Oaks at Oak Plantation Country Engagements: Erin + Jake
Erin and Jake told us that they had never done photos before, but I kept telling them I didn’t believe them because of what naturals they were!
Erin and Jake told us that they had never done photos before, but I kept telling them I didn’t believe them because of what naturals they were!
This dynamic couple not only was great in front of the camera, but had such a fun & sweet chemistry with one another. The love was obvious! These are two cool cats, too. Jake is a police officer, and Erin works for the Justice Department as a Crime Scene Investigator. Real life CSI!
We met them at the gorgeous new venue in the Rosharon area, The Oaks at Oak Plantation, where they will be getting married in May 2020. The property and the venue itself were both absolutely gorgeous. The oak trees made for a great backdrop outdoors, and the beautiful chandeliers were breathtaking inside. We even managed to get some of the cows near the property in their shots. ;)
Overall, Erin & Jake’s engagement session was definitely one that showed their personality and love for one another very apparently, and that’s always our goal!
Erin & Jake, we wish you many years of happiness ahead! Good luck with the rest of your wedding planning! :D
Oyster Creek Sugarland Engagement: Ariel + Mat
It was so cool to meet up with Ariel after like, what, 12 years?! Ariel and I (Mikala) went to middle and high school together! After graduation, I moved to Houston, and you know how that goes. BUT, when Ariel reached out to us to do some fun/casual engagements for them, we were thrilled and gave a resounding “Absolutely!”
It was so cool to meet up with Ariel after like, what, 12 years?! Ariel and I (Mikala) went to middle and high school together! After graduation, I moved to Houston, and you know how that goes. BUT, when Ariel reached out to us to do some fun/casual engagements for them, we were thrilled and gave a resounding “Absolutely!” Ariel chose Oyster Creek Park in Sugarland, and we all braved the Texas summer heat like troopers to get these gorgeous photos of them both. :)
We are excited for them and their future together, and can’t wait to see photos from their destination wedding in Mexico this fall! (PS- if the hotel’s photographer somehow goes MIA, call us, we’ll be there on the next flight!)
Enjoy!
Antique Rose Emporium Wedding: Whitney + Kanaan
Whitney & Kanaan had one of the sweetest wedding days of all time.
I’m truly not kidding when I say this!
Whitney & Kanaan had one of the sweetest wedding days of all time.
I’m truly not kidding when I say this!
From the time we walked out of the car, I could feel that it would be a perfect and peace filled day. There are some wedding days that feel rushed with a hint of anxious energy, and this was just not one of them! Everyone was so calm and happy, not once did I see anyone frantically rushing to get dressed or to get the reception area set up!
Whitney & Kanaan chose the Antique Rose Emporium as their venue, and it absolutely floored us with its charm. If you are looking for a classic chapel or a garden style wedding, this is 100% the place for you! The Rose Emporium was so unique and unlike any other venue we had seen or been to before, and a photographer’s dream! So many areas to take gorgeous portraits, and we did our best to hit as many gorgeous spots as possible. So glad Whitney & Kanaan were willing to take extra time to enjoy golden hour and the sun setting to get in some extra portraits! They were so natural with one another, and it really allowed their personalities to shine through and add extra beauty to an already perfect scene. :)
On top of the adorable venue (and couple), some of our favorite elements were the personal touches that the couple added to their day. Whitney’s dress, for example, was actually her mother’s vintage wedding dress. The first look with dad was so sweet, as she said, “look familiar?” as dad walked her way! Kanaan also went the extra mile with the cake toppers! At first look, one would think that the bride’s cake topper is just an adorable wooden bride and groom, but Kanaan actually had the toppers made custom to be replications of himself and Whitney! And I can’t forget the groom’s cake! Kanaan hand created the topper to be a wedding ceremony with comic book character guests. And of course, Stan Lee was officiating. ;)
They ended their day with a fun sparkler exit, and we didn’t even have to prompt him to dip and kiss his new bride before they drove off!
