'50's Palm Springs inspired wedding day shoot - Austin Wedding Photographer

50's Palm Springs inspired weddings day shoot featured in Style Me Pretty

yellow, milk glass, vintage dress, lace, classic wedding.

place cards - custom designed by He of She-N-He

I am madly in love with Hacienda del Lago, which you may already know I cannot stop singing their praises, the location is completely out of control. I shot a bridal portrait out there in September 2009 and feel in love with one particular image, the bride in her long flowey dress walking on the path toward the house at exactly the right time of light. It reminded me of Palm Springs circa 1960. So I started researching the era, decor, fashion, and style. I met with Margaret Bedikian of 3 Apples Events and we together poured over more images from the era, and with that, our concept and visuals really came together and started to take shape. We got together with Kari Shelton of Wow Factor Design Co., brilliant. Armed with our concept and colors Margaret found Wicked Cakes who made our awesome inspired cake and Paige's Bake House who made those completely adorable and  absolutely delicious Petit Fours. The models were a no brainer, a couple we worked with for their wedding in February, who have become a part of our family, Brandi and Lee Barnwell. None of this could be possible with out fantastic styling from Shannon Yarbrough without whom we would have no dresses (Linda Asaf, Blush Bridal, Bella Saison) headpieces and accessories (Tracy Tenpenny, Millistar) or men's where. Rentals from Premier Party Central who supplied us with all of the white for our backdrop. Austin Catering created those bite sized pieces of pure art on a plate and lastly Brizy Tait of Keep Austin Gorgeous knocked it off the charts with her beautiful hair and make-up.

Audrey -N- Christian - Austin Engagement Photography

Audrey -N- Christian

They met in High School and studied music together here and in South Africa. They are both recent graduates and recently employed music teachers. I'm so happy to know that my son will thankfully be able to experience the riches of music in school, thanks to these 2 and many, many others.

It was a pleasure to work with them, We're excited for their cute Tuesday wedding in December.

We absolutely love the pics! Thank you so much. We have 35 that we chose and absolutely adore.

--Audrey Dornbusch

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.

9-2-09 Inspiration

This weekend Bishop, Steve and I went to this amazing museum in Waco, on a lark. The description in the travel guide made it sound comically random, but it was one of the best museums I've ever been to. It's called the Mayford Museum it's just a hop off 35 we spent hours there and were like kids in a candy store in their 2nd floor, specifically for kids, learn by touching exhibit area. We took the snappy so we have some shots of the place. I like to think of them as inspirational. It gets me out of my head and in a more creative place. 

Thanks for looking.

---mel

She-N-He

Austin Weddding Photography and Design

8-27-09 Kim + Larry Wedding 8.16.09

Kim and Larry were wed at the absolutely stunning Natures Point on the lake. I'm sure I've said it about 4 million times, once more couldn't hurt, Texas has the most beautiful clouds. It has yucky heat and it's scary to fly into Austin in the summer but it is all worth it for those clouds. Unreal! I love Texas clouds. I have lived in and have been to many many places, but I have never seen clouds like these. They were out in spades for Kim and Larry's wedding. They make for a completely unblemished back-drop for the couples vows.  

Congratulations to you both.

As always you can find more images up on facebook.

Thanks for looking.

---mel

She-N-He

Austin Wedding Photography and Design

8.11.09 Tree Chopping

We they did it, they took out our little piece of shade. It's a bummer its true, but now I see that in all of that dead brush, there was some live things underneath. They look nice, when the whole project is finished I'll post some after pictures.

So they showed up this morning early about 8:30 and began work. What these guys can do to remove these behemoth 35 year old trees is poetic. It's beautiful watching them in action. I'll prove it.

Be Well,

---mel

She-N-He

Austin Wedding Photography and Design

8-1-09 Leslie + Anthony Wedding II

been together for 7 years they look they are still in their honeymoon phase. Very refreshing!

