Introducing Carly Bradshaw - Austin Wedding Photography by Melanie Grizzel

austin wedding photography

Can you tell me about your wedding?

My wedding was a wonderful, simple yet intricate, bright celebration on July 4th!  It was held at a beautiful winery in the Texas Hill Country and was a beautiful mixture of yellows, oranges, and greens.  Most importantly, it was full of meaningful family participation and we were surrounded by amazing friends who all love us dearly!  The celebration was amazing and the party never stopped!

What was most important to you before the wedding? And after?

Before the wedding, I stressed A LOT about numbers.  The venue claimed to only hold 250 comfortably, but we had over 300 people RSVP!  Since it was an out-of-town wedding, and on July 4th, we were amazed that so many people wanted to come.  Once we got over the shock, I became determined to make everything work perfectly!  The most important thing to me was planning everything down to the wire.  But, after the wedding, the most important thing has been the pictures and the video (which is still in production).  I feel like I probably missed a lot of stuff during the ceremony and reception, so seeing the pictures has been a real treat.  I can't wait for the video!  The memories are the most important thing, now!

What was the most memorable detail?

The fireworks!!  A lot of things had to play into the fireworks show working out perfectly - there was a hurricane in Austin the week/day before and we weren't even sure we'd be able to have the show... in the end, because of other cancelled fireworks shows in the area with our company, we ended up getting a super lengthy AMAZING fireworks show that everyone is still raving about!

What was the greatest detail from your wedding?

To me, the greatest details was my amazing dress.  It was actually my second dress - exactly one week before my bridal portraits, I had a personal freak-out moment about my first dress and the styling (my hair, jewelry, etc.); so, not only did I have to buy a new dress one week before portraits, I also had to buy a new hair piece AND had to find something that I didn't need to altar! In the end, I found the PERFECT dress and am so glad I went with my gut feeling!

Do you have any regrets?

I would like to say I have no regrets, but I definitely can think of two.

1. I tried out a few places before I decided on my final floral arrangement company and I wish I would have gone with my gut feeling on that, too.  In the end, the place I chose provided me with wilted, browning flowers on my big day. (I was furious.)  My 2nd choice was the Blooms floral department with HEB - I was hesitant because I wanted [what I thought was] the more experienced florist.  Looking back, I regret not going with Blooms.  I thought that more expensive meant better, but that wasn't the case with this.

2. I regret not starting the ceremony 30 minutes earlier.  I was told that taking pictures between the ceremony and reception would be tight - but I didn't realize what I would lose in the process.  I got no good individual pictures with each of my bridesmaids and I'm super sad about that.  I highly recommend scheduling time to take individual pictures with each of your bridesmaids!

Come to meet Carly, Linsey, Amanda, and Brandi. They will be at our Bridal Q&A. Hear their stories first hand and ask questions of our expert vendors.

See you there.

Bridal Q&A

Thursday November 4th 6-9pm.

Viva Chocolato -3401 Esperanza Cross -smack in the middle of The Domain

we hope to see you and help you with ANY questions you may have.

bridal Q&A - Austin Wedding Photography by Melanie Grizzel

Recently I had the pleasure of Skyping with a couple from out of town. They worked together with their planner to come up with a list of questions that fit their wedding and personalities perfectly. It was the best list of questions I've heard, thoughtful and intriguing. I  get excited when couples come in with lots of questions and they sound like this:

  • How long have you been shooting wedding photography?
  • Can I speak with couples you've recently worked with?
  • How do you interact with our guests on the night of our wedding?
  • Depending on the package, can it be customized?
  • If we want to do engagements can we shoot in multiple locations? with lots of clothing changes?
  • How long after the wedding do we get to see our images?
  • Will I have full rights to print my images from my DVD?
  • What inspires you?  What do you think make the best pictures?
  • We have huge families, how much experience do you have with photographing large groups?

There are gobs of great questions to ask. You can see several of these lists online, talk with friends about their experience, and find all of the information you can.

Wedding planning can be one of the top stressful experiences of your entire life, it's true, it's documented. There are a lot of couples out there who are just like you, feeling overwhelmed with all of the decisions they're expected to make in a short amount of time, way more questions than answers. Who better to speak with than other couples in the same boat?

In fact, come on down to our Bridal Q&A. We'll have on hand three brides who were married this year who will give you a first hand look at what it was like to plan their weddings. Plus Wedding Bee Blogger Amanda "Miss Cardigan" Hoerig, and a selected group of local vendors who will be available for any specific questions you may have about particulars.

