Happy Monday!!

A little hint of New Year’s Eve decor, and the most gorgeous Vera Wang gown for the most gorgeous bride.It was love at first sight for these Carlos Santana’s. Every girl loves her sparkle!Michelle… I hope you know how beautiful you are. (Shout out to the lovely ladies of Blush & Co.!)LOVE how simplistic the florals were. Simple makes for lovely. Thanks to FiftyFlowers.com and the bride herself!
Not going to lie.. I kinda want to make this picture on the left my OWN profile picture. ;)Such a sweet and fun group of girls. Thank you for everything, ladies!!The gentlemen were looking extra sharp that day. Also… I could have shot in this light foreverrr.J’Max is by far one of the most personable, friendly guys we know. And I think it shows on the bottom right. :)The groomsmen gifts were definitely befitting for a New Year’s Eve wedding. And waaay dapper.After first shooting the girls and then the guys, it was time for the first look! Michelle and J’Max were actually the couple I wrote about in THIS post on why I believe a first look is the BEST choice a bride and groom can make for their wedding. I’m glad I could convince them. Because it got me this sweet shot. :)Planning for a first look within M and J’s wedding day timeline allowed for the following series of portraits to be shot in natural light. With their ceremony starting at 7:30PM, it was definitely the way to go! Plus, I’m kinda’ giddy about them…I. Cannot. Take. The. Fierceness. AND! Many thanks goes out to POP Video, for being so easy to work with and capturing the fierceness right alongside us! We can’t WAIT to see your marvelous work!!J’Max sure knows how to turn on the GQ-smolder just like THAT.Have I mentioned that I love Crystal Springs? If one thing is true, we did not want for beautiful scenery.Give it up for the most punctual and well-dressed wedding party EVER! ALSO – do you SEE that adorable 2012 top-hat? Michelle went all out. ;)Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the most fabulous display of old clocks alongside M and J’s guestbook. Oh, and I swear I asked Dylan what time it was about three times before realizing I could look in ANY direction and find out for myself. ;)A ribbon backdrop for the altar, and one breath-taking Michelle, flashing us a smile.
The image on the right? I think J’Max was happy or something… ;)My favorite part about a wedding ceremony is right after the vows have been made. No one really celebrates until the pronouncement of “husband and wife” or the kiss… But after those vows? That’s it! You’re MARRIED!!! BAM.This setup… The tables, the chairs, the centerpieces with baby’s breath and clocks and gold-colored ornaments. It was all too perfect. Special thanks to All Star Catering as well. The food was DE-LISH.You know what they say.. Ranunculus are a girl’s best friend. Unless those aren’t ranunculus. :)Guests absolutely ate up these photo booth props. And I assure you, there was glitter everywheeere.Frost Bake Shoppe changed my life with these cupcakes. Tastes like MORE.Time for the first dance. These two spared no fancy-ness with their moves! Also, a big shout out to our DJ friends at Rock N’ Robin.It’s moments like these that validate why I do what I do. You can read the emotion so clearly. Just LOVE these two!!

Happy Friday!! Leave Michelle and J’Max some love and congratulations! :)

Sara’s Alvina Valenta gown was easily one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen.
The shoes! Oh, the shoes. These lovelies are by Badgley Mischka.

