June 20, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Jenna -N- Ricardo met at school here in Austin and moved to New York City so Ricardo could pursue his career in finance. Jenna works for a bakery in Queens (I think ;) They share a small space in Jersey City and commute. Despite living in the New York/New Jersey area, they decided to marry in Austin where their roots are firmly established. They wed in a Catholic service at Santa Cruz Catholic Church where they exchanged loving looks and fist bumps for an hour.

They travelled from there to the beautiful Hummingbird House where the real party got started. Jenna sat down MAYBE one time during the entire night, but I did see her guzzling water from a plastic pitcher on the dance floor, a testament to the brilliant stylings of His and Hers DJ service! Pink Avocado provided delicious Spanish family-style fare, which was yummo, obviously. Say Cheese Photobooth was a constant source of entertainment throughout the evening, guests filed in and out of the booth all night long wearing funny hats and glasses and collecting their images at the end. The groom's cake was a screaming blue electric guitar which sat loudly next to the orchid covered brides cake both by Coco Paloma Desserts. Wait... did I mentioned the absolutely insane tradition of climbing the surf-board shaped men in the family and dancing to "Wipe Out?" it was NUTS, and so much fun.

Venue - Hummingbird House / Catering - Pink Avocado Catering / Ceremony - Santa Cruz Catholic Church / Flowers - The Gala Gal Floral Event & Design / DJ - His and Hers DJ Services / Cake - Coco Paloma Desserts / Reception Rentals - Premiere Party Central Rentals / Photobooth - Say Cheese Photobooths / Car Service - Uptown Valet / Hair - Silk Hair Salon

Kelly -N- Stephen / Reimers Ranch Engagement Session / Austin Engagement Photography / June 12, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Kelly, a student at UT, has been a rock climber/outdoors-lover since she was little when she shared these experiences with her father. Stephen was also student at UT, and while he was an outdoors-lover he had never rock-climbed in his life until the day he tried the UT climbing wall on a lark. His instructor? Kelly. Stephen made his move, and while things may have started off a little rocky at first (haha-I kid), he soon began to grow on her. Now, they scale walls together and will make it official this fall. It was perfect that they would choose Reimers Ranch for their engagement session, as it is the only natural climbing area in Austin. The acreage was once owned by Milton Reimer and was a favorite of many a climber. When he passed away, he left the land to the city under the condition that it remain a place for climbers to reach new heights. Since taking over the grounds, the city has worked to shape the area into a little bit more of an accessible park. It's among Kelly and Stephen's most favorite sanctuaries. Now, I'm not gonna lie folks... I was more than a little nervous a few times. I'm not much of outdoorsy type, I like city life and sidewalks. This was a stretch (literally) for me but I loved every minute of it. And I thank these two so much for getting me out of my confort zone and into the wilderness. Another giant leap for She-N-He!

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

Susanna -N- Scott / South Austin Engagement Session / Austin Engagement Photographer / June 7, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Susanne and Scott - getting married in New Orleans this month, I'm so thrilled for them.

Also proof positive that choosing a location off the beaten path can be pretty remarkable.

Old Hollywood Wedding Inspiration Photo Shoot / Austin Wedding Photographer / June 5, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Several months ago, I got together with two other extremely talented ladies Margaret Bedikian of Three Apples Events and Leah Proctor from Zinnia and Co. to do three completely separate style shoots. We did one in the morning at The Inn At Wild Rose Hall, the afternoon was spent doing this one at Vista on Seward Hill, and the last was done at Barr Mansion (here is a taste of that one). Each of us took our vision and ran with it. The first was a tea party and while we all brought something to the table (so to speak) the real vision came from Margaret. This one, I call it Sinatra, was mine. It was inspired by a Frank Sinatra song and I wanted to give it that dark and dreamy feel. Understated with gold, black and cream, it screams class and sophistication without having to really say it at all. We used place settings, glassware and flatware form Antiquaria's collection. LOVE it! Margaret and I went on a shopping spree to Gilda Grace for some detail touches and re-sale shops for the rest. The candle stick, turned single cream rose bud stand was my favorite. Leah spray painted magnolia leaves in gold for the rich luxurious backdrop for Anitquaria's flatware. Seamless. The golden draped chair ties add drama to Vista on Seward Hill's already dramatic look. Gilda Grace Collections' high fashion wedding collection was perfect and added that final touch to this already drama-laden experience. This is exactly how I imagined it. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did putting it together! You can also find a "how to" on ruffled.com <click>

