kate mefford :: photography blog

kate mefford :: photography blog http://katemeffordblog.com/ -McKinney and Austin, TX Photographer- Whimsically Stylish & Heartfelt...All in the Same Instance. Photography that will simultaneously put a spring in your step and send your heart a-flutter! en Copyright 2010 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:38:37 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Millie's First Haircut 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.

So fun!!!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/millies-first-haircut.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/millies-first-haircut.html life and such Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:38:37 -0600 Hudson is a Newborn So how can things get any better over at the Danusers' house? They just brought home a BRAND NEW BABY, Mister Hudson! When Christine texted me to let me know that they had adopted kid #2, I was driving and actually squealed out loud. I'm sure any other drivers that happened to see me thought I was nuts. Millie was in the back seat and was ready to dial-an-asylum.

World's best big sister Ava is over the moon about Huddy and still an absolute hoot. I am so excited that my "stay" with this family is extended and I get to document Hudson's first year. We are gonna have so much fun watching this beautiful baby boy grow and learn all kinds of tricks. I'm sure Ava is already compiling a workbook for Huddy on how to work the system to get a piece of chocolate. No doubt in my mind. She's crafty, that Ava, and I love her for it!

I can't wait until Hudson's 6 month session. The weather is gonna be prime for an outside shoot. You know what that means? Baby toes in grass!!!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/hudson-is-a-newborn.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/hudson-is-a-newborn.html babies Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:18:55 -0600 Lauren + Alex :: Engaged Thank you to all of my clients and blog readers for being patient with me over these last few weeks as I've been educated at the always intense Foundation Workshop and as I gave photography from the heart, photographing Carson Richardson's visitation, funeral, and burial services. It has been a trying couple of weeks that have not let up, being sprinkled with already planned engagement sessions, baby sessions, and life as I know it. I am truly blessed to have clientele who are beyond fun to work with and make my work so enjoyable that it doesn't even feel like a job. So, thank you. I can't wait to show you all of the fun stuff that has been piling up.

Also, thank you to Bobby, for putting up with me as I have been MIA both physically and mentally. You are my angel, ALWAYS. Thanks to Millie for never withholding hugs and kisses even though I haven't been around for Mommy-Millie days as much as I'd like to. Finally, thanks to my amazing friends, Natalie, Joanna, Holly, Mandy, Sarah and Kathryn for helping me with Millie, for encouraging me, and for unconditionally being there for me in times that frozen margaritas are for celebrating/gossiping and also those times when they are for commiserating/crying. I love you all.

Now, onto a fantastic couple getting hitched in May! Lauren + Alex are insanely gorgeous and their chemistry is undeniable. It's like, duh. I didn't really direct them at all...just kinda followed them around like a creepy stalker for an hour, and this is what we came up with. If it doesn't make you want to find your better half for some snuggles, you are a cold and heartless alien robot from the planet NoLuv.

Sizzling, right?! Just wait for the wedding photographs. It's gonna be ON like DONKEY KONG!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/lauren-alex-engaged.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/lauren-alex-engaged.html engaged Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:28:05 -0600 Melissa + Jason :: Hitched Melissa + Jason are among my kindest clients. They are warm, they are accepting, and they are so in love that anyone within a 2 mile radius can enjoy having a little love wash over them as well. Beyond that, they have impeccable taste. I have never been to a wedding that had details that were so entirely reflective of the couple as this one. Their theme, executed by Sarah Miller of the unmistakably awesome Caplan Miller Events, was Marfa Meets Manhattan, and it blew my boots off. Melissa + Jason met years ago in NYC, and he followed her back to the Lone Star State. Eventually, they purchased a home in the eclectic and cultural dreamland of Marfa, Texas, hence the Marfa Meets Manhattan theme. I love it, love it, love it when clients really put themselves into the plan and make sure that their big day is as far away from generic as possible. Slowly scroll down to get schooled in exactly how to do that.