All in all, Mr. & Mrs. Windham, your day was perfect and we wish you decades of happiness, centered around Jesus. <3
Galveston Beachtown Engagements: Allie + Chris
Allie & Chris were SUCH A BLAST!
Josh has known Chris for years, and it was a great time for them to reconnect and have some fun taking engagement portraits for him and his bride-to-be. :)
Allie & Chris were SUCH A BLAST!
Josh has known Chris for years, and it was a great time for them to reconnect and have some fun taking engagement portraits for him and his bride-to-be. :)
As we learned, they had already taken engagement photos late last year, but in the fall. Allie mentioned that since they are having a summer wedding, she really wanted some brighter, more summer-feeling photos of the two of them to match their big day. We agreed on one of our FAVORITE spots, Galveston island!
For all you haters out there, Galveston really does have a lot to offer! Not only did we get the bright, fun photos that Allie was looking for, but the island really is more beautiful than you might think, especially Post Office Street and Beachtown, where we decided to spend our time during their session. Beachtown is (thankfully) not widely known, and is gorgeoussss. Driving up to the multi million dollar beach homes makes you forget that you are 45 minutes from Houston and 10 minutes from Pleasure Pier, and transports you to the east coast with breathtaking white plantation style homes and white picket fences. (Also, if you are ever in Beachtown, you have to try Porch Cafe- it’s one of our favorite date night spots because it’s so darn cute!)
At the end of the day, we had an incredible session with these two lovebirds, and even got some stunning sunset shots and cotton candy skies as the icing on the cake. Allie & Chris, we wish you years of joy and laughter, and after spending a few hours with you guys, I think you won’t have a problem with either! ;)
Check out their session- you won’t be disappointed!
The Meekermark Houston Wedding: Shannon + Andres
Shannon and Andy had such a wonderful wedding day!
Shannon, being a former photographer, chose The Meekermark as her venue because of all the beautiful natural lighting, large windows, and the gorgeous outdoor chapel for the ceremony. And boy, it is stunning!
Shannon and Andy had such a wonderful wedding day!
Shannon, being a former photographer, chose The Meekermark as her venue because of all the beautiful natural lighting, large windows, and the gorgeous outdoor chapel for the ceremony. And boy, it is stunning!
But we live in Houston, the town of unpredictable weather (Houstonians, you know!), and it rained. It rained all morning and afternoon; we held out hope that it would clear up, but it rained until after the ceremony began. Where some brides may have had a meltdown, Shannon did not let this weather nuisance phase her and ruin her special day. She took the rain with stride, and calmly had her wedding party move the ceremony indoors! Although it was not her ideal situation, nobody would have ever known by her smile and bright demeanor.
Shannon and Andy had a ceremony centered around their relationship with Jesus, and you could tell that they have a plan to keep Him the center of their marriage. As their family and Lakewood family surrounded them, they worshiped, prayed, and smiled their way to being pronounced man & wife. The love in the room was thick, and we could tell that Shannon & Andy have such a magnificent future ahead of them!
Shannon & Andy, keep your marriage centered on the one that IS love, and you will have years of goodness ahead of you! We hope we can keep in touch, and see ya at Lakewood soon! ;)
Downtown Houston Couple's Anniversary: Jade + Buddy
We absolutely love sessions with Jade & Buddy! Not only are they our friends, but they are just so much fun to work with. Jade asked if we had any suggestions for locations and feels for their session, and totally trusted us to craft something beautiful and memorable for them. (THANKS, JADE!!)
We absolutely love sessions with Jade & Buddy! Not only are they our friends, but they are just so much fun to work with. Jade asked if we had any suggestions for locations and feels for their session, and totally trusted us to craft something beautiful and memorable for them. (THANKS, JADE!!) I, personally, love the city vibe, so we ran with it and explored downtown!
Jade & Buddy, thank you for trusting us with your photos, and congratulations on your anniversary!
