You never expect a high school romance to make it out of high school. Of course, you dream about marrying that person, or maybe just what your new name would sound like. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately…), most high school romances don’t make it through high school. Even less make it through college. Usually, because you are still just kids when you meet. You don’t know the parameters of a real relationship. You really don’t know that love is actually a commitment and not a feeling. High school romance is usually… usually just short-lived.

Not for BJ and Mikka. These two love birds got together when they were young in their high school years, made it through college, and lived to tell about it. Not just tell about it… they got MARRIED! Yay! I was so excited when I found out that they were engaged, and even more excited that they asked me to photograph their special day. I also got to capture their engagment session, so be sure to check those out, too!

BJ & Mikka’s wedding day was so so beautiful. Everything went just perfectly and they were so sweet together. I really enjoyed just being a part of their day. So thank you, BJ & Mikka, for including me in all the fun and all the love. Ya’ll are so kind and I wish you the very best in your marriage. You two are perfect for each other and I pray blessings over you both! And conrats BJ on being a certified State Trooper! Don’t pull me over though, k? Love you guys!

I think this is such a special moment between Mikka and her mom!

Are these not the most beautiful girls ever?

Once Mikka entered the sanctuary, she and BJ’s eyes locked. You could feel the love!

Mikka emailed me a few weeks before the wedding and asked if I would take some pictures on the boardwalk in Granbury where they took some of their engagement pictures since they were staying at a local hotel. Ummmm… ABSOLUTELY!! I tried a few new lighting things and think they turned out great.

Alex is a guy who has dreams to take the world head on. His aspirations are inspiring, and frankly, a little intimidating. He knows what he wants to do. He wants to be an environmentalist. One way or another, he wants his job to reflect his love for nature and the environment. Yes, his dreams will one day become a reality. Seriously, it’s inspiring. When I was in high school, I had dreams… but I never felt like I was going to accomplish them or ever get there, ya know? Not Alex. He’s willing, determined, and energetic. What great qualities.

Not only is he all that… but he’s VERY photogenic! Yay for a guy who doesn’t mind getting their picture taken! I spent about 2 hours with Alex and I think we both had a good time finding different places to shoot and just enjoying the perfect weather. Here are a few pics from Alex’s shoot.

Thank you so much Alex (and Janice!!) for allowing me to document this moment in your life. It is such a vapor and I hope that you treasure these photos! Blessings to you both!

It’s an obsession really. People go crazy… yelling, screaming, chanting…. They wear their headphones to hear the radio broadcast the game as they watch it happen right in front of them. They bring their stat books and rosters to check up on the latest all-stars. They have on all the gear - Blue and Gold from head to toe. Shirts, socks, jackets, jewelry, buttons, ear-muffs… it’s all Blue and Gold. They bring their propane cans, coffee cans, and paint cans… .all filled with rocks…. shaking them to cheer the team on. Those fans are the ultimate fans. The Can-Fans. Yeah, they have their own name…. and section in the bleachers… What in the world could possibly cause such a stir?  Stephenville Football.

Yes, tonight I will be watching my Alma Mater, Stephenville, take on my new home-town Granbury. Yes, I will be sitting on the Granbury side…. I’ll be cheering for Granbury when (and if) they score, but deep down, it’s hard to shake the old Yellow Jacket Fever from inside. Good luck, Pirates. I hope you come out alive.

VS

The Tischauser’s are one family that everyone needs to know. They are one of the most kind, most giving, and definitely most fun families that I know! I mean, just looking at their pictures made me want to be a part of all the laughing they do! Joel and Shelby volunteer at our church every Sunday, giving their time, energy, and love to hundreds of kids and adults. They also help set up and tear down on Saturdays and Sundays since our church is held in a school right now. We are so thankful for people like Joel and Shelby and their servant hearts. I know that I have been blessed by their ministry in our church, and I know many others have also.

Thank you Joel and Shelby for being such an inspiration to others and also being obedient to God with your servant’s hearts. I really enjoyed taking your families pictures and creating visible memories for you for years to come! Love you guys!

Nichole contacted me a few weeks ago wondering if I would be able to do some family photos for them. Nichole and I knew each other from a couple years ago when we were both training for a (cough, cough, gulp)… half marathon. Yes, I did run 13.2 miles or something crazy like that a couple years ago. And now, well, I’m lucky to work out for 13.2 minutes. Just kidding. Kind of.

Anyway, the sweet Cherry (no pun intended) family met me last week to take some pictures and it happened to be one of the coolest days of fall yet. They were probably thinking I was silly, since it was maybe 58 degrees outside and I was bundled up like an Eskimo. Me and cold weather don’t get along to well, so if you hire me for something in the winter, prepare to be photographed by a snowman. A happy snowman. It didn’t phase them too much, though. They were so much fun and so great. I had such a great time shooting them. Oh, and by the way, their son is one of THE smartest little boys I’ve ever met. You should have heard him! He was telling me the town and state is grandmother lived in. Smarty pants. And only two years old. Future president right there, and I got to photograph him.

Thank you, Cherry family for letting me document this moment in what is but a whisper in your lives. I hope that you will cherish these photos as they remind you of the memories you are creating on this very day.