University of Houston Senior Session: Jessica
Congratulations, Jessica, for graduating from University of Houston!
We met Jessica back in 2018 at the Cortez wedding. Jessica is Jorge’s sister, and was a beautiful bridesmaid at the time, and now is a gorgeous graduate!
Congratulations, Jessica, for graduating from University of Houston!
We met Jessica back in 2018 at the Cortez wedding. Jessica is Jorge’s sister, and was a beautiful bridesmaid at the time, and now is a gorgeous graduate!
Jessica decided to have her senior session at her alma mater, University of Houston, main campus. She graduated from the Bauer School of Business in one of the craziest years to date, 2020. We are so proud of all of our 2020 grads for making it through such a year!
Although all of Jessica’s pictures are as stunning as she is, I must say that my favorite part was when we all jumped in the fountain for her grand finale. If you know Houston summers, you know. :D
Jessica, congratulations on your graduation, and we hope to be able to work with you for years to come!
Houston, TX Family Session: Guevara Family
Everyone was full of smiles during this gorgeous family session!
We were so blessed to be able to squeeze this mini session in that day- as you can see from the clouds, a storm was brewing right behind us, but they made for a STUNNING backdrop to all of their pictures! :D
Everyone was full of smiles during this gorgeous family session!
Abril & Mauricio’s sweet family was such an easy one to photograph- everyone had such great smiles and were so much fun! We were so blessed to be able to squeeze this mini session in that day- as you can see from the clouds, a storm was brewing right behind us, but they made for a STUNNING backdrop to all of their pictures! :D We finished this family session right on time- as soon as we were all walking back to the car, the downpour began!
Webster, TX Family Session: Garcia Family
Everyone loves a good family session around Christmastime, including us! The Garcia family was gorgeous and so easy to work with- even with 5 kiddos!
Everyone loves a good family session around Christmastime, including us! The Garcia family was gorgeous and so easy to work with- even with 5 kiddos!
Challenger Seven Park, a personal favorite, was a perfect backdrop for their session and never disappoints! The day was perfect, the smiles were golden, and the rest is history. Check out their session!
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!
Wortham Theater Downtown Houston Senior Session: Sebastian
Sebastian is going to Juilliard, y’all! It has been our ultimate pleasure to watch this stellar young man grow into a killer vocalist, and to see him use his gifts for God (where we serve as some of his youth leaders, and lead the student band).
Sebastian is going to Juilliard, y’all! It has been our ultimate pleasure to watch this stellar young man grow into a killer vocalist, and to see him use his gifts for God (where we serve as some of his youth leaders, and lead the student band).
Together, we decided that the Wortham Theater, where Sebastian was chosen to participate in a program for students pursuing opera, was the perfect location to commemorate his graduation. We explored inside and outside the theater, and ended our session at Sesquicentennial Park next door.
Sebastian, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish!
Christmas Minis 2019
It’s the most wonderful timeeee of the yearrrr…
Of course, we are referring to CHRISTMAS! Our Christmas mini sessions have come and gone, but we are pumped about how everyone’s sessions went, and the fact that we 100% sold out of our available times! (We may have to add more days next year- don’t tell Josh!)
Minis days are long, but totally rewarding to see so many adorable families, and to think of our families sharing their Christmas cards with loved ones❤️
It’s the most wonderful timeeee of the yearrrr…
Of course, we are referring to CHRISTMAS! Our Christmas mini sessions have come and gone, but we are pumped about how everyone’s sessions went, and the fact that we 100% sold out of our available times! (We may have to add more days next year- don’t tell Josh!)
Minis days are long, but totally rewarding to see so many adorable families, and to think of our families sharing their Christmas cards with loved ones❤️
Anyway, here are some highlights from our two days of minis! Enjoy! (Click the images to see the full size!)
Ashelynn Manor Wedding: Courtney + McCae
Courtney and McCae are a dream couple, you guys! *insert heart eyes here*
Courtney and McCae are a dream couple, you guys! *insert heart eyes here*
Their Ashelynn Manor wedding day was absolutely the sweetest, most joy-filled day, and we were elated to be part of this magical day. Not only were the bride and groom GORGEOUS (as I believe that we have mentioned in one of their previous posts), but Courtney’s girls were the sweetest, McCae’s guys were the most helpful, and everyone was so ready and truly happy for the union of this amazing couple.
Ashelynn Manor was the perfect backdrop for their beautiful October wedding day. The white chapel wedding, the red barn reception- it was all a perfect reflection of the Southern charm and grace that this couple and their family radiated.