I stand by it, that wedding was fantastic, so much fun, so many traditions, such great food and friends. Leslie is a photographer herself so making the photographer choice was difficult for her and her documentary film making husband, Anthony. I was honored just to have made the cut.

Strange but true, in the course of our getting to know each other, Leslie and I found that we attended the same college AND had the same professor and probably crossed paths at his wake last year. RIP Peter.

The wedding was help @ Fischer Hall in Fischer, Texas. It's a giant hardwood open canvas, a fantastic find for the budget conscience and imaginative bride. Located only 1 hour outside of Austin proper. It's worth a gander.

Here are some images of the event and as always you can see more on facebook, so please become a fan she-n-he photography and design. 

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Be well.

---mel

She-N-He

Austin Wedding Photography and Design

12-16-08 Christmas Tree Ornaments

12-16-08 My favorite things about the holidays, besides the obvious being able to spend time with friends and family, is decor and embellishments. I love the way a Christmas Tree looks when it's perfectly lit, and Steve did such an incredible job on our first tree ever, this year. It's hard not to tear up, every time I walk past. Did I mention I'm pregnant and emotional? 

Then when you decorate the tree with all of your beloved keepsakes and heirlooms, it just makes this time that much more special. This edition of my blog I thought I'd share 5 of my most cherished tree ornaments.

1. a bear my husband and I found while we were honeymooning at Lake George in upstate New York.

2. Also from the Lake George area, it's a hand crafted angel from recycled pieces.

3. Is similar to a bell in the way it's constructed. Steve and I found this one while we were in San Antonio awaiting a Spurs game while vacationing in Texas a few years ago.

4. Is a gift from my mother, for nearly a decade my mother would find an ornament she loved and give both my sister and myself one. That way, no matter where we were or who we celebrated with that year we would all have that kind of a connection.

5. Came from my mother-in-law. It was an embellishment to a gift she wrapped for me.

Which brings me to my other favorite holiday tradition. Gift Wrap. Sometimes it just doesn't matter what's inside. A great gift starts with a great wrapping job. It's just another way to show people how much you care for them. I LOVE gift wrap. Tomorrow, I'll put some images up of my favorite wrapped gifts from under our tree.

Thanks for looking.

---mel 

12-8-08 Thanksgiving Tribute IV

12-8-08 Mom's Stuffing

Mom use to make this when we were younger, and she insists that she can't do it anymore, in fact she swears she can't cook anything anymore.... She cooked for us for years and now she'd like to sit back and let someone else do it. That's cool, I don't mind taking the reins.

2 loaves of low carb wheat bread 

1 loaf of wheaty-nutty bread

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon dried sage

1 16 oz package of Sage pork sausage

2 medium onions (chopped)

4 stalks celery (chopped)

2 cloves of garlic (minced)

32 oz of chicken stock (store bought or I make my own, by boiling the neck and innards of the Turkey for 15 minutes or so)

1. Start by toasting all of the bread. I prefer in the toaster, it gives the bread equal brownness and you can be working on 2 things at the same time. Then chop the bread into 1/2 inch tiles, mom used to tear the bread but I prefer the uniformity of the squares for my stuffing. This part can be done right before assembly or up to a couple days in advance. 

2. Saute the sausage until nearly done and add onions, celery, and garlic. Saute until the onions are wilted. 

3. If you're preparing your own chicken stock then take this time to do that.

4. Combine bread with seasonings then add sausage mixture, stir until thoroughly combined. Start adding chicken stock until bread is damp and clumpy. If you don't need it all don't use it all. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. A little trick I learned from Rachel Ray is to make sure that all of the stuffing has crust, since it is everybody's favorite. So we put some of the stuffing in the bird but it dries out the bird some, so we try to cook the bulk of the stuffing this way. Prepare muffin tins by coating them with cooking spray. Form balls with the stuffing and drop them into the cups. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes checking often. You're looking for brownness and texture from the crust of your stuffing muffins. All of the ingredients are pre-cooked so cook to desired doneness.

