top 10 2017 | engagement photos
top 10 2017 | engagement photos

It’s that time again. It’s time to look back at some of the best photos from 2017. Everyday we’ll be taking a look at a new category. Voting is open till 10:00am the next day and the winners will be announced Monday 22, 2018. The winning entries will each receive a 16×20 print. Today’s category: Engagement Sessions Take a look at the entries then vote at the bottom of this post.

1. Stairs:

2. Movie:

3. Car:

4. Books:

5. Weights:

6. Gaze:

7. Roar:

8. Wood:

9. Secret:

10. 3rd Wheel:

read more
Lady in Red
Lady in Red

bella-sera-wedding-photos-01

Dee & Dustin had such a great first day of marriage at Bella Sera Ranch in Palestine, TX.  It was full of laughter, pizza, and dancing.

bella-sera-wedding-photos-02 bella-sera-wedding-photos-03 bella-sera-wedding-photos-04

Anytime I see 1D stuff I photograph it.  Why?  Because when I look back on my wedding photos I wish there was more New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, and Hanson products in them.
bella-sera-wedding-photos-05 bella-sera-wedding-photos-06

Few brides can pull off a red dress.  Dee is totally one of those brides.

bella-sera-wedding-photos-07

These two had a great First Look.
bella-sera-wedding-photos-08

Dustin was super sweet and had a little gift for Dee.
bella-sera-wedding-photos-09 bella-sera-wedding-photos-10 bella-sera-wedding-photos-11 bella-sera-wedding-photos-12 bella-sera-wedding-photos-13 bella-sera-wedding-photos-14

Lots and lots of dancing and party times courtesy of CMB Music.
bella-sera-wedding-photos-15

One of my favorite moments from their day was when all the guest were sent out to get ready for the getaway.  I looked up and found Dee & Dustin dancing in an empty room.  They spent a good 3 minutes there.  It was totally a Disney magic moment.

bella-sera-wedding-photos-16

Of course they had The Mug Machine.  Of course it was a blast.  Here are a few of my favorites.

bella-sera-wedding-photos-17 bella-sera-wedding-photos-18 bella-sera-wedding-photos-19 bella-sera-wedding-photos-20 bella-sera-wedding-photos-21

read more
check out the new digs
check out the new digs

teaser_AM

 

This is a post I’ve waited close to 5 years to write. As long and as hard as the wait has been, the end result is that much more rewarding.

When I first started shooting weddings it didn’t take me long to realize 2 things:

1. I loved shooting weddings.
2. I hated shooting weddings.

It seemed like every other week I would bounce from one end of the spectrum to the other. Little by little I was able to pinpoint my feelings and figure out exactly what was causing me to love or hate each particular weekend. The more the day was about THE WEDDING, the less I seemed to enjoy it. The more the day was about the marriage, the more I left with a full heart. Little by little, year by year, I’ve been able to find my voice, and find the type of couples that I want to work with. This site is the culmination of that process.

There are 3.6 billion wedding photographers in Texas alone. 3.5 billion of them take fantastic images so taking a great photo is not enough. I’m not looking for couples who only want great images. I’m looking for couples who want an honest portrayal of who they are. I’m looking for couples who are authentic and real about what their wedding day can be. I’m looking for couples who want great marriages. The best way for me to find those couples is by modeling that behavior. So finally, after all this time, I have a site that is an honest reflection of myself and what working with me is like. You are not going to find another site like this anywhere. Second Street Creative did an AMAZING job building it and I can’t say enough good things about Ryan. Thank you so much for making this idea a reality.

This is who I am. If you think you might want me at your wedding, spend 10 minutes on this site and you’ll know. And, if you decide we are not a great fit that’s ok. I’ll even help you find a photographer that is. ;)

So go on, take a look around.  There are fun little surprises and things to be found.  It looks different on a computer, tablet, or phone so why not try all three? My favorite part may be the Mug Machine section under Info or the super cute kids on the Bio page.

One last note. The past 2 weeks leading up to this site launch have been packed full of 17 hour days. You would not be viewing it were it not for the limitless hours Danielle invests in our family. Thank you so much for your love and support. You are more amazing today than the day we were married and I’ll never feel like I deserve you.

 
P.S. If you want a chance to win a 2 night stay at a bed & breakfast, here’s what you gotta do.

1. Leave a comment below.
AND
2. Post something on your Facebook telling folks to come take a look around the site.
(You must do both things to be entered to win.)

Here’s a little suggestion on what you could say:

AlexM, my best internet friend and killer photographer, just launched a new site. You should go take a look at it’s amazingness.
http://www.alexmphotography.com

I’ll be selecting the winner at random by the end of the week.

 

read more
Gabby & Kendal | Bella Sera Ranch Wedding Photography
Gabby & Kendal | Bella Sera Ranch Wedding Photography

i’ve known gabby since she was this little.

i met her because i thought her oldest sister was hot.  (i later married her oldest sister.)

more than any other bride i have followed gabby’s journey towards marriage and been there for the ups and downs.  it was so special to be there on her wedding day at bella sera ranch.

gabby and kendal met in hong kong where she teaches english.

gabby gave me her shoes like this.
i said can i take them out of the bag?
she said do whatever, i trust you.
this is what i did.


nothing like having twin daughters help you get ready.

sara, my 7 year old, loved having aunt gabby fix her hair.

petal’s florist did the amazing job they always do.

gabby was so so nervous leading up to her first look.  i loved seeing kendal melt those nerves away as he held her.


i typically don’t post many “formals” but this bridesmaid was too attractive to pass up.  (the little boys aren’t bad either.)


jo loved getting dressed up.  he kept channeling his inner tony stark.  (his words)  he loved it until the bridesmaids started telling him how handsome he was.


fine! fine! since you asked, i’ll show you all 4 of my kids.

gabby & kendal had a herd of nieces and nephews walking down the aisle.

it was about a billion degrees below zero outside and some of the inside cowards were taunting the faithful of us who endured the cold.


i love this photo of them after the ceremony.  gabby has the best laugh.
kendal’s brother in law dropping the perfect out of focus photo bomb.


the toasts were perfect, they included stories of them making out and bible verses that morphed into 3 sisters rapping.

before returning the get-a-way car my kids and i decided to give it a little test drive the next day.


gabby, i’m so so proud of you.  i love you dearly and know you and kendal will make me many many glorious nieces and nephews to spoil.

read more
Wedding Previews
Wedding Previews

so, over the past couple of weeks i have been busy.  busy shooting and busy vacationing.  this site is about to get a full force of blog love.  here is a little peek of what’s coming your way.

i ADORE this shot of zach seeing his daughter.


stephenie and jared.  chillaxing before their reception.

ericka and justin getting their flirt on.

it’s been a while since i’ve had a couple that laughed and hugged as much as cassie and kinsey.

nothing beats having your parents slam you with poppers as you make your exit.

read more