~ Emily + Andrew ~

So, not only was I thrilled to be able to second shoot a wedding with Niki Graves, but I was ecstatic to find out that there were two in the same weekend. Emily and Andrew got married on Saturday, June, 11, 2011 at the Fulfer Barn in Brownfield, TX! OH MY it's absolutely STUNNING out there. I felt like we were in Austin when we pulled in. There are so many trees, that it honestly didn't feel like we were only 30 minutes outside of Lubbock.

Niki and I started the day with Emily and her attendees at her apartment complex in Lubbock. They had a makeup artist and hair stylists come in to do their makeup and hair, they watched The Wedding Planner and ate the most delicious cake balls to date! I still need to get that recipe from Emily's mom... After getting some shots of the pre-wedding/getting ready pictures, we headed to Brownfield. Emily and Andrew were very traditional and didn't see one another until the ceremony started. (So I got to experience first hand, both types of weddings: the "first look" and the traditional wedding experience). While Emily and her attendees were taking pictures, we made sure that Andrew was cooped up in the barn and vice versa when it was time for Andrew to take pictures with his groomsmen. The ceremony was breathtaking. We could hear the water from the waterfall, and there was a nice coolness to the location because of the HUGE trees... Even in the middle of June there are "cool" (weather related) places to have an outdoor wedding. Although Emily and Andrew were very traditional, they had some new things in their ceremony as well. Instead of doing the traditional unity candle or unity sand, Andrew and Emily had a unity cross!!!! How cool is that? There were two pieces to the cross, and when it was time, they took their two pieces and made them fit into one another as "one." After the ceremony there was lots of dancing and delicious cake to eat... Here's to yet another beautiful wedding.

~ The Beerwinkle Family ~

Meet the Beerwinkle family, yep, that's right Beerwinkle... Hehe, sorry this is my sister, brother-in-law and adorable niece and nephew. It's been nearly a year since we took their last family photos, so Jama, my sister, asked if we could get some more pictures! Her only thoughts were, "I don't want to go to John B's house." HeHe, well that's a good thing because they were like my little guinea pigs and we got to try out a couple new locations that I've been really wanting to shoot at!! Laiken Grace is 4 and Westin Kyle will be 2 in October, and Matt, well he's like the brother that I never had. I just can't believe how much the kiddos have grown since the first time I took pictures of L when she was only a few weeks old, her little "pop of attitude" in the first picture really grabs her personality. I didn't even have to ask her to pose, she just picked up on it like it was natural for her. My how time flies!!!

~ The Thomann Family ~

This beautiful family was such a joy to be around. Jess called me and asked if I would do her maternity pictures when she was pregnant with this precious bundle of joy, Lorelei!! I was so excited when I first met her, and I was even more thrilled when she called again to have family pictures done. Her husband, Chris, is active in our military (thank you for all that you do to protect our freedom), so we set up a time to get pictures done and edited in time for him to be able to see the finished product before he had to go back. Chris and Jess are so in love and you can see how truly blessed they feel with their smallest love, Lorelei! Thanks again for allowing me to be a part of this special time in your lives, I can't wait to get more as your family grows...

~ Christmas Mini Sessions ~

Don't forget to email me today to set up your Christmas Mini Session!

~ Momma's girl ~

Meet Keegan Paige, another one of the beautiful little girls that I've had the privelage of photographing this year!!! She was an absolute doll... Even though it took two days worth of shoots (with the rain/wind/and Miss Keegan herself not wanting to model the first day), I think it's safe to say that we got some pretty good ones! My mom, with Elegance by Norma, was the event planner/decorator/caterer for Leslie and her husband when they got married, so I was completely honored when Leslie called to set up a session. Keegan's daddy is a firefighter, so her photoshoot wasn't complete without getting a few of her with daddy's gear (coming soon). Thanks again Leslie and Scott for allowing me to be yet another part of y'alls special memories...

~ Christmas Mini Sessions ~

Believe it or not, it's that time of year again! I know you're probably thinking, it's only September, and early September at that, but before we know it, Christmas will be upon us!!! Schedule your Christmas mini session today to ensure that you have great family photographs for your Christmas/New Year's cards...