Bridal Q&A

Thursday November 4th 6-9pm.

Viva Chocolato -3401 Esperanza Cross -smack in the middle of The Domain

we hope to see you and help you with ANY questions you may have.

---mel

Chez Wedd at Mercury Hall 10.19.10 - Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

austin wedding photographerEnjoy an evening of wedding planning fun at Mercury Hall - the quintessential Austin Wedding Venue Plan a girls’ night out or a romantic night with your fiance Join us Tuesday, October 19 for champagne, hors d’oeurves, a bridal fashion show and amazing giveaways Be inspired by your surroundings and some of Austin’s finest wedding professionals, including She-N-He Photography and Design, as you plan the details of your most special day.

Chez Wedd will be raffling off an engagement shot by me. I hope to see you there.

For more information and to pre-register. Click <here>

Can't wait to see you!

---mel

Introducing Linsey - married 9.25.10 - Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

Austin Wedding PhotographerWhat is you wedding date? September 25th, 2010

Can you tell me about your wedding?

We decided to to a Texas style wedding because I`m from Minnesota and my husband is from Oregon. We wanted to show people who made the long trip here a Texas good time! We had the ceremony outside in the late afternoon/evening and then the dinner and dance inside the Ranch. It was beautiful with soft lights, wrap around porch, rocking chairs...lightening bugs!

What was most important to you before the wedding? and after?

I wanted everybody in the wedding party to feel comfortable and beautiful so they did their hair the way they wanted, wore the shoes they wanted, etc. I wanted everyone to enjoy the whole experience. It was also important that we spent quality time with the people who came so far so we did a lot of dinners, game night and other stuff so thier trip here was worth it. After the wedding I wanted to get oraganized. Wedding are chaos and messy in many ways so getting things put together was import so I could funtion.

What was the most memorable detail?

I think my dress was amazing...it`s a large detail but its something I think I will always look back on and think of how beautiful it was. Also, my sister sang two songs and just knocked em out of the park....I`ll never forget her voice on that day.

What was the greatest detail from your wedding?

One of my details that I think was great was my mom made homemade jam as the party favors for everyone. It was both cute and delicious. Also, the pictures from our wedding I know will be amazing which is all we have to look back on. Our engagement pictures were so wonderful, we stilll get compliments on them all the time.

Do you have any regrets?

The day is such a haze....I wish I could have soaked it up more.

Thank you Linsey for sharing your day with us. If you have questions for Linsey, leave it in the comments and we'll make sure to get them right over to her.

Thanks for looking.

---mel

Omar Lopez - New York Times - Melanie Grizzel by Melanie Grizzel

Austin Wedding PhotographerI met Omar Lopez yesterday at his apartment in Austin. 4 years ago he was booted out of the Navy after spending 3 years at sea during war time for answering yes to a question on a routine blood screen. On October 12th the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy was overturned and on October 13th Omar went down to his local recruitment office to reenlist.

Thank you for keeping our country safe, OmarAustin Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographyWedding Photography AustinWedding Photographer AustinWedding Photography AustinWedding Photographer Austin.

Introducing Brandi -N- Lee -Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

Austin Wedding Photography Can you tell me about your wedding?

Okay, here we go, it was an amazing, perfect day! The weather was just how we wanted it, 55-60 degrees, overcast, perfect February day, and it started to rain just as we were running to the car! The Barr Mansion was a wonderful venue, so helpful and accommodating, not to mention gorgeous. They did the cake, food, set-up, clean-up, coordinating, etc and it's all organic! We had 75 people for a very intimate setting, which is just what we wanted. Sorry, but if I haven't talked to you in 2 years, family or not, my wedding day is not the day to catch up and make small talk,) Tough! My dress was just right, perfectly tailored to me! Everyone, including Lee and I laughed and cried and it was one of those very memorable weddings with a lot of love and meaning! Everyone kept telling us how us it was!

What was most important to you before the wedding? and after?

Before: As far as vendors go: Photography. The other overall important thing to us was cohesion!! We had many small very special details, and I wanted it to still all look very focused.

After: We hoped that the pictures would turn out amazing! Everyone had a wonderful time, the food, venue, music were all great, so we were just hoping the pictures were great, I don't love the camera and was afraid it wouldn't love me back!

What was the most memorable detail?

The most memorable detail for us was that we did so much of it ourselves! The table numbers, the signs for everything with our own design, like the parking sign, the name cards attached to the food we used for the place cards, the antique scale we bought to put the chocolate truffles on, the Sangria we made, etc

what was the greatest detail from your wedding?

