summer vacation // garner state park // tx

we recently returned from our frio river trip to garner state park in the hill country of texas. this place is magical. the park opened in 1941 and is the most visited state park in texas.  the cool clear waters of the frio river run through the park which is a reason why this place stays really booked so planning way ahead is essential to getting a spot for the summer. 

we were surprised how many people were there and how family friendly it was. during the summer, the park has a nightly dance for the guests. tons of teenagers, adults, and kids dancing together and having fun! annie and jane had a blast and were completely blown away with the music, the number of fire flies buzzing around, and the amazing atmosphere of laughter on a hot summer night. 

on the second day we decided to rent some tubes and go on the short river float ( 1 1/2 hr. ) we rented our tubes through the park and they trucked us to a drop off point outside of the park. we tided our tubes together so we could stay together and off we went. the river was flowing pretty good we didn't have to get out and walk in too many places. annie thought going over the "waterfalls" (rapids) was pretty cool. jane was a trooper, no complaining. it was so relaxing and a great way to see a lot of amazing scenery. 

there is no doubt we want this trip to become a family tradition. we recently purchased a used small 19 foot camper that is going to see a lot of use this summer and in the coming years. we do no media on our trips and the kids absolutely love it. something about the outdoors calms my mind and brings me back to a very peaceful happy place.  

logo design // cowbaby gear

Hello Friends! Something I offer and haven't had time to promote or advertise is my logo design services. I really enjoy working with business owners to create a logo they are proud of. I offer a variety of packages and all include a consultation on branding. I share some of my experiences and things that have/have not worked for me. I design logos but also have started designed websites for my clients. I only use squarespace sites. They are user friendly and easy to customize and navigate. My goal of web design is to create something for you and then hand it over to you so you are able and comfortable to work on yourself. 

I would like to introduce one of the latest businesses I had the pleasure to work with. Lauren, owner of Cowbaby Gear is so sweet and I love all her stuff!

Here is what the design process looks like: 

After you fill out the questionnaire and set up pinterest board for inspiration I will create an inspiration board for you that lays out the vision for your brand and I will then create logos based on your likes and dislikes. 

Once I created the inspiration board I designed three different logos to get the design process started. This helps figure out what the client does and doesn't like as far as fonts styles and if any, art work. 

Next step is to figure out likes and dislikes, honesty is essential in this step to ensure you are happy with your logo. Once we talk about likes and dislikes I make changes to create you a Logo you will love. 

After finalizing logo board I will create paper products that best fit the needs of your business. All packages come with business cards. I show you the items I use to brand my business and you can decide on additional items. 

The paper products is one of my favorite parts because it's tangible and makes a serious impression. Now it's website time! Please visit Cowbaby Gear to take a look at her site and show her some love! 

Please contact me if you have any questions!  

Click here for investment options!

happy campers // lake murray // memorial weekend

i made the announcement last week about our little family growing into a family of 5. baby hager #3 is due Halloween 2016. the first 4 months were pretty ruff and i was extremely discouraged with life and work. don't take that the wrong way. i have to be honest and say that everything isn't always easy ALL the time. i love my family and my work and God has truly blessed me with wonderful clients and amazing children. 

something i decided when we found out we were expecting was a little cut back. i have been giving myself no down time. i was working every weekend and on my days off (sunday & monday) the first thing i'm cutting back on is weddings, i will no longer be shooting weddings. i am finishing the weddings i have in contract and then that will be it. bittersweet because i love all the emotion and happiness that comes with weddings but i know in my heart it isn't the right fit for me. 

i also added a wonderful creative entrepreneur to the store to help me out with the hours. her name is Alison with Lily & Sparrow Designs, she hand letters and is an amazing artist all around. so if you stop by and don't see me, more than likely it's her! i know 4 days a week seems limited to some but this store isn't the only thing i do. i have to make time to screen print, run errands, and be there for my family. 

with that, i am determined to do more of what i love and what fuels my creative side, CAMP! we bought a little 19' camper and it's amazing. we went on our first trip memorial weekend, it was less than 24 hours but i can already tell we are all going to love it. lake murray is in oklahoma, about 1 1/2 hours from wichita falls. it's spring fed, clean, and so much fun. i tried to relax and not focus on capturing every moment. i couldn't hold back when we woke up monday morning and the kids couldn't resist the water. the kids are hooked. we leave this weekend for another camping trip! here's to summer, water, family, and happy little campers. 

