Downtown Houston Engagements: Terry + Luis
Terry spends her time as a Travel blogger and influencer photographer here in Houston, so we couldn’t think of a more appropriate location for her engagements than right in the heart of downtown Houston. She wanted something that captured both the city, and Houston’s diversity and nature, so together we chose Boomtown Coffee on Main Street, and then headed to the Dunlavy for some gorgeous golden hour shots.
Terry and Luis have been a couple for over NINE YEARS, Y’ALL! When we realized that, it made us wonder- are you even old enough to be together for that long?! These high school sweethearts are getting married next month on their tenth anniversary, and I don’t know what could be more romantic. :)
Terry spends her time as a Travel blogger and influencer photographer here in Houston, so we couldn’t think of a more appropriate location for her engagements than right in the heart of downtown Houston. She wanted something that captured both the city and nature, so together we chose Boomtown Coffee on Main Street, and then headed to the Dunlavy for some gorgeous golden hour shots.
Classy Houston Medical Center Engagements: Claire + Adam
When me met Claire & Adam for their engagement session, we were totally impressed by how snazzy this awesome couple looked! Don’t you agree??
When me met Claire & Adam for their engagement session, we were totally impressed by how snazzy this couple looked! Don’t you agree??
We chose this Houston Med Center park as the backdrop for their photos, and honestly, I am glad that we did, because the modern yet regal architecture of the pillars, the majesty of the greenery, and the cool pergola- I love a good pergola!- truly matched them perfectly.
Claire & Adam, we can’t wait for your wedding next spring, and we are excited to see where God takes you both!
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
Downtown Houston Engagements: Samantha + Jimbo
Samantha and Jimbo have been together for TEN YEARS! We are so excited for them to be officially tying the knot and living their lives as husband and wife.
Samantha and Jimbo have been together for TEN YEARS! We are so excited for them to be officially tying the knot and living their lives as husband and wife.
When Samantha was trying to plan her session, we wanted to find somewhere that looked a little Houston, but also somewhere that wasn’t just concrete buildings. We settled on Sam Houston Park downtown, and it was so beautiful. This secluded, green, park-paradise is in the middle of downtown, surrounded by the sky scrapers and highways, but you feel as though you aren’t even in the city anymore! We wanted to incorporate the skyline into some of the photos to give a more urban vibe, since Sam said that previously their photos had all been more forest-y. After Sam Houston Park, we made our way to a rooftop, where we were able to get more of the skyline and truly rep Houston in their Astros jerseys.
All-in-all, everyone had a great time, and we were glad that Sam reached out so that we could meet this fun couple!
Houston Mini Session: Vargas Family
We love being able to grow with our JMG families!
This time last year, we were able to do Melitza’s Houston area maternity session (Check it out here!), and a year later, we had the great opportunity to capture their beautiful family of four!
We love being able to grow with our JMG families! This time last year, we were able to do Melitza’s Houston area maternity session (Check it out here!), and a year later, we had the great opportunity to capture their beautiful family of four! We had originally scheduled their session in June, but Houston weather rained us out. If you’re from Houston, you know how it goes. *heavy eyeroll* Thankfully, we had the most perfect weather for their session this past Saturday to get some gorgeous family photos!
Santa Fe, TX Maternity: Kristina + Greg
When Kristina first reached out about a maternity session, she mentioned bringing baby goats- Wait, what?! How cool, yes please! I could already tell that Kristina & Greg were going to be a ton of fun!
When Kristina first reached out about a maternity session, she mentioned bringing baby goats- Wait, what?! How cool, yes please! I could already tell that Kristina & Greg were going to be a ton of fun!
Although we didn’t end up with the baby goats, lol, we had a blast with this awesome couple, and can tell that they’re going to be cool parents. Not only do they breed goats at their farm, but they incorporated Jimmy Fallon books into their session, which is pretty great in itself!
Kristina & Greg, the love that you guys show for each other is just going to be multiplied for baby Evelyn, so Josh and I know that she will be abundantly loved! Can’t wait to see baby E!
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!
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
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!
Holiday Acres Christmas Tree Farm: 2018 Christmas Sessions
Merry almost Christmas, everyone!
Christmas is always such a fun, special time, and we had an absolute BLAST with all of our awesome families and couples this year!
Merry almost Christmas, everyone!
Christmas is always such a fun, special time, and we had an absolute BLAST with all of our awesome families and couples this year! We tried something new and ventured out to Holiday Acres Christmas Tree Farm, and it was sooo worth it! (It may be a new tradition, I’m still undecided!)
Our mini sessions brought us new friends and familiar faces, and so many sweet smiles. :) If you didn’t get in on the party of this year’s Christmas minis, we hope to see you next Christmas!
Check out some of our favorites!
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!
Urban Downtown Houston Couples Session: Tyara + Michael
Check out the highlights from Tyara & Michael’s session in Houston!
Check out the highlights from Tyara & Michael’s session in 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
Jade & Buddy's 1st Anniversary
Check out the highlights from Jade & Buddy’s anniversary session in Houston!
Check out the highlights from Jade & Buddy’s anniversary session in Houston!
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
Nelly & Rene
Nelly & Rene were the perfect couple to work with! The love that they had for each other radiated from their smiles, Rene knew just how to make Nelly laugh, and they looked just incredible, which made for simply stunning photos!
Hi friends, Mikala here! I'd like to welcome you to my very first solo session! :D As most of you know, Josh is our primary photographer, so when Nelly reached out about having photos done after their small civil ceremony on a day that Josh was out of town, I must say- my nerves were really working! I am ECSTATIC that I said yes, because Nelly & Rene were the perfect couple to work with! The love that they had for each other radiated from their smiles, Rene knew just how to make Nelly laugh, and they looked just incredible, which made for simply stunning photos! I promise, I asked them at least five times if they had modeled before, because they just looked so natural in front of the camera!
Nelly & Rene, I'm so glad that you guys decided to skip the Astros celebration parade and celebrate your love for one another instead!! May you continue to love each other deeply, make each other laugh, and have a beautiful life together!
Much love,
Mikala
The Ellisons' Little Pumpkin!
Let me first say, we have absolutely loved being able to see little Emmy grow! (even if it only has been 3 months! haha) This little pumpkin was simply adorable in her strawberry costume, and in the words of Josh, "What. A. Doll!" You know you can't deny it!
Let me first say, we have absolutely loved being able to see little Emmy grow! (even if it only has been 3 months! haha) This little pumpkin was simply adorable in her strawberry costume, and in the words of Josh, "What. A. Doll!" You know you can't deny it!
Micale, sorry that Emmy just refused to smile for us, but that makes her no less precious! I mean look at that little sleeping angel! We can't wait to see this precious little face again soon!
Happy three months, little Emmy! Mikala & Josh love you! :D
Check out their mini session at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Pearland, TX!