Ceremony: Our vows, the random cat, Chuck- our efficient

Reception: Toasts (really amazing), Music, Cake- Be-a-utiful!!! Oh, and "The Dress"- (it was meant to be capitalized)

After: The photos, everyone goes ape-shit over the book, they can't believe how amazing it was!

do you have any regrets?

A couple that I wish to not go in to online. For the most part no, just 2 things!

Are you planning your own wedding, do you have anything you’d like to ask Brandi? Post them in the comments section and Brandi will do her best to answer your burning questions?

Road Trip - An Engagement - Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

Next Thursday we are going to introduce for the first time, Road Trip - an Engagement. Central Texas Wedding Photographer

These were the out-takes

Austin Wedding PhotographyCome on out to see us on Thursday.

Details to follow.

Austin Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerCentral Texas Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographyTake the top down and let Melanie Grizzel of She-n-He Photography and Design take you on love's journey by way of a photo exhibit featuring fashions from Dress Shop and the roadways and road stops of Central Texas. The exhibit features husband-and-wife model duo Leah and Taylor Muse. Leah is also a photographer and Taylor is a member of the local band, Quiet Company.

Grizzel found her inspiration in the stops along Highway 290 near Manor and Elgin, places like the 290 Cafe and a field of tall, yellow sun flowers on Hwy 290.

Complimentary champagne will be served at this open-house style reception.

Thursday, Sept. 30th Dress Shop 315 Congress (above Elephant Room & below Kyoto Sushi) 6-9pm Brought to you by Pickie Pie Productions, LLC & Dress Shop. A special thanks to Megan Pierce for her convertible! Vrrrooom!

9.22.10 Lara Senior - Senior Photos Austin by Melanie Grizzel

Senior Photo AustinLara is a Senior in Round Rock. She's not sure what she wants to do for a career in her life yet, and feels quite a bit of pressure about this.

She is taking advanced credit classes at ACC already.

She is a Varsity Cheerleader.

She's cute and funny.

And she's hoping for a place on the Homecoming Court in a few weeks.

Thanks for looking.

Enjoy.

---mel

Austin Senior PhotosAustin Senior PhotographyAustin Senior PortraitsSenior Portraits AustinSenior Photos AustinSenior Photography AustinAustin Senior PhotosAustin Senior PhotographyAustin Senior PortraitsSenior Portraits Austins3nior portraitss3nior portraitsaustin senior photosAustin Senior PhotographySenior Photography AustinSenior Portraits AustinAustin Senior PhotographyAustin Senior PortraitsAustin Senior Portraits

Aileen -N- Jeremy / Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

They're from LA he is a movie producer and she's a novelist, they wanted have the ultimate "southern" wedding. Austin Weddin Photographer

Aileen Did her own make-up and her sister did her hair. She looking stunning.

Austin Wedding Photography

The beauitful flowers were provided by Erin at Rosehip Flora. She really brought home the southern wedding theme with her beautful arrangements.

San Antonio Wedding PhotographerSan Antonio Wedding Photography

The wedding was heald at the beautiful Star Hill Ranch.

Austin Wedding Photographer

Star Hill's atomosphere was perfect for A+J

Austin Wedding Photography

Jeremy knew just the designer to create his one of kind New Orleans inspired sear suckers.

San Antonio Wedding Photographer Ode to Jeremy and his love of comics, Aileen found these heart shaped comics on Etsy. The place with filled with little perfect details. Eye Candy.

San Antonio Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding Photographer

Jeremy and his groomsman found and purchased their white chucks the morning of the wedding, nothing like waiting until the last possible second guys ;P

Austin Wedding PhotographySan Antonio Wedding Photographer

Dagar's Catering provided the delicious eats. Complete with a tree with bowls of different salsas hangin from it, beautiful!

San Antonio Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding Photographer

Jeremy knew justthe designer to create their suits so he and his groomsman flew to New York, got fitted for their suits and their designer knocked them out in 2 days. I doubt he got any sleep those 2 days.

Austin Wedding Photography

Dagars also provided gingham and burlap for the perfect decor!

San Antonio Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding Photographer

lovelies.

San Antonio Wedding Photographer

a sweet and weepy Jeremy.

San Antonio Wedding Photography

elated couple.

Austin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding Photography

Aileen's hand made heart place-cards.

San Antonio Wedding Photographer

husband and wife.

San Antonio Wedding Photography

mmmm Simon Lee Bakery.

