Nelly & Rene

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

Azzams in the Pumpkin Patch!

We had such a fun time at the pumpkin patch with Brittany, Mitch, and their two cuties, Cooper & Brielle at their mini session! Cooper was SO GOOD at saying "Cheese!" We have to give him major kudos there, for sure. ;)

The Azzams are such a beautiful family, and we hope to be part of many memory making moments in the future! Everyone enjoy!

-Mikala & Josh

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! 

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!

Jorge Proposed to Kelley!

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

Claudia & Aldo

It was a perfect day for a September wedding in my hometown of San Antonio! Claudia wanted a cultural celebration, and there is no better place than San Antonio, which is notorious for it's Texan and Hispanic culture! In the words of Claudia herself, "I couldn't take the family to Mexico, so I brought Mexico to them," and that she did. The vibrant colors of the flowers, the flirty fun of the traditional Mexican bridesmaids dresses, and the energy of San Antonio's Market Square oozed the culture that she was wanting in her special day. And you can't go to Market Square without a trip to the famous Mi Tierra, which is exactly where they topped off their celebration!

Although Claudia and Aldo had a private wedding ceremony, we were so honored to have been invited to take portraits of the family and the glowing couple! And aren't they just beautiful? 

Claudia and Aldo, we wish you the very best in your marriage, and more blessings and joy than you can contain! 

-Mikala & Josh

Baby Emerson

Happy one month birthday to baby Emerson!  This sweet little one has already grown from when we were able to take her portraits when she was just 2 weeks old! Baby Emmy, you are a lovely and beautiful little girl, and we pray the world for you and your wonderful parents!❤️

...And then there were four

The Salinas family is growing, and we could not be more excited for our friends! Baby No.2 is due in March, and we can't wait to see if it is a boy or girl! Sam and Tito, we are thrilled to meet Your littlest one in the spring, and we know they will have THE best parents. ;) 

Obi & Kelechi's Engagement Photos

What a beautiful couple! When Obi contacted us for photos, he said to me, "We already had engagement photos, and my fiancé looks gorgeous in them, but I just don't feel like myself. They came in and put powder all over my face, and I don't feel like I look like me. I'm not a pretty guy and want photos that are more casual, where I can feel like myself." We decided to do more urban feeling photos, and Obi, I hope we proved you wrong about yourself- you both ended up looking INCREDIBLE! We've had people oooo-ing and ahhh-ing over your photos, asking if you both are models! You can see the love in both of your eyes, and we are so honored to have had even a small part in preserving these moments in your lives before becoming man and wife! 

Ryan Family Vacation

We absolutely adored our time with the Ryan family! They decided to spend a relaxing weekend in Galveston (one of our most favorite places ever) for Fourth of July weekend, and I'm so glad they decided to take some photos of the family while they were down!

The twins, Abby & Aiden, were absolute dolls, and Jake was a ball of energy and personality! Thank you, Amy, for giving us the opportunity to spend some time with your family!

Micale's Maternity Photos

Baby Ellison is well on her way, hopefully to be expected this week, and we are so excited! Micale said that she went back and forth between whether she wanted maternity photos or not, and I must say, I'm glad she decided to have some taken before it was too late! We did the session for Micale and Brett in their home, since we didn't know if she would still be on bed rest, AND 38 weeks along isn't the most comfortable state to be roaming local parks. I hope you agree with us in saying that the final results were stunning! 

Micale, you and Brett are going to be incredible parents, and we can't wait to meet Baby E this week! :D
 

Juarez Family Photos

Annie and I have been coworkers for just over three years now, and before Josh and I even began our official photography business, she was one of the first people that was interested in having photos done! Needless to say, we were ecstatic when my she let me know that she and Jose wanted family photos this summer!

Annie and I went back and forth about where would be the best place for them, and what style of photos she wanted- Galveston or Houston? Urban or woodsy?Ultimately, I think we picked just the right spot. :)

We decided to try out Buffalo Bayou Park, right north of downtown Houston, where we were able to find the best of both worlds! A lush spot, right in the middle of the city,  Buffalo Bayou Park allowed to get both great skyline pictures and photos in nature, and have fun while doing so! It was a great opportunity to explore one of Houston's gems, and it was evident that Justin and Sophia (and Jordan, the lovable French bulldog!) all loved the park as well. 

