Landa Park Engagements: Kendall + Blake
Kendall and Blake live in New Braunfels, which happens to be a gorgeous location for an engagement shoot! We chose Landa Park, and the diverse scenery, beautiful park, changing leaves, and breathtaking, hill-country, landscape serve as a stunning backdrop. We look forward to celebrating their wedding with them in June!
Our first encounter with this lovely couple was a wedding that we were photographing (check it out here!), where Kendall was a bridesmaid. Kendall and Blake are naturals in front of the camera, making it a breeze to capture their unique energy during their engagements. Kendall and Blake live in New Braunfels, which happens to be a gorgeous location for an engagement shoot! We chose Landa Park, and the diverse scenery, beautiful park, changing leaves, and breathtaking, hill-country, landscape serve as a stunning backdrop. We look forward to celebrating their wedding with them in June!
Urban Downtown Houston Engagements: Kassie + Ryan
Kassie & Ryan were sooo cuteee, y’all!
We chose downtown Houston as the location for their portraits- Kassie wanted something a little city-feeling, and as we explored, we found some great spots along the way! We ended the session on top of a garage rooftop at sunset to put the icing on the cake of their killer urban session. Kassie’s outfit was perfect for upcoming NYE, and we can’t wait to celebrate their wedding at The Springs- Wallisville later this year!
Urban Downtown Houston Engagements: Kassie + Ryan
Kassie & Ryan were sooo cuteee, y’all!
We chose downtown Houston as the location for their portraits- Kassie wanted something a little city-feeling, and as we explored, we found some great spots along the way! We ended the session on top of a garage rooftop at sunset to put the icing on the cake of their killer urban session. Kassie’s outfit was perfect for upcoming NYE, and we can’t wait to celebrate their wedding at The Springs- Wallisville later this year!
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.
Citadel Houston Wedding: Karla + Jared
The Gartner girls know how to PARTY, Y’ALL!
We had the great pleasure of meeting Karla and Jared last fall at Karla’s sister, Kelley’s, epic wedding, and Karla’s was just as incredible! Karla and Jared are a dynamic duo, and their love for each other and for having a great time is undeniable!
The Gartner girls know how to PARTY, Y’ALL!
We had the great pleasure of meeting Karla and Jared last fall at Karla’s sister, Kelley’s, epic wedding, and Karla’s was just as incredible! Karla and Jared are a dynamic duo, and their love for each other and for having a great time is undeniable!
From the moment we stepped on the scene, everyone was calm, cool, and collected, and giddy for their big day. You could tell that Karla was ready to marry the man of her dreams, and Jared was ready to sweep his princess off her feet and be able to give her his name.
Karla chose St. Christopher’s Catholic Church as their ceremony location, and not only was it colorful and unique, it also has sentimental value to the family. When I asked how the church was chosen, I was told that this was the same church that Karla and Kelley’s parents were married in nearly 30 years before. What a way to start your marriage, and a legacy to step into!
We followed the beautiful ceremony to the dream-like castle, Citadel Houston, where the day continued. And you guys, the place was immaculate. The Perfect Touch did an outstanding job with decor, Cakes by Gina killed it on the 5-tier, white and ornately decorated gold bride’s cake and creative groom’s cake, and everything just came together like it was a fairytale. And like I said, the Gartner girls know how to throw a party! The dance floor was never empty, and you can’t top breakfast tacos as a late night snack. :)
What I said in 2018 about Kelley’s wedding day also applies to Karla’s big day: “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”
Congratulations to Karla and Jared! May you enjoy decades of a God-blessed marriage ahead of you!
Much love,
Mikala & Josh
Downtown Houston Engagements: Amy + Jon
Amy and Jon are precious, you guys! This couple has such natural chemistry, and their connection during their engagement session was undoubted.
This sweet couple was full of joy and laughter throughout their entire Downtown Houston engagement session, and even decided to incorporate how they met into their session- and it was so cute! You’ll have to scroll to the bottom to see it, but I promise, you won’t regret it!
Amy and Jon are precious, you guys! This couple has such natural chemistry, and their connection during their engagement session was undoubted.
When we asked Amy and Jon how they met, they unashamedly said, “Coffee Meets Bagel”! More and more, we are meeting couples who have been able to find their match online, and we think that is so cool! Both Amy and Jon relocated to Houston after college, and that they were able to meet their match here in HTX, well, I’m proud of, at least!
This sweet couple was full of joy and laughter throughout their entire Downtown Houston engagement session, and even decided to incorporate how they met into their session- and it was so cute! You’ll have to scroll to the bottom to see it, but I promise, you won’t regret it!
Amy & Jon, we CANNOT WAIT to celebrate you in October!
Urban Houston Engagements: Summer + David
We had a blast with Summer and David during their bright and colorful engagement session!
We quickly found that the vibrant and unique settings that we chose were a perfect match to this stylish young couple. :)
We had a blast with Summer and David during their bright and colorful engagement session!
Summer plans to have a very color-filled summer wedding, so we thought- what better couple to explore Baytown’s Umbrella Alley with! We then took a trip to Houston’s museum district, where we explored the classic North and South Boulevard, and the Glassell School of Art. We quickly found that the vibrant and unique settings that we chose were a perfect match to this stylish young couple. :)
Summer and David, we are looking forward to your bright and beautiful wedding in June!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
Jorge Proposed to Kelley!
The scene was set, the crowds had cleared, and in that moment when they walked up the steps, the only people in the world were Jorge and Kelley. Jorge dropped to his knee asking for Kelley to share the rest of her life with him, his face radiating with the elation of hearing her response.
When Josh asked me if I'd be open to shooting a proposal last Friday night, I was thrilled. Let me be honest, I love being part of proposals! The anticipation, the surprise, knowing the secret that the soon to be fiancée has no idea about, the giddy excitement afterward- JUST LOVE. The second reason for my excitement was that the planned proposal was in the same spot that Josh had proposed just two years ago, the romantic and majestic Houston Waterwall. So there we were, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Jorge and the unsuspecting Kelley.
The scene was set, the crowds had cleared, and in that moment when they walked up the steps, the only people in the world were Jorge and Kelley. Jorge dropped to his knee asking for Kelley to share the rest of her life with him, his face radiating with the elation of hearing her response.
Jorge and Kelley, we are SO excited for the road ahead for you both, and can't wait to see the rest of your story unfold! Thank you for letting be part of such an enormous moment for you both!
-Mikala & Josh
