It's A Celebration! {Oneika & Jamar}

Those words rang out non-stop throughout the day of Oneika & Jamar's wedding. And it really was. Joy and beauty were abundant and I'm convinced the sun was shining just for them.

The ladies began the day at the church where Simply Flawless by Brandi was on the scene for make-up application. The name doesn't lie. The ladies were, indeed, flawless.


If there is one thing I know about Oneika, it's that her shoes are always BAD! So it was no real surprise to me when she whipped out these bad boys...


While the beautiful bride was preparing herself, her little gentleman was waiting patiently. It doesn't get any cuter than this.


Isn't this a handsome group of fellas?


Then the time came for Oneika to step into the dress, with Mama, Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor there to help her.



Isn't she stunning? She just blew me away.


I caught Jamar just as he was entering the church. When I asked him if he was ready, a sincere smile spread across his face. He was ready to become the husband of the lady of his dreams.

Love is the most beautiful thing in the world to me, and I was extremely fortunate to witness Oneika & Jamar's expression of their love for each other.


When Oneika & I spoke about her wedding, she let me know that she wanted a photo of her whole family - which is VAST, to put it mildly! After the ceremony, everybody filed into the aisle of the sanctuary, squeezed in tight, and put on their brightest smiles. A pretty good looking family, huh? You guys were wonderful.

Before the brand new couple headed to the reception, I stopped them for a few more photos. Look at that ride! Nice, right?


This may be my absolute favorite of the day...



After fighting a bit of traffic, we finally arrived at the beautiful Column A Banquets & Events. The owners Vera & Robert Wright are one of the most wonderful & genuine couples I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Mrs. Wright also designed the florals for Oneika & Jamar's day. Thanks also to Couture Cakes and Perfect Petit Fours for the wonderful desserts.



Jamar's groom's cake was an ode to New Orleans.


Oneika's angelic coordinator, Tristan Mathis-Caldwell, was so wonderful to work with.


Before the food was served, Oneika, Jamar & their attendants snuck across the street for a few more photos. The light was LOVELY and there was just enough shade to make things work perfectly.

I just loved the colors. Mix silver and fuchsia, toss in the various shades of brown skin, and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a stunning photo...


Work it, ladies!


Back inside, the celebration really began.

I don't think the dance floor was empty once the entire time. I had a blast watching it all go down through my lens.




Oneika, I really have no words. Just look at you!

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better or contain any more joy & laughter, the Second Line began. With a brass band playing, parasols twirling and hankies waving, Oneika & Jamar brought a little piece of New Orleans to Houston in grand fashion.



After the music died down, the newlyweds were able to rest their feet for a bit.


Oneika & Jamar, thank you so much for allowing me to feel like a part of your VAST family. Your love is beautiful and your new life together will be a perfect reflection of it. Here's to a life full of peace, joy, adventure, togetherness, and each other. Cheers.


*Special thanks to Elena for second shooting for me. YOU WERE AWESOME! