Open House at the Inn at Wild Rose Hall - Austin Wedding Photographer

She-N-He is pairing up with Morgan Jackson from the Inn at Wild Rose Hall and Shamika Powell from an Event to Remember for "A French Country with a Texas twist Bridal event and Open House."

Sunday January 23 4-7pm.

Come to relax and mingle, tour the finest outdoor wedding venue in Austin, and have a chit chat with a group of hand selected wedding vendors. While your there sample some rib-sticking Bar-B-Que from Chisholm Trail and delicious baked goods from Stardust Pastry. It sure to be a great time, we hope to see you there.

The Inn at Wild Rose Hall

11110 Fitzhugh Road

Dripping Springs, TX 78736

map

---mel

Best of the Knot 2011 - Austin Wedding Photographer

We were honored for the second year in a row, to be selected as "Best of the Knot 2011."

We would like to thank all of the amazing couples we had the honor of photographing last year, as well as all of the top-notch vendors we had the pleasure of working with.   Thank You.

My all time favorite thing to get in the mail is a thank you note from one of our couples. When I was a bride I was so blown away by the service I was provided by all of the vendors we chose that I just had to write them all thank you notes. I remember composing them in my head while on my honeymoon. So when we get one, we know it takes something extra special to get someone to write a note about how happy they were. We received a few this year and I thought I would share with you someone of the thoughts that have come from our other clients.

"Dear Melanie and Steve,

Andrew and I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful job you did with our wedding photos. We LOVED working with you (so easy!) and are thrilled with the final product! :) Definitely will be recommending you to friends...we are so grateful for you and the talent you have - what an eye! :)

MANY thanks, Katrina & Andrew Sullivan"  5.7.10

"Dear Mel,

Thank you so much for all of the amazing photos! I am so lucky to have such great pics to remember my day! We really appreciate all of you hard work!

Best, Aileen & Jeremy"  7.31.10

"Mel & Steve -

What can I say - you guys are rock stars. My guests loved you - your fun attitude just added to a fun, funky night. We hope you enjoyed yourselves half as much as we did. We can't get over how amazing the photos are. Everyone's sitting around at home going through ALL 500 of them! So happy we found you.

Love, Mr & Mrs. Mejia"  10.30.10

Planning a wedding of a family portrait session in the future? Call me, let's chat.

---mel

Bridal Panelist and DJ extraordinaire Sean Alan - Austin Wedding Photographer

We met DJ Sean at a wedding this year and he was amazing! The music was very good but I was more impressed when the bridesmaids picked a completely obscure "Melanie" soung from the 60's and he had it ready to cue up in a heart beat. He's incredible and has anything you could ever want to hear. The next night, we worked with him again at another wedding - it's like we're related or something, we see him everywhere. His dance floors are always hopping.

"In an effort to save money, some people out there are using Ipods instead of hiring professional DJ companies or bands. Using an Ipod and renting a sound system will allow those people to save a few hundred dollars, play the music they pick, and provide a laid back atmosphere for their guests."  ---DJ Sean

True Story:

Way back when when "He" and "She" got married in New York, we had only been to two weddings before and neither one of us knew how to plan one, so a lot of things were missed or misappropriated. Don't get me wrong, we had THE BEST wedding in the whole world!  But the only thing I second-guess is NOT having a DJ. We instead opted for an iPod and rented equipment.  Steve picked the equipment up the day before the wedding from the rental company and was assured that it didn't need anything besides the cords that were provided.  Just before our service was to begin, Steve hooked up their equipment and nothing came out.  Luckily, Steve's Best Man is a seasoned A/V guy, so he took a look at the equipment and explained that it indeed was working... but that the near silence we were hearing was as loud as it got.  If you put your ear against the speaker, you could hear a faint whisper of the music we were trying to play. Since we had a five hour dance party planned, this would never work.  Best Man David and hero groomsman Jeff put their heads together and came up with a plan.  Jeff jumped into a speeding cab with a hand-drawn sketch of the mixer-board he needed to buy from Guitar Center (the rental company was closed on saturdays).  Moments before we were going to begin the ceremony, the doors burst open and Jeff came running in like he'd found Wonka's last Golden Ticket.  A few cord connections and tweaks later and we had music!