Mini sessions differ from a regular session in the fact that first and foremost, you're receiving professional photographs for a fraction of the cost. Secondly, a mini session only lasts 30 minutes where as a regular photo session last an hour and a half to two hours at multiple locations. Mini sessions are taken at a specific location that is predetermined by myself. Mini sessions also differ from regular sessions because only one outfit is allowed because we are limited on time to get beautiful pictures for you and your family.

This session is for families of all ages - children by themselves, the entire IMMEDIATE family, or pets if your children are grown and feel that photographs are not for them anymore. Up to four people are included in the session; however, if you're like me and LOVE LOVE LOVE large families, I can accommodate families of four or more also. There will be a small charge for each additional family member of $10. 

**Please note that I will only allow ONE household family per time slot.  Immediate families only, no combined families.** If you wish to have the full family portrait done please email, call, or text me and we can work some other arrangements out.

As stated above, the mini session cost is $75 and will be due within 5 days of booking. If payment is not received, then the time slot will be rendered to another potential family! Please realize that the slots are limited, so in order to reserve your families time slot payment must be received within the 5 day grace period.

Cash or checks are accepted.

You can sign up for a mini session by contacting me through my email at BlessedPhotography@hotmail.com. Please include your name (parent), child/children's name(s), ages, and whether a morning or evening session will fit your families needs better. Inquiries for mini sessions will be responded to on a first come, first serve basis. Please remember that an email must be sent to me in order to reserve times. Yes, I have posted this on Facebook too, but once again, please email me with your inquiries...

If the wonderful West Texas weather decides to act up on our scheduled day for mini sessions, they will be cancelled and rescheduled at a future date and time. I will do everything possible to make sure that all who have paid and reserved time slots will be able to attend the "new" mini session date/time if for any reason they need/have to be cancelled. If you have any questions about weather for the scheduled day of the mini session, you can contact me, Katelyn, at 806-787-8160.

As the time draws nearer for the mini sessions, I will email you with the specific location. This will be included in a private email for you, the participant, only. The general area will be in Lubbock (wide area, I know, but I haven't quite decided where mini sessions will be at yet).

I do ask that you please allow at least 3 weeks for editing. Your pictures can be mailed to you, or you are more than welcome to pick them up when they are ready. I will contact you by email to let you know when your images are ready!

What to wear?

Because the theme is Christmas/Holiday related, keep that in mind when choosing outfits for your family. Use patterns, textures and layers of clothing that will/can add visual interest to your family portraits (layers can also be a great way to create different looks in minimal time, by adding and removing layers, you get the look/feel of an outfit change). Choose clothing that you are comfortable in, but that is also fun, vibrant and unique! Choose rich, deep colors and textured fabrics (denim, knits, corduroy, etc.) because they photograph very well. If denim is your textured fabric of choice, wear the darkest indigo wash that you own. Not only is it flattering and slimming (it's the new black :)) it tends to be the least dated of fabrics. But please remember, these will hang on your walls in your home and possibly family members homes for years to come... wear clothing that you are comfortable in and have fun with what you choose to wear!!! You don't have to be "matchy-matchy" to coordinate!

I will have props available for use at the mini sessions, but if you have any cute ideas that you've been wanting to try, then please bring them along... I will do everything I can to get that "look" you're wanting to achieve. Think Christmas! For modern touches, bright blues, greens, reds, pinks, etc can be used to put an edge on the traditional Christmas/Holiday portraits!

Please arrive on time:

Although the time slots are scheduled for 30 minutes, please understand that in some cases, we may be early or late to start the next scheduled session! But do come on-time! If you are more than 10 minutes late for your scheduled time, and the next scheduled appointment has arrived, I will ask that you wait until after their time is up, and then I will begin your photos. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early. I know the old saying goes "better late than never," but please keep in mind that there are other families that are waiting, and tardiness will put everyone behind schedule! 

The final words of advice that I have are:

• Don't wait until a week before the mini sessions to sign up! Holiday mini sessions tend to fill up very quickly.
• Send your friends, family, and anyone else you can think of for lasting memories and unique Christmas/Holiday portraits.

