Katie -N- Ben - Austin Wedding Photographer

St. Ignatius Church - Austin, Tx

I met Katie all by herself about a year or so ago, and I didn't think much of it, she says my fiance doesn't like pictures... I get that all the time. I am really good with making nice with people who don't like the camera. This was different. I met Ben in the lobby of St. Ignatius Church in Austin, Tx, his  first words to me were along the lines of I hate pictures and I didn't want a photographer. He was a tough egg to crack, he was a super sweet guy but these few slices of glass between us, were the deal breaker.  But you'd never know by looking at these photos just how much he hated the process.

Yay!!!!!  Those were SO much fun to look at!!!  They are awesome!! --Katie Reeder

St. Ignatius Church - Mercury Hall

Church- St. Ignatius

Reception- Mercury Hall

Food- Curra's

Cakes- Sentelli's Bakery

Bouquets- Bouquets of Austin

Dress- Unbridaled

Band- Two High String Band

Hermes Family - Austin Family Photographer

The Hermes Family - Laguna Gloria 10.23.10 We met Tricia and Jonathan Stinson about 2 years ago. We photographed their wedding at Mansion at Judges Hill earlier this year. Today was a little more casual. The littlest in this group wasn't even born yet. The Hermes family got all together again at the end of the year to commemorate their growing family.

Thank you Hermes family for having me along and thank you readers for having a look.

Enjoy.

---mel

I wanted to let you know how happy we are with your work!  My mom and sister were both really pleased with the pictures and have been showing them off. I appreciate all your hard work and look forward to calling you next time we need a photographer! ---Tricia Stinson

Hello Melanie! Wanted to drop a note to let you know how much we love our family pics. ---Jonathan Stinson

Location:

Laguna Gloria Austin, Tx

Lauren -N- Caleb -Houston Wedding PhotographyWedding

We met Lauren and Caleb like a million years ago. Lauren is a student of photographer and was very particular about her wedding photography, she even dons a tattoo of an SLR on her back. The ordinary just wasn't going to do. So they chose us ;) men and football, and the good ole trash can champagne cooler - classy ;)

Lauren getting pampered on her wedding morning.

Their cupcakes were all homemade and vegan.

Beautiful Bride

Ring Bearer getting his pre-ceremony pep-talk.

AMAZING!!!! I can't say it enough :) I love walking into our place and seeing those photos all over our walls. Melanie made us feel so comfortable and relaxed, and she knew exactly what I wanted for our wedding day. We've been getting tons of compliments on the photos already. Everyone keeps saying " i love how different they are from 'regular' wedding photos" and I keep saying, that is EXACTLY why we hired her. She was so flexible and understanding and patient. The photos are my favorite thing about our wedding. They hold all the memories that are so so so dear to us.

-Lauren Pollard Alverson

I am so in love with these 2.

I love this, it reminds me of  Citizen Kane.

Grandma getting down!

Safari Texas ranch - safaritexasranch.com

Musicians - Ash and Rachel  Racheliraqui@gmail.com

Linens - cvlinens.com

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!

Introducing Carly Bradshaw - 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

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

Art Show at Dress Shop - Austin Wedding Photographer

Incase you missed the whole show at Dress a few weeks ago, here are some shots from the set-up.

The show is still up, in part, at Dress Shop click here for their website. Stop in and have a look.

See you next week, with the surprise introduction to our next post wedding bride!

Omar Lopez - New York Times - Melanie Grizzel

I 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, Omar.

Junior Hannah - Austin Senior Photographer

Hannah is my best girlfriend from High school's daughter. In fact I was the first person to take a picture of Hannah.

Fast forward 16 years and here is that sweet little nugget all grown up.

We have plenty of session space available in November, call early to schedule your appointment.

See you soon.

---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?

Ruhi -N- Chandler - Austin Wedding Photographer

The lovely Ruhi -N- Chandler Location - Mercury Hall

Flowers - Fabian Salcedo

Cupcakes - Sugar Mama's Bakeshop

Catering - Zocalo Cafe

Road Trip - An Engagement - Austin Wedding Photographer

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

These were the out-takes

Come on out to see us on Thursday.

Details to follow.

Take 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!

Playing in the rain - Austin Family photographer

This is my B -  has a little cabin fever with all of this rain but at least it's good for something.

9.22.10 Lara Senior - Senior Photos Austin

Lara 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