Hope you like all of the fun recipes.

tomorrow we'll be back, I'm not sure what we'll be writing about but I'm sure it's going to be fun.

---mel

11-26-08 Thanksgiving Tribute III

11-26-08 Patty Howe's Carrot Souffle 

Last Christmas Patty, my mother in law, prepared this awesome souffle and it wowed the crowd. I made it a couple months ago when we had some family in town. Again it wowed the crowd. So it was a request from my mom for Thanksgiving dinner this year. It's very similar in flavor and texture as sweet potato casserole but infinitely better for you since it starts off as carrots and not starchy potatoes.

7 cups chopped (about 2 lbs)

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup fat free sour cream

3 tablespoons all purpose flour

2 tablespoons butter, melted 

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

cooking spray

1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cook, peeled and chopped, carrots in boiling water for 15 minutes or until very tender; drain. Place carrots in food processor; process until smooth. Add granulated sugar and next 7 ingredients (granulated sugar through eggs); pulse to combine.

Spoonmixture into a 2 quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until puffed and set. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. (optional)

Enjoy this dish! delicious.

see you tomorrow.

---mel

11-25-08 Thanksgiving Tribute II

11-25-08 

Day II of the THanksgiving Tribute give us Pecan Pie.

Oat Crusted Pecan Pie (with Fresh Cranberry Sauce)

Crust:

1 3/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 1/2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

1 tablespoon ice water

cooking spray

Filling:

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2/3 cup light-colored corn syrup

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons molasses

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 large egg white

1 1/4 cups pecan halves

Sauce (optional):

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 fresh orange juice

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon corn starch

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

2. For crust, place first 3 ingredients in a food processor, and process until finely ground. Add butter, and pulse 5 times or until combined. Add 1 tablespoon ice water; pulse until just combined (mixture will be crumbly.) Press the oat mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch deep dish pie plate coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack.

3. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.

4. To prepare the filling, combine brown sugar and next 8 ingredients (through egg white) in a medium bowl, stirring well. Stir in pean halves. Spoon filling into prepared crust . Bake at 350 for 48 minutes or until center is set cool to room temperature on a wire rack. 

5. To prepare sauce, combine cranberries, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, and juice in small sauce pan over medium-high; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until cranberries start o pop about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

6 Combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Stir cornstarch mixture into cranberry mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring often; remove from heat. Cool completely. Cut pie into 12 wedges; serve with sauce. Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 wedge pie and about 1 1/2 tablespoon sauce.) 

I did not make the sauce I love pecan on it's own, I just thought I'd give you the option. This is a cooking light recipe and while I've adjusted a couple of things. I added a some extra vanilla extract and nuts. That's it. So the carb count per slice before the changes was 58.4g. So it's reasonably healthy ;) enjoy!

See you tomorrow with Carrot Souffle.

---mel 

11-24-08 Tribute to Thanksgiving

11-24-08

I'm really excited about today's installment and for the rest of this week in fact. Besides photography and lots of other things, I am an avid cook. A lot of people think I excel in this department too. This year I have been asked to bring Butternut Squash Soup, Patty's Carrot Souffle, Mom's Stuffing, and Pecan Pie to our families "pot luck" Thanksgiving dinner.

This week I am going to prepare them and photograph them as I go and provide the recipes to boot. 

Today we are going to make Butternut Squash soup with Coconut and Ginger

2 large butternut squash halved and seeded

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

kosher salt and cracked pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 leek, white and tender green parts only, thinly sliced

1 shallot, finely chopped

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 cup dry white wine

6 cups water

1 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 sprigs fresh thyme

coconut shavings, for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lay upright the halved seeded butternut squash put a 1/2 tablespoon pad of butter in each cavity. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 40 minutes remove brush each half with butter, return to the oven for 40 minutes more. When cooled, peel and cut into pieces.