I can't wait to meet everyone... now that you've finished reading my book, feel free to email me and set up your time slot for the Christmas mini sessions!!!  

Thanks, Katelyn

~ Like mother, like daughter ~

Ashley and I have known each other for almost 10 years now... We were dancing partners way back in our younger days. :) Her little girl, Presley, is such a cutie-pa-tootie and made me laugh during the whole shoot!!! Needless to say, I think she thought I had my camera glued to my eyes too much as she tried to mimic me in the first picture! What a stinker!! Although the wind was pretty kicked up during the whole shoot, we were able to get some pretty good shots of A and P... I guess that just goes to say, that even the West Texas wind can't stop a photographer from finding "hiding" spots from the wind!!! Thanks Ash for such a fun session, I can't wait until we get together again for more fun filled memories of you and your "mini me!"

~ Brotherly love ~

Oh my GOODNESS, these two little guys are just PRECIOUS!!! And their blue eyes just made me melt, here before too long, the ladies are going to have to be beaten off with a stick! :) Darla Heinrich, the beautiful mommy of these adorable little boys, was my science teacher in high school. When she messaged me to see if I would be interested in taking photos of her two little guys, at first I was a little scared because they're so young. But I was pleasantly surprised at how well behaved they both were. Michael turned 3 and Myles turned 1 in April... Michael, being the big brother that he is was absolutely in love with airplanes, trains, motorcycles, and any other thing that made LOUD noises, some of his faces that he made were PRICELESS!!! And Myles was such a sweet, sweet little guy. He reminded me so much of my little love. Both of their smiles warmed my heart and they don't act like brothers yet, or so they didn't at the photo shoot!!! Thanks Darla for allowing me to capture the personalities of your boys... I had a blast, and I can't wait to get more of them as they continue to grow!!!

~ Love is in the air ~

I received a phone call the day before this photo shoot took place. Mrs. Stanton from my hometown, Idalou, TX, called to see if I would be available to take her son and future daughter-in-laws engagement photos!! Well of course I can, and I was so glad that I did! Bryan and Kenzy were so sweet and so in love with each other. I simply asked them to act "normal," and these are a FEW of the shots that we got! Of course, I went to school with Bryan, although he's younger than I am, so I knew him, but Kenzy I had just met, for the first time! She was such a "ham" and I loved her silly faces that she made at Bryan. Kenzy was interning at Disney World this summer, and that's where they got married. She looked stunning on her wedding day! Thank you so much for allowing me to laugh right along with y'all during y'alls photo shoot! I had a blast, and I hope to be able to capture many more memories of the two of y'all as the years progress! Best of wishes to each of you in this new journey of life...

~ Porter Belly Bump ~

Meet Amy and Derrek Porter... and their soon to be adorable little girl Miss K!!! I used to work with Amy at Covenant Medical Center and Derrek is a DJ for West Texas DJs on the weekends; therefore, with my mom's business, Elegance by Norma, we would always run into Derrek. When we put two and two together that I worked with his wife, it was easy as pie from there on out... and to top it all of he was actually the DJ at my wedding. They are such a cute couple and when Derrek graduated from college, they decided that it was time to expand their little family from 1+1=2 to 2+1=3... and here we are today! Little Miss K will have her daddy wrapped around her finger in no time... Here's to a beautiful beginning to this exciting new chapter y'all are embarking upon!! May you be blessed beyond words when Miss K arrives... 

~ The Henry Family ~

Meet Barry, Lauren, and the handsome Mr. Kaegan. Lauren and I went to high school together and she contacted me through Facebook to have some family pictures taken a couple months ago. Little did I know that I was going to fall head over heels in love with Kaegan the minute I saw him. He has the most beautiful blue eyes and his sweet smile warmed my heart so fast. He was such a good sport for his pictures. There are two sessions in this one post... the first pictures are from when Kaegan was about 8 months old (??? I'm horrible with remembering what I had for lunch yesterday, much less keeping up with dates months in the past hehe) and the second set, with his "smash the cake" photos were just after Kaegan's first birthday! I just can't say it enough, but he is such a handsome young gentleman. Barry and Lauren are so head over heels in love with him too, you can just see the joy in there eyes when they look at him... Okay, enough rambling... Hope to be getting more of this beautiful family in the near future!!!

