Tandra & Brandon

This weekend I had the honor and pleasure of photographing my good friend Tandra's wedding. She and Brandon are WONDERFUL people... I know you hear a lot about high school sweethearts, but they have been together since middle school... true love can last a lifetime... Here are a few of my favorites from Saturday's loving event... Best wishes to you both!!!

New Website LAUNCH

Today we have launched our completely redesigned website at http://www.rjphoto.net/

Wedding in Willis

Last night, I had the honor of helping a friend (Joe Heiliger) by 2nd-shooting a wedding with him. His usual assistant was not able to attend with him at the last minute and I was glad to help. I've known Joe for a few years now and it's always fun to work to work together when we can.

Last night's wedding was for Kelsey & Cody. They picked a beautiful location, one that I hope to have the opportunity to visit again sometime. It was quite a drive but Shepard Hills Estates had a lot of photo opportunities that were hard to pass up and a lot more that we just didn't have time enough to get to.

Arriving at 4:30, we had just a little over 2 hours until the ceremony was to start. That gave us plenty of time to get detail shots of the facility, get some of the "getting ready", and do most all of the formals of the bride's and groom's families separately. They had large blended families on both sides, so the extra time was greatly appreciated.

The ceremony was an outdoor wedding, set up simply and beautifully at the gazebo with tea-light candles lit around the garden. During their ceremony, they chose to do a sand ceremony instead of the unity candle. I have seen the sand ceremonies becoming more and more popular recently and, personally, I love it. To blend the sands, symbolizing the blending of the couple, and to show that they can never again be separated... awesome!

The reception followed in a beautifully decorated hall with lots of personal touches that the bride and her mother made. The colors were chocolate and tiffany blue and elegantly used. The reception was, again, simply beautiful.

Kelsey and Cody, if you read this, please know that I was honored to be a part of your day! Such a young couple and so full of love for each other!! And Joe, thank you SO much for inviting me to help!

See You At The Pole...

See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.

See You at the Pole™ is scheduled annually on the fourth Wednesday in September, which this year was September 23 in 2009.
At L.V. Hightower (Missouri City , TX) this year we began our SYATP at 0630 with just a few students listening to the Word of GOD...
Also on hand was on of the Fellowship of Christian Hurricanes members who played a few great songs and led the group in Praise and Worship.
GOD's presence was all around the school today... Thanks for all of you that braved the cool and early morning to Worship HIM... See you all next year...

Mazel Tov!!

About a month ago, we received a referral from our good friend Olyn at DJ Specialists. He had a family needing photography for a Bat Mitzvah. They had experienced a bad situation with another photographer and needed help in a hurry - their event was only 2 weeks away! We explained that this was our first Mitzvah but that we would be honored to be of assistance to them.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Mitzvahs, they can often be multi-day events. We first met with Lexi and her parents for portraits on that Friday evening at the synagogue. Next, we spent most of the next day with them, first covering the service. Lexi had been preparing for the biggest day of her life for 6 months and we were all extremely proud of her as she read scriptures and her Torah portion. After the service concluded, a luncheon was served at the temple in honor of Lexi and her Mitzvah partner. And finally, later that night, was the part that Lexi had been anticipating the most - the party at Cafe Adobe!!Lexi, I know that you and your friends thoroughly enjoyed yourselves as you stomped on the bubble wrap and danced your hearts out. Remember this time in your life always and know how proud you make your family and friends. Mazel tov!!

~ KathiThe Gummy Bear Dance:Olyn, interacting with the kids:

Maggie & Kyle

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of photographing the wedding of Maggie & Kyle. They came to us through our friend Audry at Events by Audrey and we were honored to be a part of their special day!
Getting married at the Westchase Hilton, Maggie & Kyle chose to keep their wedding and reception all in one location. As Maggie is Chinese, the couple decided to observe Chinese traditions as well as American customs. Keeping their event at one location made it easier on their many out-of-town guests as well on Maggie as she changed into 3 different dresses throughout the evening. At one point in the evening, the guests were treated to a traditional Chinese Lion Dance - too cool!

The flowers were provided by Carmen's Florals and the cake was provided by Cakes & Culinary Creations.
A few more of our favorites:



If you would like to see more of Maggie's & Kyle's special day, feel free to check out their images in our proof gallery at http://rjphoto.net/081509/.