Tragedy averted, this time. But, it's worth the money to have the peace of mind.

Meet Sean and Ask him a million question at our Bridal Q&A

Thursday November 4th 6-9pm.

Viva Chocolato -3401 Esperanza Cross – 2 doors down from Macy’s

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

Meet Kari Shelton-lead designer at WOW Factor Design - Austin Wedding Photography

I met Kari from Wow Factor at a bridal event during the summer and I loved her instantly. Just a month later, we ran into each other working with the same couple. Three months later, I was planning a concept shoot with a location I find near and dear Hacienda del Lago. They recommended her, even though I was already planning to work with her.  She is the buzz about town and she will be in attendance this Thursday night! You'll be able to ask her anything you could possibly want to ask!

Join us for our Bridal Q&A

Thursday November 4th 6-9pm.

Viva Chocolato -3401 Esperanza Cross – 2 doors down from Macy’s

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

Introducing Wedding Bee blogger Amanda Hoerig - Austin Wedding Photographer.

We met Amanda and Corey over a year ago and they had only their location on the books. The only other thing they knew for sure was what they wanted for their wedding photography. Here is a blog post direct from Amanda about the Austin wedding photographer they chose. Since then, Amanda has become a faithful contributor to The Wedding Bee blog. For months she has been writing about everything she can think of on the subject of her wedding, and weddings in general, under the cover of "Miss Cardigan."

A few months later, "He" produced a series of invitations for them, in addition to this awesome save the date card.

For more on that subject, visit Steve's invitation design blog.

She is an awesome resource, and will be a great sounding board for all of your ideas. Come down on Thursday with your list of questions and she'll be happy to help out!

Join us for our Bridal Q&A

Thursday November 4th 6-9pm.

Viva Chocolato -3401 Esperanza Cross – 2 doors down from Macy’s

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

Introducing Margaret, wedding planning expert - Austin Wedding Photography

Have you ever wondered why you need a wedding planner? Just a couple of the things you can expect from one:

Unlimited phone and email planning / Extensive budget assistance / Event design / Vendor referrals / Invitation and save the date design & mailing / Etiquette advisor / Rain plan & layout / Walk-throughs / Creation of vendor list / Creation of extensive timeline / Rehearsal coordination and management / Rental coordination – laying linens, tying chair ties / Decorator extraordinaire – hanging lanterns, putting up Christmas lights (I have zero fear of heights!) / Floral designer / Transportation coordination / Hotel blocking / Welcome gift creation, execution, distribution / Favor sourcing, design, distribution / Gown bustling / Boutonnière pinning / Troubleshooting / Diffusing drama / In-a-pinch cake slicer / Part planner, part therapist / Give you a chance to enjoy YOUR day / Give your mom a chance to enjoy your day

A mediator, consultant, sounding board, organizer, artisan and financial adviser all rolled into one

I know you have a million more questions for her.

Come on down for our Bridal Q&A

Thursday November 4th 6-9pm.

Viva Chocolato -3401 Esperanza Cross - 2 doors down from Macy's

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

Bridal Q&A - Austin Wedding Photographer

Last year, She-N-He worked with a bride who did not have any local friends or family nearby.  She was desperate for help putting together all of her wedding details.  So, she and I spoke one-a-day on average for about a year.  We had a blast and became fast friends during the process, but we often discussed how difficult it can be to handle all the ins and outs of wedding planning when you're essentially doing it on your own.  We put a lot of thought into what we felt would be of the most help.

As a direct result of these countless chats, we have decided that there was room for a different kind of wedding event.  Bridal Q&A is a panel of local brides (both those still in the planning stages and those who recently tied the knot) along with expert vendors from each major field assembled to answer any questions you may have about a particular facet of your wedding plans.  It can simply be an opportunity to pick one of our bride's brains to find out what decisions they were most happy with, and which they'd wished they'd given a second thought.  Or it could be a chance to speak to an expert about how to really choose the best photographer for you, or florist, or wedding planner.

Join us on November 4th from 6-9pm at Viva Chocolato (3401 Esperanza Cross - 2 doors down from Macy's) to meet and mingle with brides just like you in a comfortable and welcoming environment.  Viva will be providing delicious truffles and mimosas will also be served.  Hope to see you there!

bridal Q&A - Austin Wedding Photography

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

Enjoy 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

What 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

Introducing Brandi -N- Lee -Austin Wedding Photographer

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?