Venue - Vista on Seward Hill / Coordinator - Three Apples Events / Cake - Blue Note Bakery / Flowers - Zinnia and Co. / Rentals - Premiere Party Central / Dress - Gilda Grace Collections / place settings-flatware-glassware - Antiquaria

Tami -N- Austin / Just Married! at Hotel St. Ceclia / Austin Wedding Photographer / June 5, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Hotel St. Cecilia Wedding Tami -N- Austin - Just Married!

6.2.2012 - 5:29pm

Hotel St. Cecilia - Austin, Tx

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

Nicole -N- Sam / Vista West Ranch Wedding / Austin Wedding Photographer / May 30, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

The super lovely Nicole and Sam married at Vista West Ranch on April 15 - tax day.

From Nicole: "We met at a funeral in California. Well, we had seen each other before here and there, but we had our first real conversation at a funeral. We started dating right away, and I couldn't get enough of him! A month later I broke the news that I was moving to Boston to attend grad school. Surprisingly, he wanted to come along! It was so exciting! He quit his job, packed his bags and hopped in my car. We hardly knew each other when we were driving cross country! It was the wildest thing ever - moving far away with a stranger. We both had an adventurous, devil-may-care attitude about dating. That was eight years ago, and now we're mister and missus."

From Nicole: "My dress... I tried on dresses for six long months. I knew it would be tough because I wanted to add some custom touches to whatever dress I bought to make it more "me" - more dramatic! I finally found it, it's an Enzoani, on Black Friday at Blush Bridal. The dress fit me pretty well, and more importantly, it lent itself well to the custom sleeves I was dreaming up in my head. I bought it right on the spot, and met with my seamstress, Deborah Birch, to tell her all about the sleeves I envisioned. I sketched for her some drapey, double-drop sleeves, and she brought it to life! Plus, she made an extra set of sleeves - fabulous cuffs - that I could change into for our dance. Partying on the dance floor was definitely a must, and my second pair of sleeves allowed me to swing my arms like a wild woman all night. Some brides have a dress change for the reception, but I had a sleeve change! That was definitely my favorite part of the dress."

Venue - Vista West Ranch / Coordinator - Coordinate This / Catering - Sterling Affairs / Cake - Coco Paloma / Flowers - Petal Pushers / Harmonica Player - Michael Rubin / Curtain Rental - Filo Designs / Dress - Enzoani / Bridal Shop - Blush Bridal / Seamstress - Deborah Birch / Second Photographer James Dvorscak

Ripley / Wedding Style Shoot / Austin Wedding Photographer / May 24, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Here is an absolutely amazing style shoot we did with Hideout on the Horseshoe, The Simplifiers, Loot, Jenna, Queen of the Frontier and HeDesign. Thanks for having a look. Take good care.

----mel

Venue: Hideout on the Horseshoe / Event planning and designer: The Simplifiers - Mary Baird-Wilcock / Invitation Suite: She -N- He Photography and Design - Steve Howe, He Design /Floral design: Arranged - Rachel Rehwinkel / Fashion stylist, hair, and make up: Jenna Hollerbach / Vintage rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals - Anna Crelia / Catering and Desserts: Queen of the FronTier – Sweets & Treats - Megan DuBois LeDoux / Calligrapher: Ahavah Designs - Heather Kruger / Bride: Cassidy Burke / Groom: Drew Walters / Officiant: Nathan Winant

Thuy -N- Brannon / Just Married! / Buda / Austin Wedding Photographer / May 22, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

San_Michele_Buda_Wedding_Photographer Thuy -N- Brannon – Just Married!

