October 26, 2014 by Melanie Grizzel

Hennessy Family Photography session on South Congress on a cloudy Saturday morning in September. Great time!

She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design specializes in making your day…YOURS. We capture your wedding just the way you see it. We’re a husband and wife team with backgrounds in Graphic Design/Art Direction and Commercial/Editorial Photography respectively. We bring to you a unique perspective that is romantic, modern and timeless and 15 years experience shooting all over the world. Call us and tell us all about your big day. We’re listening. 512-351-9314. We also service San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and any and all remote destination locations.

Andrea -N- Dylan / Umlauf Sculpture Garden Wedding / Austin Wedding Photographer / May 27, 2014 by Melanie Grizzel

Andrea -N- Dylan an April wedding Umlauf Sculpture Garden in Austin Texas. from Andrea: Our wedding was amazing! The whole day went as planned thanks to our amazing vendors, family, wedding party, and especially my mom, who was invaluable from start to finish, I couldn't have done it without her! Planning the event was super easy with Jessica Brightwell at Pearl Events. She was there every step of the way with awesome tips, schedules, and checklists. She-n-He made photo sessions a breeze with their laid back attitude, funny sense of humor, and great appreciation for highlighting personality in photos. Word of Mouth catering exceeded my expectations with their super helpful staff and delicious food.

For me, one of my favorite aspects of our wedding was the atmosphere and tone for our special day. It was important for us to create a fun filled atmosphere in a space that friends and family would be comfortable. Carrie at Flora Fetish transformed Umlauf Sculpture Gardens into an electrifying, fun, "vintage with a twist" venue that entertained our guests to no end! With her help, we were able to highlight our personalities with games, quirky accents, and style.

The only thing I would change is to spend less time on the dance floor and a little more time to allow myself to sit back and take it all in. Time flew by and I know there were many aspects of the wedding that I missed!

Our wedding day was the best day of my life. Even though the day went by faster than I can believe, I'll never forget how very fortunate I am to have had so many great people, family, and supporters who helped create such an amazing day.

Venue/Coordinator - Jessica Brightwell - Pearl Events / Photographer – She-N-He Photography and Design / Wedding Venue - Umlauf Sculpture Garden / Floral - Floral Fetish / Catering - Word of Mouth Catering / Cake - Word of Mouth Catering for the wedding cake and the groom's own mother for the grooms cake!/ Officiant - Victor Gonzales - Austin Wedding Officiants / DJ - Texas Pro DJ / Lighting - ILD / Rentals - Marquee, Bee Lavish, Furbish / She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design specializes in making your day…YOURS. We capture your wedding just the way you see it. We’re a husband and wife team with backgrounds in Graphic Design/Art Direction and Commercial/Editorial Photography respectively. We bring to you a unique perspective that is romantic, modern and timeless and 15 years experience shooting all over the world. Call us and tell us all about your big day. We’re listening. 512-351-9314. We also service San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and any and all remote destination locations.

Ana -N- Brenden / Couple portrait - Just Because / Georgetown Engangament Photographer / May 20, 2014 by Melanie Grizzel

Ana Farish -N- Brenden

Engagement Photography near Georgetown, Tx

Sam -N- Evan / Fashion editorial engagement session / Austin Engagement Photographer / April 14, 2014 by Melanie Grizzel

Sexy Sam and Evan!

Sam and Evan (my 2 favorite transplants) wanted to shoot something non-traditional, if we even got close to a "pose" she was all over me with "this feels engagementy..." They went all out with their attire and of course hair and make-up by the super talented Erica Gray. Sam tells me at the beginning of our shoot, I have been pouring over fashion magazines all week, I know just what to do! They sure did. Shot right here at the federal building at 5th and San Antonio. They look outstanding and completely at ease in front of the camera. It was so much fun to work with them! Plus - bonus -I love these guys.

Sam -N- Evan

An Engagement session at The Federal Building at 5th and San Antonio austin, Tx

Hair and Make-up - Erica Gray

Andrea -N- Dylan / Urban Engagement Photography / Austin Engagement Photographer / March 6, 2014 by Melanie Grizzel

Andrea -N- Dylan

Austin Urban Engagement Photography

Andrea Crow + Dylan Smith / BMX bike track / Austin Engagement Photography / Austin Federal Building / San Antonio and 4th.

Courtney -N- Greg / Mueller Farmers Market Engagement Session / Austin Engagement Photographer / December 11, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Courtney -N- Greg

Mueller Farmer's Market Engagement Session

Austin Engagement Photography

Lauren -N- Nik / Green Pastures Wedding / Austin Wedding Photographer / December 2, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Lauren and Nik's wedding was so powerful and faithful, I loved photographing their emotional day!

