Please excuse my absence from this blog. I am swamped with all aspects of life and I have to step away from the blog while we prepare to launch our new blog that will accept comments, ugh. I’ve had a few issues with this blog, so we are under-construction for hopefully just a few weeks. Until then I would like to share a home movie that Andre made on National Dog Day ’10.

Early this morning we had the pleasure of meeting Chanler, Dina, Kyle and “Howdy”. Chanler brought her charm, striking good looks, and loads of cuteness. It was one of the greatest and most memorable senior shoots that we have had. We laughed, loved, and YELLED!

At the beginning of our fun shoot, we were ambushed by a swarm of bumblebees! They came out from everywhere as Chanler struck a pose at the delicious Joe T. Garcia’s restaurant (near the Stockyards). We calmly and quickly got away from the lovely flowers which was the path the bee(s) had chosen…

Okay…the truth is, it was only one bumblebee and we all yelled, “AHHHHHH”, “EEEEEEE”, and “OOOOOHHHHMYYYYGODDDD”! It was a tiny bit frightening and thrilling but soooo worth it.

Check out this sneak peek of beautiful Chanler, Class of 2011!

Andre and I spend a lot of time each year thinking up goals and, well… dreams. As you know we are passionate about photographing people with Down syndrome (DS). We see it our mission to capture unique and authentic beauty, and to bring awareness to our willing readers. In March, we held our first DS Portrait event, where we hosted a photoshoot for twelve beautiful people diagnosed with DS. It truly was a great success, and we had a wonderful turn-out.

Back to our goals… Just earlier this year, January, we wrote a long term goal for five years from now that said:

“Become the official photographers for a Down syndrome organization.”

Little did we know that the very first Down syndrome Portrait event would receive so much attention and inspiring feedback. The Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County (DSPTC) contacted us the day after we released the video Andre created. Their representative asked us to consider being their OFFICIAL photographers for their organization!!! WHA-WHAT!!! We were a little overwhelmed by the timing. You know, the little things like Dez being only a few months old, Lana being potty trained, sleep deprivation, summer break with the kids, and planning my return to college. Needless-to-say, we had to weigh our priorities before saying, yes. But honestly, if you know us, you know we think we can do anything we put our minds to. Of course, we said, YES!!!

The first event that we would like to share is the DSPTC Teen Dance hosted at Kinderfrogs TCU…

sweet, fun moments were shared by all

Remember Joshua – on the top right


limbo time

We are thankful for all of you who participated in our DS Portrait event and for helping us to achieve one of our dreams. We look forward to watching you grow and live inspirational lives. We hope we have the opportunity to photograph you throughout the years. We’ll see you around!

Also, BIG THANKS to the DSPTC for inviting us to be a part of your wonderful organization. We are so thrilled to be able to provide our services for your wonderful cause. Humbled and grateful!

P.S. The Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County (DSPTC) is a not-for-profit organization that supports people with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers in achieving the universally desired goals of self-fulfillment, pride in one’s achievements, inclusion in the community and reaching one’s full potential, through social and educational activities. – Anyone in Fort Worth, HEB, Grapevine, Southlake, Arlington, Keller, Colleyville, Mansfield and throughout North Texas with an interest in Down syndrome is invited to join.

I’ve fallen behind on blogging, but I have SO much that we want to share! I’m doing my best to keep things updated around here, but just when I think I’m going to catch up something throws me off course again. I won’t get into the many things right now as I really want to post photos from our shoot with Max.

What a spunky lil’ guy. He had us on our toes throughout the shoot. LITERALLY! As his Mom looked on and laughed we ran from one spot to the next trying our best to keep up. Following Max was so much fun!

Meet Max

These lil’ cute shoes enabled him to keep us on our toes… or shall I say on-the-go


So great to photograph you Max!!! I hope to see you again soon!

We had a great time putting together a few moments from Michael’s proposal to Megan. We love seeing their love in-motion and hope that you will enjoy it too;-)

I can’t even express the incredible time we had photographing Mark and Leyna in Vegas. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come.

Wishing I could have just one of these delightful desserts right now. yummmm….

Their intermission from their proposal was a 15 minute drive to one of Michael’s favorite restaurants, Italian Bistro. For part II of his “perfect date” he had arranged for both of their close family members to surprise Megan and congratulate the newly engaged couple. So sweet! Everyone did such a great job with keeping the secret. Their were tears of joy, excited laughter, and family getting to know family.

I think we know who won this game! Well played sir!

I hope you’ll enjoy these photographs of their shared LOVE, and Congratulate!  

It was great to see these two families come together to celebrate Megan and Michael’s engagement, especially since we already have a special place in our hearts for the Gibbon’s. You can find Michael in his brother, Joshua’s, wedding party photograph. It was wonderful to catch up with Jamie and Josh, as well as Josh’s family.

Megan’s gorgeous ring… on the chapstick that kept it securely in his pocket.

aren’t these the sweetest! makes me anxious to see their wedding details!

I caught Michael and Megan sharing this moment at the end of the night, again everything faded away around them and the world only consisted of their love.

Michael contacted me several months ago to invite me to photograph his proposal to Megan. He was spending alot time and thought on planning evening and of course I wanted to be there. I couldn’t wait to capture all of his plans unfold for what I knew would be the perfect proposal for Megan.

The evening of, unsuspecting Megan enjoyed a glass of red wine with Michael at the quaint D’Vine wine bar located in Grapevine’s town square. This was their second game-date. The objective of the game was to see who could plan and execute the “Perfect Date”. (I love games where both competitors are also the winners.) After their glass of wine they enjoyed a short stroll along Main Street until they entered the gazebo. Feeling a little anxious, Michael promptly kneeled, lifted the “perfect” ring off the chapstick lid that he kept safely, deep in his pocket. He proceeded to ask Megan if she would become his wife. She stood their shocked, amazed and in awe while trying to speak the word, YES! What a great response to part one of his “perfect” date! They continued their stroll through Grapevine as we photographed their excitement evolve. After reality started to sink in we said our goodbyes and Michael informed Megan that they needed to proceed onto part II of their “perfect date”.

This is one of my favorite leg/feet shots of a couple. There was so much excitement going on that I wanted to focus the stillness, not to mention her awesome shoes… and legs.

Megan still very much excited and in shock.

There is no question that Michael and Megan enjoy life together…

no doubt that they enjoy sweet moments together…

and everything stops or fades away when they want it to!

*love*

really I can’t take anymore.

they are made for each other

more to come tomorrow…