5.20.2012 – 6:52pm

le San Michele – Buda, Texas

Fear. / May 21, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

I grew up with a fair amount of fear. But over time as I grew, it got worse for some things: heights, deep water, speaking in front of crowds. Of course, I have had therapists explain that fear is just a manifestation of things that could happen, but probably won't. I get it. But I'm still afraid. I discovered a couple of fears while they were currently happening. In high school I had to give a presentation to my senior English class. The moment my feet hit the front of the classroom, I could feel the fear welling up and it was a new sensation so I didn't realize what was happening until my palms began to sweat. As it became clearer to me that my time to speak was coming up my fear deepened. I spoke in front of the class and made it through but I am sure afterwards I ran straight to the bathroom and wept until the fear passed. About 10 years ago, I came to visit my family from New York and we went to the lake on a borrowed boat. We all had to go to the bathroom so we all jumped off the boat to take a pee. I realized when I was mid-air that I was afraid of the water and turned around to grab hold of the boat and scraped up my entire front side trying to hang on. I was so paralyzed with fear, I couldn't even do my business. I had to get back on the boat and wait for shore. The heights thing I just always knew, there wasn't anything specific that did it.

Eight years ago I was commissioned to photograph Method Man in NYC. I went to Slim Shady's record label and sat for the entire day waiting for him to arrive, I drank about seven Red Bulls before I realized what was going in. When it was clear he was not going to meet us there we all shifted gears and went to the studio to meet him. While we were waiting in the studio, a member and producer from the Wu Tang Clan came out to find any ladies who would be willing to lay down a track for them. I was among just three ladies there and I wasn't up to anything until Method Man was ready. But I couldn't do it. I was so terrified - of everything - that I just said no and I swear there is not a year that goes by that I don't think, "dammit, if only I had done that, what a fun experience that could have been and proof I was even there".

I didn't have any interesting revelations then. I was still a kid and not really thinking about missing out, I thought I was taking it all in.

My husband's family has made a tradition of the "Christmas Eve Program." Each member of the family takes a turn and speaks on video camera about what they have done for the year; it's an amazing time capsule. I remember like it was yesterday how deeply terrified I was when Steve told me about it. I panicked about it more than I panicked about our impending plane flight (and I panicked about that a lot). But I went through with it and I am so glad I did. My experience starts when I first starting dating my husband and we are now 11 years in.

Two years ago, I was faced with another chance. I was shooting a project for Door Number 3, an Austin Ad agency. On the last day of shooting we were supposed to go to a zip lining tour. There was a platform in the middle of the run that I could use stairs to get to so I didn't have to zip. My art director and my entire crew was suiting up and I couldn't, just couldn't be the odd man out. I was so nervous but the moment I stepped off that platform, I knew: I can do anything. I've been three times since. It was such an awesome experience, I am almost ready for Amazing Race ;)

Last summer my family rented a boat and we went out to Granbury Lake (is that a real place? that's at least near where we were.) You know about my water thing. I knew the plan was to go to the middle of the lake and bob in the water (with our life preservers.) I psyched myself up and was able to inch my way in and bob freely in the water and to prove my fear was gone. I did a full-on Kawabunga into the water. I lived to speak about it. So it went well. It was awesome, I was still a little skeeved about what kind of wildlife might be down there (in fact just the thought of it now makes my legs go to jelly), but I did it once, so I can do it again!

About a month ago, I met a DJ at a wedding I was photographing, DJ RJ Johnson/ Music 4 Life Media. I sent him a disk of images from the event. He called to thank me for my effort and asked me to sit for an interview. I LOVE it, so smart. It's like me making a portrait of someone I've met. I agreed and then put it on my calendar. I went through my calendar about 20 times since I wrote it down and each time I saw it I thought, "Oh, I'll just cancel." But I didn't let myself cancel. I wanted to see where this could take me. I was scared to death, but I went and did the interview of about 20-30 minutes. It was perfectly fine, I didn't sound silly or embarrassing, I didn't vomit or cry, I did just fine. And now I have this new experience to draw from and I couldn't be happier.

My interview.

I guess the moral of the story is be fearful, because it will keep you safe and alive. But don't let it stop you!

Now go get em'

---mel

DeBeers + Camille Styles = fun day of shooting / Austin Wedding Photographer / May 18, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Here's a fun shoot I did with Camille and DeBeers.

enjoy.

Stylist: Camille Styles/ Wedding Cake: Word of Mouth Catering

Lauren -N- Kevin / Mayfield Park - Big Top Candy / Austin Engagement Photography / May 16, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Lauren -N- Kevin, both video game creators met in the dark room of a gaming studio ;) They added a second photo session to their original package so they could incorporate so many beloved locations in Austin. We shot at Mayfield Park (a very special place for them), John Bremond Jr. House (Lauren LOVED the stained glass), Pierre Vermont home, and Big Top Candy (Just for giggles - and did we ever...).