I love to do this little exercise with couples after their wedding day. We photographed their big day and nearly 2 months later they are presented with their images on the blog. Just before, I ask them to write a recap about what they loved about the wedding. Each couple is so unique. In this case both Lauren and Nik took time separately to recap their wedding day from each of their perspectives. I encourage all couples to do this! What a wonderful gift it is for you, in 10 and 20 years, your memories will fade, but if you take the time to write down your memories now or even record (that's what we did) then you'll have those memories and your album with your favorite moments.

Every year on our anniversary we get to listen to our almost 10 years younger selves recap our wedding day and the few days preceding. I'm glad we have that, it's such a delightful time capsule.

From Lauren:

I was remarkably calm and cool on the day of the wedding until....

While waiting to process, standing in the stairwell, the Ave Maria violin solo started. It moved me to tears, and my Dad eventually saw and gave me his handkerchief to carry (which moved me to more tears). Then, when I was singing to Nik after our vows, he started crying and I gave the handkerchief to him (we’re all family now!).

The music at the ceremony is what really made it feel sacred and transcendent for me… I will never forget walking down the aisle to the joyous choir and strings, trembling while trying to smile through tears, seeing faces and catching eyes of beloved friends and family, there to celebrate and bless the occasion. It was so powerful I almost didn't even notice Nik until I was nearly at his side!

We had planned all the details of the reception to be outside, on the lovely expansive South lawn of Green Pastures. From the placement of each cocktail table to the stringing of lights in the trees, the placement of the band and dance floor, etc., we had planned where everything wouldbe.

So, of course, torrential rains poured down just after the ceremony as we were on our way there. (Our 1940 Cadillac was leaking water from the windshield and I was nervous riding in the pouring rain, across the bridge. Good thing the driver reassured us this was normal as he wiped off the drops that scurried down the dash!)

At Green Pastures, everything was therefore set up inside (plan B), and we had NO idea where anything would be. Even as we were introduced to all the guests, I had no idea where we were supposed to sit to eat … but, thanks to the Green Pastures' amazing staff, it all went off as if it HAD been plan A, and no one was the wiser.

As my cousin Dana told me, rain on your wedding day is good luck, but rain on your wedding day IN TEXAS is VERY GOOD luck. (I'll take it.)

During our first dance, I kept stepping on my dress beneath me. I was just praying that I wouldn’t trip myself and fall flat on my face! After I changed into my shorter dress, I went to dance with Nik and it turned into an unplanned performance, when everyone turned to watch us dance! I was too happy to care (but the song did seem really loooong).

All our vendors were great- very professional, with great service, and we were very happy with the final products, especially the band, thebridesmaid’s bouquets and the floral table arrangements, and the food/cakes.

From Nik:

When I thought about getting ready for the wedding I thought, "Hey, it'll be a piece of cake I'll just throw my tux on and show up at the church." They day of the wedding I was rushing around to get everything in order and get out the door. I though it would be best just to go to the church and get ready there. When I got there and started getting ready, I was so nervous I needed help buttoning my shirt and getting my tie right.

While the wedding party was in the foray waiting to walk down the aisle I was very nervous about accidentally seeing Lauren before the ceremony. My groomsmen told me they would watch out for me. I saw white out of the corner on at least two occasions only for my groomsmen to tell me I was imagining it.

Both Lauren and I were pretty nervous about the rain scheduled for that day, but it turned out like we had planned it. It really couldn't have turned out better. We got a good number of photos outside, when it started raining. We hurried to the car, only to have it stop raining as soon as we arrived at Green Pastures. My best man was there with umbrellas ready, just in case.

I was also very nervous about this first dance. Earlier in the day I learned that the dress took more care not to step on than I had previously envisioned. Even so we had a very musical dance. I was worried that we might get bored or not have much to do out there, but it went by in a flash and we both had a great time with it. For the second dance neither of us had planned that. Everyone just cleared the dance floor like it had been planned and Lauren and I just went with it. The last dance we had was a great surprise. As you know we met dancing and have a lot of friends in the dance community. As our friends came up to "cut in" on that last dance, I think that made Lauren and I feel pretty special, since we weren't expecting it at all.

It really hard to say what my favorite things were about the wedding. The time was unforgettable and was the best day of my life. My friends and family were all so supportive and it was a special thing to be surrounded by so many people that we've been blessed with in our lives. It was really the help and contributions of all of our friends and family that made the celebration so special.