The glowing bride. Sara. You are breathtaking.
Love and thanks go to Misty with The Perfect Face!Writing a love letter to her future-husband. :)Missy Robinson of MooseFeathers Florist is brilliant beyond measure. Look at Sara’s fabulous bouquet! These girls were such fun to work with!Robert, the dashing groom, prepping for the camera. ;)Sara and Robert and I worked out a wedding timeline that allowed for all portraits to be taken prior to the ceremony! This timeline included this most romantic first look. To read more about our timeline/first look suggestions, click HERE and HERE. I loved how Sara snuck up on him in the picture on the left…Quite possibly one of my new favorite images ever. They look so… Happy.Oh, they made my job waaay too easy. By (1) being fabulous and (2) being themselves. Which I suppose are one in the same.I could have shot under this tree for the rest of my life. Totally stoked about this composition. And this beautiful wedding party.Two pretty little ballerina flower girls, and the ceremony site on the right.These hanging globes of awesomeness were handmade by Sara!Wedding time… (A major shout-out to the Brittan Pittman videography team, who was such a pleasure working with!)
Did I mention how absolutely perfect the light was that day? I was in photographer-heaven.Man and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer!!
Congratulatory hugs are some of my favorite moments to capture. :)
Inside the mansion were room after room of stunning place settings and florals.Many thanks to Judy Martin of Martin Farms Catering. The food was de-lish!Cuh-lassy. It’s all I can say about this entire day.Have you ever seen such a beautiful cake and dessert display? Haley Glasco Ogle of The Muffin Top did the most outstanding job!The toasts were also a hit. Sara’s sister Haley gave the biggest tear-inducing speech ever written. Clearly. :)One final thank you to the South Texas Jazz Band. If you’re researching music for YOUR wedding, seriously… Look no further!

Happy Thursday! Which image is your favorite?

Here is Tammy’s PERFECT Maggie Sottero gown for the church ceremony, along with her Christian Louboutin pumps. DIE.

She may just be one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen. And Blush Makeup Artistry did an amazing job!Last minute tea ceremony prep!Sonny, shortly after arriving at the bride’s family’s house. I love the anticipation written all over his face!It was truly so special to be a part of documenting such sweet tradition.After the tea ceremony, the introduction of the families, and exchanging of gifts, it was time for lunch (YUM) and for Tammy to get glammed up a second time.Tammy and I worked together closely on the wedding day timeline to ensure enough time for portraits of just the two of them. This meant having a first look, which I am always, ALWAYS for! :)JD Flowers was such a pleasure to work with!I just looove this moment. We had to improvise with these images, as it was raining cats and dogs and the house was packed with family members. Garage light, anyone? ;)Everyone then headed over to Our Lady of Lavang. Loving this shot by Dylan!
This church was a DREAM to photograph in. Such perfect light everywhere…Kaley’s shot! LURVE.Special shout out to the HD Videography duo, who always made sure I knew what was going on because I don’t speak Vietnamese. :)Ahhh. You two make me so happy here!!Digging the true emotion and joy in this casual wedding party pic.
A few more portraits for Mr. and Mrs. Vo. :)Okay, QUIT being so gorgeous guys… (But it’s okay if you don’t!) ;)The 600-guest reception was held at Kim Son Restaurant in downtown Houston. Fabulous!Cake by Khanh provided the yumminess you see below.Greeting each table one by one in Tammy’s third outfit of the night!This one melts me. Could be the backlighting. It could be the awe on Tammy’s face. But it could also be her bridesmaid cheering them on in the background.
And they danced. ALL. NIGHT. LONG.

Leave ‘em love, Internet. And happy Thursday!!

Loved Eden’s Nina shoes and dress by Sophia Tolli. Pure elegance.Florals by Jana’s Flowers. And what a gorgeous broach!The beautiful bride!!Eden was an absolute stunner on her wedding day…The forecast was a little iffy that day, but the girls came prepared with adorable matching parasols.The men. With our groom Michael at the front. Looking handsome.Alexa! I have never heard such beautiful violin playing in all my liiife.The skylight in the Chapel of St. Basil provided the sweetest light to photograph this perfect moment.You couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces if you tried. MARRIED!!Portrait time with Mr. and Mrs. Johnson!Probably my two favorites. I love how Michael is helping Eden with her dress. Such a gentleman!The cocktail-style reception was held at The Tasting Room at River Oaks, and was so much fun to photograph! Cake by JK Cakes.A huge shout-out to coordinator extraordinaire, Victor (with The Tasting Room), who helped everything run smoothly.The sweetest first dance everrr.

Happy Friday!!