Thanks for having me along for your ride.

---mel

Natalie -N- Ryan / Private New Braunfuls Waterfront Wedding / Austin Wedding Photographer / May 15, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Natalie and Ryan have been together since high school, they have been living a quiet, practically married life, ever since, with their family including their dog in Austin, Tx. They finally decided it "was time," they were ready for that next step. They're ready to start a family and they just wanted to share their obvious commitment with family and friends as they launch into the next phase.

McAdoo's Seafood Company in New Braunfuls, TX is the restaurant that did the catering, everything from fresh oysters to filet their food bases were covered, in fact I over heard a guest saying to another guest "can they host a party or what." 2 Tarts, a bakery in New Braunfuls, did all of the sweet treats on the dessert table including the cake, except the brownies, that was Fork & Spoon. Comal Rental Company provided all the rentals, tables, chairs, linens etc. Blumen Meisters Flower market did all of the body and aisle marker flowers. The rest of the flowers and centerpieces for the table were done by Becky Wiggins, the brides step-mom and her friends and neighbors. Also, the burlap table topper for the dinner tables were sown and stenciled by Becky and her Mom, Janelle. Janelle also made the table cloth for the cake table and used lace from her parents own 50th wedding anniversary. Pretty neat! The china and silverware came from Aztec Rental out of San Antonio. The band was the Argyles out of Austin. The String Quartet was Quartetto Lirico out of Austin. Carl's Electric out of New Braunfels hung all the lights and did the other electrical work. Joe Ball, a contractor the couple works with in their real estate business, made the stand for the canoe and the structure for the bar. Texas River Tubes provided the transportation.

Venue - Private Home / Catering - McAdoo's Seafood Company / Sweets - 2 Tarts / Brownies - Fork & Spoon / Rentals - Comal Rental Company / Body and Aisle Flowers - Blumen Meisters Flower market / Centerpieces and other Flowers - Becky Wiggins / Band - the Argyles / String Quartet - Quartetto Lirico / Lighting - Carl's Electric / Contractor - Joe Ball / Transporations - Texas River Tubes

Thuy -N- Brannon / East Austin Engagement Photography / Austin Engagement Photographer / May 10, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Thuy -N- Brannon Met through mutual friends and their romance has been a whirlwind. They are tying the knot on their short courtship in just 2 weeks. You just know when you know!

I love these guys! They were super easy-going and could bend and mold when we suddenly were kicked out of the location I chose for them... oops. It was a good one though, worth the first 30 minutes without notice. So they were able to take it in and move quickly and all was not lost.

Thanks guys for having me along for the ride!

---mel

Jamie -N- Wes / Mansion at Judges Hill Wedding / Austin Wedding Photographer / May 7, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Jamie and Wes, perfectly in love. Their ooey gooey doe eyes are contagious. During the service the pair exchanged their vows quietly to each other. I cried and cried while the bride and groom wept their way through this extra special experience.

Their end of March nuptials were held at the gorgeous grounds of The Mansion at Judges Hill and the service was preformed by a dear friend. The wedding was held together expertly by the brilliant (and totally hilarious) Amy Kennedy from The Mansion. Flowers and decor were provided by Stems. The bride wore her dress from Bridal Galleria (San Antonio), jewels in her signature blue by Kendra Scott, bedazzled Toms in her blue, of course, and feathered Something Bleu heels from BHLDN. Her bridesmaids donned easy turquoise styles - all from J Crew. Nesting doves, borrowed from the Jamie's sister, topped their beautiful 4-tiered wedding cake from Simply Bliss. The wedding cake was flanked on either side with cake balls also from Cindy Hunter of Simply Bliss. The couple also flew in their favorite band Ivan and Alyosha from Portland. It was rumored that the couple discovered I&A on a SXSW ticket years ago. The couple also displayed images from their engagement sessions by yours truly! Have a look at both of their entire sessions here and here.

The couple also came up with a completely unique way for guests to leave their mark. Vintage plates that the guests were asked to sign with paint pen, then the couple will display them in their home together. LOVE! A total "why didn't I think of that?" moment!

