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  • Welcome!

    Welcome to the BellaFotografica blog - accept no substitutes! :)

    My name is Allen and I am a wedding photographer in Beaumont, Texas. "Bell-ah-Foto-grafica" is loosely translated as "beautiful photos". I post on this blog images I’ve taken from our weddings, engagements, and bridals. I will occasionally post personal stuff too, including travel, our children, sports or simply wherever I’ve taken my camera.

    Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my work and please don’t hesitate to write a comment to let me know you’ve dropped by. I truly look forward to hearing from you!

    engagement photoswedding photos

Parker and Barrow

I had some fun this past week, attending a seminar and photoshoot put on by John Michael Cooper of AltF infamy. John, whose work inspired the whole “Trash the Dress” craze, was in classic form – teaching, shooting, and inspiring.

The day started off mildly, with John sitting down with us to discuss some of his background and thoughts behind his more famous images, then led us through some exercises in photographing engagement sessions. In the afternoon a couple recently married came in and we spent a little time shooting “pretty pictures”:

bridal photo

bride and wedding dress photo in black and white

bride and groom

before moving into the more interesting part of the day, JMC’s re-creation of Bonnie and Clyde’s takedown, with a modern-day bride and groom twist:

we have a bride down

I do not understand mister officer

Just a note that no bride was harmed in the photographing of this event.:)To the contrary, people line up for the chance to experience one of JMC’s one-of-a-kind events. After taking their mug-shots they were free to go, with images worthy of 30″x40″ canvases.:D

groom mug shot

bridal mug shot

Great day:)If you are interested in doing some out of the ordinary photography, contact me soon to discuss how we can put some fun images together for you.:)

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Thao T. - July 29, 2008 - 12:11 pm

Hey Allen,

It was great meeting you too. I enjoyed the workshop and wish it was longer, but oh well. The models did help our pictures look better. Thank you for the compliment on my logo, it took me forever to design it. Hey, I really like the letters you used on your logo, is that a regular font or an actual handwritten design? Take care.

Thao a.k.a “Theo”

Thao T.s last blog post..very ALTF update

Adrienne - July 29, 2008 - 1:26 pm

Hi Allen – This is Adrienne (a.k.a. Bonnie Parker). I love the photos you took, particularly the “pretty” ones! I hope it’s ok with you if I upload a couple of them to my Facebook profile. (Of course, I’ll give you full credit and a link to your website.) :-)

Allen - July 29, 2008 - 1:32 pm

Hi Adrienne :)

Sure, use them :) If there are any you like and want the larger file just say so, I’ll email them or post them so you can download to print. And thank you and your husband for being such good sports – really made the day :)

Eric Doggett - July 29, 2008 - 11:26 pm

Hey Allen -

Thanks for coming out the house for the big AltF Summer Extravaganza! I am glad all of us got so much out of it, and I’ll pass on to John that next time it needs to run 3 days long :)

Eric

Eric Doggetts last blog post..Down Time

Rene Skrodzki - July 30, 2008 - 10:20 am

LOL this is excellent. I love this. They must have had a blast doing this. Good creativity.

maryland bar mitzvah photographer - August 1, 2008 - 8:39 am

Holy fun photos batman!

Look like you had some fun and everything was creative too!

I enjoyed those

Josh B

Angela Coventry - Oakland County Children Photographer - August 1, 2008 - 3:02 pm

Love the ‘take down’ idea. Your style is great.

Melissa - August 4, 2008 - 12:15 am

Wow, these are amazing! I love the uniqueness of them and the story telling. Impressive work.

Marcie Ornelas - August 8, 2008 - 9:41 am

I love the pictures you show stile and creativity.

Tony DiFranco - August 11, 2008 - 5:57 pm

Wow, these certainly are out of the ordinary, very creative!

Tony DiFrancos last blog post..0008_IMG

Gretchen Birdwell - August 12, 2008 - 4:55 pm

Allen, these are beautiful! Well, not the ones of them being arrested! :) What a fun thing to do–obviously you and the bride and groom enjoyed each other and had a blast. It’ll be interesting to hear their kids’ remarks a few years down the road!

Gretchen

Kitchener photographer - August 19, 2008 - 9:49 am

Cool, fun images Allen! Your photography is already great. I’m really impressed that you don’t just settle for that and you go out to workshops and continually bring your work up another notch.

