Venue: Canyonwood Ridge
Remember these two cuties? Back in March, I photographed Tim’s proposal to Jessica, and it’s been a journey ever since! I’ve been SO pumped for their engagement session for a long time. Everything about Jess and Tim scream class, but what I love most about them is their heart. They have so much love for each other, but more importantly, their friends and family. When we first got around to planning this session, their first idea was to keep it urban, a setting that really captured the heart of downtown Austin and one that marked the start of their new home. This isn’t a style that I do a lot so it was absolutely exciting to capture their session at one of my favorite locations, Second Street District! I’m obsessed with the pop of colors from the cute cafes and the city street vibe. In a way, I felt like this style was also an ode to Tim’s childhood in New York. All in all, this was such a fun and stylish session. I am already excited for their February wedding next year.
As if I haven't said it enough, fall is absolutely my favorite season. What makes it even better is when I get to photograph sweet couples like Chelsea and David. Just think... a stunning sunset, a romantic setting, and a gorgeous couple. It couldn't have been more perfect. The cherry-on-top was how beautiful that afternoon was. We had actually rescheduled multiple times due to inclement weather, and I just wasn't sure what to expect the day of our session. Thankfully, not only the did the gloomy clouds stay away, we were blessed with a lighting that was to die for! Chelsea and I have been exchanging emails for a few months now, but I couldn't have been more excited to meet her and David. They are such a fun couple, and I loved how friendly they are. Throughout our session, we'd walk around the park, laughing and getting to know each other. By the end of the session, I almost felt like we've been friends for years! I also love how natural these images are. I had such a great time editing this session, and what made it funny was how sad I was when I was done. It was so satisfying when I got to relive their romance through each frame and see how they transform during post-processing. With that said, I hope you'll enjoy these photos as much as I did. I will be shooting their wedding next March so you'll definitely want to check back here for what's yet to come. Cheers!
declutter & refocus
Creating the space to imagine.
One of the core lessons I've learned from wedding planning is flexibility and the ability to create and execute vision even in the midst of stress. It's important because each task requires detailed attention, and when it's not delivered, the effects are sometimes irreversible.
Of course, that's not to say there's no room for grace, and that's the beauty of creativity. There's always a way around to molding your creations into better results than when you first envisioned it. It's almost as if our minds should be constantly thinking and piecing together bits and pieces of our imagination.
As many of you know, I work as an assistant for a full-service wedding planner, of that which includes aspects of digital design, crafting, floral design, planning and coordinating. Though it's completely different from photography, I wanted to familiarize myself with the industry and refine my creative process for the sorts of art that I aim to create.
In late October, I had the amazing opportunity to escape the urban setting for a breather in the countryside down south of Texas. The country air was much needed, and it paved way for me to declutter my mind as my boss and I began our three-day prep for the pending wedding.
It started out interestingly because the moment we stepped out onto the lush fields, we realized that every corner of it was covered in either deer or coyote poop. It shouldn't have been fascinating, but I admit to analyzing it longer than I should've. Nearby, we heard cows moo-ing and peacocks making their calling sounds. The hazy afternoon sun gazed through the fields, creating a scene that solidified my childhood imaginations of country life.
I was excited to draw out the quiet energy of this setting as inspiration for our works that highlight the authenticity and purity of its design.
For instance, this particular wedding needed nine bridesmaids bouquets, and each are comprised of one stem of hydrangeas, two blush Juliet roses, three stems of spray roses, two pink ranunculus, and a sprinkle of baby's breath woven within. The question is, how is it possible that one bouquet took me thirty minutes while the other took only ten?
That's where the heart comes in. Beyond the skills, which I'm still refining, it takes a certain instinct and connection to understand how flowers and foliage ought to be paired and arranged. Every nook I tuck a stem in needs a reason and purpose, whether it's because I'm highlighting a flower or accenting with buds and foliage.
I realized that when it comes art, sometimes it's better to start as a "blank canvas". To observe the present situation, create visions, and approach it in the direction that my inspiration is guiding me towards.
Floral arranging, in particular, is a task that exemplifies this process. It starts off tediously because before we can proceed to do anything, each stem needs to be trimmed of thorns and foliage and properly hydrated. But it eventually blossoms into a process that provides satisfaction and nourishment to my soul. It's the sort of work that reminds me why I pursued the wedding industry. There's great joy in seeing how different floral components can come together and create such breathtaking results and that each is its unique design.
My first morning in the house showcased the beauty of country life. I woke up to a faint sunrise and the sounds of droplets left by the passing rain. As I proceeded my work for that day, I began to realize how quiet life was here. All I could hear was myself cutting foliage and occasional chirps from birds. In fact, while I was working in front of the kitchen window, I looked up for a moment and saw a pudgy red cardinal chirping away. I knew I had to stop and just admire what was in front of me. It was a rare and fleeting moment that left me sighing and at loss for words.
I rested in the silence, drawing in its quiet energy so that I could brace myself for the work that awaited us the rest of the weekend.
