Vignette Photography

The Year’s End | A Personal Post on Tamales, Christmas and Babies

Elizabeth — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:06:02 +0000

I went to bed last night realizing there were only 2 days remaining of 2011. James and I then did a quick review of our year….wow. I feel like the first 6 months went by so quickly. What a year.

The last couple weeks of our year have been wonderful. I wanted to share a few photos of some goings on and of course a peek at my new niece.

I love that our family is so family oriented. A lot of what we do revolves around being with family, making memories, laughing, eating and just sharing good times. I really do love my family and feel so blessed to be in the same city as them. I am looking forward to more time with them in 2012.

Mid-November, my aunt arranged a tamale making day. We’ve done this with other family in the past, maybe once or twice, but I hope this becomes an annual tradition. My aunt did a lot of the prep work- making the meat, researching recipes and techniques and making all the masa the day of. I was quite impressed. I admit I only helped roll maybe 6 tamales but when you’re the designated photographer, it’s hard to do both. It was a great day with wonderful memories and tasty results.

Our Christmas Eve celebration typically involves a small family gathering and yummy food. This year we kept things simple because we expected my sister to go into labor at any time.

Christmas Eve is also my mom’s birthday so we always include a little party or something for her. My sister made these amazing cannoli for dessert and as her ‘cake’. So good.

There is always time for a friendly game of darts among the brother-in-laws.

My family!

Our Christmas day was different to say the least. My sister and her husband (as well as all of us) got a wonderful gift – Maria Ruth! She was born at 8:29am on Christmas morning. I think her daddy was pretty excited to have a Christmas baby. James and I were at the hospital from about 4am until 10:00 or so. I didn’t want to miss a thing and I had to be there to take her first photos. I can’t get enough of her and being around her makes me so excited for our little man to arrive in a few months. They are going to be best buds.

2011 was wonderful and full of blessings. I can’t thank the Lord enough for all he has done for us. I am full of anticipation for 2012 and what it holds.

Happy New Years to all my clients, friends and family. You all share a part in our story and I truly value our relationships. May 2012 be a blessed year for you all.

The Lovely Leah | Austin Lifestyle Photographer

Elizabeth — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:00:09 +0000

Leah is a lovely person, inside and out. I met her at Thursday Therapy back in June, we had coffee in July and became instant friends. She was even our roommate for about a month until she found the cutest little apartment downtown.

She’s gorgeous, has the sweetest spirit, is super creative and has great taste in both design and fashion.

This black and white is an absolute favorite of mine. She is stunning….serious Hollywood glam.

Since she is new to Austin we had to make a stop at the wall.

Leah, you are a great friend and I am so glad you are in here in Austin. We are both so happy to call you ‘family’!

{Little One} Siara | Austin Baby Photographer

Elizabeth — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:00:15 +0000

I used to work with Siara’s dad back before I went full time with Vignette. Rob and Amy are great people and their little girl is simply adorable. I jumped at the chance to do these photos when they asked!

The most beautiful brown eyes!

And the sweetest smile. Her mom was singing to her behind me and it seems Siara loves music.

Fancy dresses in mini size are the best thing ever.

What a fun session with a sweet little girl!

{Little One} Zoe | Austin Baby Photographer

Elizabeth — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:41 +0000

I am so in love with how this session came out. Zoe is simply adorable and did such a good job as a model. Get ready for a lot of cuteness, angel wings, big blue eyes, a pretty smile and tutus.

Baby Bump | Austin Maternity Photographer

Elizabeth — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:06 +0000

This is my gorgeous sister, Adriana and her cute baby bump. Her due date is December 21st so we were really cutting this session close. No way was I not going to squeeze it in and make it happen though.

We started off at their condo on the 33rd floor overlooking Austin.

Cute baby details….the quilt I made for my niece, baby booties, the blanket made by my brother and sister-in-law and a cute pink doggie.

We finished up outside despite gray skies and a brisk breeze.

A big thank you to James for laying down on the bridge to get the building shot. Not something I can do right now with my belly!

Adriana and Matt, I seriously cannot wait to meet my niece (and take a ton of pictures)!

Oh and Happy Anniversary you two!! Four years!

Intimate Fall Wedding at The Allan House | Austin Wedding Photographer – Pt. III

Elizabeth — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:22 +0000

The couple had such a lovely evening for their event. Appetizers were passed around as people mingled on the porch of the Allan House.

Dinner took place under the twinkle lights.

It was plain to see how close this group of people were – such sweet and funny toasts!

The bride’s brother put together a surprise slideshow/video for the couple. So much laughter and memories.

A special dance and then it was time to party!

Brenda and Eric, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day. It was a beautiful evening! I wish you all the best!

Click here to request access to the full gallery.

Vendors

Venue and Coordinator: The Allan House

DJ: Greenbelt

Videographer: Waterloo

Cupcakes: Delish

Caterer: Catering with a Twist

Florals: Whole Foods

Intimate Fall Wedding at The Allan House | Austin Wedding Photographer – Pt. II

Elizabeth — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:33 +0000

Here are some of my favorite details from Brenda and Eric’s wedding.

You better believe I ate a couple of these! Delish Cupcakes are so amazingly good! And they look pretty too.

Brenda’s mom made the sweet guest book and instead of favors, the couple made a donation to Austin Pets Alive.

Yarn wrapped wine bottles for the cocktail hour and orchids for the dinner tables.

Music was important for the couple and they also wanted to give a little touch of the live music feel that is so big in Austin since most of their guests were from the east coast. The ukelele music during the reception was a nice touch!

The ceremony took place as the sun began to set….love the light!

Married!! Love Brenda’s reaction.

Check back tomorrow for the cocktail hour and some reception highlights.

Intimate Fall Wedding at The Allan House | Austin Wedding Photographer – Pt. I

Elizabeth — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:47 +0000

Brenda and Eric were married on October 28th at the lovely Allan House in downtown Austin. It was an intimate affair with close family and friends, many of who traveled in from out of state.

Eric gifted his groomsmen with their own ukeleles.

I loved the dresses that Brenda chose for her bridesmaids. The blue and brown combination paired beautifully with the hydrangea bouquets.

I’ll be sharing more details and the ceremony and reception with you tomorrow!

Vendors

Venue and Coordinator: The Allan House

DJ: Greenbelt

Videographer: Waterloo

Cupcakes: Delish

Caterer: Catering with a Twist

Florals: Whole Foods

2nd Annual Small Business Saturday | November 26

Elizabeth — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:28:42 +0000

This year I am taking part in Small Business Saturday. An event that encourages people to get out and shop their local, small businesses.

If you currently have an online gallery with me or one that recently expired, visit it again on November 26th, order those prints or a gallery wrap and the discount will be reflected at checkout.

You can learn more about my Lifestyle Sessions here. If you’d like to book and receive the 40% off, simply email me on Saturday and say you want to shop small! I’ll touch base with you either that day or the 28th to schedule your session. A retainer fee will be required to hold your date but the session doesn’t have to take place in 2011. This discount does not apply to gift certificates or Hosted Mini Sessions.

You can also contact me before the 26th if you have any questions or leave me a comment.

Here are a few of my favorite local, small business. Be sure to check them out for your holiday shopping as well!

Remember to shop small to make the biggest difference!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Exploring the Park | Downtown Austin Mini Session

Elizabeth — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:00:22 +0000

Well, this is the last of my Mini Sessions from October. What a sweet way to end the week!

Checking out the turtles.

You can check out more of their sessions here.

Click here to request access to the full gallery.