Brandi Burkett Photography

So Long....

2011-05-02T00:13:00.003-05:00

The day has finally come.... THE NEW BLOG HAS LAUNCHED!!! Yes, Prince William also got married, but really what's more important? This will be the final post made on this blog. Please visit the new blog at brandiburkett.com/blog and don't forget to update your bookmark. This blog will remain at this address until the new website is launched, at which time this blog will be archived on the new blog.

It's been a great run, dear old Blogger blog. Enjoy playing with the other old-school blogs out there on the farm. Mom says there's going to be lots of room to run and plenty of old blogs to play with...

I'll miss you (kind of) xo xo!
B.

MEGA Blog!!!

2011-03-10T13:11:00.003-06:00

Hello citizens of the internets! It's been awhile since we've talked :) There just never seems to be enough hours in my day. Right now I'm rocking six inches of bad roots, my kids pants are all comically short and my husband has developed an inappropriate relationship with the Food Network.

I aim to launch the new blog and website by the end of March. Posting on this blog is ridiculously laborious, and I can't wait to launch the new one. I'm thinking I'll be a much better boyfriend once it's up and running :)

In the meantime, here's a look at what I've been up to. The following sessions will appear in full on the new blog...so now you have to come back! ;)

Marissa & John's Wedding

2011-03-10T13:00:00.001-06:00

Rachel and Jared's Engagement

2011-01-19T11:30:00.002-06:00

This session is representative of my favorite way to shoot, in that we bounce around style-wise quite a bit. In the real world there are lots of places where we must turn away from the proverbial "buffet" and make lasting choices; in our partners, our careers... But within the world of art, we are removed from the need to define ourselves so narrowly and permanently. So feel free to come to your engagement session dressed as Elvis...

Maybe.

Rose and David

2011-01-18T02:30:00.005-06:00

One of the beautiful summer weddings I never had time to blog. I'm slowly working my way through the back log of un-blogged work as time allows. Please visit my Facebook page for a complete look at this beautiful wedding!

Here are the vendors who worked so hard to make this event perfect!
Venue: Hollytree Country Club
Flowers: La Tee Da
Cake: Village Bakery
Band: Otis and the Metro Band

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A Little Business...

2010-12-10T09:33:00.003-06:00

Good morning everyone! I hope this Christmas season is feeling merry and bright! We've at least got bright covered, thank you seventy degree weather in December...

I wanted to give you a few important updates:

1. Thank you to Lauren and Nikki, our Facebook Fan contest winners! Stay tuned for details about our next contest. We need to reach 500 fans to keep the goodness flowing.

2. If you need to reach me without actually speaking, please use my email address, brandi_burkett@yahoo.com as opposed to texting. This will ensure your important message doesn't get missed.

3. New packaging, a new blog and finally...a website are in the works! I'm also in the process of designing new packages and a complete product line that will give you lots of beautiful ways to display/use your images.

4. Finally, new blog posts are coming. It will be awhile yet before I return to slide shows. In fact, I'd love to hear from you guys about slide shows! Does anybody watch them??? Would you rather see a show every quarter with images from several different weddings or do you like seeing one wedding at a time??? Do you care, haha???

Instead of an image, I give you the second-best (sorry Joe) Christmas song ever :) Happy Friday!
B.

Making Tracks

2010-12-01T10:50:00.000-06:00

Good morning! I will be out of town until Monday, December 6th. If you need to reach me during this time, please message me at brandi_burkett@yahoo.com. I will be traveling to Chicago via train so my coverage may be spotty but I will return your messages as soon as possible.

I know lots of you are anxiously awaiting your completed work and I thank you for your patience. Please be assured I will be working while I travel; in fact someone will get their wedding processed in the Ozarks, haha!

And for a little icing on the cake: one of my favorite frames from Pam and Shawn's engagement session...

Cheers!
B.

C'est Fini....

2010-11-28T14:06:00.004-06:00

I've officially closed out my 2010 season! For the rest of the year I will be meeting with new clients and working hard to get all of your images processed and delivered.

