This past weekend, I shot Sotheavy and Leo’s wedding in Plano. I intend to blog in more detail about their special evening, but it goes without saying that both my assistant, Katie, and I were touched by their sweet vows and by the heartfelt toasts that were shared during the reception. It moved me to see their commitment to each other and their faith.

A couple of weeks ago, I met up with Sotheavy at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary campus for her bridal session. It was threatening to rain, so we tried to keep as “covered” as we could. We had a blast traveling from spot to spot between sprinkles and even found a beautiful sculpture of the earth, which was very fitting for this girl who is truly “on top of the world.”  Below are some samples (click HERE for a slide show):

I met up with Sotheavy and Leo at Lake Worth, which is where the couple became engaged. From the get go, the laughs started during the session, and they proceeded to continue the whole time - needless to say, I had a fantastic time! They even took me to a sign that says “Love Court” - this had been a spot they always liked and it worked perfectly for some engagement photos. I loved the energy from this sweet couple and was mighty impressed when Sotheavy was up for some jumping shots… in heels! Below are a selection of photos from their session (click on an image to see a slide show):

Rue and Ryan tied the knot on a sunny day at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. After a sweet ceremony, we escaped into the shady part of the gardens for some fun couple shots. They were both playful and a blast to be around. We headed to Arlington for their reception, which was filled with food, friends, and family. Guests enjoyed Italian food and visited with the newlyweds. Below are some photos from the day (click on a photo to see a slide show). Congrats, you guys!

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of shooting some really fun people. For both shoots, I got to use some unusual spots and we utilized some new areas around the Hurst/Euless/Bedford area.

The first is Chris - he just graduated high school and before the big graduation day, we went around and took some senior photos. He is such a sweetie and a joy to hang around with. I know that he has a bright future ahead.

A couple of weeks later, I shot Dorenda, an aspiring model. She looked fabulous and was so fun. I’ve known Dorenda for a while and I adore her style. Click on the photos below to see slideshows of Dorenda and Chris.

In late March, I had the pleasure of shooting Natalie and Chris’ wedding. Natalie didn’t let her fabulous peep toe heels get in the way of keeping the tradition of putting a penny in her shoe for good luck - while she was getting ready, pennies were taped to the inside of the shoe so that they wouldn’t slide out.

During the reception, Natalie and Chris showed a very touching slideshow of them growing up and then had pictures from throughout their relationship. They both love movies, so they had clips and scenes from movies spread throughout, which put a unique twist on it.

The night was filled with laughter and tons of dancing. It was nothing but smiles all evening and I had a blast being part of such a special event. Below are some selected images from the day (click HERE to see a slideshow):

Tonight is the American Heart Association Heart Ball in Fort Worth, Texas. Funds raised at the Heart & Soul Ball directly benefit everyone through the continued funding of ongoing educational programs and biomedical research, resulting in lives saved and enhanced health and wellness throughout the Greater Tarrant County community. Red Brick Photography has donated a portrait session to the silent auction this year and is a supporter of the AHA’s efforts.

As someone who is around weddings and awesome loving couples frequently, the word “heart” is common. We often use the phrase that we love someone with our whole heart. I have to say that beyond that, I often make the mistake of not giving my heart much thought. With health issues and risks on the rise in our society, it’s great that the AHA and other similar organizations are doing what they can to raise awareness and provide tools for us to all lead healthier, fuller lives.

From the AHA website:

“Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans today. Stroke is the third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer, and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.

All cardiovascular diseases combined claim 1 million lives every year — more than the next 16 causes of death combined and almost twice the number of deaths caused by all forms of cancer.”

If you’re interested in supporting the AHA, you can go HERE to learn about different ways to give.

A couple of weekends ago, I was beyond delighted to have Heather and Travis over to the house for a maternity session. I shot Heather and Travis’ wedding last year, so it’s such a blessing to record another fabulous milestone in their lives as they are about to become parents!

Both of them looked tickled pink about the baby and Travis pointed at Heather’s belly and said that he was ready for their little one to come out. Heather is such a pretty girl - she definitely has the “glow” around her. It was precious and such a blessing to experience their joy. A special congrats to Heather and Travis - I can’t wait to see pics of their little girl! Below are some of the photos from the session (click HERE to see a slideshow):

I shot Natalie and Chris’ wedding last weekend, which means that it’s now safe to post Natalie’s fabulous bridal shots.  The day before I met Natalie at the country club, north Texas had an awkward episode of snow (in March).  Needless to say, it was more than chilly outside - but Natalie’s a trooper and she managed to look calm and comfortable even though it was not pleasant for her.  There was a group getting ready for an event at the club, so we were sure to take advantage of the bathroom for some of our shots.  It was a fun time… below are some images from the bridal session (click HERE to see more in a slideshow):

A few weeks ago, I was delighted to shoot engagements for an old school friend, Kasey, and her fiance, Adrian. I knew Kasey back when I was a blonde, permed, overweight, oboe-playing, honors class-going, band geek and Kasey was one of the nicest people to me during a time that I was typically a target of ridicule and I don’t think that she’ll ever know how much her sweet kindness meant to me. I’m happy that Kasey and I have recently reconnected through the glorious wonders of the internet.

Both Adrian and Kasey live in Midland, but were in the area to visit family. I’ll be taking a road trip to San Angelo in May for their wedding - I’m so excited. We had a blast catching up and it was great to finally meet Adrian. Below are some shots from their engagement session (click on any photo below to view a slideshow):

Jeromy and I are now married - we “took the leap” on February 29, 2008. During the week leading up to the wedding, people would ask me if I was nervous. I never felt nervousness, but was more frustrated that I stink at making last minute decisions over little details. I was fortunate to have friends and family around to help with all of the wedding stuff (flowers, guest favors, etc.) and they did a fantastic job with it all. By the time I was standing at the doors, ready to see Jeromy on the other side, everything melted away and I felt a peace that was indescribable.

Our ceremony was short, but we decided that we would read each other letters we had written the night before. Both were heartfelt and emotional and I’ve heard that there was not a dry eye in the whole room. Our reception was late at night and consisted of a dessert buffet and hot chocolate bar. I don’t have my professional wedding photos in yet, but thought I would post the photo above that my mom took with her camera.

I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Jeromiah has been an inspiration and a support to me over the last two and a half years and I couldn’t ask for more. I’ve been touched by the emails I have received from current and past clients wishing me good luck with everything and I feel so blessed to be able to work with so many wonderful couples. One of our groomsmen put together a montage of photos showing the progression of Jeromy’s and my relationship, which can be seen HERE. I felt moved to share it, as he did a great job.

March is proving to be a busy month. I have some great shoots that are in the process of being edited and some fun weddings on the horizon. Please check back soon for some more updates. Thanks again for all of the wonderful thoughts, emails, and support. Married life has been awesome and Jeromy and I couldn’t be happier.