Welcome!
I'm so very ecstatic that you decided to join the party.  It is my life's passion to keep you entertained through my photographs of weddings, babies, my family, and pretty much anything that moves me. 

Stick around and become part of the family. 
Come early, come often, leave comments.

So, yeah.  It took Millie four and a half years to grow out hair long enough to be worthy of a trim.  You curly girls know how it is.  It takes FOREVER to grow curls out, and one bad cut (read:  crazy scissor-wielding hairstylist broke up with her boyfriend and went Edward Scissorhands on ya) can truly send a curly girl straight to her therapist's office.  Not that it's happened to me or anything.  ;-)

Mills was utterly on fire with excitement and anticipation for her day at the spa.  Of course, I took her to my girl, Bethany, at 209 Downtown Salon and Spa.  Those pink and sparkly places are cute, but we Mefford ladies are for realz...no time to play around.  Go big or GO HOME.  Naturally, Mills was full of expression during her beautification and this continued right through the haircut, to the nail painting (she chose OPI's Jewel of India, in case you were wondering), and to the moment we walked out of the door.  She loved the cape and was surprised how quiet Miss Bethany's blow-dryer was (well, mine would be too if was a professional one!).  I'm so glad I can enjoy being a girl with her.  Our bond keeps getting stronger and stronger, and I am so glad she is my little chica.

haircut1stshotCR.jpg haircutshampooroomCR.jpg haircutsinkCR.jpg haircutcapeCR.jpg haircutreflectionsliverCR.jpg haircutsnipscissorsCR.jpg haircutsmugbugCR.jpg haircutblowdryCR.jpg haircuthairsprayCR.jpg haircutfinishedinmirrorCR.jpg haircutclippingsCR.jpg haircutnailcolorsCR.jpg haircutglamourgirlCR.jpg
So fun!!!

kirsten says:

Love. them.

(03.11.10 @ 03:31 PM)
lynda says:

awww, this makes me want to have kids! :)

(03.11.10 @ 01:52 PM)
Susie M says:

WOW, what a cute capture! Thanks for sharing!

(03.11.10 @ 11:53 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Millie's First Haircut . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://katemeffordblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/91
A mere two weeks have gone by since I posted this, and sweet Carson is no longer with us.  However, he IS still with all those who loved him, knew him, and even those who just knew of him.  He was a kind soul with an exuberant spirit and he will be remembered fondly for years and years to come.

I was asked to photograph last night's prayer session, during which friends of the Richardson family celebrated Carson's life.  The tone was different, as one might imagine.  Of course, I sensed sadness, and there were even more tears than before.  However, I sensed the smallest amount of relief floating through the group...relief that this innocent child had flown away from all things less than good.  Carson is safe now.  No more needles, no more tubes, no more bad.  He's at peace.  Now, the prayers continue for his family.  I will continue to document for the Richardsons as they venture into uncharted territory over the next two days, and it is my sincere hope that the images I capture give them peace and acceptance and awareness of all of the love that surrounds them.

carsonprayeryellowrollCR.jpg carsonprayertyingribbonCR.jpg carsonprayerappleCR.jpg carsonprayerslideshowCR.jpg carsonprayerraresmileCR.jpg carsonprayersadfaceCR.jpg carsonprayertissueCR.jpg carsonprayerpursedlipsCR.jpg carsonprayerwovenhandsCR.jpg carsonprayergroupwide2CR.jpg carsonprayerolderhandsCR.jpg carsonprayeryouthgroupcircleCR.jpg carsonprayeryoungestgirlCR.jpg carsonprayerwhitenailsCR.jpg carsonprayerheartsCR.jpg carsonprayerpasspapersCR.jpg
If anyone is interested in updates regarding visitation and services, please look here.

Emily Youngblood says:

Oh Kate- I just now saw this. We go to Carson's Family's church- how wonderful that you are a part of this time. There could not be a better person to walk through this time with them and capture their support and faith. Thank you for the reminder to stop and pray for this family and keep me grounded. wow....

(03.05.10 @ 10:48 AM)
Michelle Bufkin Escobedo says:

What a moving tribute; how blessed the family is to have such a wonderful group of friends and extended family members!!

(03.03.10 @ 01:52 PM)
tomi cheeks says:

oh kate. so moving and precious is the love they are sharing.
what a gift you are bestowing on them. bitter sweet. and priceless.
thnak you for sharing with us.