I would like to thank all of the wonderful couples I've met and worked with this last year. Some of us will see each other again in 2011 and some of us will only meet again in passing. I'm really amazed at the number of times I've come home from a shoot this year and marveled at how awesome the people I just photographed were. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to experience your love for each other through the lens of my camera.

And because all posts are better with pictures...please enjoy my favorite image of the year. I think it might be my favorite image of all time... Ever.

Cow says "moo"...

2010-11-22T09:40:00.002-06:00

In the last week I've learned something about cows. They're nosy :) I've had two engagement sessions on ranches in the last week and was entertained and at times slightly disconcerted by our bovine audience. It's a little weird to be standing with your back to fifty or so cows, all staring intently at you...at least for a girl from California anyway :) Here are a few pics from my adventure Friday at Rattlesnake Ranch.

Happy Mooonday :)
B.

Bliss Baby!

2010-11-13T13:00:00.003-06:00

Last month I had the opportunity to shoot Kati and Tyler's cover image for the November/December issue of The Wedded Bliss. I didn't shoot their wedding, but I had a great time hanging out with them, The Wedded Bliss staff and the nice guys at the Gilmer Fire Department who let us crawl all over one of their trucks. Hopefully that won't be the last time I get to shoot a picture from the hose bed of a firetruck! Here are the three shots that were considered for the cover and two more of my favorites from our session (of course one is a shoe shot!).

Thanks again to Sandra and J.C. at The Wedded Bliss! The magazine is on news stands now all over East Texas. Go get one!!!

Have a great weekend!
B.

2010-11-10T10:37:00.000-06:00

Nikki and Jonathan's Engagement

2010-11-10T00:54:00.003-06:00

It's weird to be sitting here in a sweater, freezing, while I post this July session. It was hot...and so were Nikki and Jonathan ;)

Courtney and Kent's Wedding

2010-11-10T00:48:00.003-06:00

If you don't like the color pink you should probably skip this post :) Otherwise, please enjoy it and then pop over to Facebook for the extra scenes...

The Tooth Fairy is Real!

2010-11-04T22:56:00.002-05:00

And she's coming to my house tonight!!! My little boy Nathan just lost his first tooth! I'm pretty sure it's the very first tooth he cut :) I'm not entirely ready for my baby to be grown up enough to lose teeth! Sigh.

When I was pregnant with Nathan someone gave me a book of essays written by other mommies. The author of the first essay said, "having children means learning to live with your heart walking around outside of your body". I don't know if the author was the person who coined that phrase, but I do know that she was right.

Happy Friday! :)
B.

As Promised....

2010-11-01T12:16:00.004-05:00

Your Monday morning blog love has been delivered! Coming up later this week:

Courtney and Kent's Wedding
Nikki and Jonathan's Engagement

Also, a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my dear friends Joe and Cam on the birth of their beautiful daughter, Ellen Sophia! I will be traveling to Chicago the first of December to visit and photograph their new little love! Please join me in wishing this sweet family blessings!

I hope you all have an incredible week!

Cheers!
B.

Brianne's Bridal

2010-11-01T12:01:00.002-05:00

I loved this shoot! We had a fabulous location (which is available to my brides, let me know if you're interested), wonderful company and beautiful overcast skies that threatened rain all day but never delivered. We laughed, sipped pink champagne and tiptoed around invisible snakes. Thanks for the memories ladies :)

Aubrey and Brandon, Part 2

2010-10-29T11:06:00.003-05:00

Now that you've had something sweet...

Aubrey and Brandon, Part 1

2010-10-29T10:42:00.007-05:00

I had so much fun shooting with Aubrey and Brandon, and I loved so many images from their session that I had a hard time limiting myself to just one blog :) I love how many different styles we were able to represent in one session. Part one is sweeter and softer. Part two is....

I am a "We"!

2010-10-26T20:41:00.002-05:00

Meet Stacy!