In addition to the theme, there were two other elements that raised the roof off of this mother. Kurant Events rocked the food like no other. There is no other catering company that can make comfort food (sliders, frito pie, and the like) glamorous like these guys.

To round out the night, one of my favorite bands ever performed. The Spazmatics brought the house down and made sure all the booties were shaking. I love those guys and I loved everything about Melissa + Jason's wedding day.

Thanks, also, to my fantastic friend Kathryn Krueger for helping me shoot this wedding. The amazing shot of Jason at the beginning of the ceremony is all hers.

I really adore you, Melissa + Jason, and hope that we can meet up in ATX for some fun sometime soon! Hugs to both of you.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/melissa-jason-hitched.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/melissa-jason-hitched.html weddings Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:51:28 -0600 Remembering Carson Richardson 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.

If anyone is interested in updates regarding visitation and services, please look here.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/remembering-carson-richardson.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/remembering-carson-richardson.html life and such Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:38:04 -0600 A Slice of Americana 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.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/a-slice-of-americana.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/03/a-slice-of-americana.html life and such Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:21:29 -0600 Foundation Workshop :: Carnival Delights 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? HERE. AGAIN. 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.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/foundation-workshop-carnival-delights.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/foundation-workshop-carnival-delights.html life and such Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:44:12 -0600 Praying for Carson Richardson 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.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/praying-for-carson-richardson.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/praying-for-carson-richardson.html life and such Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:29:35 -0600 The Happiness Project What would I be doing if I wasn't a photographer? Well, if I had stayed on track with my former career path, I would likely still be a psychology professor and fully licensed counselor at a university, and would be working my way on up to be a dean. Or...I'd be a writer. It's a good thing that I am a photographer, because I would HATE to have to compete with this chick. Anna Mitchael can beat me at my own game, eat me for lunch, and rinse me down the drain in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Despite the fact that she is light-years ahead of me in the writing talent race, I don't despise her. In fact, I have begun to think of her as a "friend", as stalkerish as that may be. (Oh, c'mon. You know you do it, too.)

Anna contacted me last fall, hoping to get onto my crazy calendar for some portraits of her and her boyfriend, but I was unfortunately too booked. I hope I will get the chance to work with her again sometime soon, so I can stop stalking and maybe soak up some her of genius. In the meantime, you can bet your sweet ass that I will be picking up her book, Just Don't Call Me Ma'am, when it comes out this April.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/the-happiness-project.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/the-happiness-project.html your other favorite new blog Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:46:14 -0600 Snowmageddon? Snowtastic! We don't get many opportunities to play in the snow here in Texas. It has graced our presence several times this winter, but it seems that each time it comes, Mills has been too sick to go outside. Yesterday, I got all carpe diem on it. She had allergies, but I said screw it. Someone in this house is going to experience a bit of childhood since her parents didn't really get that chance.

One of our neighborhood besties, Natalie, came over (since her kiddos were at school) and we had a ball! Millie got to have a snowball fight, eat a snowcream cone, and she and I each had the opportunity to make our first snowman together. Yep, you heard right. Her first. My first. If I built one when I was little, I need a picture to prove it because I have no recollection. This was a monumental day in Mefford family history! We dressed the snow(wo)man accordingly in TCU gear and a sparkly scarf, natch. Wouldn't want our snowpeeps to be without bling, right?! Mills adored her new buddy and named her Cutie Pot. Cutie Pot bit the dust last night, but at least we have photographs of her quick life. What a life it was!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/snowmageddon-snowtastic.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/snowmageddon-snowtastic.html Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:45:22 -0600 Melissa + Jason :: Engaged So sweet, and so appreciative of the photojournalistic style I strive toward, Melissa and Jason are a great match for me. We got together for a quick engagement/get-to-know-each-other session just a week before their wedding in the freezing cold morning mist. They were such troopers and afterward, we ended up chatting at Starbucks with some lovely lattes like old friends. We even met a guy (read: genius of 3rd Millennium Chess) that invented a three dimensional chess board and he let us play with it for a bit. Fun! I can't wait to show you their wedding images. You. Will. Freak. Eeeeeeee!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/melissa-jason-engaged.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/melissa-jason-engaged.html engaged Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:24:35 -0600 Jennifer + Nadav :: Hitched Among the most sincere clients who demonstrate one of the most authentic love relationships I have ever witnessed is this couple. Jen + Nadav are pretty much the definition of soulmates. They not only finish each others' sentences and light up when they are together, but they are a wonderful representation of selflessness for the sake of a beautiful joint effort. They could teach us all a thing or two about how to work together as couples, I am sure. Maybe they should go on tour. I'll be their manager. Any takers?