and here's a little video of our morning on the water. at the very end annie is trying to get Ryan in the water, don't be fooled the water freezing and it was 9am. we couldn't hold them back.

newborn family session // wichita falls, texas

this little family was so sweet! little man had a head of hair, was so calm, and was born at 12Ibs! usually my newborn lifestyle sessions take place in the clients home but due to their house being dark later in the evening we held this session in the apartments above my shop, white walls and lots of light was perfect! it was rainy and cloudy outside and everything worked perfect. enjoy!

downtown mini || jenn + brandon

i love it when married couples book a little session! even if you don't have kids yet it's still important to capture the season of life you are in. this couple lived downtown and loved the experience. they will be moving soon, brandon is in the airforce is going to be stationed Europe in July. i'm so happy the weather cooperated! there are so many nook's of downtown wichita falls, i love shooting here. the texture, buildings, and light is always so magical. 

k+b || katie & bryce engagement || wichita falls, tx

i had so much fun with this couple! the wind was absolutely crazy but everyone remained happy. love does that to you :) they met in college at Tech and are now both living in california. i'm so happy they let me be a part of their engagement photos. i'm excited for you guys! 

presley & blake // engagement session

i'd like to welcome presley & blake! such a sweet and fun couple! although the weather looks beautiful it was a little chilly! these two were total champs and persevered through it!  all smiles, giggles and laughs - just the way it should be! thank you guys for being awesome, i look forward to your wedding in October! 

jayme // bridals // charlie, tx

this beautiful lady was married this past weekend and it was all so wonderful! amazing handmade details, dried flowers, beautiful couple and the list goes on and on. for now, a peak of jayme's amazing bridals! we took them out in the charlie area and everything was wonderful. thank you jayme for choosing me and letting me be apart of such a beautiful time in your life! 

tylar : portriat session

i love seeing little kids grow and blossom into sweet little humans. tylar was so chatty and cute this session. the weather was a little chilly so we did part in studio and the rest downtown wichita falls. she made us work to get her to smile because she couldn't resist all the acorns. i love this age when kids are so distracted in new things that they won't give you the time of day. it can be a struggle but i appreciate the challenge. her mama and daddy are doing a great job with this sweet soul! love you ms. tylar. 

CLICK HERE for prices and contact me for details on booking a portrait and outdoor session for the family or just your special little one! Spring is booking quickly so don't wait. 

hagen : senior 2016 // holliday high school

senior season is here! i'm not sure that's a real thing but graduations are near for all the seniors and it's an exciting time of new things, growth, and adventure. i had such a great time with hagen! great personality and he was having fun which makes my job pretty amazing. 

adventures in peach blossoms // charlie, tx

spring weather came early this year which means peach blossoms came early this year. these beauties come and go really fast and not all varieties of peaches produce large blooms. so it's a hit or miss and i pray i catch them every year.

i've been eyeing a few different orchards in the charlie area waiting for them to be in full bloom and right when they hit full bloom last week we had a lot of rain which weighs them down and they fall easier. the rain stopped in time for me to get home last friday, grab the girls, and go enjoy these beautiful blossoms. it was cloudy and perfect. the girls weren't really up for getting their picture made so we played and i practiced shooting video. 

i'm glad i took advantage on friday because by sunday there were nearly all gone. green is peaking out in the trees and soon we will have little peaches hanging from those trees. 

these blossoms make me so happy. they remind me summer is near with lots of fresh produce. we are praying we don't get hit with a late freeze. if we do, no peaches will be had. 

annie is my little story teller. she plopped herself down in the grass and let her imagination run wild. she is so dramatic and puts so much emphasis into what she says. i love to watch her and pray she stays just like this. 

and now, a short video of our time exploring and savoring these beautiful blossoms. 

sutton 7 month // studio session

when a client contacts me about a portrait session and doesn't have a set plan or know exactly what they want, i get really excited. this allows me to use some creative freedom and suggest a few ideas to the client so this session is something they will love. with spring near all i can think about is flower crowns, sunshine, my little studio and  short and sweet sessions. 