Please join me in welcoming Stacy Horton Stelzel to the "team"! If you've been following the blog for awhile, you'll probably feel like you recognize Stacy. I had the pleasure of shooting her wedding in March of this year.

Stacy is a graduate of Baylor University and holds a degree in Film and Digital Media. She also enjoys long walks on the beach and candlelit dinners... :)

She will spend the next season training to assist with all aspects of image processing and album design. In order to ensure that she knows my style inside and out she will also be shooting alongside me.

I'm so excited to be working with her and about the considerable talent she represents! Once she's fully trained lead times will be shorter, I'll have more time to blog and hopefully I'll get to sleep more than four hours a night! :)

A huge THANK YOU to all of my clients! I absolutely love what I do and I appreciate all of you for giving me the opportunity to keep doing it!!

Cheers!
Brandi

Ashton's Bridal

2010-10-26T14:33:00.003-05:00

Phew, College Station in late May! I'm hot all over again just thinking about it! It's hard to be beautiful in oppressive heat and uncomfortable shoes but Ashton did it and made it look easy :) If you'd like to see images not posted here, please visit my Facebook page...

Chanse and Brandon's Wedding

2010-10-26T10:34:00.003-05:00

A beautiful May wedding, two fabulous people and a four-legged ring bearer.... What more can you ask for :)

Taylor's Bridal

2010-10-23T11:50:00.003-05:00

This is one of my favorite bridal sessions! I'm always begging you girlies to bring props or crazy jewelery and Taylor delivered. I loved her beautiful parasol and the bright, happy colors in her bouquet.

There are even more images on...... Yep. My FACEBOOK page!

Faith and Tyler, Engagement

2010-10-23T10:52:00.002-05:00

I know. It's been forever. There are actually 16 more completed sessions to blog! I won't get to all of them today, but I vow to blog at least three times a week until I'm caught up :)

As always, more of Faith and Tyler's session is available for your viewing pleasure on my Facebook page. Become a fan while you're there, and suggest my page to everyone you know! It's free :))

Falon and Josh

2010-09-10T11:49:00.005-05:00

Need more? Visit my Facebook page! Go see, become a fan, share the love :)

Carly and Wade's Engagement

2010-09-10T11:38:00.000-05:00

Brianne and Kooter's Engagement

2010-09-10T02:46:00.002-05:00

View additional images from this session on my Facebook page...

A little sugar for your coffee...

2010-08-30T10:55:00.006-05:00

My last little one started kindergarten today and the nest is officially empty! I cried a little this morning as I watched Avery march down the hall, but not sad tears. Proud tears. I'm so proud of the little people my children are becoming; intelligent, imaginative, funny and kind... I'm so excited for the days and experiences that lay ahead of them! To watch them grow and learn everyday is a privilege and blessing that I will forever endeavor to deserve :)

And now a little nostalgia...because the beginning of this post wasn't sappy enough...

Be good to each other!
B.

Rana and Randy's Engagement

2010-08-24T15:20:00.002-05:00

Danin's Bridal

2010-08-24T15:19:00.001-05:00

Taylor and Hunter's Engagement

2010-08-24T15:18:00.001-05:00

Diana's Bridal

2010-08-24T15:16:00.001-05:00

Back on Track...

2010-08-03T11:21:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post to let you all know I'm back from vacation and will be returning calls and emails throughout the week. New blog posts are coming soon! Also, I've finally started a business page on Facebook where I'll post sneak peeks and other information. Add it! Once I get to the end of this incredibly busy season I'll start some fun new promotions and contests through the Facebook site that you won't want to miss!

Thanks again for your emails wishing me a great vacation! It was wonderful in every possible way!

Be good to each other!!!!
Brandi

On Vacation...

2010-07-21T11:43:00.002-05:00

I will be out of town on vacation until the first week of August. I will be taking calls and accepting bookings during this time, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you are waiting for work, thank you for your patience! I have my computer with me and will be working as time allows. I hope everyone is having a safe and wonderful summer season!