2. In a large pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons in the olive oil. Add the onion, leek, ginger, curry podwer and cook over moderate heat until lightly browned. Add the wine and cook until evaporated.

3. Add the cooked squash, water, coconut milk and thyme sprig. Simmer over moderately low heat for 20 minutes. Allow to rest off the heat for 20 minutes.

4. Discard the thyme sprig. Working in batches, puree the soup in blender until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with coconut shavings and serve.

 

11-20-08 Caymbri Fenn-Anstruther

11-20-08 Yesterday was Caymbri's 1 month birthday. She was born 3 weeks early to Steve's cousin Brad and his lovely wife Anna Fenn-Anstruther. In spite of of her early arrival she was basically healthy with a teensy case of Jaundice. But after a few tanning sessions she was good to go. Her happy parents are still adjusting to parenthood, but truly enjoying every moment. We got to see them when Caymbri was just a week old in California when we were there for the shower. Anna had alot of good tips for me, so I think I am in a good position for the birth of our son...soon. In the second image Anna shows off how Caymbri looks just like Brad from his birth announcement. 

thanks for looking, see you tomorrow.

---mel

 

11-19-08 California Baby shower

11-19-08 This shower actually took place at the end of October but since I am pretty far behind I still wanted to share these precious moments with you anyway. It started out a pretty classy affair with fine china and green goddess dressing. Then the poop game game out...thanks Kelsi! Which if far grosser in person then it is in the abstract but I'm glad I go to play. As you can see the event was duck themed, I ran around and stole everyone's parting gift and now baby boy will have a slew of ducks to play with in the tub. The party was thrown by cousin Kelsi and Aunt Janet in the 4th shot, it's hard to believe they're related huh? That's them introducing the poop game, most everyone was a fan, but there were a couple of non believers and who could blame them it was gross.

Anyway there are a few shots from the event. See you tomorrow.

---mel

11-18-08 These aren't your Mother's corporate shots

11-18-08 Austin Healthworks is a young physical therapy office coming up here in Austin. They are growing by leaps and bounds and recently asked me to shoot some images of their staff and their offices. These images are a group shot of their entire staff.

I love the hero shot the most.

Hope you like them. Tomorrow something new. It's my goal to post once a day for 17 days, then it will be a habit ;)

This is day 2 of posting everyday.

---mel

10-12-08 Jamie + Shaun engagement

10-12-08 Jamie + Shaun engagement.

My plan was to put pictures up of the entire 3 days of the Erin and Jason wedding festivities but I changed my mind. I shot the most adorable couple ever, ever on Saturday and decided to take a hiatus from the Lake Tahoe wedding coverage to share these images from Saturday.

These 2 are the couple that everyone wishes they were. Completely mad for each other. Their wedding is in March so I am looking forward to that. As, I'm sure, they are.

Thanks for looking.

---mel

10-11-08 The Rehearsal Dinner

Erin and Jason's rehearsal dinner at Wendy and Chuck's house on Lake Tahoe. 

1. Grandma Peggy Roberts in a rarely seen image with her eyes open ;)

2. The Groom Jason wearing his "Passion Beach" t-shirt constucted by their friend and photographer Joe Abreu. 

3. A group of Family and Friends who I just don't know, but they are a lively bunch.

4. Steve-o and his uncle Brian. weird how they kinda look alike wouldn't you say plus they share a birthday and a common sense of humor, there is never a dull moment with these 2 in the room.

5. Erin's aunts on her Chuck's side. I just met them that morning at the baby shower.

See you tomorrow with some shots from the wedding + I just shot an awesome couple I can't wait to show you their engagement portrait.

