tasha & co.

Ava, could you be any cuter? I think not. Any sweeter? Impossible. More fun to photograph? No. Freaking. Way. Back for her one year portraits, I hadn't seen the little girl since her newbie session. Just as petite as her pretty mama, with the same doe-eyes and lips, she was the perfect combination of her mom and dad. And don't even get me started on her mad genius ways. When I held out a ball to her, she said, "ball." When her dad asked her what a sheep says, she said, "Baaaa." At one point during the session, during the family candids, she spontaneously leaned over and snuggled with Daddy ... while making sure to look at me and flash that sweet smile. It was as if she was reading my mind. She gave me so many sweet moments to capture for this very sweet (and entirely too pretty) family, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to start my morning. Guys, congrats on a beautiful girl and a wonderful year. You have no idea how much it meant that you brought her back for such a milestone. Enjoy your sneaky, and "baaa baaa baaa" to sweet Ava Girl.

hayley & co.

From the moment his beautiful mama texted me that she was preggers, I have been dying to meet the little baby she was carrying. When I took her maternity pics a few months ago, I got a glimpse into the world that Sawyer would soon enter. She was literally glowing, couldn't stop smiling and already so maternal. This past Saturday, Sawyer's happy family stopped by for his much anticipated newbie session, and I was beyond honored to be a part of his world. Only 8 days into their already close relationship, she knew Sawyer. And Sawyer knew Hayley. When she would speak, across the room, he would open his eyes and turn his head to look for her. When he began to fuss (which was practically never), she would lean down and softly sing a lullaby in his tiny ear. And literally, in an instant, he was calm. It was just about the sweetest thing you've ever seen, dear reader, and I (of course, shock, shock, shocker, shock) teared up a bit. And when Hayley was busy feeding or tending to her boy, Adam would literally hold a glass of water for Hayley so that she could sip from it. If he wasn't so darn nice, it would have made me sick. In all seriousness, though, Adam was a hands-on-dad/husband/photographer's assistant, and he and Hayley could not have been more relaxed during the session. Cousin Jett, only 4 weeks older than Sawyer, stopped by for a quick Business Meeting of the Cousins shot (they actually wore ties), and then both boys got to pose with GeeGee (who made it a point to be at both boy's newbie sessions). And if I'm being honest (so sorry if this embarrasses the lovely woman), Stacy's mom has got nothing on Hayley and Nicole's mom: Sawyer and Jett's GeeGee has got it going on. Aside from being so patient and so very sweet to both her daughters, her sons-in-law and her grandsons, she is one haute grandmother! At one point, the studio was literally filled with Hayley, Adam, Sawyer, Jett, Nicole, Jeff and The Geeg, and I was so happy for my beautiful friend, her beautiful family and the beautiful little boy she brought into this world. Hayley, you know I love ya. And your sis. And your mama. You may now add Little Boy Blue to the many reasons why I adore you. Congratulations. He is beyond perfect, and I honestly could not be more happier for you or Adam.

gina & co.

Truth be told, dear reader, this session had disaster written all over it. From. The. Get. Go. The torrential downpour that drowned all of North Texas this morning caused Gina and Trenton to arrive to the session 1/2 hour late. With twins. And as Gina ran in to the house with sweet little Claire, under an umbrella, Trenton braved the elements, sans umbrella, with Troy. Which ended up soaking both of them. So we tossed Trenton's shirt in to the dryer and decided to start with the twins' pictures. All was going well. So very well. Until my smiling Troy took a tumble. But a few snuggles from mama (and a few licks of icing from a smash cake), and he was good to go. Born a year ago on 9/18 at 36 weeks, Troy was almost 9 pounds, and little Claire was a little under 6. He was first, she was second, but she seemed to be the one in charge today. Verbal beyond belief, she actually mimicked one of the crazy noises I tend to make when trying to get little ones to smile. It took me completely off guard, and I still smile when I think about it. These two were so sweet, so cute, and such absolute troopers. Gina, I know you were afraid we didn't get any good shots, but I'm pretty sure the kiddies rocked the camera. Hope the ride home was a quiet one. Thanks so much for sharing your babies with me, and enjoy the sneak!

lori & co.

Meet James. When I first met him on Saturday, he had brown hair. And then his gorgeous mama took him out of the car, and I was pretty sure he was sporting some lovely locks the shade of auburn. And then in direct sunlight, I was certain he was blonde ... And before I convinced myself that I was absolutely losing my mind, Lori assured me that I was not seeing things. That her beautiful little boy's hair does, indeed, change drastically in the light. Aside from his chameleonesque hair, James had the most beautiful baby blues and delicious creamy skin. J's dad, Tommy, brought to the session a mini retro style hat that looked absolutely adorable on his son! Lori is an interior designer, and Tommy is an IT guy ... so James will should be one well rounded little man when he grows up. Lori and Tommy, it was so much fun! I loved your easy-breezy laid back style, and I loved little James! Thanks so much, and enjoy your sneaky!

jessica & co.