Thank you!
Brandi

Whitney and Eric's Slide Show

2010-07-08T12:56:00.006-05:00

A Love Letter for Me!

2010-06-29T12:49:00.003-05:00

Letters like this one that I received from Chanse and Brandon are such a gift! "Exceeding expectations" is my simple mission statement and when I get a letter like this I know I'm hitting my mark. Thank you both so much for taking the time to share these thoughts with me, I'll sleep well tonight :)

All the Single Ladies, All the Single Ladies.....

2010-06-29T11:07:00.003-05:00

That's two in a row. I think that puts Grant right under Prince William on the most eligible bachelor list, lol!

Abby & Scott: Slideshow

2010-06-29T02:13:00.002-05:00

Lori's Bridal

2010-06-29T02:06:00.002-05:00

Abby's Bridal

2010-06-29T02:02:00.004-05:00

Baby Kayden

2010-06-29T01:55:00.002-05:00

My second infant session, for my son Nathan's kindergarten teacher :) I traded her for straight A's.

Chanse and Brandon: Engagement

2010-06-29T01:37:00.009-05:00

Chanse and Brandon: Side B

2010-06-29T01:36:00.000-05:00

The only thing better than really great images is having a blast getting them!

Marissa's Bridal

2010-06-29T01:35:00.002-05:00

Ashton and Chris: Engagement

2010-06-29T01:33:00.001-05:00

Heather's Bridal

2010-06-29T01:29:00.003-05:00

Haley and Jeff: Slide Show!

2010-06-29T01:03:00.002-05:00

Jeff and Haley made me smile all day, hence the slide show song I selected for them. They're the kind of people who would help TP your house for a laugh but then show up the next morning to clean it up :) Nice people rock!

Baby Andrew

2010-06-29T00:44:00.004-05:00

Here for your viewing pleasure is my very first infant session! For the record, I am not venturing into the world of infant photography. I loved shooting this perfect little man, but will be reserving the rare infant session for my former wedding clients. Holding a baby screws with my brain; two minutes and I'm planning a family of 12. Time to step away from the baby...
A HUGE thank you to my friend Tammy from Clarity Photography for coaching me through this session. Her tips made our second attempt at this session far more successful than our first. Hire her, because she's awesome. She takes nice pictures too ;)

Kaelen and Lane: Engagement

2010-06-29T00:35:00.004-05:00

Shooting with Kaelen and Lane in Houston was an absolute blast! It's couples like this, and um frozen screwdrivers, that make it a pleasure to work late into the night :) Thanks again for a fabulous weekend guys!

Wendy's Bridal

2010-06-29T00:30:00.002-05:00

Moving Day!

2010-06-02T23:13:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that I'll be moving tomorrow and will be easiest to reach by phone or text for the next few days. Obviously moving during my busiest wedding season to date isn't the best case scenario, however being back in Tyler will enable me to better serve you in multiple ways. If you're waiting for work, hang in there...it's coming and thank you again for your patience. If you need to mail a payment or a contract please contact me and I'll email you my new address.
Cheers!
Brandi

Allie and Felipe: Engagement

2010-05-24T08:37:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite e-sessions ever! We covered so much ground, hit so many locations, took a ride in a Jeep and finished the day with a little acrobatics. I know two things after this session: 1) I love my job 2) I need a Jeep! Just saying Jeep makes me smile a little. Try it...jeep, jeep, jeep....told you :)

The very last image is my favorite. We grabbed it really quickly at A&F's house when they stopped in to change clothes. It's their first house and Felipe proposed to her in the backyard. It's a spoonful of sugar.

Stacy and Mark's Slide Show

2010-05-24T07:57:00.003-05:00

Hey Stacy and Mark! It's your slide show finally! This season has been incredible, but as a result of all that incredible-ness I'm way behind on the blog. Thanks for waiting so patiently and for being so great to work with! If you need more Mark and Stacy check out their engagement session here and Stacy's bridal here! Thanks for watching...