Annie and Jose, I hope you love your pictures as much as we do! Anytime you want more family photos, we're totally in! :)

Ruqyia & Salman's Gender Reveal!

Congratulations to Ruqiya and Salman! After several years having a house full of boys, they are now overjoyed to be welcoming a little girl to the family! Check out their trailer here, and their pictures below! 

IV's First Jam

This little baller turned one this week! To celebrate, he is having a Space Jam themed party, so naturally, what would make more sense than some basketball pictures! Honestly, I don't think little IV could be any cuter! We loved his happy demeanor and sweet personality during the shoot (and every time we see him!) and it's without a doubt that he loves his mom & dad. :) 
Tito and Sam, we love you and your precious family, and IV is such a little model baby that we would take pictures of him everyday if we could! ♡

Aria & Ainsley's Enchanted First Birthday!

Don't ever say Facebook is good for nothing! I saw on Facebook early in May that a fellow choir member from high school (11 years ago, to be exact), was looking for a photographer for his adorable twins' first birthday party, so I reached out! Thank you, Facebook, for the high school reunion, of sorts! 

Aria and Ainsley had the most precious "Enchanted First Birthday"! Ashley did a wonderful job ensuring that the cake, table decorations, outfits, and PONIES were nothing short of perfect for her girls' big day!

Anybody else wish they had ponies at their birthday party?! The house was full of friends and family, and the atmosphere was buzzing with the love for these two sweet girls. 

Daniel & Ashley, congratulations on successfully making it through the first year with your girls and throwing them a great birthday bash! It was nothing short of enchanted. ;)

Britney Takes Downtown

When you decide that you want to go exploring at 6:30am on a humid, Saturday, Houston morning, you really need to find someone who is willing to cooperate (and be awake for the pictures)! Cooperative, enthusiastic, and beautiful, it was such a pleasure to spend the morning with our exceptional model, Britney. :) We found an empty garage rooftop, and explored the heart of downtown, learning and having a blast the entire time! Thank you, Philip Emerson Photography, for coordinating the hang, and thank you, Britney, for being you! 

Hermann Park Maternity

Brianda's Maternity session

Josh previously worked with Brianda, and when she contacted us to have a maternity session, it was an easy and resounding "YES!" Brianda said that she loved the natural light and nature from our previous shoots, so we collectively decided to meet at Houston's Hermann Park- easily one of the most beautiful and lush areas of the city!  She looked absolutely angelic, especially with the light of golden hour peering from behind her through the branches of the trees. 

Brianda and Ricardo were both such a pleasure to work with, and their love for little Noel, and excitement to have him finally arrive were both apparent throughout our time together. Congratulations, you two! We're so excited to see your little one in a few weeks! 

DPHS Prom 2k17

Senior prom: the most glamorous day of a young woman's life until she is married. These girls were no exception and looked absolutely stunning on their way to Deer Park High School's prom! Meaghan, Sophia, Tyra, Samantha- we hope you had a magical time at prom, and we are eager to see you all walk the stage and step into a new season of life this weekend!

Joanna Class of 2017

As soon as we met Joanna for her session, I knew that we would hit it off great! Joanna was fun and exuded such joy and a great, Godly spirit.

She decided to have her session at University of Houston, where she will be graduating from on the 14th with a Bachelor's in education. We toured the campus together, laughing and clicking away the whole time. Check out those library shots- they were our favorite from the whole evening! And ironically, afterward, Joanna described the library as her "safe place" while she was in school.

Congratulations, Joanna! Your future students will be so blessed to have you as their teacher! Go Coogs!

Gabe & Brandy's Engagement

What a special day! Gabe surprised his girlfriend, Brandy, on Saturday with a photoshoot for their day date, but what she didn't know is that he had already planned to propose! We were so blessed and excited to have been part of this huge day for some of our greatest friends! We can't wait to see what's in store ahead! Love you guys!

Year 1

On April 10, 2017, we celebrated our first anniversary! We decided to celebrate by vacationing at the gorgeous Hotel Galvez in Galveston, and then traveled to Dallas to stay at the Fairmont Hotel. It was a much needed vacation, and we had a blast playing with our new Nikon D7200!

#MamaandPapaGForever #TeamG