Cesy’s gorgeous dress by St. Patrick, and HOTT shoes by Guess.Many thanks to Thalio Beckham for their hair and makeup artistry.New favorite prep photo. Isn’t C stunning?I adored Cesy’s taste in jewelry…Cesilia and Israel’s timeline enabled us to get a few shots of Cesy solo just prior to their first look! To read more about why we think having a first look is the BEST choice you could make for your wedding day, click HERE.
Meet Israel. Just prior to the big reveal! :)I couldn’t get enough of this lobby. Or these gorgeous subjects.
You two just make me smile..Making our way out to the docks. And looking fabulous all the while.Cesy – SHUT. UP. You’re like? PERFECT.
I love how sharp Israel looks in this image.And then we were off to the ceremony cite at The Admiral on Clear Lake.
So happy! And C’s lovely bouquet was by Flowers by Ms. Sara.
The ceremony, timed right as the sun set.MARRIED. At laaast.A beautiful tribute with beautiful calla lilies.For Heaven’s Cake provided this beauty. And then? It was time to DANCE.Shout-out to Cesar Gil with Unique Style Productions for his awesome DJ’ing skills.And another favorite to end on. :)

Happy Friday!! Leave Cesy and Yayo some love!

L & N – You two are. the. BEST. Whenever we’ve worked together, I’ve felt in the company of not just clients, but good friends. For that, I say that you are AWESOME, and THANK YOU. :) Thanks also for the sweetest opportunity to capture the most important (and perfectly beautiful) day of your lives. I hope you’re enjoying your honeymoon… And I hope you have Internet access so you can check out your sneak peek!! ;) XOXO!!

I just can’t get enough of the beautiful architecture and surroundings of Ashelynn Manor.

Laura’s gorgeous dress is by Allure Bridals.And the shoes are from BHLDN. (Ahhh!! LOVE.)The Blooming Idea got so creative with all the PERFECT florals. I could almost eat that bouquet…Have you ever seen a more lovely boutonniere?Here’s where I really died and went to Heaven… Laura just so happens to work alongside an INCREDIBLE graphic designer, Julie of Love, Jules Stationery.Julie also handcrafted these ceremony programs. AKA, one of my favorite details ever.Many thanks to Exquisite Reflections for glamming all the girls up!Oh Laura. I LOVE your smile!!
Time to get dressed! All of Laura’s bridesmaids were so awesomely helpful.The groom, Mr. Nick Seeley.Have I mentioned lately how much I love it when couples choose to have a First Look? The resulting timeline eases nerves, slows down the day with some quality one-on-one time, and enables all portraits to be taken BEFORE the ceremony so you’re not scrambling to fit them in during cocktail hour! This might be my favorite shot of the day. :) They’re just so happy.Gahh, looking. SO. good.Laura, you’re beautiful… Legit.Nick looking all handsome, and wooorkin’ it.Ah, that sweet light. It was a dream…This one on the left? Possible new fave of all time.Just looove you two. :)And I just had to let the bride’s twin sister Julia in on the blog love! We’re shooting HER wedding in March! :)The guys, looking oh-so-dapper.This bride left no detail un-detailed. The guest book was a dictionary in which guests would circle a word that reminded them of marriage and then write their names next to it. Genius. Below, “laughter” is circled. I definitely agree!It was an absolute thrill working alongside my girls at Recollection Vintage Rentals, who made Laura’s vision come to life in so many ways.
Ceremony time. :)And the bride’s mom looking on…A definite favorite part of this ceremony was the SWEETEST reading of I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg.Laura said “I will” about one line into her vows. This moment was captured after the officiant said, “Not yet!!” ;)MARRIED.
The Carriage House, and the getaway car.Most creative idea for wedding favors ever.Delicious cake by Lisa Barcelona Cake Design.And such lovely table numbers.Dancing, as husband and wife. :)Special shout-out to Michelle and Ivan of Grasshopper Productions and Johnny Grams of All Time DJ. You were a pleasure to work with! And they’re off!

Happy Friday!!

Happy Thursday!!

When Lindsay began working at a new company in the heart of NYC, she met Jared – the talk, dark and handsome to her blonde hair and blue eyes. Similar interests brought them together as friends. JUST friends.. But on an evening full of pizza and Role Models, she could feel him staring at her. Lindsay was determined to appear too enamored by one of the worst movies she’d ever seen to notice. But oh, did she notice. And Jared? He kissed her… After which it was agreed: They’d go into this – whatever “this” was – with no expectations. “Nonchalant,” if you will. It didn’t take longer than a week for Lindsay to know… She’d marry that man some day. Fast forward..