meet Sutton, a cutie with cheeks to die for and the sweetest little smile, not to mention she has a momma that is so beautiful! when alysha booked the session for sutton and we decided to make a flower crown, i knew i would have extra flowers so i ask if she would want to end with a little mommy and me session with both ladies in flower crowns. i'm so happy she agreed!

i'm booking studio sessions now, contact me here and click here for pricing. 

sawyer 3 month // studio session

i was privileged to take this little ladies newborn lifestyle session and now her 3 month pictures. we too these in studio which was so nice. no wind and lot's of bright natural light. ms. sawyer has grown so much and is the cutest little babe with her fair skin and beautiful blue eyes. 

i've been so lucky with studio sessions lately. perfect for a quick portrait session. contact me for more details or come see me in the store and i can answer any questions. click here for pricing.

puddle time

north texas received a beautiful rain yesterday and then the sun came out and it was the most peaceful evening. i knew i didn't want to spend time inside so i told the girls to grab their rain boots and get in the puddle. our driveway is like a mini lake when it rains. 

it doesn't bother the girls one bit. jane lost her balance a few times and fell right in the water. once she realized i wasn't going to be upset and that i was allowing her to get muddy she was all over it. so happy and filled her boots with muddy water. 

texas skies, big mud puddles, and my girls means i am a very happy mama. i am so thankful for this life. 

i would love to book a lifestyle session like this. posed family pictures are important but so is the simple meaningful moments you live everyday. if you are worried about having a session in your home because you don't want to clean, the house is too small or to dark, lets get together and play in a puddle or in your backyard and capture wonderful memories for you and your family. 

52 // week 9

i can tell spring is near. the weather is warming up, the trees are budding out, the wind is blowing and we are spending more and more time outside. 

annie has become quite the swinger, i am so glad she can swing by herself now!

week 9 // annie // fly baby fly

week 9 // jane // wild child

poor jane is still in her baby swing. she loves it and does't complain but i think it's about time she gets a big girl swing so she can start learning how to swing like big sis.

52 // week 8

i almost most missed it again. here is week 8!!

we went on a little adventure this week to some family land near the red river. i love getting away and letting the kids run around, get dirty and have fun. this space never disappoints and it's such a good opportunity for me to clear my head and breathe some fresh air!

week 8 // annie // jump baby

week 8 // jane // always on an adventure

so, that last part  when jane ate the dirt and then got made it me for trying to help her get it out of her mouth. that explains how strong willed she is. when she refused the help, i took pictures to make her more mad. 

#momoftheyear 

cole & christina wedding : SAFB // wichita falls // texas

when christina contacted me about their small intimate wedding on base i was super excited! something simple, short and sweet. her style is amazing and the love these two showed toward each other just melted my heart. 

the weather for a february wedding was amazing. cole is a pilot so getting some shots near the type of plane he flies was a must. these two were so easy going and relaxed! 

thank you cole & christina for letting me be apart of such a special day in your lives. enjoy the reception next month in Nebraska! 

52 // week 7

i really need time to slow down. the days FLY by!  my world has changed so much. 

the new schedule of home vs. store hours is great but it sure makes my minutes of each day  F L Y! 

my mondays at home with the girls is a day i look forward to. this day fuels my soul and makes me stop and appreciate these little beings. i stay strong to this day off because i need to be home to just be with them, to play, laugh, dance and be silly. i love how they remind me to slow down, love them, and have patience for my dreams. they come first. 

week 7 // annie // ms. story teller

week 7 // jane // oh christoph

52 // week 6

week 6, you came and went fast. i snatched these last monday when the sun was coming up and the air was crisp. 

annie is getting quite the attitude as of late. hence the no smile, "mom i'm over this look"

week 6 // annie // over it

week 6 // jane // hair in yo face

craft night // feb 25th // dream catcher

the first craft night is here! i've been working hard to get this space up and ready. we still have a bit to do but the supplies are pouring in and before you know it i'll be post a ton of pictures! if you've missed my posts please click here to read more!

i'm excited to announce our first craft night, we will be making this awesome dream catcher. i have a large selection of yarn and supplies to make this dream catcher fit for you and your homes style. 

thursday, feb. 25th from 6-8 pm // all supplies are included. light snack will be provided. byob. price is $35 and you can purchase your seat here (click on image or add to cart button) 

 || note : space is limited to 12 people || act fast!