Ashley and Casey: Engagement

2010-05-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite images EVER is in this session. Be the first person to leave a correct guess in the comments about which one it is and I'll mail you a $10 Starbucks gift card. Sure it's gimmicky...but it's fun!

Wedded Bliss!

2010-05-11T14:01:00.004-05:00

Look for Allison Bure and Ikey Eason's announcement in the current issue of the Wedded Bliss...

Allie and Felipe's Save the Date

2010-05-11T13:54:00.004-05:00

Allie came to me with this idea and it was so fun to shoot and design! They have mad balancing skills! There is an "E" that we shot for another project that deserves to be blogged just for the sheer skill it took to achieve!

Falon's Bridal, Dallas Arboretum

2010-05-11T13:47:00.004-05:00

There was actual snow on the ground the day before we shot this bridal! Poor Falon is actually hiding pair a sweat pants under her wedding dress!

Diana and Gabe: Engagement

2010-05-11T13:44:00.002-05:00

One guess what day this couple is getting married :)

Danin and Eric: Engagement

2010-05-11T13:42:00.002-05:00

Jen's Baby Bump

2010-05-11T13:38:00.003-05:00

Jennifer is one of my previous brides. I was so excited when she asked me to shoot some maternity pictures for her! Her little baby bump was so cute and tiny! Can you believe this is what she looked like three weeks before delivering their son, Andrew? Check back for Andrew's infant session...

Rachel's Bridal

2010-05-11T13:36:00.003-05:00

Rachel and Matt were married at Meadowbrook Country Club in Kilgore last weekend. Look for their wedding images soon!

Blog Love....

2010-05-10T12:14:00.001-05:00

It's coming today guys! Stay tuned...

Justin's Senior Session

2010-04-15T13:44:00.002-05:00

Woot for my first senior session! It was awesome and I can't wait to do another one. Call me if you have a senior you'd like to shoot, er...I mean if you have one who needs their picture taken that is. ;)

Wendy and Jason: Engagement

2010-04-15T11:40:00.002-05:00

Haley and Jeff: Sneak Peek!

2010-04-13T04:20:00.004-05:00

Whitney: Bridal

2010-04-13T04:09:00.002-05:00

Whitney is now officially a Mrs. and sipping something fruity in Hawaii :)

Heather and Richard: Engagement

2010-04-13T03:57:00.002-05:00

Take note: I was in that creek guys. To all of you native Texans that probably means nothing. But for a California girl who loves concrete and generally snake-free places it's big progress! Proof positive that I will do almost anything to get the shot I want :)

Family Session: Todd, Gaylene and Darby

2010-04-13T03:00:00.002-05:00

Todd, Gaylene and Darby are family friends. Recently, Todd was diagnosed with throat cancer and began undergoing aggressive treatment. Not long before our shoot this sweet family got the news they'd hoped and prayed for; Todd was cancer free. I can't imagine how far away "normal life" must have felt for them while they waited to hear if Todd's treatments had been successful. The day we spent together reminded me to be grateful for every single ordinary day my family is blessed to share.

Sneak Peek: Whitney's Bridal

2010-03-31T17:16:00.004-05:00

I can't show you Whitney's bridal until after their wedding on April 10th...but I can show you our fabulous location! This is the Elizabeth Barrett Browning Library at Baylor University in Waco. The scale of this room alone is awesome. The rest is icing, just like her adorable flower girl :)

Kim: Bridal

2010-03-31T09:50:00.002-05:00

Kim and Duy,
I hope you are sunning yourselves on a toasty warm beach right now :) I'll die laughing if I find out you honeymooned somewhere cold!!!
B.

The Snodgrass Family

2010-03-28T05:26:00.003-05:00

I've been so busy this season I never got a chance to blog this family session I did a little while back. I don't shoot families as often as I shoot weddings but I love them too! I approached this session much the same way as I do my weddings. I shot a few posed things but really concentrated on just documenting their natural interaction. I've done some senior and maternity work this season as well, so look for those posts in the future!