It was the 29th of October, 2011. I, Alyse French, shot the wedding of Lindsay Fields. But this time, she wasn’t just a girl five grades ahead of me. She was my friend. And one of the most gorgeous brides I’ve ever seen… The excitement leading up to this day had manifested itself in hundreds of exclamation points in more exchanged emails than I can count. And the excitement OF this day was purely magical. On the 29th of October, 2011, Lindsay Fields became Lindsay Lanzetta. Jared became one of the luckiest men on the planet. And I was reminded, again, how truly grateful I am for this dream-job-come-true.

L & J – Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the confidence and enthusiasm with which you’ve chosen us as your photographers. And thank you for welcoming us with such love and excitement. You are an inspiration in what it means to love wholly. And we hope you enjoy your sneak peek! XOXO!!

Over the year that Lindsay and I emailed back and forth about her wedding day, I formed this vision in my head. Vintage glam. And it totally came to life.Big thanks goes out to my oft-second-shooter/always-friend, Amber Jacoby, for allowing me to be in two places at once. And capturing some sweet photographs.Lindsay’s hair was soo perfect. With many thanks to the ever-fabulous Devon from Riah in NYC.I love this moment. Lindsay, putting on her mother’s ring. :)And in the most beautiful Maggie Sottero dress… I’d swear it was made for her.If you know Lindsay, then you know she is one of the KINDEST, happiest, and smiliest people you will ever meet. I think the picture on the right sums that up. Here she is reading a card from her husband-to-be…Amber was able to shoot the guys while I shot with the girls. Love how stoic Matt (left) and Jared (right) are in these frames.This handsome groom’s wedding ring was once his grandfather’s. Love that his name is now etched right next to the original.Ceremony time. With the cutest flower girls ever, miss Katie, Lina, and Gianna.Have you ever seen a bride so radiant? As I overheard Lindsay telling Jared later that night, “I’m going to remember THAT moment forever.” :)
The beautiful gravity of this day was written all over their faces. Love this shot.After L & J presented gifts to their families, Amber captured these two moments, which get me every time.Married!!! And happier than ever.About a week before the big day, Lindsay emailed me about the ALL-rain forecast in the works. But thankfully, Dolce Seaview has a myriad of covered backdrops with beautiful light. And I like to think this wedding party proves it!Linds… You’re breathtaking. And yes, even during a mid-portrait session makeup touchup!P.S.!! Linds and I worked together to create a KILLER timeline for her wedding day. Complete with 45 minutes of portrait taking!All I can do is smile. :)
Thanks guys. For bearing the cold and the wind. You rocked it like no thaaang.Galloway Florist did an amazing job with Lindsay’s bouquet.Love this perspective from Amber.We then brought the fun inside for a bit.And then right back outside with one of the ten umbrellas Lindsay ordered in the 100%-chance event of rain. :) Also, the shot on the right… I think you two might make the most gorgeous couple on the planet with those smiles. And I’m so not kidding.It would be completely remiss of us not to mention Videoccasions. SO fabulous to work with!
Favorite, favorite.I love, love, love when brides share the details of their day with me ahead of time. When Linds found these adorable mini-chair cardholders, I was completely smitten.Vintage details everywhere!Many thanks to the coordinators and crew at Dolce Seaview, for the impeccable set-up and for making sure we were always taken care of.
DJ entertainment by Premier Entertainment! And cake by Lindsay’s aunt Barb, with Randolph’s Bakery & Fine Confections! It was GORGE.As if the whole day wasn’t emotional enough, these two had to be completely adorable and in love for the WHOLE reception. ;)Jen and Matt, your toasts were fabulous.Clearly… :)The father/daughter dance, to the sweetest doo-wop tune…If I haven’t already said it, Amber and I would like to thank both the Lanzetta and Fields families for being so welcoming and sweet to us. We miss you all already. That goes for you too, Mrs. Lanzetta. Looking all amazing during your mother/son dance… :)Sometimes you don’t mean to catch a moment that literally happens for one solitary split-second… But then you do. And you’re just thankful.Linds dancing with her brother Steven to the song Sister by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds. It set waterworks in motion for sure.And they danced – and kissed – the night away.:)

Happy Friday! Leave them some love and congratulations!!

