Take a peek at this recent Vaquero wedding styled and coordinated by none other than Bella Flora of Dallas.

.. what a beautiful day it was ..

.. a joy to photograph ..

.. see more images from the wedding :: here :: ..

xo

.. sleep ..

.. paint ..

.. sleep ..

.. read ..

.. smile ..

.. sip coffee ..

.. do yoga ..

.. write ..

.. dream ..

.. revitalize ..

.. restore ..

I will be photographing wee newborns who cannot wait, and other choice projects,

but otherwise will be hibernating in Narnia until January 25th.

May your holidays and new year be joyously perfect,

.. Sara ..

{I didn’t ask him to say cheese.}

It was obvious, though, that I wanted to take his photograph.

He was into wandering around the studio. He was content looking out the windows.

He was not into sitting on the picture-perfect bench.

{We promptly went outside.}

.. oh, the age of discovery ..

.. of fluttering from rock to twig to leaf ..

.. of going left when you say right, of running and jumping and laughing rather than sitting still ..

Secretly I love this age.

The child doesn’t say cheese and smile for the camera on command.

.. perfect ..

I am provided an opportunity to capture moments of discovery .. of wonder .. of laughter.

100% unposed. 100% real.

.. thank you, little man, for providing me the opportunity to capture images that are 100% Sara ..

.. I purchased a rain cover for my cameras just in case ..

.. I packed two umbrellas ..

.. then I thought to myself, it’s ok, if the heavens open up today with rain, it will be heaven’s happy tears ..

When I arrived at Vaquero, the busy designers of Bella Flora were fluttering about adding unbelievably beautiful finishing touches to the decor.

Among the details? Vintage hankies for each guest, with hand-written tags that said:

“Happy Tears”

.. I nearly started to cry ..

All of the weddings I shoot tug at my heart strings. I enjoy each and every couple … capturing moments of light and time … but this couple is something special. The bride, a spunky, bright-eyed beauty .. diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid 20s .. strong .. vibrant .. perfect.

She gave her cancer a strong, swift kick in the butt, and moved forward with her life.

But not without him.

He stood by her side. He supported her with his whole being. He loved her through it.

Happy tears indeed.

But the heavens opted for a beautiful sunny afternoon and dreamy sunset rather than rain,

providing a picturesque backdrop for the couple and their guests.

Just as they were announced as man and wife, the groom’s parents surprised us all, filling the night sky with pink fireworks.

Heavenly indeed.

.. flip to page 33 ..

.. smile and float with the kiddos ..

.. He’s quite a good catcher ..

.. I just adore them ..