---mel

10-7-08 Lake Tahoe

10-7-08 Lake Tahoe

2 weeks ago Steve and I went to Lake Tahoe to celebrate the wedding of Steve's cousin Erin and the baby shower of Steve's cousin Eric. We flew into Reno (the biggest little city...something) we got to see the sites there in town and drove an hour to the North side of Lake Tahoe. I would like to tell you how beautiful it was but I was napping most of the way. We rented a house with my in-laws Mom (Patty) Dad (Jim) and Brother (Nolan.) It was on a canal branching from the Lake and only 2 houses down from Patty's sister Wendy's house, she happens to be the new grandma and the mother of the bride. We spent the whole weekend doing family things, starting with Saturday morning we through a baby shower for Stephanie (Steve's cousin's wife) and their son Elias Arlo Olesen. In the early evening there was a BBQ in honor of the upcoming wedding on Sunday. Sunday was the union of Erin and Jason at a resort on the South side of Lake Tahoe. So I am going to send pictures with all of the weekend for the next few days to catch you up.

Thanks for looking.

Baby Shower:

My husband's cousin Eric and his wife had a baby just 6 weeks ago and my mother-in-law wanted to shower them with gifts. Sadly The new momma was still recovering from what I understand to be not a pretty comfortable delivery, so instead she threw a baby shower for Eric complete with all of the family women, cake and games. Eric is not a small, timid guy he is rather large certainly sturdy guy, so watching him open gifts and hold baby things for the room to coo over was definitely a highlight of our weekend. He and his wife live in Idaho so my husband hasn't seen him in quite a while and I hadn't ever met him up until this day. Eric was such a great sport to be there and not make the ladies do it ;) Good job Eric.

1. My mother in law, even with borrowed dishes and several miles from home can create quite a table scape.

2. Barbara and Wendy assumably commiserating about being new grandmothers. Barbara in June and Wendy nearly 6 weeks ago.

3. Patty cutting into her now famous soufflé. Yummo!

4. Eric playing baby Bingo, sadly he did not win, too bad I imagine those Burt's Bees gift bags would have done him well ;)

5. Eric opening baby gifts among the wall of baby gifts.

Congratulations to Eric and Stephanie for your new addition.

---mel

10-3-08 Austin City Limits Festival

10-3-08 

Austin City Limits Festival is a giant festival lasting 3 days in Zilker Park Austin Texas. It spans quite a distance with it's 5 or so stages of big name bands playing. It's a claim to fame for Austin the self proclaimed "Music capital of the world." This year we covered it for The New York Times, here is a link to our coverage. As many of you know I am 7 months pregnant and getting more robust by the minute and obviously have to pee ALOT, so I spoke with the promoters, the lovely ladies of fresh and clean media and they gave me full access to the entire park including a shuttle trolly that ushers you from stage to stage. Plus since my bag is such a giant, they also gave me 2 of everything for my husband to join me as my assistant, to carry everything and help me switch lenses and what not. All in all it was glorious experience and I'm glad I got to share it with him. Here are some shots from the show. Enjoy.

In order of appearance on Saturday, Sharon Jones, Man Man, Eryka Badu, a typical "Texas" crowd shot, and Robert Plant of Plant/Krauss formerly of Led Zeppelin.

---mel

9-29-08 Maxwell House in New York

9-29-08

In August, I was sent to New York to shoot a national ad campaign for Maxwell House, the images have not yet run in their markets. Instead I thought I'd send you a couple of out takes.

The first one is a set to see where everything was landing in terms of spacing and whatnot.

The image consists of my art director (left) my agent Paula Gren (middle left) the world's greatest assistant Alyssa (middle right) and The world's husband Steve Howe (right.)

It was rough seas that day and we were only on the  boat for about 3 hours but I have never been so sick in my life. I took everything I could to combat it and I even wore pressure point bracelets and I still got so sick. There are a couple of pictures of me laying on the bow praying to make it off the boat alive, but I'll keep those to myself. I now understand that pregnant woman get worse sick than those who are not. I wish someone would have told me sooner ;)

Tomorrow we'll have shots from the feature for the New York Times. Austin City Limits festival.

The following 2 images are 2 different set-ups and we shot on a tiny yacht floating the Hudson River that day.