Sedona Elopement Photographer: Zach and Samantha Rothschild
Check out this elopement, I’ve been posting sneak peeks for the last couple weeks but finally the Blog is here. Samantha found me on a Facebook post searching for vendors as they had to cancel their weeding due to covid. Making the decision to elope to Sedona may not have been their first choice however it was a beautiful one. Meeting up, I first met Samantha’s father, and Grandparents. I learned they had yet to see the bride so we set up a first look for them. The photos will not disappoint. Samantha’s Dad became overwhelmed at the sight of his daughter and moved me to tears. Grandma and Grandpa also looked at Samantha and joy and pride beamed from them. You could see just how loved our bride is. Once we set forth to the ceremony site I pulled Zach away to get him all set up for the first look of his very soon to be wife. While calm and collected Zach admitted to being a bit nervous but overall excited to be getting married to Samantha. He was a natural model, I’d make a suggestion he’d be set in pose before I could finish my request. (making my job soooooo easy) I had him wait on the path while I brought his bride to be back for their first look. Samantha’s beauty strikes again, taking the breath away from her groom and moving him to tears. Zach turns, his face was full of surprise and admiration, clutching his chest in disbelief he was shook. As Samantha walks toward her groom he starts to cry, they embrace and she dries his tears. Giving them a few moment to soak it in and appreciate the moment I just keep clicking away. Once they were ready, I took them to another little spot just bit away from their party to keep their moment uninterrupted. These two were so easy to pose and work with like previously mentioned I’d make a suggestion and before I could finished they were posed into exactly what I was looking for. Soon the Minister arrived and we began the ceremony, The Sedona Mountains surrounded them making their ceremony a magical spot. Immediate family watched while the couple said their vows and were married. Simple sweet and to the point.
Samantha and Zach,
It was a great honor to capture your wedding day, I hope you love the images as much as I do! May you have a long successful and happy marriage! Cheers!
Mesa, Arizona photographer: Amanda & Micah
Y’all look at this cute family! I had such a wonderful time taking these photos. While the temperature read 109, during the session it didn’t feel so warm. I am so grateful they were willing to brave this Arizona summer evening. Please enjoy and share!
Sedona Arizona Photographer: Mr. & Mrs. Muranko 10 year anniversary
Lyndsay and Jared have been married for 10 years and they wanted to celebrate their anniversary with a photoshoot. We drove up to Sedona to escape the 110+ heat here in the Phoenix area. Sedona offers beautiful and unique landscape which I truly enjoyed experiencing for the first time myself. This day was beautiful if a bit cloudy and rainy. I am so honored to capture these images and share them for this awesome couple.
Cheers to 10 years and to many more to come!
Forsan, Texas photographer: Chloe's senior casuals
Chloe is my final recipient of my senior portrait giveaway. She is one I am proud to have met. This young lady has a very bright future! Chloe will be attending Baylor university with a scholarship she deserves, with goals of becoming a Pediatric Invasive Cardiologist . Chloe has many hobbies and interests. In the musical arts she plays trombone in her school band , enjoys singing, and listening to all genres of music. A few of her other hobbies are drawing, sewing, photography, and she is a VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER! Upon meeting Chloe she was a little reserved but with help from her mom we were able to break through the shyness and get some really beautiful photos. This young lady’s smile is contagious, I would find myself smiling while editing her images just because it’s so catching. I could brag on Chloe all day, and I’ve only just met her. She should be very proud of herself, I sure know her mama is!
Chloe it was an absolute pleasure working with you! I know you will achieve anything you put your mind to!
Coahoma, Texas Photographer: Zack Senior Casuals
Zack is a senior at Coahoma high school, fortunately for him he was able to soak up the Friday night lights and enjoy the first half of senior year playing the sport he loved. While Zack loves football he also enjoys playing other sports as well. His senior year has been greatly affected while the coronavirus sweeps the world and our nation. In the fall he will go on to HSU in the fall to continue his education to become a Teacher and a Coach. After speaking with his mom I understand that Zack is a great friend, he is loyal, kind and humble. He is the kind of person you would want as a friend.
May your future be bright and successful!
Coahoma, Texas Photographer: Jonathan senior Casual
I had such a great time shooting this session. This is Jonathan he is a Coahoma senior set to graduate this spring. Unfortunately the Coronavirus has affected the school and he will be finishing out his year from home. There are many things he will be missing, senior prom, graduation and his senior year of baseball. Baseball is Jonathan’s favorite sport and I can only imagine the disappointment that he is missing his final high school season. He was a lot of fun during this session and I could tell he has a very laid back and silly personality. I later learned Jonathan loves to make people laugh, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and has a huge heart. Jonathan will be attending HSU in the Fall studying to become and orthopedic surgeon.
