That leads me to the next bit of news: I’ve been accepted into the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization representing professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. As a WPJA member, I join the ranks of some of the most talented wedding photojournalists in the world as judged by their technical, creative and visual aptitude.

I’m both honored and elated to earn membership acceptance into the Wedding Photojournalist Association – as the only photographer in Southeast Texas to have my work alongside the WPJA’s esteemed collection of professional wedding photojournalists is a monumental accomplishment.

I know Lindsey, right?

Next up, a note to say Marius is shooting full-time with us now – we’ve been shooting weddings all over Southeast Texas for 4 years now, it’s about time All of our brides and grooms have gotten to know Marius and the stellar work he produces day in and day out. If you’ve seen wedding photos here, about a third of them are his. I am still limiting my couples to one a month this year, Marius is doing about the same. What’s good is we’ll still be shooting for each other in each other’s weddings and we can’t wait to get started!

Last bit o’news: Marius and I have re-doubled our efforts to improve as photographers this year and in the coming year – it’s straightforward to spend $$$$ on new equipment, we’re doing that , but we’re also investing $$$$ in training and education. For the past year (plus) we’ve been mentoring with the best wedding photographers in the world – associated with the Foundation Conference and Workshops, our mentors are recognized worldwide in their talent and ability. We understand the responsibility entailed in covering your day and the trust you’ve placed in us, we feel you deserve professional results. It will be interesting to see how much we improve this year

Below are a few more of our favorites from 2011, stay tuned as we finish strong this year with an engagement session or 2 and some beautiful fun weddings!

Oh, and Merry Christmas!

You won’t find a more manly pair of grooms shoes in existence:

I love how seriously Katie is applying the final perfections and her mom and sister are having a great time in the background

The wedding decor at Beau Reve was perfection, Clyde’s did an exquisite job as usual

You just *can’t* have a wedding reception without a dancing and spinning flowergirl

What a fun day! Thank you and congratulations to Mr and Mrs Neal!

Ceremony – Wesley United Methodist Church – Nederland
Reception – Beau Reve
Decor and Floral – Clyde’s Hairloom

While Ryder is getting ready, the ladies are stirring and Meagan arrives in style, with her lady-in-waiting Valerie close behind

Candles are lit, violin strings are tuned and little ring bearers get one final fit-check:

Finally! The music sounds as Meagan makes her grand entrance!

The Men’s Wearhouse commercial is true: they really *do* only have eyes for each other Meagan makes her way up the aisle:

Yay!

We soon make our way to the Grand Ballroom at the MCM Elegante, draped ceiling to floor in luxe:

The newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Clayton are perfect for each other…

Wobble wobble!

I love the excitement in their eyes as the bouquet re-enters the atmosphere:

The dance floor was hopping that night!

Luckily for Ryder, one friend keeps a firm grasp on him before he hits the ceiling

Awwww! Great day!

A few of my favorites from Lindsey’s and Trent’s wedding!

We begin the day with our brides getting their ‘do on, usually at one of the local salons (this time at Salon Mecca), sometimes in their hotel room, always with lots of hair spray and waterproof mascara!

All eyes are on Lindsey as we check placement of the tiara:

From there it’s on to First Baptist Church in Nederland, where everyone gets pretty before the big event:

Meanwhile, Trent, looking all suave and GQ:

There’s a flurry of activity as the girls apply finishing touches:

It’s beginning!

Yay! From there it’s on to the reception at the Holiday Inn Atrium…

Beautiful blue and white details:

Jonathan Marks was the DJ, and *everyone* was out on the floor having fun, some more than others We even had an impromptu Michael Jackson dance off with Trent showing his best moves!

Leaving in a sea of bubbles… great day – congratulations again Mr. and Mrs. Trent!

I love the fluidity in the day as we photograph Kristin writing to her love and later Aaron reading the love note :

The belle of the ball is almost ready and this handsome little fella is helping where he can:

I love this moment!

One more from their portraits in the Botanical Gardens:

More coming soon!

To say she was a little excited to see Trent may be a small understatement :

Gorgeous wedding, great couple – more coming soon!

Sam’s unique image came toward the latter part of her New York City Bridal Session from Brooklyn to Little Italy, Park Avenue, Central Park and Top of the Rock. She literally stopped Manhattan traffic (on the same day of President Obama’s UN visit, no less) to get a once-in-a-lifetime image

Her wedding images are posted below, click the link above this image to see the fun she and two of her best friends Beth and Danielle had in NYC late September!