(03.02.10 @ 11:27 PM)
Tyshawna Harris says:

I am so thankful to be part of God's Family. I don't know any of you personally, but graduated high school with Kim. I am just so very thankful that this sweet family has you all surrounding them with your love at this time. Your photographs really captured the love you all and we all feel for them. I know Kim and Ryan and Collin will love them.

(03.02.10 @ 09:29 PM)
Lauren says:

My heart breaks for them. They will be in my prayers.

(03.02.10 @ 02:59 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Remembering Carson Richardson . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://katemeffordblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/87
Grabbed this frame while waiting for Lauren + Alex (images coming soon!) to arrive for their engagement session.  There's something about Downtown McKinney that draws in the kind of characters I love to photograph.

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Lauren says:

How classic and lovely!

(03.02.10 @ 03:01 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: A Slice of Americana . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://katemeffordblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/86
So.  I've been MIA.  Lots of A.  We're talkin' 24/7 A.  A is for Action, in case you are slow or haven't had enough caffeine.  Where have I been?  HEREAGAIN.  And it was beautiful.

This year, I chose the same team leader, Greg Gibson.  We're like family now, complete with the love and the bickering.  Rounding out his team were the unmistakably brilliant mentors:  Matt Mendelsohn, Deanne Fitzmaurice, and Jennifer Domenick, and the supportive and hilarious team members, Ed Atrero, MaFe Fernandez, Caroline Winata, Mark Seymour, and Vinicius Matos.

Our second night at the workshop, we went carnival shooting.  Here are just a few of my favorite frames.

FWcarnduckCR.jpg FWcarnreadingCR.jpg FWcarnbigdudesCR.jpg FWcarnboredCR.jpg FWcarnkidsCR.jpg

Lauren says:

I think I need to go to a carnival now. Love all the colors - brightens my day!

(03.02.10 @ 03:04 PM)
Leah says:

If God ever blesses Corey & me with a baby I think i need a copy of that rubber duck pic...It would be a good shout out to my carney(sp?) heritage! Love you!

(03.02.10 @ 08:54 AM)
Jenny DeMarco says:

Looks awesome. I have been eyeing this workshop for a while and might try for FW9...looks amazing kate! Love your images as always!

(02.28.10 @ 12:17 PM)
courtney says:

oops... I meant EVERYTIME (not everything)!

(02.28.10 @ 11:13 AM)
courtney says:

everything i surf through your site and blog, i leave with a huge smile. love ya- CC xo

(02.28.10 @ 11:12 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Foundation Workshop :: Carnival Delights . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://katemeffordblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/85
Many of you may have heard of Carson Richardson.  He's a remarkable young boy who lives in my neighborhood here in McKinney, and happens to be struggling with cancer.  He and his family have touched so many lives all over Texas and beyond with their sweet nature and unstoppable faith.  As of now, they are in the midst of alternative treatments, as most traditional methods have yet to be productive and successful.  Friends of the Richardson family gathered together tonight to join forces, hands, and kind hearts in an effort to connect with God and each other. 

I, along with Joanna, was there to document the gathering for the Richardson family.  What an honor it was.  Feel free to leave any well wishes to the Richardson family below in the comment section.

carsonrichardsonsignCR.jpg carsonrichardsonreflectionCR.jpg carsonrichardsonprayerrainbowCR.jpg carsonrichardsonbackandfrontCR.jpg carsonrichardsonhandscolorfulCR.jpg carsonrichardsongroupCR.jpg carsonrichardsonfuzzyhandsCR.jpg carsonrichardsonnatreadsCR.jpg carsonrichardsonbookCR.jpg carsonrichardsonmanspeaksCR.jpg carsonrichardsonponytailCR.jpg carsonrichardsonoverheadshotCR.jpg carsonrichardsontaunyahandsCR.jpg carsonrichardsontaunyareadsCR.jpg carsonrichardsonleatherCR.jpg carsonrichardson2wipesCR.jpg carsonrichardsonheadinhandsCR.jpg carsonrichardsonhatCR.jpg


Jenafer says:

Thank you Kate for sharing these beautiful pictures. I have known the Richardson family for some time now as one of Carson's nurses at the hospital. He is such a fighter and my prayers are with him and his family in this journey.

(02.26.10 @ 11:25 AM)
Lauren says:

The emotion of the night jumps off the photos! It is so touching. I send my best to Carson and his family. I will keep you in my prayers.

(02.17.10 @ 02:39 PM)
Natalie says:

Thanks Kate and Joanna. It is clear thru you pictures how loved and how much faith was in that room....You did an outstanding job.

(02.16.10 @ 07:22 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Praying for Carson Richardson . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://katemeffordblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/84