Congratulations to our beautiful bride and groom. Thank you for having us along on your amazing adventure.

All the best to you and yours.

---mel

Rachele -N- Tylere / Austin Backyard Wedding / Austin Wedding Photographer / May 7, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Rachele -N- Tylere - Just Married!

5.5.2012 - 5:47pm

Private Home - Austin, Texas

Jenna Hollerbach / Portrait Photographer / Austin Photographer / May 2, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Jenna Hollerbach (nope it's real ;) is a silly talented stylist in Austin. She got her start working at the capital, when all of the wives of your local politicians started asking her to dress them. Walaa style.by.jenna was born. She left her job and started in full time. I have worked with her many times and often ask her to sit in for light. Every time I noticed she has this look and I LOVE real people portraits. So I asked her to let me photograph her, it took a little coaxing, but finally she agreed. Seriously, wow, right?! I got to shoot a little film through my twin lens reflex, that was fun and it's been so long. The image on the left is film and the one of the right above is digital. The thing I like about film is it's slightly soft. And I know the color is right. Something I like about digital... you can manipulate it immediately if you choose to go that way. But lastly and most important, I love film because it slows me down, it makes me think about every composition, and every bit of light. You can experiment a little with digital but you can't with film, it has to be right. There is no "catching" with a twin lens, but it's perfect for portraits. I am not a trendy, fad film user, I am an old school film user and I miss it. My name is Melanie Grizzel and I am a film user.

Model/Jenna Hollerbach style.by.Jenna Hair+Make-up/Erica Gray

Eco-Friendly Barr Mansion Wildflower Wedding Inspiration / Austin Wedding Photography / May 1, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

She N He Wildflower Invitation Design

Working in tandem, Barr Mansion, Margaret of Three Apples Event, Leah of Zinnia and Co., Steve of HeDesign (for invitations) and I came up with this eco-friendly wildflower fete.

The idea first evolved in a creative meeting with Margaret, Leah and I. We wanted to create three unique looks for three distinctive style shoots. We did all three in the same day starting with The Tea Party at the Inn at Wild Rose Hall, from there the smokey lounge atmosphere of the Vista at Seward Hill and lastly, the bright and airy, eco-friendly shindig at Barr Mansion!

We wanted to follow in the low carbon footprints of Barr Mansion. They take great pride in their organic certification: all the food and cakes prepared by the staff at Barr Mansion are certified organic. They also often use spices from the garden on the grounds, therefore they boast the largest organic ornamental garden in the country. Leah sources all of the wildflowers and budding basil from local flower markets saving emissions and the environment. All of the flower vessels are found and re-used containers. Margaret and myself scoured local thrift stores for creatively mismatched glassware, china and flatware. We even found a charming red cake stand with hearts all over it, perfect for our re-use style shoot. Margaret found the Marilyn-style halter dress and the yellow heels - they had some trouble but only cost seven bucks! We removed the trouble areas from the shoes and added buttons in the color of the other accessories, perfect!

Do you want to host a delightful soiree and not leave much behind? Take a tip or two from Delilah's spring time nuptials.

This shoot was also featured on Style Me Pretty!

Jenna -N- Ricardo / Just Married! / Hummingbird House Wedding / Austin Wedding Photographer / April 30, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Latin couple just married at the Hummingbird House, Austin Tx Weddings Jenna -N- Ricardo -- JUST Married!

4.28.2012 -- 5:18pm

Hummingbird House

Natalie -N- Ryan / Just Married! - New Braunfuls / New Braunfuls wedding photographer / April 18, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

Just married, New Braunfuls wedding photographer Natalie -N- Ryan - Just Married! at a private home in New Braunfuls, Tx. 6:29pm

Deliriously happy couple, mere seconds after exchanging their vows in front of friends and family

Congratulations you two.

Nicole -N- Sam / Just Married! Vista West Ranch / Dripping Springs Wedding Photographer / April 17, 2012 by Melanie Grizzel

bride and groom and officiant getting married at Vista West Ranch Nicole -N- Sam Just Married! at Vista West Ranch on Sunday. 5:40pm

The couple commented in the moments following their ceremony that it was so perfect, it felt like they were the only people in the universe. It sure seems that way!

Congratulations you two.