There are so many more things I could write about. If you would like to know anything more, please let me know.

Venue/Coordinator – Green Pastures/ Photographer – She-N-He Photography and Design / Wedding Venue - St Austin's Catholic Church/Lighting - D&H Stage Lighting / Band – Alice & the Rubberband (swing jazz) / Sound Engineer – Joey Christopher / Floral Design –Bouquets of Austin / Catering – Green Pastures / Cake – Green Pastures / Strings – Jeffery Wang plus 2 / Car – Classic Limos of Austin

Kimberly -N- Gabe / Plantation House Wedding Photography / Austin Wedding Photographer / November 14, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Kimberly -N- Gabe

Plantation House - Pflugerville, Texas

From the Groom: My breath was literally taken away when I saw my beautiful bride for the first time that day walking down the aisle.

From the bride: It was the most significant day of our lives - when two best friends became united as one in front of God and everyone we love.

I have never been so happy as I was that day when I became his wife.

Kimberly -N- Gabe – An Evening under the stars wedding at Plantation House - Pflugerville, Tx

Venue/Coordinator – Plantation House / Photographer – She-N-He Photography and Design / Officient - Paster Eric Hoehn - (512) 992-9987/ Videographer - Capital Wedding Video / Make-up – Erica Gray / Floral Design – The Gala Gal / Catering – Culinary Delights / Cake – Sweet Treats Bakery / DJ – GGC Productions / Harpist - Angelic Strings / Mariachi Band - Marichi Suroeste - (512) 665-5737 / Car - Austin Black Car Service /

Saturday Family Mini-Sessions / Austin Family Photographer / November 13, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

This year we did three family mini sessions on Saturday and I knew every family that came by - it's so nice to watch these families grow. Little Vincent is way into monster trucks this year, and now he has an active independent sister who was just a tiny baby last time we met. Then came Lindsey and Marcos. I photographed their engagement, wedding, Charlie's infant session, a family session a year ago and then again this last Saturday, so we've been together a long time. Ben is just as crazy as ever but Charlie's growing up to be quite the old man ;) And lastly, of course, Emily and Blake who married last December came out for a holiday session with their fur babies. It was the first time we've ever met but they were very well-behaved. This industry is so different from any other. You get the rare opportunity to be with the same folks at different intervals in their lives and it's nice to genuinely love what you do and who you do it for! Thank you all for coming out on a chilly morning in November. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Mini Portrait Session

Austin, Tx

Megan -N- Carl / Travis Heights Engagement Session / Austin Engagement Photography / November 7, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Megan and Carl are like a couple of honeymooners already, crazy for each other and just can't keep their hands off ;) I LOVE it! They will be host and hostess at the sweetest intimate wedding just two days after Christmas at Green Pastures. We photographed their engagement session in their little neighborhood in Travis Heights. Megan made sure they were coordinated in dress and it looks good. They have a brand new baby kitten that was all the rage when I arrived, so we nabbed a few frames even though it was not necessarily on the wish list of papa bear. Thank you guys, it was lovely working with you so far. See you soon!

Megan -N- Carl - Travis Heights Engagement Session

Austin, Tx

Cassie -N- Brenden / Whataburger Engagement Session / Austin Engagement Photographer / October 18, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

I LOVE when a couple says "I have this idea," and then let's me run with it. Not only let's me run with it, but completely trusts me with every aspect of production. Cheers to you two, we did well! Truth be told I moved into the neighborhood where this Whataburger is 7 years ago, and I was immediately enchanted with those stripes! I have wanted to photograph there forever but could never find the right subject(s) for it. Enter Cassie, she came to me with this Whataburger idea, I told her about this location and she said, "that's the one we were thinking of." Seriously, does it get any better than that?! I don't think so. I'll be photographing their wedding next weekend at Camp Lucy and I just can't wait to see them again, they are sweetest and funniest folks.

Erica Gray (hair and make-up) woke up at the ungodly hour of 3am to make me happy for the light. She is A-Mazing! And look at the work she did!! No man is an island - a great team is what makes it all come together.

Cassie and Brenden

Whataburger

Julie -N- Chris / University of Texas Engagement Session / Austin Engagement Photographer / October 15, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Julie -N- Chris - Engaged

A destination engagement session at UT for this Houston couple. We met at the fountain and explored the unlimited potential of the University of Texas campus - beautiful, none of the buildings are the same and the history just oozes off of these magnificent structures. I loved it. I am excited to be photographing their wedding next spring, they are happy in love, but mostly they laugh and laugh. Chris is the cut-up, I actually repeated his joke, it was a good one. I really appreciate humor.