Check out the documentary of our exploration! :D
Minute Maid Park Houston Engagements: Amanda + Justin
When we met Amanda, she let us know that she had a surprise for Justin, so we had to meet in secret without him. As it turns out, Justin is a BIG TIME Astros fan (a long with many native Houstonians), and she had a little somethin’ up her sleeve, to say the least. When she said that she wanted to do the photos INSIDE the stadium, uhhhh we’re in, obviously!
THIS has been one of the coolest engagement sessions that we have been able to be part of! Here’s the scoop:
When we met Amanda, she let us know that she had a surprise for Justin, so we had to meet in secret without him. As it turns out, Justin is a BIG TIME Astros fan (a long with many native Houstonians), and she had a little somethin’ up her sleeve, to say the least. When she said that she wanted to do the photos INSIDE the stadium, uhhhh we’re in, obviously!
Amanda told Justin that they would be able to do some of their engagement shoot outside of Minute Maid Park to accommodate his love of the Astros, and that they could wear wear their custom jerseys. He obviously agreed, but openly told us that he was surprised when she didn’t mention bringing other outfits. Funny story, Justin actually joked about breaking into the stadium as we were walking outside, before he knew he was going in! Amanda spilled the beans, and to say that Justin was in shock and ecstatic would be an understatement.
We were able to take and document their stadium tour, and take photos on the field- so cool! And the tour guides even went to the scoreboard and changed the score to their wedding date for their save the date.
Overall, Amanda, ya did good, girl! We can’t wait for your wedding this summer!
Houston Engagements: Karla + Jared
We are absolutely beyond ecstatic for Karla and Jared, and even more excited to be part of their (I can already guarantee it will be off the charts) wedding!
**Cue the confetti!**
We are absolutely beyond ecstatic for Karla and Jared, and even more excited to be part of their (I can already guarantee it will be off the charts) wedding!
**Cue the confetti!**
We actually met Karla when preparing for her sister, Kelley’s, beautiful wedding as her photographers. These girls have style and class, not to mention that they know how to have fun. ;) To be able to document both of the beautiful Gartner sisters’ weddings is truly an honor!
Karla & Jared have such natural chemistry and we can tell that they love each other deeply, and enjoy each other genuinely. These two were laughing and having fun the entire time, and their comfort with one another shines through their final images.
Karla & Jared, we will take your photos ANYTIME! You are a gorgeous couple and we had a great time!
Can’t wait until October!
Downtown Discovery Green Houston Engagements: Courtney + McCae
Courtney & McCae, you guys are just ADORABLE, honestly!
Courtney contacted us to be the photographers for her wedding after a photography horror story where the previous photographer basically ghosted them after she paid her deposit. What a nightmare! It is stories like hers that inspire us even further to try and provide the best client experience that we can.
Courtney & McCae, you guys are just ADORABLE, honestly!
Courtney contacted us to be the photographers for her wedding after a photography horror story where the previous photographer basically ghosted them after she paid her deposit. What a nightmare! It is stories like hers that inspire us even further to try and provide the best client experience that we can.
Courtney & McCae, although it was a tragic story that brought us together, we are SO glad and honored to be your photographers! The love that you two share with one another is apparent, and we love how much fun you two have just being together!
We cannot wait until your October wedding!
Northgate Country Club Houston Winter Wedding: Kathleen + Waylon
I could tell before the wedding day that Kathleen was going to be so much fun when she told me that she had lined up a few surprises for her husband-to-be. Her surprises did not disappoint!
We were so happy to have been able to be part of Kathleen' & Waylon’s wedding day!
I must say, Kathleen’s wedding photographer story started out as a tragic one. She and Waylon had a photographer lined up and paid the deposit, and the month before the wedding, for one reason or another, the photographer backed out. (PS- It wasn’t us!) She reached out asking if we were available for her holiday season wedding, and lo and behold, we were!
