up on opposite sides of the planet ultimately find eachother — he was from Ireland, and she from Australia. They met and fell in love in Australia and recently relocated here to Texas. Their wedding was made all the more special by the fact that both of their families and a few friends flew in for the week to be a part of this intimate event. I really love small weddings and getting to feel like a part of the family. Thanks Brian and Octavia for an absolutely amazing day and for trusting me to capture your story! I feel truly honored!

Special thanks goes to the wonderful locations and vendors who made all this possible:
- Mission Espada [Ceremony]
- Crystal Glass [Hair & Makeup]
- Francesca Watson Designs [Handcrafted Jewelry + Accessories]
- The Lodge [A.MAZ.ING Dinner]

On a little sidenote, Brian and Octavia really wanted some cool/artsy portraits of the two of them. I absolutely LOVE taking photos like this and think it’s something that you’ll really be glad you had down the road. Unfortunately, a lot of couples skip this because they’re in a rush to get to the reception, and they only take the time to get a couple photos at the church before running off. (I speak from experience because I have NO pictures of JUST Aaron and I at our wedding.) If this is something that is important to you I highly suggest doing what these two did and set aside a couple hours on your wedding day to go and enjoy some [semi-] alone time and get some great photos of the two of you! It worked out at Brian and Octavia’s wedding where they were able to do it between the ceremony and dinner, but other couples may opt to see each other before the wedding (gasp!). I know it’s not the traditional way, but it’s really worth it if you’re able too. And, if you just can’t, you can always do a Day After session. All I’m saying is don’t skip out on the opportunity to create some awesome images of the two of you on the most special day of your life. Now without further ado… here’s a sneak peek!

Lynsey [Senior Portraits]

Posted on November 3, 2009

I met Lynsey last week and we immediately hit it off. She is super sweet and friendly, kind and thoughtful. She told me prior to the session that she LOVES flowers, so I knew the Japanese Tea Gardens would be a fabulous location for her senior portraits. Congratulations, Lynsey, on your senior year and good luck as you head off to ACU next year!

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