Julie -N- Chris

University of Texas Engagement Session

Jennifer -N- Danny / McKinney State Park / Austin Engagement Photographer / September 26, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Jennifer -N- Danny met at a New Years Eve party several years ago when Danny was poised to move to Portland. It was one of those nights that only happens in a John Hughes movie. Throughout the long evening, every conversation growing stronger and deeper drawing them closer than they ever realized. This is how I imagine that night ;) They both love camping and Danny loves prize fighting. We decided on a camping theme for their engagement session since we thought prize fighting might give the wrong impression ;) They suggested McKinney State Park and I was thrilled because I hadn't been there so it was all new stuff to photograph - very inspiring!

I'm so excited for their Barr Mansion Tuesday wedding this fall. It's going to be a blast with these two love birds!

Jessica -N- Nathan / Hummingbird House Wedding / Austin Wedding Photography / September 22, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Jessica and Nathan - Happy Anniversary!

First off, I wish I had had the time to post this blog last year because I was so excited about it. This wedding was so much fun for everyone involved. They had so many awesome ideas... but alas we were too bogged down to do the fun part last year.

Jessica and Nathan met when Jessica's sister got into juggling and performance and took Jessica with her to a convention in Vegas. There, out of pure kismet, she met Nathan. They stayed in contact over long distance, and one time when she came to visit him she followed Nathan climbing to the top of a communications tower. From atop that tower, their fate was sealed.

Their wedding was equally bold and lovely. Everything was meticulously made by hand. At the center of each table was a hand-crafted electronic box and a card of questions at each table setting. The questions were about Jessica and Nathan but were tailored to each table, specifically how each person at the table knew the couple (clever.) Once the questions were answered and all the answers were keyed in, the lock boxes sprang open and inside was a poker chip for everyone at the table to be redeemed at the bar for a lei (for later.) In addition, the box also included Mentos to be tossed into the centerpieces which were filled with oil and food coloring which transformed the vases into unique lava lamps. After dinner, Jessica's dad gave his speech and had the couple come to the stage where he blind-folded them. Then he quietly got all of the guests to don fake mustaches and he climbed into a lobster costume while the rest of the groomsmen got into the costumes they wore for J and N's engagement video, a lion, a banana and a grim reaper (maybe.) Wild! To cap off this already amazing celebration, the couple arranged for a 30 minute variety show complete with unicycles, juggling, dog tricks and so much more! For their first dance, the newly minted couple preformed a professionally-choreographed routine and followed that with a "lei dance" whereby each individual guest could hang their lei on either one of the couple and get a few moments on the dance floor with them.

It was so much fun, I'm sure they will be thinking of that night forever, and particularly in one month. Happy Anniversary, you two!

Venue/Coordinator - The Hummingbird House / Photographer/Photobooth - She-N-He Photography and Design / Floral Design - Pollen Floral Art / DJ - Live Oak DJ / Catering - Jack Allen's Kitchen / Cake - Be My Cupcake

Open House Stonehouse Villa / With She-N-He / Austin wedding photographer / July 7, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Contemporary Art-themed open house? AND a movie on the lawn (Father of the Bride) after hours? Yes, please! Come out and enjoy Crave, The Peached Tortilla, and wine from Duchman Family Winery. Its going to be an unforgettable event with a few new twists. She-N-He, Arthouse Floral, Modish, and Whim are all working together to marry the art and wedding worlds together for one night only and its going to be a blast for all, so come on out to Driftwood and make a statement!

Stonehouse Villa is sleek, sexy, and modern. The answer for today's brides who are looking for what's next. We've got it!

Come join us 6-8 on Thursday at Stonehouse Villa 15110 FM 150, Driftwood, Texas 78619 and if you're feeling squirrely, stick around for the movie outdoors: Father of the Bride. But don't sit next to me, I'll be quoting it from start to finish.

Helene -N- Darrin / South Austin Engagement Photography / Austin Engagement Photographer / July 3, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Darrin is an American in the Air Force and Helene is Norwegian living in Cairo working for the UN. They met while the pair were stationed in the same country, however brief. They played volleyball and Helene quipped her team was the best. Darrin will retire soon and Helene will join him, but they decided to get married now to make the transition a little easier when the time comes. So surprise they're actually just married!

Happy Wednesday.

