Urban Downtown Family- Back to School: Trevino Kiddos
It’s back to school time for these kiddos!
It’s always a pleasure to work with Desiree and her family!
It’s back to school time for these kiddos!
It’s always a pleasure to work with Desiree and her family! We met Desiree shooting Kelley & Jorge’s wedding, where she and her colleague were the coordinators. (Shameless plug, if you need a coordinator, contact D&R Event Coordinators!) When Desiree asked to do a session for her 6th and 3rd grader, we were like, uh yeah- sounds great! We chose the Houston Graffiti Park as a fun, colorful location for their photos.
Check out their pics and show them some love! Need pictures for yourself? Let us know & let’s schedule something!
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!
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!
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! ;)
Webster, TX Engagements: Marissa + Emmanuel
Marisa & Emmanuel are both proud doggy parents and Astros fans, and wanted to incorporate those two things into their session. We said, bring it on, sounds fun!
We had a blast with Marisa & Emmanuel at their engagement session!
When planning out their session with Marisa, she wanted something green & full of nature, and was inspired by some of our previous sessions. We decided that this Webster park would be a great spot for them, and would allow them to bring their dogs without much interruption!
Marisa & Emmanuel are both proud doggy parents and Astros fans, and wanted to incorporate those two things into their session. We said, bring it on, sounds fun!
All in all, I think we got some perfect options for their save the dates, and some sweet memories for them of their first children! And I just couldn’t resist adding in the puppy love at the end. ;)
We can’t wait for your wedding in March, guys!
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
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!
Northgate Country Club Houston Winter Wedding: Kathleen + Waylon
I could tell before the wedding day that Kathleen was going to be so much fun when she told me that she had lined up a few surprises for her husband-to-be. Her surprises did not disappoint!
We were so happy to have been able to be part of Kathleen' & Waylon’s wedding day!
I must say, Kathleen’s wedding photographer story started out as a tragic one. She and Waylon had a photographer lined up and paid the deposit, and the month before the wedding, for one reason or another, the photographer backed out. (PS- It wasn’t us!) She reached out asking if we were available for her holiday season wedding, and lo and behold, we were!
I could tell before the wedding day that Kathleen was going to be so much fun when she told me that she had lined up a few surprises for her husband-to-be. Her surprises did not disappoint! First, she planned a “fake first look”. If you haven’t seen one of these before, it’s basically when you trick your fiance into believing that they will do a first look with you, then you dress up their best man in a wedding dress. You’ll have to look at the pictures to really see how ridiculous Waylon’s best friend looked in a wedding dress! Secondly, Waylon is a HUGE LSU fan, so naturally, she had to prank him a little, being an Aggie fan, herself. Though the cake looked unsuspecting at first glance, Waylon was in for a surprise when he cut into his cake. Kudos, Kathleen, for pulling off these little pranks!
All in all, Kathleen & Waylon had a wonderful wedding day, and we wish them many years of happiness ahead!
Webster, TX Family Session: The Co Sisters
**“The Codashians”, as we call them.**
**“The Codashians”, as we call them.**
These two sweet & sassy sisters contacted us so that they could surprise their parents with canvas prints for Christmas from their secret “sister session”. We have watched Meaghan and Morgan grow as we have worked with the church youth group, and boy are they a BLAST to work with!
Not only are they beautiful, but they can laugh on command! (#winning) If you don’t know these two, you should get to know them- they will brighten up your day every time.
Union Station Houston Wedding: Kelley + Jorge
Kelley & Jorge’s wedding day was an absolute dream, I tell you.
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
Josh and I were lucky (blessed) enough to be granted the privilege of helping to document this sweet couple’s love from the proposal to the day that they drove away as man and wife. Wedding days can be stressful, but if they were stressed, we couldn’t tell. Their calm, cool, and collected demeanor helped to make our “job” easy from day one, and that same peace that we felt with them leading up to the day of the wedding only continued throughout their absolutely beautiful wedding day.
Kelley & Jorge’s wedding day was an absolute dream, I tell you.
The ceremony focused on a scripture that Josh and I hold dearly in our own marriage- “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” Every detail was perfectly coordinated, every flower perfectly arranged, and OMG THE RECEPTION Y’ALL. Stepping into the impeccably decorated Union Station was like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
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
Check out their highlight gallery for proof!
The Preparation
The Ceremony
The Portraits
The Party
To many blessed years for
Mr. & Mrs. Jorge Cortez!
Vendor Love:
MUA: Katie Lynn Beauty
Hair: Above the Waves Hair
Videography: Reverent Wedding Films
Floral: Lexis Florist
Dress: Parvani Vida
Reception Decor: Blink Decor & DJs
DJ: PB&DJ Events
Cake: Cakes by Gina
Venue: Union Station at Minute Maid