Rachel and Matt: Engagement

2010-03-23T22:51:00.002-05:00

This was a day for surprises! Surprise number one: the old warehouse I had planned as our location for this shoot wasn't where I'd left it! It had been torn down, completely! Luckily, Matt has a great piece of lake front property that he suggested we use instead and that led to surprise number two: Matt actually liked taking engagement pictures! Could I get him to do it again instead of say, watching football or fishing...um, probably not. But I did manage to exceeded his expectations, and that helps me sleep well at night.

Rachel: I'm sorry you weren't semi-famous earlier today :) But on the bright side you can eek an extra day out it!! lol... Thanks again guys!!!

Brittany and William: Slide Show

2010-03-17T12:07:00.010-05:00

Brittany and William and their incredible faith were humbling to behold. Spending this day watching them love one another and be loved in turn by their friends and family is an experience I won't forget. You guys are beautiful people and I wish you all the happiness your hearts can hold.

The Vendors:
Venue: The Summit Club, Longview TX
Flowers: Blessings Floral Boutique, Golden TX

Falon and Josh: Engagement

2010-03-17T12:01:00.004-05:00

She's a city girl and he's from a small town. The challenge was to make Marshall, Texas feel like a big city while not losing any of the small town charm. I heart a challenge...

Stacy and Mark: Sneak Peek

2010-03-17T11:58:00.004-05:00

Dear Stacy and Mark,
Thank you for having the "jumpinest" group of friends I've ever met! You have sooo many great images to look forward to. Hope Disney World rocked!"
B.

Haley's Bridal

2010-03-17T11:54:00.002-05:00

I do believe that Haley and her new husband Jeff are the nicest people I have ever met in my whole life. Look for their sneak peak to follow soon!

Abby and Scott's Engagement

2010-03-10T11:16:00.002-06:00

The song this slide show is set to was my inspiration for part of Abby and Scott's shoot. I'm originally from Southern California and for some reason this song just makes me think of the beach and driving down the 101 with my sunroof open. So, I headed for some tall grass in the hopes that I could imbue the images with the essence of a beach shoot...just without any ocean, or sand, or piers...

Stacy's Bridal

2010-03-10T11:14:00.001-06:00

I love a girl in a bird cage veil! Look for a sneak peak from Stacy and Mark's wedding later today...

Joyce and Phillip's Slide Show

2010-03-09T12:52:00.003-06:00

Please enjoy another beautiful wedding at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception! Joyce and Phillip are awesome, laid back people and I had a great time working with them. Joyce, thanks again for the best lipstick hook-up ever! ;) And for those of you wondering what the words "totus tuus" mean, it's a Latin phrase meaning "totally yours". Yep, go ahead and cry a little. Then go online, Google it and cry a little more.

The vendors:
Make-up: Micah at MAC, 903-939-2333 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 903-939-2333 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 903-939-2333 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 903-939-2333 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Flowers: La Tee Da
Reception Venue: The Reserve
Catering: Traditions
Cake: Brookshire's
DJ: Boogie Butt Productions
Centerpieces: Joyce and lots of wonderful friends :)

My Cup Runneth Over...

2010-02-05T08:33:00.002-06:00

This was waiting for me on the counter today when I came home from taking our babes to school. With steamy coffee inside even!

I know yesterday when Jim bought this he was dog tired and in the middle of a 15 hour day that wasn't going to be over anytime soon...and somehow he still thought of me and what might make me feel special and happy.

It truly is the little things that mean the most. Thank you Jim, for 10 incredible/crazy years, for being my best friend...and for doing all of the laundry too! I love you! xo xo

Brittany and William: Sneak Peak!

2010-02-05T00:25:00.001-06:00

It's mmm...mmm...good :)

Stacy and Mark

2010-02-04T23:47:00.003-06:00

Stacy and Mark are getting married at Green Acres Baptist Church. They've chosen to have their ceremony in the foyer of the main building and I can't wait to see how they transform the area. Number one on the list of things a photographer likes to see at a venue: lots of natural light, and this area of the church is simply flooded with it! Happy me!