I hope you go on to do many great things and you only find success!
Big spring, Texas Photographer: Mialah Sanders Senior Casual
Senior year is something to remember, hanging with friends making lasting memories and having a lot of fun. Unfortunately Class of 2020 will have other memories. It will consist of distant learning, shelter in place, FaceTime calls to hang out. Hopefully this all blows over before prom, and graduation so they may make some fun memories of their senior year. Covid-19 has swept the country, taking so much from our 2020 seniors. But it can’t take everything! Keep your heads up y’all! you still graduate this year. you still start a new chapter of your life. Thank you Mialah for coming out and taking these photos I hope they are positive memories for you!
Coahoma, Texas Photographer: Brylea's Senior Casuals
This was such a fun photo shoot! Brylea was a great sport during our shoot going above and beyond to get beautiful shots for her senior portraits! I am so proud of these image I hope she loves them just as much as I do! It was an absolute pleasure to work with such a sweet girl!
Big Spring, Texas photographer: Emma's Senior Casuals
Emma attends Forsan High school and is quite a remarkable gal. She is a Woodwind Lieutenant in the Forsan High School Band where she plays b flat and bass clarinet. She has an adorable weenie dog named Bindi who is very loyal to Emma. It was an absolute pleasure meeting Emma and hope she absolutely loves her photos!
Enjoy!
Big Spring Texas Photographer: Alexis' Senior Casuals
Alexis was one of our lucky contestants, It was an absolute pleasure taking her photos. Alexis is an outstanding young woman who has great things going for her.
Enjoy!
Kayla and Justin Christmas session
Justin and Kayla have been dating just shy of a year and a half, I have had the pleasure of knowing them both for that long. Starting new here in Texas hasn’t been easy but I’m happy I’ve had new friends during this big change to lean on. I hope you all enjoy their photos as I enjoyed taking them.
You guys are awesome thank you always for you help and support!
The Vandiver Family
Most know this lovely woman as their coffee lady, she started out that way for me too. (shout out to Shebrews coffee of Big Spring Texas) She has become a friend, someone I sit and chat with for an hour or two depending on if another customer pulls up behind me. She is truly a blessing in my life. Her family is her core, her husband, son and granddaughter are the most dear in her life. This was the first time I got to really meet the rest of her family and it’s very clear how much they love her too. I had such a great time capturing all the interactions and really capturing just how much little Chloe has them all wrapped around her finger. I had so much fun! I hope y’all did too.
Oroville Ca, Family photography: Jessica and Donny
I have had the pleasure of following this family since Jess was pregnant with Kaia. I love capturing their family grow up! The kiddos have gotten soooo big!
Oroville Ca, Family photography: Samantha Smith and the boys
This year has been a rough year, with the camp fire taking so much away this little family stuck together and got through all the challenges. These little guys truly love their mama, you can see that they are so proud of her. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know these gentlemen.
Oroville Ca, Maternity Photography: Jessica and Matt
This little family will be welcoming baby number 2 in early October. They have decided to keep the gender a surprise which is incredible. I cannot wait for the big reveal! They already have Gabe who is so fun and sweet I have no doubt Baby number 2 will be just as precious!
Chico Ca: Maternity photography, Melville Twins
This party of two will become a party of four this October! It was a great surprise when Lauren and Mike announced their pregnancy, an even bigger surprise when they announced twins! I am so incredibly excited for this little family! I cannot wait to meet the boys next time I’m out in California!
Little Margot
This beautiful girl is so in love with her parents she just couldn't be away from them. We had some plans for her, but she had some plans of her own. I’m happy she chose to take control of the shoot because she gave us some beautiful lifestyle shots that truly capture the love from her parents.
The only thing missing was Margots brother and sisters.
The Pruett family
I have been capturing this family for a few years now, the last time I saw them they were cooking pancakes with a newborn. Now both the kiddos are so big! I just loved catching up and seeing their little family grow. They are always so much fun to capture!