~ Belly Love with Jess Thomann ~

Okay, this is so not fair... When I was pregnant with Truett, I looked nothing like Jess does being pregnant. She just has that perfect "basketball" belly and I was so jealous! Once again, not fair! She is such a beautiful mommy to be and she was literally glowing whenever we took these pictures. This was actually one of the first times for me to meet Jess and she is such a joy to be around. She's so full of love and laughter and every time I turned around, she was smiling.  It was an act of congress to have the opposite affect (no smiles) and get the "serious" portraits taken. Her hubby was deployed at the time we took these pictures, and I'm so looking forward to meeting Chris when he returns. I can't wait to meet Miss L and Chris in a few months...

~ Azlynn Nichole ~

Azlynn's mom, Sonya, and I go way back to high school and playing basketball together. We were not only two of the shortest players on the team, but two of the meanest to say the least hehe... Sonya called me when Azlynn was just a few weeks old (I'll have to post those at a later time), and then again when Miss Azlynn was 6 months old. Oh man is she a little toot!! Anytime I was simply talking to Azlynn, without the camera glued to my eye, she would smile at me and laugh the sweetest laugh imaginable; however, just as soon as my camera went to my eye and my finger went to the shutter button... all jokes were off and Miss Azlynn got so serious. She kept making this silly "granma" face like a little pucker face. I thought it was the sweetest thing ever, and that's what the majority of our shots turned out with!!! I can't wait to get more of this sweetie for her 1 year photos! It's been AMAZING to watch her grow and change over the last 7 months...

Here's a picture of the "granma" face that she kept making!! PRICELESS!!!

~ Bailen Silva ~

What else can I say about Mr. Bailen Silva but... ADORABLE!!! Bailen is the grandson of some really good family friends of ours from San Antonio, TX. They were in Lubbock getting their youngest son moved out of his apartment to move back down South and Karen, Bailen's well... gran-, asked if we could get a few pictures of the cutie-pa-tootie! She doesn't have any recent photos of him, and what she does have are from when he was a "baby..." That just wasn't going to cut it with me, so needless to say, I was thrilled to get some pictures of Bailen. We tried out a new location that I've been wanting to take pictures of for awhile, and the little ham made it so much fun... Thanks Karen and Alex, now we just need to set up another date and time to get some more of him done...

~ Getting into the swing of things ~

So for the past 4 days, I have been so down in the dumps. I've had this horrible back pain and haven't been able to eat anything really other than toast, dry noodles, applesauce... you know all the things you just CRAVE!! Ok, not really, but I've been in bed every night for the past 3 nights by 8:30. My little love goes to bed at 8, and I've been a quick one to follow. Needless to say, I wanted to let y'all know that I will be posting more sessions and photos SOOOOOOON!!! I promise! Please feel free to have all your friends come check out my blog too, I need more followers... Help me spread my wings and fly with this new business of mine!!! Thanks so much...

~ Bontke Family ~

What better way to start the new blog then to start with one of my first "paying" clients. Photography has always been a passion of mine, and honestly I never really thought I was "good" enough to charge people to take their pictures. It was more or less just a hobby that I took up in my spare time... but then my mom, sister, husband, and so many other people told me to take it to the next level, so I did. I can't believe how far I've come, but I still have so much more to learn... Here's a huge thanks to those that TRUSTED me to capture the personalities of their loves.

I have known Kara for about 20 years, and her family is just absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! As always, it seems that getting the "boys" to smile is a challenge, but there were some really funny times with Kaden... He's such a GREAT big brother, and he was always looking after Izzy to make sure she was "safe" (he would make sure there weren't any sticks, glass, stickers, etc, that she might pick up and try to chomp on)... Izzy and Truett are just a few weeks apart, so it was a blast capturing her sweet personality. Thank so much Josh and Kara for allowing me to caputre this special time in your lives... I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get a post up, but here it is!