To this Aggie couple, we wish you a million years of blessings and happiness, and can’t wait to see your family grow in the coming years! <3
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
Webster Maternity Session: Zarahi + Silver
Little Julieta has arrived, but we are still ooing and ahhing over Zarahi’s maternity session! <3<3<3
Little Julieta has arrived, but we are still ooing and ahhing over Zarahi’s maternity session! <3<3<3
Zarahi and Silver wanted nature-filled photos, and that’s what we gave them in this Webster, TX maternity session. (Who would have thought that such beautiful nature could be found in the suburbs of Houston?)
This session was extra special, because it was a much anticipated time for this couple. In 2018 we had the pleasure of photographing announcement photos, but were later told of the heart wrenching news that Zarahi had lost her precious little one early on in her pregnancy. To say that Zarahi and Silver were excited to find that they were being promised a little baby just a few months later would be an understatement. Although we never shared their first announcement photos, we are OVERJOYED to be able to share this lovely maternity session, and to announce that Julieta is a happy, healthy little girl (that even played Jesus in this year’s Christmas production!).
Do you or does someone you know need maternity photos? Let us know! We’d love to be part of your beautiful memories. :)
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!
Elegant Citadel Houston Bridal Session: Karla
TODAY, Karla is a MARRIED woman, and we can share her BREATHTAKING bridal portraits!
Honestly, Karla looked like an absolute angel/supermodel/celebrity through her entire session.
TODAY, Karla is a MARRIED woman, and we can share her BREATHTAKING bridal portraits!
Honestly, Karla looked like an absolute angel/supermodel/celebrity through her entire session. Josh was just floored by how beautiful the images turned out for DAYS after (and he was the primary photographer! lol). We took her photos at her gorgeous reception venue, The Citadel Houston, and man did it blow us away. Between the marble white floors and the floor to ceiling windows, we truly felt that we were in a castle, and that Karla was the princess!
Karla, we hope that you are fully soaking today in. Enjoy all the love, celebrate with your friends and family, and go home to your HUSBAND!
Bandera Hill Country Bridal Session: Jamee
TODAY IS THE DAY!
Hugest congratulations to Travis and Jamee, and we FINALLY can share her absolutely stunning bridal portraits!
TODAY IS THE DAY!
Hugest congratulations to Travis and Jamee, and we FINALLY can share her absolutely stunning bridal portraits! Jamee & Travis got married today at Travis’ family’s Texas hill country ranch in Bandera, so that is where we collectively chose to do Jamee’s session.
Jamee found the Silver Spur Dance Hall Ruins on the outskirts of Bandera, TX, and we couldn’t have chosen a cooler spot for her, even if we did have to hop a barricade to get to it! Not only was the architecture great for portraits, but the building itself came with history- a classic country dance hall that burned down in the 60s now serves as the backdrop of modern day portraiture.
Jamee & Travis, congratulations! Travis, you got a stunner!
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!
Houston Newborn Session: Baby Duke
I think it’s safe to say- if you have been following JMG Photography for long, you’re probably familiar with the Ellisons! These sweet friends of ours are some of our favorite clients, but we’re not biased because they’re our friends and their kids are adorable, or anything! ;)
I think it’s safe to say- if you have been following JMG Photography for long, you’re probably familiar with the Ellisons! These sweet friends of ours are some of our favorite clients, but we’re not biased because they’re our friends and their kids are adorable, or anything! ;)
Baby Duke made his way into the world early, and to be honest, he gave us quite a scare. Prior to his arrival, Brett & Micale were given some pretty scary news that involved chances of physical deformities, mental disabilities, and the chance of losing their little guy if things didn’t go just right. Let’s just say that praying parents don’t accept that kind of news laying down. The Ellison and Wilhoite families, along with hundreds of family and friends united together to pray for this little guy, believing that everything would be ok, and he would be born with none of the potential disabilities that the doctors had warned of.
When he was born, he was perfect! No physical abnormalities, ten fingers, ten toes, however he wasn’t out of the woods yet. The doctors immediately rushed him to NICU with fluid on his lungs. This little guy fought through fluid on the lungs, a meningitis scare, and a blood infection, and finally made it home to his little family and is doing 100% better! The power of prayer is real y’all.
Anyway, we are so happy for our sweet friends and their growing family, and can’t wait to see how this miracle baby changes the world as he grows!
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! ;)