Marissa and John

2010-02-04T23:41:00.002-06:00

Marissa and John will be tying the knot on June 19th at Trinity Episcopal in Longview. Until then, enjoy their engagement session...

Allison and Ikey's Slide Show

2010-02-04T17:27:00.010-06:00

I want to share a sweet moment from this wedding with you. Everyone was gathered outside after the reception waiting to light the sparklers and send A&I off in style. Allison's dad came out, called all of the jovial guests to attention and told us that Allison had been waiting for this moment her whole life. Hello pressure! However I live for moments like these, when I get the opportunity to make something you've only imagined a reality! The guests all did their sparkler waving best and the couple made their big get-a-way. So here's the sweet part. While I was editing the photos from the send-off I noticed Allison's dad standing in the background, looking on with a smile, his sparkler held high over his head long after it had burned out. :)

Reception venue: The Summit, Longview
Flowers: Casa Flora, Longview
Cake: Designs by D'Anne
Iron Decorations: Iron Inspired Weddings
Ceremony Music: Longview String Quartet

I know, I know...

2010-02-04T10:59:00.002-06:00

So the blog hasn't had much love lately, I know. But thankfully this is attributed to all of you keeping me so darn busy! This season is booking up beautifully and I can't wait to start working with all of you and getting to know your stories. I'm still amazed by how many really, genuinely cool people I get to work with. I don't care how many hours I have to spend in the office editing...it's worth it to spend the day in the park laughing and snapping away at a couple doing synchronized heel clicks in front of me (you know who you are!!!)

I promise to love the blog today.

Be nice to each other :)

Brandi

Jenna and Andrew's Slide Show

2010-02-04T09:57:00.009-06:00

Jenna and Andrew,
Thanks for falling in love on a park bench at college and having a beautiful wedding full of wonderful people!
I heart you guys!
Brandi

Wedding Coordinator: Hollie Wells
Reception Venue: Willowbrook Country Club
Florist: Flowers by Ela
Cake: Chez Bazan
Candy Bar: Tablescapes by Melody
Make Up: Cheryl McKay 903-530-6556

Kim and Duy

2010-01-06T11:47:00.002-06:00

I'll be posting more from this couple later, but in the meantime enjoy a sampling of Kim and Duy's engagement session and marvel at the fact that they look this good despite the fact that it's 27 degrees outside! Big love guys!!!!

Footzyrolls!!!

2010-01-06T10:26:00.004-06:00

Okay ladies, I'm about to give you the best idea ever for a wedding party favor! At most of the weddings I shoot, the entire bridal party (and a large number of the other female wedding guests) have usually removed their beautiful but oh-so-uncomfortable heels within the first thirty minutes of the reception. I've seen women don everything from flip flops to slippers but nothing as cute as Footzyrolls. They are an adorable pair of rolled-up ballet flats that will fit in your purse! They come in a variety of colors and even feature a waterproof and slip proof sole! Give your girls a pair in a neutral color and you've got a gift that will keep on giving long after your reception ends!

Kiss 2009 Goodbye...

2010-01-01T01:20:00.003-06:00

Close your eyes and think of your first kiss. How your heart raced, yet time stood still. Five bucks says you can still tell me who gave you that kiss. What is it about a kiss? Science tells us that kissing can reduce tension, reassure us and create social bonds...but this can't be what has inspired artists and lovers for centuries. Science is certainly not what inspires me to document the act so thoroughly that my peers tease me. Kissing is the very first way that we belong to one another. It speaks of the trust we've earned and our willingness to be vulnerable. It will be a part of our relationship our whole lives through...when we comfort, celebrate, apologize. Without a single word it will convey the content of our heart. Even when our faces grow unfamiliar with age, our beloved's kiss is recognizable because it has been written on our soul.

And so, to close this year I present some of my favorite kisses of 2009. I hope the new year blesses you all with health, prosperity and of course...kisses!