Wedding Photography, Savannah, Georgia - August 25, 2008 - 10:44 am

LOLOL! These are a hoot! Looks like you all have entirely too much fun! lolol

Andrea

Linda and Chris’ Wedding

Finally!:)

I just have to post a few of my favorite images from Linda and Chris’ recent wedding – the color was beautiful, but for most of the following photos black and white seemed to fit the mood better:)Chris is my nephew, recently home from Iraq and the Marines and Linda is his gorgeous bride from Harlingen, Texas. Lots of family from both sides attended, Linda and Chris will have plenty of support as they start out in life together. We love you both!:)


wedding ceremony


But wait! I am getting ahead of myself… the day started off like most summer weddings in South Texas – hot with a threat of rain showers. It had rained several times during the rehearsal the evening before so the planned outdoor wedding ceremony was moved indoors. We scrambled a bit to get everything ready and it turned out perfect:)Here’s a few from earlier in the day… one of the bride’s floral bouquets – lots of color and a beautiful arrangement:

brides bouquet

Looking out past the wedding cake into the reception area:

grooms cake

Linda’s friend assisted with her getting ready – Linda is looking radiant!:)

bride getting ready with makeup

Linda’s proud family looking on:

wedding ceremony and brides family looking on

Afterwards, Chris’ Dad (David) gave Chris a toast he didn’t seem just too happy about:D

wedding reception toast

Linda seemed to enjoy it tho:DAnd the happy couple sets sail for a few days R&R:

wedding ceremony groom and bride

grooms boutoneirre

brides shoes and bouquet

Here’s the slideshow of the story of their day:

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jusselin - July 17, 2008 - 6:23 pm

Amazing photos….very memorable

Allen - July 17, 2008 - 6:24 pm

Hey Jusselin! Good to see you on! :)

Allen - July 17, 2008 - 6:24 pm

oh, and thank you! :)

Jill - July 17, 2008 - 8:39 pm

What beautiful wedding images. This looks like it was a fun wedding to be a part of!

Thank you for sharing. :)

Jill

Allen - July 18, 2008 - 9:08 am

It Was a lot of fun… an you’re welcome :)

Wedding Photography, Savannah, Georgia - July 18, 2008 - 9:49 am

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

David - July 18, 2008 - 9:58 am

These are very nice Allen, love the way you captured the moment :)

Tony DiFranco - July 19, 2008 - 1:14 pm

This work has style! I love the black and white images Allen!

mom - July 19, 2008 - 9:38 pm

Great Pictures!!

Chris and Linda - July 19, 2008 - 11:00 pm

Thank You for the pictures they were amazing we got the two disc in the mail…they were beautiful..job well done..Thank you so much for everything

Dorothy - July 20, 2008 - 8:52 am

Really enjoyed your work Allen. And your little man is adorable!

Dorothys last blog post..In my Garden

Asheboro NC wedding photographers - July 20, 2008 - 8:01 pm

These are fabulous!! I love the toast and shoe shots! Everything about the last image is perfect.

Kitchener photographer - July 21, 2008 - 1:40 pm

I’m really enjoying your fun meets fashion wedding style Allen! You captured the elegance and the personalities. Jay

Kitchener photographers last blog post..The new coach

Allen - July 21, 2008 - 2:32 pm

Thank you guys, very appreciated :)

Jerry - July 27, 2008 - 11:18 pm

Wow Allen…those came out great. And I love the logo…very nice

Allen - August 12, 2008 - 6:03 pm

I added a youtube slideshow – share it with your friends :)

Dorothy - August 13, 2008 - 5:57 pm

Beautiful work as always Allen!

Dorothys last blog post..Mallory turns One

scphotography - August 22, 2008 - 3:35 pm

Allen, these are great, concert photos FUN!!

christian bridal showers - October 5, 2008 - 7:50 am

christian bridal showers…

A Trackback is one of three types of Linkbacks, methods for Web authors to request notification when somebody links to one of their documents…..

Summer!

While waiting for Chris and Linda’s wedding photos to be posted, I thought I’d give you a look at one of the more eligible bachelors in Texas enjoying the peak of summer play. Stand in line ladies, he’ll be available ~2027:)

For those who have met the little guy, you know one of his favorite things about summer is watermelon. He can eat his weight in the delicious summer fruit and will give you a good 2-foot stomp if you take it away before he’s eaten most of the rind:D


 mmm tastey


mmm…


watermelon


the thinker


He spent most of his day playing in the sand or the water’s edge – and yes, the sand/plant/etc mixture is what we call a beach in our part of the Gulf – Bolivar Peninsula:)


sun sand and fun


He didn’t quite understand that if you launch the sand up and into the wind, something odd is gonna happen:


the mummy


oops


Shortly after the above shots he picked up his bucket of Crystal Beach sand and dumped it on his head. Luckily, he still responds to instruction from his dad and with a little coaching the sand was going where he wanted it. Afterwards he rinsed a little in the Gulf of Mexico waves.


splash


David finished the day with a few slices of pizza at Mama Teresa’s and slept all the way home, dreaming of sand and watermelon.:)

 

More pictures can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/allenayres/Summer2008

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Furious Photographers - July 15, 2008 - 4:35 am

Hey Allen,

Thank you for the kind words! I enjoy looking at the pictures of David, especially the ones where he sinks his teeth into the watermelon. In fact, it makes me want to have one now!