Elora Kathleen Miller
I’ve thought over this blog for some time. If I should post or not. I tried for the majority of my pregnancy not to be boastful or over sharing as I too have felt the pangs of doubt in my fertility. That wonder if “I’ll ever get that lucky” that worry shifted into "Is my body ready to carry to term, Am I doing this right, it’s 24 weeks why haven’t I felt her move, is she A positive blood type and we won’t be compatible." As she grew and her kicks got stronger my worry eased. I shared more, I talked about it more I got excited instead of being in fear. Elora’s life has given me so much joy and has been a focal point for my friends and family after the Camp fire. She’s everything I never knew I was missing.
I was very fortunate with my pregnancy, I didn’t have complications just worry. I spent many nights watching her move in my belly, being excited for each kick wondering what she’d look like, who she’ll become. Just knowing I was carrying a miracle, one that would better me, challenge me and one I love beyond measure. As the days got closer to my due date I grew anxious, and nervous. I am so grateful we chose to have a c section because the anticipation of a traditional birth would have driven me crazy.
Friday April 5th 2019 3:30 am.
The alarm clock sounded as any other morning, just a few hours earlier. Will and I got ready, we came out to the living room where my mom and sister were ready to go. Mom braided my hair and it was go time. We checked and double checked to make sure we had everything and we made our way to Midland Memorial hospital. Mom rode with me. We listened to Chris Stapleton and chatted about life and how it was going to change. When we got to the hospital we checked in at about 5AM. As I got prepped for surgery it was very light hearted and at some bits quite funny. I had no nervousness just excitement to see my baby girl for the first time. At about 6 Will put on his dad scrubs and cap then fidgeted for an hour before they were ready to take us back. Before we went back my anesthesiologist met with us. She was very business in the beginning but as we chatted she lighted up and she was by far my favorite medical professional in the surgery room. ( I’ll get to why later). Soon she rolled me back into the OR and we got started. My anesthesiologist was very clear in what to expect when I got my spinal block, this eased me so much because everything we spoke about happened and I didn’t panic at all. The plan was right there in front of me I just had to follow it (in stressful situations this is the best way for me to cope. I appreciate a good plan). She made sure I was comfortable and made it very clear if I were to feel ANYTHING I needed to speak up. I felt nothing. Once I was all numbed up they prepped me and then brought Will back to join me. The doctors chatted about their day, Fleetwood Mac was plating in the background and it was just moments before we heard and saw miss Elora for the first time. As my doctor was pulling her out he chuckled and said “Hey Emma, It’s a good thing we’re doing it this way, I don’t think she would have came out the other way, she’s big and healthy.”
Seconds later I hear her first cry, Will is standing at my head petting me telling me “she’s here, she’s big”. Some one calls out
"Birth time 7:52” Birth weight “8 pounds 3 ounces” As they take her to the table for respiratory to check her out and clear any obstructions Will just watched her so intently. Meanwhile I was sorting out this tidal wave of emotions. My eyes were instantly flooded when I heard her for the first time, watching Will walk over to her was a literal blur. My anesthesiologist was there ( seriously the MVP) giving me the scoop on everything they were doing, telling me it's normal, that Elora was beautiful and she even let me peek around the curtain to see her. I fought my fears and worries when I couldn’t hear Elora crying, when I saw her purple skin. I had so much worry but I knew we both were in capable hands so I dialed into the music playing and sang along to Rocket man. Soon enough Will and the nurse came over carrying her to me. I was already crying so I couldn't really see her well, Them my amazing anesthesiologist came over with tissues and blotted away my tears (SHE'S SERIOUSLY THE BEST). For the first time I clearly saw my daughter. I wanted to touch her, kiss her. But my arms were so numb I couldn’t lift them…. (Again I didn’t feel anything) I think I muttered "she’s so cute, that’s my baby” or something along those lines. Then I hear “dad can I have your phone to take pictures for you” ( YES! That was my anesthesiologist). She snapped a few photos and then Will and baby went to recovery as they stitched me up. That took the longest. I started to get control of my arms, they were still heavy but I could lift them. The nurse rolled me into recovery where Will was holding this little bundle of blankets and baby. His smile when I came in the room was one I’d never seen before, or maybe it was just my emotions and how great it was to see them both again. I wanted to hold her, to look at her but I knew I couldn’t do it safely on my own. Soon the nurse came over and put Elora on my chest for skin to skin and then tried to get her to breast feed. I don’t remember much of that nurse… I think I blocked her out because what I do remember is that she was very assertive and meant business. They kept us in recovery for about an hour and then we were transferred to our suite.