The lovely Jessica came all the way from Oklahoma to take pictures with me this past weekend. Along for the ride: her charming hubs, Alan, and precious daughter, Sidney. Oh, and Sid's older brother, Miles. In spite of her super late bedtime the night prior, and her not getting much of a nap (as in not at all) the day of, little Sidney got an E for Effort. And an A for adorable. Big Brother Miles was exceptionally well behaved. When let off his leash, he did not run away, but remained right by baby sis' side. Miles, mind you, is a 3 year old Westie. And between him and Sidney, it was hard for me to decide which one I could "accidentally take home with me". I kid. I kid. But the two were so cute; especially at the end when Miles snuggled up to Sidney and gave her a few kissies. Jessica is as beautiful as she is witty, and she had me laughing out loud between takes. Guys, it was an absolute honor and so much fun. Thanks for being such troopers, and I hope the trip home was a peaceful one! Thanks again, and enjoy your sneak!

quyen & co.

On the first morning of September, somewhere in Dallas, Ryan and Quyen became Husband and Wife. Attending the wedding were immediate family members. And Quyen's 3 year old daughter, Genius. I mean ... Taylor. After the ceremony, the newlyweds met me at the Arboretum for family pictures. Rain had been predicted most of the week, and Quyen and I were nervous that the outdoors shots might have to be moved inside. Luckily for us, the rain did not attend the wedding. Or the photo shoot. But 11 of the sweetest people, ever, did (they gave me two bottles of water during our very hot photo session). The family did unbelievably well in the humid shooting conditions, and Quyen was the quintessential Classic Bride. For two hours we walked around the gardens, taking as many pictures as possible before we all melted. After the photo session, the family celebrated over lunch at the Capital Grille ... the same place Ryan took Quyen to dinner the night he proposed. Quyen, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day! You guys were so amazing, so much fun and so very kind! Enjoy Vegas, as well as your sneak!

ashley & co.

Sweet little Michael. Fresh from a morning nap that he had lately given up, the blue eyed boy was all smiles for his one year portraits! While not a fan of chairs taller than him, he did love the vintage blue rocker I brought along, as well as the suitcases and blocks. But honestly, this Nature Lover would have been content to sit in the park and observe. Or collect leaves. And sticks. He clearly loved being outside, and he made my job so very easy! Ashley and Jeff brought along a few outfit changes and Michael's beloved stuffed puppy. Literally the size of him, he loves snuggling with it at home. Or his Mommy. The doting mama had to be within arm's reach of the tot, which was so cute. And made me miss my own mama's boy at home. Poor Jeff was quite the trooper, having pulled his back out a few days prior. But that didn't stop him from playing Smile Maker Assistant for me. Funny story (at least to me): at the beginning of the shoot, when introductions were being made, Jeff looked at me quizzically and said, "Zindler? Do you know a Stephen Zindler?" Confirming that I did indeed know the man (otherwise known as the Haute Hubs), Jeff went on to share that a little after college, they met through a mutual friend and decided to take a road trip together to Austin to see a football game. Once in Austin, they parted ways, only to meet up again on Sunday to drive home. Completely random story, such a small world, and Jeff assured me that there were no stories that might land the Hubs in haute water ... Guys, thanks so much for an amazingly sweet session! Michael was an absolute doll, and I wish you all a wonderful second year together! Thanks so much, and enjoy the sneak!

jen & co.

Her name is Jennifer, and she goes by Jennifer or Jen. With one N. She's married to Shawn, and together they have two of the prettiest little boys. Ever. When Big Brother Grayson walked in to the studio, I was immediately taken by his delicious buttery locks. And then he looked at me, with his huge blue eyes and ridiculous dark eyelashes. And then he sat down. Pulled out a coloring book and crayons, and quietly colored. When it was time to take pictures with the fam, he obliged, and then occupied himself by playing with his Batman and Superman figures. Absolutely amazing. And little Graham could not have been sweeter. At 4 weeks, I can already tell he'll have the same beautiful eyes that Grayson does. He loved when Big Brother played "This Little Piggy", and he absolutely loved to snuggle. And, unlike most newbies, he loved to pose in his birthday suit! Little Graham woke his parents up every two hours the night before, but both Jen and Shawn were relaxed, patient and so very sweet. And I learned that the family will be dressing up as Toy Story characters this year; Shawn will be Woody, Jen will be Jessie, Grayson will be Buzz, and little Graham will be Dr. Porkchop. How sweet is that? Shawn and Jen, congrats on another beautiful boy. I hope Mr. Grayson got his ice cream on the way home, and enjoy your sneak!

susan & co.

Six of my favorite people came out to play with me this weekend. And I say play, because Kerry and Susan's kids do just that. Oh sure, they'll pose for me on command, but they'll also go on Toad Patrol, catch frogs, skip stones and end the session barefoot in the creek, thoroughly splashing each other (and keeping me in stitches). Abby, Parker, Grace and Claire (13, 11, 9, and 6 respectively) are just the right amount of sugar, spice, snips, snails and a pinch of sass. Parker was fresh from his first school dance the night before. Where, dear reader, he won the Dance Off! He was too shy to show me his moves, no doubt because I kept calling him Parker Bieber the entire morning (he was sporting a new 'do that was Justin B inspired). His sisters were just as much fun and were such great assistants! Oh, and FYI, jelly shoes are all the rage now. Just ask Claire. Susan recently lost her braces, so we couldn't help but take a few pics of the lovely mama solo (facebook!). It is always so much fun with this family, and I was seriously thinking of hijacking their lunch plans and joining them. Susan, thanks so much for the morning fun! Hope the kids dried off quickly .... and enjoy your sneaky!