I could tell before the wedding day that Kathleen was going to be so much fun when she told me that she had lined up a few surprises for her husband-to-be. Her surprises did not disappoint! First, she planned a “fake first look”. If you haven’t seen one of these before, it’s basically when you trick your fiance into believing that they will do a first look with you, then you dress up their best man in a wedding dress. You’ll have to look at the pictures to really see how ridiculous Waylon’s best friend looked in a wedding dress! Secondly, Waylon is a HUGE LSU fan, so naturally, she had to prank him a little, being an Aggie fan, herself. Though the cake looked unsuspecting at first glance, Waylon was in for a surprise when he cut into his cake. Kudos, Kathleen, for pulling off these little pranks!
All in all, Kathleen & Waylon had a wonderful wedding day, and we wish them many years of happiness ahead!
Union Station Houston Wedding: Kelley + Jorge
Kelley & Jorge’s wedding day was an absolute dream, I tell you.
Everything was gorgeous, the party never died, and most importantly, the fairytale princess married her Prince Charming in a wedding that only dreams can imagine. <3
Josh and I were lucky (blessed) enough to be granted the privilege of helping to document this sweet couple’s love from the proposal to the day that they drove away as man and wife. Wedding days can be stressful, but if they were stressed, we couldn’t tell. Their calm, cool, and collected demeanor helped to make our “job” easy from day one, and that same peace that we felt with them leading up to the day of the wedding only continued throughout their absolutely beautiful wedding day.
Kelley & Jorge’s wedding day was an absolute dream, I tell you.
The ceremony focused on a scripture that Josh and I hold dearly in our own marriage- “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” Every detail was perfectly coordinated, every flower perfectly arranged, and OMG THE RECEPTION Y’ALL. Stepping into the impeccably decorated Union Station was like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
Everything was gorgeous, the party never died, and most importantly, the fairytale princess married her Prince Charming in a wedding that only dreams can imagine. <3
Check out their highlight gallery for proof!
The Preparation
The Ceremony
The Portraits
The Party
To many blessed years for
Mr. & Mrs. Jorge Cortez!
Vendor Love:
MUA: Katie Lynn Beauty
Hair: Above the Waves Hair
Videography: Reverent Wedding Films
Floral: Lexis Florist
Dress: Parvani Vida
Reception Decor: Blink Decor & DJs
DJ: PB&DJ Events
Cake: Cakes by Gina
Venue: Union Station at Minute Maid
Out Under the Trees Angleton Engagements: Rebecca + Juan
Check out the highlights from Rebecca & Juan’s engagement session at Out Under the Trees in Angleton!
Check out the highlights from Rebecca & Juan’s engagement session at Out Under the Trees in Angleton!
Rice Village Houston Bridal Session: Kelley
Check out the highlights from Kelley’s bridal session in River Oaks Houston!
Check out the highlights from Kelley’s bridal session in River Oaks Houston!
Our 2nd Anniversary!
April 10, 2018 marked our second year as husband and wife! Our celebration included a stay at the immaculate Hotel Alessandra, a movie date, massages and relaxation time at Fiori Day Spa, being chauffeured in a Maserati (SO FREAKING COOL) to dinner at the impeccable Potente Restaurant in downtown Houston, brunch at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, which is now one of our favorite brunch spots, and ultimately, just enjoying each other's company. :) Also, we couldn't celebrate a milestone without some pictures, so in true Josh & Mikala fashion, we set up our tripod for some fancy selfies. ;)
April 10, 2018 marked our second year as husband and wife! Our celebration included a stay at the immaculate Hotel Alessandra, a movie date, massages and relaxation time at Fiori Day Spa, being chauffeured in a Maserati (SO FREAKING COOL) to dinner at the impeccable Potente Restaurant in downtown Houston, brunch at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, which is now one of our favorite brunch spots, and ultimately, just enjoying each other's company. :) Also, we couldn't celebrate a milestone without some pictures, so in true Josh & Mikala fashion, we set up our tripod for some fancy selfies. ;)
Josh said it so well in his Facebook post when he said, "We're new to the married club and know it's only been two years, but we're here to stay. Here's to many more."