6.29.10 The RIGHT photographer

You'll know it when you feel it.

This weekend, we photographed Hahn and Sam's wedding. They came in from New York, they wanted to come home and marry where they met and fell in love. I spoke with Hahn over the phone before we met, we also did some chatting over instant messenger. We met once, 8 months ago, give or take. She has been in her second year of medical school in New York, so her time is extremely limited. I met her again on Wednesday before the wedding to discuss final details of her traditional Vietnamese ceremony. 

I have a baby, Bishop, he is 1.5 years old. He often accompanies me to meetings, that Wednesday was no exception. I was taking notes while chatting with Hahn and Sam and the baby wanted to be feisty, so Hahn just grabbed him right out of my arms and started playing with him (she has a 5 month old nephew herself.) I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. I want people to be so comfortable with me, and me with them, that they wouldn't think twice about going into my frigidaire and grabbing a snack or a soda. Or grabbing my baby to entertain him. We actually chatted about this exchange at her wedding I told her how much I loved it that she felt comfortable enough with me to do that and Sam told her after our meeting, "dude, you grabbed a white girl's baby." Sam is caucasian, Texas born and raised and Hahn is Vietnamese raised primarily in Australia, these types of comments flowed all day. Apparently in her family, which is extensive, it's perfectly acceptable to grab someone's baby, I felt like family. I was honored. 

We arrived at her ceremony site 45 minutes early to scope it out, and meet all of her family. What an amazing group of people, Steve and I kept saying, "Have you met Hahn's sister? She is the sweetest!" "Have you met Sam's mom? She is out of this world!" Their wedding was broken up into 2 sections of the day, the traditional morning ceremony and the modern evening reception. At the ceremony in the morning, I wept like a baby, I know how important this was to the whole family that their families join in this cultural service and I was truly moved.  The evening went off without a hitch, pictures, cupcakes, dancing, sparklers, amazing. At the end of the evening, Hahn ran through her line of sparklers, like she'd been training for it, her entire life. At the end, by the car,  she grabbed me and hugged me and told me she loved me. And I love her, this is the kind of relationship we should have if that's your thing, if it's not, then I'm probably not the photographer for you. 

Click < here> for another story about finding the RIGHT photographer.

Click < here> or < here> to read a view reviews from brides about our work and about us.

Congratulations to all of you who have found the RIGHT photographer. It's a painstaking process, but it's worth the effort.

She-N-He

Austin Wedding Photography and Design

4.16.10 Samantha's Bachelorette.

Samantha is one of our most recent brides. She's a non-traditionalist as you can plainly see. She found a big batch of heinous wedding dresses online for < $. So she got her mom, MIL, friends and bridesmaids together to have a "Let's re-imagine these ugly dresses party!" Everyone was really into, they tried-on, shredded, sewed, hot-glued and drew on the dresses. In the end the dresses, while retaining just a glimmer of their 1980's glory days, were wearable again. kind-of. After that the brave woman were dropped off on 6th street on a Saturday night wearing their creations. Sadly I missed that part. 

Thank you for looking, please enjoy.

As always you can see the rest of the images on facebook

---mel

She-N-He 

Austin Wedding Photography and Design

4.2.10 Blogger LOVE

Today we got love from 

and

Thank you so much for sharing Brandi + Lee's amazing wedding with the world at large!

Have a great holiday everyone.

---mel

She-N-He

Austin Wedding Photography and Design

 

4.1.10 Memories

While doing something completely everyday, mundane, normal, I came across an envelope with my wedding date printed on it. Which, by the way, is the same date as the flash forward, in "FlashForward." So I opened it to see what was inside, I'm sure I put it there when we moved into this house, it was a stack of wonderful pictures from our wedding day, that I couldn't be happier with. I LOVED our wedding photographer, in-fact I called him while on our engagement vacation to make sure he would do it.

The flood of memories that come racing back to me about how wonderful all of those details were that we painstakingly assembled in the course of a year. It was amazing. I will cherish these images and my memories for a lifetime. 

Word of advice, LOVE your wedding photographer, and you WILL love your images.

Happy Engagement.

---mel

She-N-He

Austin Wedding Photography and Design