Austin Wedding Photographer

Aileen and Jeremy were heading to Disney World for their honeymoon. It was Aileen's first time there, and she was beside herself with excitement to go. The firsworks were on a remote for them to start. and "It's a Small World" played while their fireworks fired and they departed. It was perfect.

She-N-He Photogrpahy and Design

Something To Celebrate

Dagar's Catering Simon Lee Rosehip Flora Brent Warnock Complete Music - Coy Galloway Transportation Consultants Charlie Johnson Fireworks

8.31.10 Carly -N- Chad Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

Finally my first real post in the age or Wordpress, let me know if you have any problems with it. Remember, please, leave comments, I love em' I met Carly -N- Chad a little over a year ago. Carly was a little disenfranchised with wedding photography. Shall we say, at the end of her rope. Luckily we changed her mind and followed both she and Chad through their entire engagement. We did an engagement session and later added a bridal session. We have had a wonderful run together. I'm gonna miss them. I want them to have babies right away so we can photograph those gorgeous babies, in due time. They're getitng their lives started now doing important things to change the world. I'm excited for their futures. Austin Wedding Photographer Austin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding Photographer Austin Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding Photographer

Caterer - Trattoria Lisina Ceremony + Reception Site - Mandola Estate Winery Videographer & DJ - Altared Wedding Productions Wedding Musicians - the band Adelynn Cake - Groom's Cakes - Mandola's Italian Market Wedding Favors - "Thanks to All, We had a Ball!" cake balls by Julie Shussler of Juleen's Flowers - Love Punk Events Hair Stylist - Tammie Garza Make-Up Artist - Maris Malone-Calderon Makeup Artists; artist: Maggie Bosworth Wedding Dress - Casablanca gown purchased at Alexia Gavela Wedding Shoes -  Toms Venue Rentals - Mancino Iron WorksDripping Springs Party Rentals

9.30.10 She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design by Melanie Grizzel

This is my first post on my new blog. I am embarrassed to say that I am reading word for word, the instruction manual on Word Press and hoping not to feel like a fool. It seems this Word Press business is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Though my learning curve is a serious arc. This weekend, my Mother by Marriage (yes, step-mom but none of us like the term,) arranged a get-away for our whole communal family. Dad, Martha, Hillarie, my sister, Doug, our brother-in-law, and Reagan our niece. Steve, He, and I and our son Bishop. Martha's daughter Crystal and her husband Michael and their soon to be baby Emma.

We met up in Tin Top, Texas for a long weekend at a sweet house. We tubed on the river, played pool, swam, cooked out, and over-all bonded with each other. It was such a great weekend. we had a blast! I have some pictures but since this is my first post and I am still trying to figure out how to add pictures I think I'll hold off on that.

Thanks for keeping up with us.

Until next time.

---mel

200th post - Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

I couldn't be happier about writing our 200th posts!

There are a couple of super exciting things coming down the pike, today!

1st Tonight we'll be joining forces with Dress Shop for the launch of Austin Fashion Week.

Fashion Week begins with Dress Shop and She-N-He Photography and Design.

Join us for Dress Shop's first anniversary. What a perfect excuse to get the girls out!

Looking for something perfectly adorable, you'll find it at Dress Shop on August 16 at 6pm- Anniversary special discounts apply for one night only.

Come out and enjoy cocktails from Tito's Vodka and Waialua Soda, you'll also enjoy mini makeovers from Evie Evan, great jewelry designs by Taylor Moseley, giveaways and great company! Come early and bring your friends - gift bags will be given to the first 50 people to arrive!


2nd Check out our feature on Wedding Channel "Wedding of the Day."


Thank you for looking, we'll see you soon!

---mel


Casey-N-Corey - Austin Engagement Photography by Melanie Grizzel

Meet Casey-N-Corey, they were married in February 2010. But never got to take any pictures.

Austin Engagement Photography
Engagement Photography Austin

Corey is in the military and being deployed next month so Casey set up this shoot for the 2 of them.
Austin Engagement Photography
Engagement Photographer Austin
Engagement Photography Austin
Corey wasn't convinced it wasn't going to suck. Until it didn't suck.
I told you.

San Antonio Engagement Photography
Austin Engagement Photography
Austin Engagement Photography
San Antonio Engagement Photography
Engagement Photography Austin

Be careful and safe over there, we'll see you in 18 months or so for your big wedding!
Can't wait.
Engagement Photographer Austin
Austin Engagement Photography
Engagement Photographer Austin
Engagement Photography Austin
Austin Engagement Photography