^^^AWWWW, I LOVE YOU BABE!^^^
We are proud of how far we've come in our marriage, and are excited to see where God takes us in the future, and can't wait to share highlights of our life with you! Before you look at our adorable (am I biased?) photos, I'll leave you with this scripture that we had engraved into Josh's wedding band, and we do not take lightly:
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Matthew 19:6
Kelley & Jorge's Engagement
Check out the highlights from Jorge & Kelley’s engagement session in Houston!
Check out the highlights from Jorge & Kelley’s engagement session in Houston!
Mika & James' Wedding
Mika (Meek-a, I've got your back, girl- I understand the struggle lol) and James were just the absolute sweetest couple! They had their very intimate ceremony and reception on December 30, right before the new year, and boy, we couldn't think of a better way to start the new year than married to your best friend! The place was all smiles, and a few tears as sweet Mika and James said their "I do"'s, and tied blue ribbon around each others' fingers to signify their promise to love and cherish each other through the good and the bad, through sickness and in health, which, I am positive meant more to this couple than we realized at the time.
Mika (Meek-a, I've got your back, girl- I understand the struggle lol) and James were just the absolute sweetest couple! They had their very intimate ceremony and reception at an adorable Heights area Airbnb on December 30, right before the new year, and boy, we couldn't think of a better way to start the new year than married to your best friend! The place was all smiles, and a few tears as sweet Mika and James said their "I do"'s, and tied blue ribbon around each others' fingers to signify their promise to love and cherish each other through the good and the bad, through sickness and in health. I am positive this meant more to this couple than we realized at the time. Mika surprised us after the ceremony by taking off her beautiful wig to reveal that she, herself, was going through chemotherapy treatments. And if you spot "Lambie" in the photos instead of a bouquet, just smile for Mika- we learned that he was a gift from James while she was in the hospital, and their "child" had to be part of this incredibly special day for the two of them. :) Based on the joy and peace that radiated from their faces all morning, we never would imagined what this strong couple has already faced together, and pray for a full recovery for beautiful Mika, and an abundantly blessed marriage for her and James. May you both always keep the hope, faith, and joy that we experienced from you on your wedding day, and may you continue to grow together for many years to come!
Much love,
Mikala & Josh
Diedra & Deoh'Andre
So many congratulations to Diedra & Deoh'Andre on their recent engagement! This sweet couple was such fun to work with, and Diedra's lively spirit definitely brightened our day. :)
So many congratulations to Diedra & Deoh'Andre on their recent engagement! This sweet couple was such fun to work with, and Diedra's lively spirit definitely brightened our day. :) Diedra decided that she wants a rustic theme for their September 2018 wedding, so the gardens and greenery of Hermann Park helped to fulfill the nature filled vision that she had for their portraits. Diedra & Deoh'Andre, you guys look spectacular, and we can't wait until next September! Many blessings to you both!
Mikala & Josh
Angela & Mike
Having been victims of the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey in August, Angela and Mike made the decision to have an intimate family wedding, in order to focus their attention on rebuilding their damaged home. On November 4, 2017, their plans came to fruition, and they had such a beautiful ceremony at Helen's Gardens in League City!
Having been victims of the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey in August, Angela and Mike made the decision to have an intimate family wedding, in order to focus their attention on rebuilding their damaged home. On November 4, 2017, their plans came to fruition, and they had such a beautiful ceremony at Helen's Gardens in League City! This fun couple truly made it a day that reflected their fun and light personalities, and Mike kept everybody rolling the whole afternoon with his quick wit. Before the wedding, Mike described the day as being "the happiest day of his life", and based on the ear to ear smiles on both of their faces, I don't doubt for a minute that his words were true. :)
Although the rain cut us a little short, their wedding day was absolutely gorgeous, and their love for one another was so evident and undeniable.
Angela & Mike, we hope that you had such a wonderful first Thanksgiving as husband and wife, and many, many more blessed holidays to come!
Mikala & Josh
