Sara -N- Dylan --- Austin Wedding Photographer

I am madly in love with Sara and Dylan, not only are they completely adorable but they are both about a sweet as could possibly be.

Sara and Dylan met in school in Austin. Sara went with Dylan to LA to pursue a career in acting, she is in school studying library science. Their wedding was a family affair, Sara's distant cousin from Houston was their planner, and an exceptional planner at that. Sara's sister is a florist, and did all of the flowers, which were exquisite. Sara and I are not related ;)

Wow! These are beautiful! Thank You  Thank You  Thank You!

-Sara

Photography: She-N-He

Flowers: Leah Proctor of Zinnia and Co.

Planner: Tessa Dorrell

Catering: Pascal's Catering Company

Cake: Blue Note Bakery

Music: Warren Hood

Venue: Mercury Hall

Stationary: Birdy Blue Design

Hair: George Oberg

Jewelry: Claude Morady

Officiant: Mark Cohen

Diamond Domain Bridal Soiree - Austin Wedding Photographer

If you're looking for us, you can find us at Diamond Domain Bridal Soiree on Sunday!

We are going to rocking out A LOT of new work, we have been shooting like maniacs and we are finally ready to share it all with you. We'll debut it at the event.

How could you miss that?!

We're also giving away a GC for a free engagement session, so sign up for the drawing when you get there.

Details:

Sunday January 9th, 2011  1-6pm

The Westin at the domain

11301 Domain Drive   ATX 78758

Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 if you purchase in advance here.

We hope to see you all there. If you're busy, give us a call, we can set up a one on one appointment. 512.351.9314

See you soon.

---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

Best of 2010 - Austin Wedding Photographer

It amazes me every year that passes, quicker and quicker now.

Then I get to take a look back and see where we have been... and where we are going.

This year we got to work on a few editorial projects, namely People Magazine for a story about a young father who almost lost his son forever, and the New York Times for a story about a man who reenlisted in the Navy after the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy was over turned. The world is changing and I am excited that I get to capture those moments.

We also got to work with Door Number 3 on a campaign for Highland Lakes, travel and tourism. Three grueling hot days in August is like summer camp for creatives. Way too much fun! They call this a job!?

This year we also had the privilege of photographing many wonderful couples on their most special day. For that we were both humbled and honored. Thank you.

As an artist it is difficult to turn a critical eye on yourself. I poured through images from the entire year to try to find just the right images for this post and I realized at the last minute that the key should be, which images speak to me. These images may not be the best representation of what She-N-He is capable of or even known for, but they happen to be my personal favorites from this year. I hope you like them. For giggles, let me know which you like the most. Leave a comment with your favs.

Aileen and Jeremy -- Star Hill Ranch

Bek and Donnie -- Kindred Oaks

Fatiya and Chris -- Hacienda del Lago

Brandi and Lee -- Barr Mansion

Bek and Donnie -- Kindred Oaks

Meagan's Bridal -- Hacienda del Lago

Brandi and Lee -- Barr Mansion

Brenna and Kyle -- Bella Note

Bek and Donnie -- Kindred Oaks

Juanita and John -- The Terrace Club

Carly's Bridal -- Laguna Gloria

Bek and Donnie -- Kindred Oaks

Christy and Kai -- Chapel Dulcinea

Carly and Chad -- Mandola Estates Winery

Maegan and Daniel -- Kindred Oaks

Juanita and John -- The Terrace Club

Katie and Ben -- St. Ignatius Church

Katrina and Andrew --The Gardens of Cranesbury View

Lauren and Caleb -- Katy, Tx

Kelly and Eric -- The Inn at Pearl Street

Linsey and Marcos -- Reunion Ranch

Samantha and Scott -- Brenham, Tx

Michelle and Bert -- Katy, Tx

Sara and Dylan -- Mercury Hall

Duane and DeVere - Hacienda del Lago

Sam and Hanh -- Casa Blanca

Ruhi and Chandler -- Mercury Hall

Sara and Dylan -- Mercury Hall

Tricia and Jonathan -- Mansion at Judges Hill

Duane and DeVere - Hacienda del Lago

Sam and Hanh -- Casa Blanca

Sara and Dylan -- Mercury Hall

Tricia and Jonathan -- Mansion at Judges Hill

We also photographed a host of families and beautiful children this year, here are a few of our favorites.

Lastly, we had the unique opportunity to work with students in their senior year of high school. They're straddling the edge of adolescence and  we're there to witness those last few steps, it doesn't get any better than this.

Here are a few of my personal favorites from these 2011 freshmen.

Thank you so much for all of your support. I look forward to that special time in your life when you need us!

Choose your favorites. I'd love to hear what you think!

---mel

Linsey -N- Marcos - Austin Wedding Photographer

I met Linsey and Marcos over a year ago and I am madly in love with them. The only time Linsey's amazing smile is replaced is when she is shedding some sarcastic, questionable quip. She makes me laugh and leap with joy when I witness the love the two of them share with each other and their young son. I'm really happy to know them. Thank you guys for having us along for the ride. Congratulations! Can't wait to photograph your family, spring?

I just finished looking at them and...... I LOVE THEM!!! I`m still not very photogenic but considering that.. :) There is a great one of my mom and grandma....she`ll love it!

---Linsey

She's trying a fig from the tree we're shooting next to. Not quite ripe.

Reunion Ranch - Location/Catering/Ceremony Site

Tiffany Brookner of Shortcakes - Cake

Zoo Lovers Sneak Peek - Austin Engagement Photographer

Meejin and Jay were nervous about their session, it's not everyday you get to get pictures taken together. They suggested they get to use a back drop that means something to them. Austin Zoo and Sanctuary. It's an inexpensive and more "Austin" Alternative to a normal zoo. The animals are, some, rescued from circus acts and the like, they have a three-legged wolf among their collection. Meejin LOVES the zoo, she hits every zoo, in every town they visit, Jay has learned to love it just as much. I love it when our couples come up with something completely different, something uniquely them. What a treat. In fact I think we'll be back here for B's birthday next month.

Thanks for looking have a wonderful weekend.

---mel

Mary -N- Alan - Austin Engagement Photographer

Sneak Peek!

Cedar Park, Tx

Mary and Alan met their junior year at Cedar Park High School. They have been dating for 10 years, now they're getting married.

Their images are a journey through their courtship, starting at his family's home and walking to the school where they met and fell in love.

More coming soon.

Thanks for looking.

---mel

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!