Once we were settled in my Mom and Jenna came up to see us. They too fell instantly in love telling me how she looks so much like me as a newborn. They day was relaxed with baby cuddles, nurses here and there but quiet. Will’s dad came up from near Austin to greet his granddaughter and get newborn cuddles. Later in the evening the boys joined us, they had gone to school as normal and our friends brought them down. Brody was excited through out my pregnancy he was very interested in feeling her kick and asking questions where Tommy was more reserved. When they finally met her they were both so excited however Brody was like “oh cool she’s here I love her now what else are we doing”. Where Tommy sat with her, not lifting his gaze, loving every second he got with her.
While I missed being home, missed all the people who I wished could have met her in her first few weeks. My dad, my nephews, the great grandparents, aunts, uncles and all the friends who have been a part of Will and I’s journey; I have to admit I really loved the quietness in the room, just being able to cuddle and love on my new baby without having to give her up every 20 minutes. I just got to hog her!
The first night was difficult I struggled with breast-feeding. One of my nurses had to come in and give me a peptalk because I was so emotional about not being able to give her what she needed and that I wasn’t able to breast-feed correctly. I struggled with my incision being very painful as I didn’t want to take any opiate medications, the second evening I broke I had to get something a little stronger than Tylenol.
When the second evening came I had a bit more of everything handled, I knew what I was supposed to be doing and it went a lot more smoothly. We were release the third morning, my sister drove Elora and I home she was nervous but I had plenty of confidence in her driving even in a different state. The next few days we were in and out of the hospital is getting Elora‘s bilirubin tested as she was a little jaundice when we were released. This was also difficult for me because I felt like I was failing her. While I knew rationally I was doing all that I could I worried about the worst case scenarios. There was a couple breakdowns along the way but overall we got through it and everything ended up just fine. The last two months have been some of the best moments I’ve ever experience, if not s tad emotional, sleepless and busy.
Without further ado here are Elora’s newborn photos. Some were taken her first week and some were taken her 3rd week
Paradise Ca, Wedding photographer: Mr. and Mrs. Domenichini
Bri and Merill Domenichini, are by far two of the most incredible people I have had the honor of working for. Their kindness and generosity knows no bounds and they have been so marvelous through the last 3 months I just don’t know what I would do if they were anyone else. Their wedding was on a lovely property down a country road in Paradise California. The wedding was on an October afternoon surrounded with great weather and old oak trees. The day began with Bri getting ready with her bridesmaids having a few drinks, laughing and sharing stories. Bri was a little nervous but it wasn’t due to her marrying her best friend. The day was low key, relaxed and so enjoyable, surrounded with great hearted people made my job feel like a day off. Merill and his groomsmen got ready down at the reception site, enjoying a few laughs and a few beers. Merill was clear with his decision, he had no worry or nervousness he was just excited to finally take Bri as his wife.
Bri and her father had a first look and my oh my how much that made me and every other onlooker cry. A man of strength looked at his baby girl as if for the first time and became overcome with emotion. His love, and pride for his daughter was clear, he was glowing.
The guests arrived and filled nearly every seat, the ceremony began. The bridesmaids were delivered to the groomsmen in classic model cars. The flower girls met their ring bearers and walked down the aisle tossing out shot gun shells (bride and groom are both avid hunters). Bri and her father came down in a Model T. Once she started walking down the aisle Merill looked at his bride took a deep breath and attempted to hold back his tears.
The ceremony was beautiful as the sun slowly hit the golden hour. The couple exchanged their vows and sealed it with a kiss. The same Model T was waiting at the end of the aisle to parade the newlyweds around their guests. The ceremony was followed by a lovely reception with many wonderful people. After dinner we swept the bride and groom away for sunset photos that over looked the valley. Bri and Merill were complemented so nicely with the setting sun the whole setting was one from a dream. As they returned to the reception the evening proceeded with toasts, cake cutting and the formal dancing.
The couple shared their first dance under white lights as their guest surrounded them watching intently. Bri was met by her father showing off some skills on the dance floor swinging his little girl around as if they’ve been doing this forever. Merill joined his mother on the dance floor he spun her around and they laughed together once the song was over he gave her a final spin and escorted her off the dance floor. Soon after the dances they called all the single ladies and gents for the bouquet and garter toss. The evening continued with dancing and great company.
I was fortunate to be a witness to these two getting married. Jena and I had a wonderful time sharing the day with you both. Thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do for those you love. Your hearts are truly amazing, I am so blessed to call you friends.