Take care,

Lawrence

Gerri Milkovie - July 15, 2008 - 4:14 pm

Awww! How sweet is he?!? That little outfit is almost as cute as his expressions. Awesome photos!

Gerri
Oakland County Michigan Child Photographer

Jo Ann - July 15, 2008 - 7:01 pm

He is soooo cute!!! Looks like he had a blast. :) Give him a hug and a kiss from his Aunt Jo Ann

Debbie Rodgers - July 23, 2008 - 1:34 am

Oh my gosh what a cutie pie! He looks like he really enjoyed the day and the one in the water is priceless!

Great captures!

Debbie

jenna clark - July 23, 2008 - 4:34 pm

I stumbled upon your site after doing a search for photographers in Beaumont, thinking possibly of doing a family photo next time we come back home and really liked the ones i saw! Adorable kiddo pics and great photos of the wedding !

Tracy Besek - Dearborn Family Photographer - July 28, 2008 - 10:41 am

A boy, watermelon, and sand….what a sticky combination! I love it. That’s what summer is all about!!

Tracy Besek – Dearborn Family Photographers last blog post..Senior Sneak Peek!

Angela Coventry - Oakland County Children Photographer - August 4, 2008 - 1:01 am

The watermelon images are soo darn cute. I LOVE watermelon in the summertime!

Hawaii Photographer - August 21, 2008 - 4:27 am

What a cutie pie! You’ve got some great captures here. Well done!

aloha,

g

scphotography - August 22, 2008 - 3:38 pm

absolutely adore the last one with him smiling in the water… what a moment!!! any parent would want this one!

Rachel and Brent’s Wedding

Held in a beautiful church in DeRidder, Louisiana, Rachel and Brent’s wedding ceremony and reception was gorgeous. Every detail from the expansive church to the perfect reception hall in the town’s historic performance theater was carried out with class. I think you’ll agree after viewing the following images:

The flowergirl arrives:


the flowergirl arrives


The ringbearer gets his attire adjusted *just* so:


ringbearer getting ready


Entrance to the church – a beautiful day!


front of church


The groomsmen take a break:


 groomsmen chilling


This year’s most eligible bachelors:


ringbearers hanging out


Wide angle shot from the balcony of the wedding ceremony getting under way:


wide angle view of ceremony starting


Rachel is all smiles as the pastor gets the rings ready:


rachel and brents wedding ceremony


This moment with the unity candle:


black and white lighting the unity candle


Reserved, the tables are ready at the reception:


reception centerpiece detail photo


This wedding cake tasted as good as it looked:


wedding cake photo


A final image of the gift table:


wedding reception gift table detail photo


A few more images can be found here.

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David - July 5, 2008 - 12:25 am

Beautiful photos Allen, love the detail shots. :)

Jay Parson - July 5, 2008 - 9:46 am

Allen, I love these! That capture of the flower girl is captivating. The attitude on the 3 boys in the ringbearers shot is classic –> so much personality. I love the expression you captured in the second image too. Your wedding detail images look very elegant.

Gerri Milkovie - July 5, 2008 - 6:15 pm

Allen, your wedding images are beautiful! I also love your detail shots. The lighting and colors are beautiful here.

Jill - July 5, 2008 - 6:37 pm

I love your photojournalisitic approach to this wedding! Your images make me feel like I was there.

Windsor Wedding Photographer James Zedd - July 5, 2008 - 7:35 pm

Allen, you’ve certainly done a great job of capturing this wedding. Your post processing is amazing, and your composition makes me jealous! Take care.

chicago wedding photographer - July 5, 2008 - 11:25 pm

Allen – sweet stuff! Your captures are really nice.

- Rob O.

Victoria - July 6, 2008 - 2:28 am

Wow! Gorgeous work, Allen!

Rene Skrodzki - July 6, 2008 - 5:43 pm

Allen,

These are rockin, I really love the detail shots and the little girl is sweet and cute as a button. Nice work.

Tracy Besek - Detroit Family Photographer - July 6, 2008 - 10:55 pm

Gorgeous work!