Stacey and Jeremy’s feature photos came from their “Day After Wedding Beach Session in Galveston” (see link for more gorgeous photos of the couple). Their outdoor wedding day survived a couple of torrential rain downpours, so we took the opportunity to photograph them in a more relaxed setting all dressed in their bridal finery, and yes, ironically, get even more wet

Pretty, huh? Something they will treasure forever I understand they are expecting an addition to their family soon, congratulation Jeremy and Stacey!

The temp dipped into the 20′s this morning – a little late for a Texas White Christmas (frost on your windshield ), but still cold for those not used to it. I’m working on wedding albums and recent bridal and engagement sessions, perfecting them while staying warm inside

2010 was too fun! A bridal session in New York City, engagements all over – Austin, Galveston, Houston and especially right here in Southeast Texas, my couples were the best! Kyra and Ian, Ashley and AJ, Celina and Matt, Mona and Michael, Krystal and Ross, Kimberly and Kyle, Shane and Lauree, Amy and Sam, Johnna and Adam, Christina and Eric, Ashleigh and Tyne, Samantha and Blake, Erin and Michael, Kay and Aaron; remembering our times together brings a smile everytime. Some are already working on building families… it’s great to be a part of such an important part of their lives and I value the trust they put into us to capture those times.

In 2010 we’ve been published locally (look for us in the January edition of VIP) , nationally and internationally (if you count Canada and Europe ) – it’s good to receive those honors and recognition of our work, but the best is seeing our clients eyes light up when they get to see the TLC we deliver with their images each and every time.

In looking ahead to 2011 – in order to deliver the type of service we’d love to give our clients, we’re only shooting one wedding a month. That means when you book with us, you’re booking the whole month! That said, we’re nearly full now, we can take a couple more in late summer/early Fall and we’re done. Contact me soon at the above link if you’re looking for fun, relaxed, gorgeous images you will treasure for generations – especially if you want to receive our experiential service. We’ve also stopped delivering “proofs” – I’ve always disliked needing to ask clients to “imagine them like they should be” when viewing their galleries. It’s just not how we want to be perceived, so to that end we fully retouch every image delivered, we want to deliver the kind of service we’d love to receive.

Coming up, I’m so looking forward to the weddings we have scheduled – all around Southeast Texas, Galveston, Houston, and Baton Rouge, it’s going to be a great year!

Did I mention the Wagners and Westbrooks have impeccable taste? Everything came together perfectly! Crystal, white roses and greenery adorned every facet of their backyard:

Some more of their amazing white rose centerpieces and cake:

The flower girls are getting first dibs on the candy bar

Johnna and Adam have arrived and take a few moments to make googly eyes at each other

Evening begins to descend on the party, the candles provided the perfect amount of light for the fun on the periphery:

This little fella is having a great time! … So You Think You Can Dance seems to be catching on!

The night gets even darker, perfectly setting the table for the fun later.

The fun winds down as Johnna and Adam make their way through the hail of bird seed to their waiting limo:

Great day – the families were warm, friendly and gracious, the details were totally amazing, everything about the wedding and reception was totally flawless, and Marius shot with me again and nailed it – a year and a half since Johnna, Adam and I initially met to discuss this day, I never could have imagined it would turn out so beautifully. My best to you guys and your future together

– Allen | Contact Me!

Everything in the church was ready to go, white roses adorning everything that didn’t move.

Johnna and her girls have moved into another gear as they shake off the effects of handfuls of fingerfoods from the morning’s brunch. Here, all hands on deck as one bridesmaid gets her eyelashes perfected and lips balmed:

Johnna has stepped into her dress. Assisted by her mom, she begins the process of tieing, clasping and fastening a Wagner Original gown handmade for her. An obviously admiring sister looks on.

As her sister looks on only as sisters do:

Even the ringbearer is getting his “cool” suit on

Meanwhile, Adam is taking it all in, asking for a little help right about now.

Not a bad way to begin relaxing…

Johnna is finishing her process, getting some last-minute lotion and lip gloss action.

Pound it!

The moment is almost here! The parade of handsome groomsmen and lovely bridesmaids has begun!

We did it!

Gorgeous wedding ceremony Johnna and Adam! On to the reception!