D & G – There are no words for the gratitude I feel for you bringing us into your lives to document your new beginning. And the number of times you both went out of your way on YOUR day to thank us and tell us how grateful you were that we were the ones to capture it all? Well, it means the world… We appreciate you! We love you! We think you’re totally AWESOME! And we hope you enjoy this sneak peek. :) XOXO!! Alyse & Kaley

I’m convinced I could shoot at Oak Tree Manor three times a day, and 17 times on Sunday. I mean, seriously…

Danielle’s Vera Wang dress was the absolute most perfect dress for her. Just wait until you see her in it!I loved the color and design of these Nina Shoes.
Pat Hermes, with Weddings in Bloom, created a fabulous bouquet with all sorts of colorful and unique stems.If you look reeeally closely, you can see me in the picture on the left. :)One of my favorite getting ready shots EV.ER.Specials thanks to Christine Thai with Lot 8 Salon in Rice Village for Danielle’s gorgeous ‘do!Pssst… I totally planned for the perfume spritz to be in this very precise plane of focus. (Actually, I didn’t plan it at all. But I was stoked how it turned out!)Can you ever go wrong with a birdcage veil? I don’t think so.Danielle and Garrett chose to do a first look, and I couldn’t be happier with the images it enabled us to capture, or the ease with which the rest of the day flowed because of it.At every important or new stage in Danielle and Garrett’s relationship, Garrett would gift Danielle with a journal. But on this day, Danielle gifted Garrett with one. And with a very special message inside… They are toootal romantics. :)Just a warning… I’m not sure I’ve EVER posted this many bride/groom portraits. But the timeline Danielle and I worked together to create included 45 minutes before the ceremony AND 15 minutes after the ceremony to shoot away. And shoot away we did!!A new favorite, for sure.For real? You two are so hott right now. ;)Danielle… Exquisite is what you are.Garrett totally brought it. Clearly.For such a small venue, Oak Tree Manor really is packed with amazing backdrops for portraits. Love this one…Handsome with a capital H.I love the way these two make each other laugh. :)Now for a closeup of D’s gorgeous earrings, ring, necklace, veil, hair, skin, eyes, etc., etc., etc.Shout-out to mah girls! Y’all were the BEST.Best Garrett-reaction ever. :) This was after asking them to give me their serious faces. They obviously struggled a bit. But I LOVE the result.Way to have one of the most sharp-looking wedding parties on the planet!!Remember Danielle? The girl with innate attention to detail? Yeah, I wasn’t kidding. These sodas were for guests to enjoy right before the ceremony.The infamous oak.Kimberly Mueller with Arteflora crafted all the other arrangements for the big day. Impeccably done.Coffee anybody? These strands of garland could filter the HECK out of your coffee. Literally.The big moment.Huge props to Kaley, who grabbed the image on the left. :)
I was in photographer heaven when I saw this composition right in front of me.Communion. So beautiful.Mmmm. I die. (Hey D – I vote this one for your canvas!!) ;)The kiss!!Anddd married…
Taking it all in. Love these two moments.And a little more fabulousness before the sun went down.Aren’t these pie pop favors the cutest?!There are not enough ways to say thank you to Mrs. Phoebe Barron. Who coordinated an entire wedding day flawlessly and made sure we were always taken care of. Thanks, Phoebe!!Okay, who remembers that children’s book about the flowers that turn into paint brushes? Oh, just me? NVM then. :) Also, Garrett’s parents drove in more than a handful of cakes from Kalico Kitchen in Holdenville, OK, because they are the BEST around. And I for one can testify to that truth. Twice.The first dance…Another thank you to Robin with Rock N Robin DJ’s who nailed every song.Oh how the father/daughter dance always chokes me up…And the grand exit. Complete with sparklers and screaming friends and fam… The end to a perfect wedding day. :)

Happy Wednedsay! Now leave them some love and congratulations!!