Gabi - July 6, 2008 - 11:32 pm

Allen, love these crisp images! Nice work!

Sudbury Ontario Photographer - July 7, 2008 - 9:29 am

Love your style, Allen!

John

Barrie Ontario Photographer - July 7, 2008 - 1:08 pm

WOW!!!!!!!!! These are beautiful!

maryland bar mitzvah photographer - July 7, 2008 - 9:23 pm

The mood that you bring to your wedding photography is perfect. If you are still doing weddings in 20 years when my daughter gets married you’ll have a client for sure from me.

Maryland Bar Mitzvah Photographers

Angela - July 11, 2008 - 10:42 am

I love the wide angle shot at the ceremony. Beautifully captured.

tatum - July 12, 2008 - 3:17 am

That shot of the lighting of the unity candle is wonderful. Nice work!

Ashley - July 14, 2008 - 5:33 pm

I absolutely love the photo of the flower girl! There is just something about the mood of the image. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Angela Coventry - Oakland County Children Photographer - August 4, 2008 - 1:03 am

That image of the 3 boys is so sweet.

http://www.dezinepoint.com

scphotography - August 22, 2008 - 3:37 pm

Allen, love these.. the one of the bride smiling is great, how did you get behind the minister!?!!

Allen - August 23, 2008 - 1:29 am

Thank you :)

There was an area pretty much hidden from view (I believe I was between the organ and the wall if I remember right) – I could walk through an open door on the stage and behind the organ without being seen – just trying to get the right shots :)

Linda and Chris’ Harlingen Texas Wedding – Sneak Peek

Recently I had the honor of photographing Linda and Chris’ wedding ceremony and reception in Harlingen, Texas. Beautiful service, handsome groom and gorgeous bride:)

Their images are on the way to them, so I thought I’d post a sneak peek for them until I can get more online:)

their first kiss

As you can see.. Chris wasted no time once the pastor gave him permission…:)

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Jay Parson - July 11, 2008 - 10:14 am

Very cool perspective on this Allen. It’s like a stolen moment – that makes it even more intimate. I like your eye for these unique images!

Wedding Photography, Savannah, Georgia - July 14, 2008 - 7:58 am

LOL! Great shot! Love it.

Andrea

Johannesburg Wedding Photographer - July 23, 2008 - 2:29 am

Whatever that out of focus blur on the right is, it makes the photo. Beautiful!

Johannesburg Wedding Photographers last blog post..Soutpansberg and Baobabs

Angela Coventry - Oakland County Children Photographer - August 4, 2008 - 1:01 am

This image shows soo much emotion. Your timing was perfect for this shot!

http://www.dezinepoint.com

Nuevo Progreso

Recently my family traveled to Harlingen, Texas for my nephew Chris’s and his new bride Linda’s wedding (more on that soon). The ceremony wasn’t until Saturday evening, so we took the opportunity to go into Mexico for a little sight-seeing and fun.

I’ve crossed over at Matamoros a few times and that can take ages, but luckily we decided to go across at Nuevo Progreso – getting across and back was the fastest, most hassle-free trip across the Texas/Mexico border I’ve ever been on.

It rained hard that day, but cleared up just as we entered the town. A typical border town, lots of tourists, locals begging and pharmacias as far as the eye can see.

money money money

Here someone is digging in a barrel in the middle of the rain-swollen street, I never knew what she was trying to get out:

progreso after the rain

A nickle if you can spot the tourists in this photo:)(My brother Stephen, David, niece Morgan, nephew Zach and Dad in the background)

progreso after the rain

Speaking of nickels, I bought some chiclets from this little one:

progreso after the rain

But it turned out to be a beautiful day:

nuevo progreso main street

 

You can find more of my images from the day here:

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Andrea H - July 7, 2008 - 2:35 pm

Very nice wedding images. I love the one from the balcony over-looking the entire church. NICE!

Andrea

David - July 8, 2008 - 11:01 pm

Interesting images… love the color and composition.

Dorothy - July 10, 2008 - 8:47 pm

wow allen…beautiful work

Andrea and Dustin

In the heat of summer, Andrea and Dustin had a pretty cool wedding. Attended by friends and family, I think it turned out quite well. Thank you Andrea and Dustin for allowing me to be a part of your great day:)

 pretty flower girls

grooms boutoneire

wedding flowers

I do

wedding party

cake

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Sheila Hebert - July 12, 2008 - 12:13 am

Love your work – remember I’m not too far away if you need a second shooter!!!

Allen - July 12, 2008 - 12:34 am

Thank you :)

I haven’t forgotten, I should know soon about another booking or 2 :)