Kelly Family | Dallas Family Photographer | Session at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

I woke up just a few minutes before my 5am alarm, feeling fully rested and ready to take on the day! I got my gear ready for my session, had my cup of jasmine tea and breakfast, walked my dog out to do her thing (which she did, in under two minutes - new record - woohoo!), got in my car and headed out to meet this sweet family for their sunrise session!

As I got there, the birds were chirping, the rising sun was peeking over the hill and through the tree branches, a light breeze was blowing, and everything was just right! And you're thinking, "Riiiight?! But then, what happened next?" Nope, this is not that kind of story! The birds kept on chirping all throughout our session, the sun kept shining, and sweet little Keira modeled happily clutching her sidekick, Sweetie the Penguin, and giggling until the very end! 

Okay! Okay! One bad thing did happen! The breeze died down. Because, it's summer... in Texas.

There are some days when I want to pinch myself to wake myself up from moments like this when everything is going right, and I'm fully living in the moment soaking in its awesomeness, and immeasurably grateful that I get to do, not one but, two most awesome jobs for a living! (For those of you who don't know, other than a photographer, I'm also a full time high school teacher.) I am blessed to have the most amazing clients, and the Kellys just joined my tribe!

The connection between these three is magical! Keira is a lucky lucky girl with two parents who absolutely ADORE her, and light up just talking about her. There is so much joy in this season of life of this sweet family, and it shows in every hug, in every hand squeeze, in every look.

Sooo.... I'm just going to come right out and say that I will forever be envious of this set of Keira's photos (below), because at two years old - I couldn't get Olivia to stand still long enough to capture anything but a blurry line showing the exact escape route from my camera, and I it seems like the same fate awaits me with Evan!

But, you guys, how adorable is THIS little munchkin?!

When I met Cammie and Paul, about ten years ago, the first thing that I noticed about them is how sweet and loving they were to each other, and to this day, that impression hasn't changed. They both pretty much turn into mush the moment they come near each other! 

Cammie and Paul, thank you for trusting me to preserve the memories of this special and fleeting moment in time with your baby girl and each other. My heart is overwhelmed with so much happiness for you!

Until next time :) 

Alyssa and Jerred | Arbor Hills Engagement Session | Dallas-Fort Worth Wedding Photographer

She opened a gift box he had given her, only to find a note from him asking to walk a little closer to her, and a pair of Nike shoes (sidenote: she loooves them). The relationship started, love bloomed... Then, last summer, on Alyssa's birthday, Jerred gave her another gift in a box at a dinner with her family. And, in the box were *white* Nike shoes, and a note saying: "So... just wondering... can I walk just a little closer... till death do us part?" and he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife! 

These two lovebirds laugh a lot together, and they're so gentle and sweet with each other. Their connection is undeniable and their happiness is contagious!

Alyssa says that the thing she's most excited about when it comes to her wedding day is getting to marry her best friend! 

Their favorite thing to do is spending time with their baby boy, and staying at home for movie nights (now that's my kind of date!). As sweet as they look together, these two are super competitive with each other when it comes to arcade Basketball and Air Hockey. 

The love and admiration between these three sweet souls is palpable! 

And we ended our session just as the sun was setting, giving off this glorious golden glow! Ahhh I couldn't get enough of it! Arbor Hills Nature Preserve was truly the perfect choice of engagement session location for the feel they wanted their session images to have. 

Alyssa and Jerred, it was so much fun hanging out with you, laughing together, and getting to know each other better. I'm beyond honored to be your wedding photographer, and so excited for your big day in December at the Double K Rustic Ranch!