MY FAVORITES FROM 2023
I think this trend all started with Instagram’s top nine. The platform used to do a little recap that shared your top nine most popular posts from the year. This year that majorly evolved into creatives just sharing our nine favorite photos, but of course I couldn’t narrow it down. So I have ten, and I’m very excited to share them with you, along with the stories behind them!
Haley and Brady, October 3.
This whole shoot was born from Taylor Swift’s “cowboy like me,” and I have never been so in love with the way a concept came to life. We explored a home studio in Dallas and ended up shooting outside the building because of a scheduling hiccup. This shot specifically has always stood out to me because of the composition of it. The angle and the black and white.. it’s chef’s kiss. I also particularly love how you can feel the emotion in it and that there’s a sense of energy.
Jordan and Alex, April 1.
These two had a colorful spring wedding on the lake at Jordan’s childhood home. It was a very gloomy day up until midway through the ceremony, which gave their recessional the prettiest hints of sunshine. I’m so drawn to the way the petals are falling and the happiness on Alex’s face. The colors and the shadows and the way her veil is falling- it’s just a damn good photo!
Kara and Tristan, October 22.
Can we start with how the water is reflecting them?!
When we got to the Arboretum, I knew I wanted to find this spot because I had seen it a million times online. We searched and searched for the longest time, and finally stumbled upon it by accident, and I’m so glad we did! The muted greens in the garden behind them, the lavender flowers that match Tristan’s shirt. The framing of that arch is also just something made of magic. We had to do a bit of waiting and dodging people.. and more waiting, but I’d say it was worth it.
Kali, May 4.
Oh man, this beauty. This photo was taken at my 30A, Florida retreat last spring, and it became such a meaningful moment for me. We shot at sunrise and designed this concept around what a coastal grandma bride might look like. Kali was actually spinning through the park here, and I don’t know how I did it, but I caught it just at the right time. I love how the light is shining through the trees and how it gives a hazy effect, how you can tell the grass was a bit dewy. I love every little part of it!
Sibley and JC, February 4.
This detail shot is actually my all time favorite. I shot Sibley and JC’s proposal photos at the Ritz Carlton in Dallas, which was followed by a dinner. I got out of my comfort zone a bit and decided to try some photos with no flash, although the light was incredibly dimmed. I wanted to showcase the moodiness and the romanticism that was created in their table set up, and it ended up being exactly what I hoped for! The colors of the flowers mixed with the warmth of the room and the candle light.. it’s all just really beautiful.
Hannah and Will, January 16.
This was one of those sessions when the light was hitting just right. One that I don’t think could ever be replicated.
When we walked into the Fort Worth Worthington Renaissance, my jaw dropped at how the light was coming into the bar area. So of course, we started there. I have so many photos from this gallery that are beyond gorgeous, but something about this one makes me smile! It feels delicate and soft, but also a bit moody and intimate. The warmth of everything is to die for!
Autumn and Peter, August 27.
Throughout all of 2023, I really played with blur and composition. It’s the epitome of this photo. This was a creative session that we did at a speakeasy here in town, and for this specific moment, we were trying to recreate a Pinterest shot. But it just so happens that it turned out better! I’m in love with the richness and the warmth of the colors, Autumn’s smile that’s peaking through, and how you can really feel the love they have. It was a fun little capture.
Ann-Marie, May 3.
This one was another concept from my 30A retreat! Coastal cowgirl had been such a major moment last year, and I wanted to take advantage of that! Ann-Marie exudes confidence in this photo, and that outfit was freaking made for her. I cannot get enough of the way the light is casting on the beach, the footprints she left behind her that haven’t quite washed away, and how she’s got her button up flowing in the ocean breeze. It just has this really pretty glow from the sunrise, and it takes me back to that day.
Dustie and Shiloh, July 1.
These two little ones are my best friend’s daughters! I was doing motherhood sessions that day, and had an extra spot open, so I invited Katelyn to bring her family up to the studio. It was the first time I had met her family, but just based on the photos, you’d never know that. This shot specifically puts the biggest smile on my face because of much emotion is in it. It was a moment when Shiloh started running towards me, and I had to spontaneously capture it! Dustie looks like the sweetest big sister here, and it just feels like a bunch of fun.
Anna and Nathan, October 7.
These two tied the knot at the Dallas Arboretum back in October, with all the colors of fall. This was such a sweet moment that happened during their couples photos just before sundown, and I couldn’t get enough! It feels effortless and candid, and that pop of muted orange in the background makes my heart sing.