Their wedding day at Vintage Villas in Austin was filled with heartfelt moments, gorgeous scenery, and loads of laughter. Adding to the festivity was Nadav's family, who came all the way from Israel, as well as many of Jen's family members from all over the U.S. I adored the winter wonderland theme that Jen and her friends Lisa (the rainmaker...girlfriend worked her tail off with the event design + production) and Ruth (fab floraliscious mama) created. It was magical in so many ways and helped set the stage for all of the day's little miracles to unfold. I was beyond honored to be there to capture them as they did, and am so glad I now can call Jen + Nadav friends.

Hope to get together with you guys in the future for a margarita when I come to Austin. Hugs to you both!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/jennifer-nadav-hitched.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/jennifer-nadav-hitched.html weddings Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:50:35 -0600 Knox is a Newborn What a cutie, what a cutie, what a CUTIE! Oh, I am so blessed to have this great job during which I get to be around the most precious babies all the time. I get to play with them and ooo and ahhhh and don't have to change any diapers and get to know their cool parents. What a lucky girl I am! Knox and his rad 'rents, Amy and Keith, were a prime example of why I lurve what I do. Not only was Knox one of the cutest baby boys that I have ever met, but Amy and Keith are supah laid back and stylish to the nth degree so you KNOW that inspiration was around every corner during their shoot. This was, by far, one of my favorite newborn sessions yet. Hope you feel the magic.

Gotsta give a HELLZ YEAH to Amie (Taylor Kate's mama) for referring them to me. I heart you and hope you guys are rockin' and rollin' on the toddler scene! ;-) Xoxo!

Can't wait to see you guys again at Knox's 6 month session! What fun it will be to see how much he has grown!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/knox-is-a-newborn.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/knox-is-a-newborn.html babies Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:07:50 -0600 No Longer Intimidated I am so ecstatic. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief that one Walt Goodson is actually a human. See, my best friend's older brother has, very frankly, always scared the pee-pee out of me. He's freakishly tall, stoic, and has one of those jobs that I can't really talk about because somebody might hunt me down. But, last Saturday night at Jen + Nadav's wedding, in their photobooth, there was a cosmic shift. Why? Because I got my little hands on this puppy, and I'm holding on to it for dear life...just in case someone feels the need to hunt me down. ;-) Don't shoot me, but if I may say so, he rocks an Afro wig like no other country boy I have ever had the privilege of meeting.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/no-longer-intimidated.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/no-longer-intimidated.html life and such Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:38:38 -0600 Karch is a 1 Year Old I cannot believe Karch is one. He has blossomed into such a little charmer and that was well demonstrated during our session's beginning at the local Waffle House. From his grins to his sprints to his curiosity and Cheerio-smuggling, he had everyone in the joint absolutely enamored with him. After breakfast, we went back to his crib to play a little bit. Of course, he had some cool moves. Here is what we came up with.

What a darling boy...I can't wait to keep up with him over the years. I have a feeling he's gonna be a lady killer!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/karch-is-a-1-year-old.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2010/02/karch-is-a-1-year-old.html babies Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:24:07 -0600