-Brandi

Sneak Peek: Joyce and Phillip

2009-12-29T15:51:00.000-06:00

Another beautiful couple, another heavenly day! More to come...

Sneak Peek: Allison and Ikey

2009-12-29T12:29:00.006-06:00

I'm not sure if anything has ever been as fun as watching Allison wear her dress! She LOVED her dress and her excitement was really sweet.

Sneak Peek: Jenna and Andrew

2009-12-29T11:49:00.009-06:00

Jenna and Andrew's wedding was classic and elegant in every detail. Look for their slide show soon.

Save the Date!

2009-12-22T14:32:00.002-06:00

I've had several brides ask me for Save the Date cards recently so I've decided to start offering them. Here's Whitney and Eric's design; they chose to print it on magnets. Their proof received the highest form of "man praise"...Eric said it was "tight"!

There are tons of super fun and creative ways to do your Save the Date card. If you can dream it up, I can design it for you. And if you're "dream it up" challenged I can do the dreaming too :) I've also designed custom guest books. So if you've seen it in a magazine or just have some great idea floating around in your noggin call me and we'll design something fabulous and unique together!

My New Assistant, Nathan...

2009-12-10T22:23:00.004-06:00

My kids are well versed in my work and as soon as my son Nathan found out I'd be shooting pictures for his kindergarten teacher he begged to come be my "assistant". Although he quickly lost interest in helping me test my light he was more than willing to shake his hiney for a few smiles! Now if I can just get my regular assistant to accept hot chocolate with extra marshmallows as payment...

Whitney and Eric's Engagement

2009-12-10T22:20:00.003-06:00

Whitney and Eric will be tying the knot April of 2010 at Roseland Plantation. Thanks again for working your ladder magic guys :)

Brittany and William's Engagement

2009-12-10T22:17:00.004-06:00

This shoot went from good to great when a train rolled through the middle of it! Brittany and William will be getting married this month, on December 19th at the Summit Club in Longview.

Skye and Kenny's Slide Show

2009-12-02T21:58:00.002-06:00

If I haven't mentioned before that I love weddings, let this be the official notice. I don't think there is anything better in the whole world than being in love and deciding to stay that way for forever (except maybe cake). When a bride cries her way down the aisle, or a best man gives a speech that raises the hair on my arms I realize how truly blessed I am to be sharing these experiences with the people around me. Thanks again for inviting me guys...

Cara and John's Slide Show

2009-11-19T13:48:00.004-06:00

Cara and John's wedding was a pleasure from beginning to end! They had a great wedding planner and not only did the whole day flow smoothly (and on time), but John and Cara got to relax and enjoy every part of it. Heather from Hill Country Events was so fun and easy to work with and made the day awesome for everyone from the bridal party to the vendors. The slide show is set to the song from their first dance...hopefully John will forgive me for not using the Paul McCartney version :)

Jaime and Bobby's Slide Show

2009-11-12T11:25:00.004-06:00

Elmwood Gardens! The chandeliers outside just make my heart happy! I'd like to take a moment to recognize make-up artist Cheryl McKay. She has done the make up at several of my recent weddings, including this one, and she does beautiful work! I worked as a make-up artist early in my career and really appreciate the art of well applied make-up. I also love that she doesn't bat an eyelash when I squeeze into her space to get great detail shots! You can reach her at 903-530-6556.

Their fabulous vendors:
Venue: Elmwood Gardens
Flowers: The Flower Girl, 903-509-3839
Videographer: A Thousand Words Productions
Make-up: Cheryl McKay, 903-530-6556
Cake: Designs by D'Anne
Catering: Traditions

Allison's Bridal

2009-11-11T22:04:00.006-06:00

Allison and Ikey were just married in Longview last weekend, on my 10th wedding anniversary! When you're a wedding photographer, that's what you do on your anniversary :)

Joyce and Phillip's Engagement

2009-11-11T13:51:00.004-06:00

Okay, prepare for image overload! Editing down the image count for the blog isn't one of my strong points, but less isn't always more!