South Austin - Engagement Photography Session

Brandt -N- Kim Familes / North West Austin Family Photographer / June 28, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Sandy's Mom and Dad and hockey loving brother were coming in to town from California. They had only one request (as far as I know ;) Lets take some family photographs while we're all together. So we did. We walked all around Katherine Fleischer Park on an unseasonably beautiful early evening in May. They were wonderful and easy to work with, the transmitted hockey game kept brother on his game the entire time ;) And those kiddos were a dream! Maybe soon we can get all of the retired California parents to move to Austin, mine did.

Brandt and Kim family portraits - North West Austin

Cari -N- Mike / Hacienda del Lago / Austin Wedding Photographer / June 19, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

Cari -N- Mike

Lovely Purple Nuptials on a perfect day in April at the Hacienda del Lago.

Congratulations guys!

Location - Hacienda del Lago / Catering - Maudies / Flowers - WOW Factor Floral / Brides Cakes - Michelles Patisserie / Grooms Cake - Simon Lee / Mariachi Band - Los Toros / DJ - Texas Pro DJ / Rentals - Marquee Linens /

My Dad - Stream of consciences - Happy Father Day - UNEDITED / June 16, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

father, family, photographer This is my Dad. This is all him. Very unassuming, gentle, outdoorsy, coffee and sweet loving dad.

When I was very small, my fondest and most clear memories of my Dad was us going to Coast to Coast on Saturday mornings. Just looking through all of the fun stuff trying to figure out what our next big project would be. We went every Saturday, at least that what I remember. We were very close, but I was, deep down, a momma's girl.

When I was 9 my parents separated. My mom sent us to a friend house and packed our things and left in the middle of the day. I didn't get to say goodbye, but I was 9 and for some reason wasn't that effected with her decision. I didn't get to see my Dad for several months while they made their arrangements. I remember the next time I saw him. We moved from our home with him to Chicago for under a year, then to Texas. We lived in an apartment complex, and I don't remember how my mom let us know he was coming but she did and I saw him as he rounded the corner under harsh night time lights. I realized then how much I missed him, but the time away had taken it's toll. We didn't really know each other anymore. He got a job in the area and bought a house, took us on the weekends and did his best to be the ideal "see you on the weekend dad." But it was never the same as out Coast to Coast days.

We got a little older, I am in my teens now and Dad is Sooo uncool, and dare I say embarrassing. So our distance grew wider, in retrospect I realize he was trying very hard. He offered all kinds of things including an outing to see Haleys Comet. "Once every 86 years, this is your only shot." No thank you thought, I'm sure I had some extremely important teenagery things to do.

I wish I had gone, I wish I had done a lot of things.

One of the things my Dad has done for as long as I can remember is he will set up all of his music gear the night before my birthday and call and sing "You says it's your birthday!" I can't remember when it started but I remember being turned off by it when I was a teenager. I think as a teenager your turned off by everything. When I moved to New York I moved all over the place and he was always able to keep track of me, for my birthday call. I was only 22 and my teenager still hadn't completely warn off by then. Then one year I remembered the day before it was coming and wondered, "would he call?" Why, yes is the answer, on my cell VM, my work VM and over my home answering machine. After that I made sure to have the phone near by when I went to sleep, is he was going to drag out of bed at 6am to give me my birthday song, then I was going to wake up for it. I still sleep with the phone near by the day before my birthday.

This year marked our second annual Grizzel, Howard, Parks, Howe weekend in Tin Top, where all of these shots were taken. Even as late as last year I was still in my "Dad's a dork phase." This year I suggested a game of badminton and while we were playing, I found myself grooving to a non-existent song. Then I looked across the net to find my Dad dancing to the same song. It was in that moment I realized just how much we're alike. Later that day my sister's family, the Parks were close enough to meet them up the road and we went for a walk up the country road to meet them and it was one of our favorite parts of the whole trip. The Howes and my Dad walking and pulling B in the wagon, we had a great chat and fun horse petting adventures. It was simple, and so memorable.

He's found his gentle nurturing side, he never got it much at home as a kid, so it took him some time to develop that skill. He's got it now, and in full force. He's a great father and grand-father, or Papi as he likes to be called. I thank Martha and Dad for this short trip in the summer , a chance for all of us to get to know each other without the burdens of computers and cell phones. I got my Dad back.

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family photographer, outdoor, children photographer

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Austin Family Photographer

Bell Family / Holiday Family Portrait Session / Austin Family Photographer / April 25, 2013 by Melanie Grizzel

The Bell Family of Tarrytown. A small unit of 4, one moved to New York and the other to Paris, she married a Frenchman and came back 5. Over the holidays is when they all get to see each other, and they love to take a portrait and track their growth - GREAT for you guys. I'm a big believer.

Family Photography - Tarrytown Austin, Tx