Grandmas 90th Birthday 2009-09-01

We drove down to Georgetown celebrate Mrs. Ella Woelke’s 90th Birthday (my grandmother). The weather was gorgeous. Apparently Texas decided to celebrate Grandma’s birthday with a break from the heat, because we were able to spend the day outside. The kids swam, the grown-ups drank Woelke margaritas, and we all relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company. You can see Grandma (Oma to the little ones) and the Woelke siblings below. Travis wasn’t too happy to be taken away from birthday cake to take family pictures, and Lauren and Afton proudly showed off their garden toads. In all, it was a pretty idyllic Texas Saturday. Anne’s favorite detail: Grandma’s frosted sugar cookies. Heavenly! (more...)

Dallas Cowboys 2009-09-19

The best Cowboys fans I know live in South Texas. These guys drove all the way from Edinburg today (511 miles). I have always tried to find a place to mount a bottle opener on the outside of my truck, they have at least 2. (more...)

Lisa and Paul 2009-09-21

It may have been the night of the UT vs. Tech football game, but we weren’t watching like the rest of the Metroplex. We were busy photographing Lisa and Paul’s wedding at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. Aren’t they a gorgeous couple? It was a small and intimate event. Lisa and Paul have lovely friends and family. The dance floor was never empty, and endless laughter rang late into the night. In fact, you could hear the festive group all over the hotel as they made their way to the Glass Cactus after the reception. Of course, some of that festiveness probably came from the horde of Cowboys fans at the Gaylord that night. Gavin McNosky joined us for the event to run a special portrait area where guests were able to take both formal and fun portraits together. John’s mom actually suggested we do this, because as she said, for some families, weddings are the only time people get dressed up together. Lisa and Paul’s guests had a lot of fun goofing off in front of the camera. I had two favorite details at this wedding. The first was that Lisa and Paul were head-over-heels for each other. They looked at each other with such tenderness that this photographer teared-up a couple of times. The second detail was the fantastic flowers provided by the Orange Orchid. JJ actually hung off of a ledge just to get the placement of a few pieces just right. Luckily he came out unscathed. As Always, Anne (more...)

Welcome to the World, Baby Boy 2009-09-23

Our nephew was born last night. Jerome Ryder Ries was named in the JRRies tradition of his Daddy, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa Ries. We were there with Ronnie and Crystal as they welcomed him a week early. (Arriving anywhere early is unusual for a Ries.) His big sister, Charlotte, is just thrilled with him. She keeps repeating "baby!" enthusiastically every time she sees him or hears someone talk about him. While the grandmas are rushing up from South Texas, John and I have been keeping an eye on Char. She is a bundle of fun energy. As soon as we pick up an "I'm a Big Sister" t-shirt for her, we'll take her back to the hospital to see her mommy, daddy, and baby brother. In case anyone is wondering, Charlotte and Ryder's parents would like some red velvet cupcakes from Sprinkles delivered to the hospital. :) (more...)

Victoria and Jake 2009-09-24

Fifth time is a charm. Due to the recent rain we have had to reschedule the shoot several times. But this time we had a great time and beat the rain. Victoria and Jake are a lot of fun, and were so easy to work with. The overcast sky provided perfect lighting and Deep Ellum provided the colorful backgrounds. (more...)