Alyse French Photography | Houston-Based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

You know that productivity rut I found myself in a while back? The one that should actually be termed a “perfectionist rut” because I’d still get things done way ahead of schedule, but that just wasn’t good enough for me? Well, I think I’m out of it and back to my old ways. (God willing, I’ll find the balance someday!) But MAN it feels good to make things HAPPEN! Example? Planning a trip to Colorado Springs in the next few weeks for my sister’s engagement session. Freaking COLORADO people. I can barely stand how beautiful it’s going to be!!

Here comes the part where I review whatever movie we saw over the weekend… What can I say? I love popcorn? Jeff, Who Lives at Home is one PHENOMENAL movie. Though, if I were being fancy, I might call it a “film.” It’s much more filmy than movie-y. ;) I won’t spill the plot summary, because I want you to GO SEE IT. But really, the only convincing you should need is that Jason Segel is in it. And he and I are TIGHT. :)

So there’s this (other) guy named Jason Robert Brown. If you’re a theater geek like myself, he’ll need no introduction. BUT, if you’re not aware of his brilliance, I MUST do my part in introducing you. He’s basically written every song I’ve ever loved or WILL love but am not aware of yet. I’ve been on this JRB kick lately, when all I can do is listen to The Last Five Years album on repeat, then the Songs For a New World album on repeat, and then Someone to Fall Back On on repeat. Repeat, repeat, repeat. It’s a phase I hope will last a looong while…

Song of the Week: The Next Ten Minutes by Jason Robert Brown. Duh… I remember blasting this song (from The Last Five Years) while cleaning my dad’s shop growing up. And that was BEFORE I had a Dylan. Now that I do, it’s just that much more incredible. If you love someone, you’ll love this song. SO DO IT. Please. :)

I was able to spend a portion of my day yesterday shooting these two a little past downtown! Jackie and Danny were way too much fun, and I’ll be showing them off TOMORROW. So come back and see, capiche?!

Happy Tuesday!!

Oh Internet, there is simply too much to SAY today! And I’m going to start off with something a little unexpected. Okay, a LOT unexpected. Yesterday, before an engagement session, I was chased by a homeless man who was indecently exposing himself. (That’s one way to say it, right?) Another chase immediately ensued by three cops who tackled him, got my official statement, and then shipped him off to jail. It was an EVENTFUL day to say the least. There was a bit more to it than that, but suffice it to say I am extremely thankful for my safety, and for REALLY fast cops! And please don’t hate me for telling you all. My dad said it might be good therapy. :)

Speaking of outlandish scenarios you never thought you’d find yourself in, who watches House?! I don’t usually watch much TV apart from my handful of shows on Thursday night, but House is quickly become a favorite. Who knew even tape worms could be hysterically funny when tackled by that amazingly witty Dr. House?

Okay, okay… I KNOW I’m basically 87 years old. But, I am a documentary addict. Thankfully, Dylan is as well! This weekend we watched both Being Elmo (the story behind the puppeteer Kevin Clash) and Holy Rollers (the story of a Christian card-counting blackjack team). Both were INCREDIBLE. And since you’ll probably never get a solid book recommendation out of me (I don’t read books…) you’d better take my documentary advice. ;)

Song of the Week: Mighty to Save by Hillsong. Of course you’ve heard it before. But that’s okay. Because it’s still my song of the week. :) The craziness of yesterday’s events have reminded me of what a mighty God we have! He is good. And He is PRESENT. And He is mighty to save. Bam! Listen to it HERE, y’all!!

Also? (I wanted to save the best for last…) MY SISTER IS ENGAGED!! Brent popped the question on Sunday afternoon on a beautiful hike in the Colorado mountains. Our whole family couldn’t be happier with the man Lorae picked to do life with. And now all the fun planning can BEGIN! I’m on Matron of Honor duty. Should be slightly more exciting than when I was an eight-year-old junior bridesmaid with bangs starting halfway back my head, buckteeth, and a completely pink lace dress that fit like a nightmare. YAY weddings!! :)

So I shot this couple last week who I wouldn’t mind being best friends with for the rest of my life. Too much? ;) Merideth and Patrick were so much fun! I can’t wait to share the rest of my faves with you tomorrow! Stay tuned…

Happy Tuesday!!

You know when you go to bed relatively early? Say, 11PM? And then you wake up at 1AM SWEARING you’ve already slept for eight hours? That was last night. And while I’d usually be stoked to continue sleeping for seven more hours, I was actually a little frustrated I couldn’t just start the day already. Gosh Alyse… Ya can’t have everything, you know! ;) And it SURE beats waking up an hour before you need to. This much is true!

Last week I fiiinally went to the doctor. As a recovering hypochondriac, I count every month that goes by without at least ONE doctor’s appointment a success worth celebrating. For the past two months, I’ve experienced what I can only explain as a very sharp and pointy stick stabbing me in the back whenever I tilted my head. Turns out though, all I needed was Aleve. You know.. The stuff 70-year-olds take for arthritis? It’s doing WONDERS for inflammation. Most likely brought on by heavy equipment and HORRIBLE posture at my couch desk everyday.

I’ve been pretty impulsive lately. (Not so unusual.) I’m specifically talking about funfetti cupcakes and avocados. Not together, of course, but on their own? Yes! Last Thursday, in the span of an hour, I had a hankering for cupcakes, went to the store for ingredients, came home, made them up all yummy, and ate four or five. And avocados? Let’s just say I made a special trip to the grocery store this morning, and one is already in my tummy.

This weekend, Dylan and I watched a documentary about exotic animals being kept as pets in American households. Simply put, “The Elephant in the Living Room” was freaking awesome. As well as terribly sad… But definitely awesome. You should ALL watch it! And I know it should have deterred me from wanting a pet lion. But I think it made me want one even MORE. I’d name him Aslan. Duh. :)

Song of the Week: Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men. This song PUMPS me up with its old-school trumpet lovin’ and sweet lyrics. Plus, it’s another one introduced to me by a guy with the best musical taste I know – Dylan Morrissey, ladies and gentlemen. You need to listen to it. Promise! Add it to your Spotify HERE.

Dylan and I shot another lovely wedding at The Gardens of Bammel Lane on Saturday. Until we can share more, here’s one of my favorite shots! More to follow from Sarah and Michael’s big day soon…

Happy Tuesday!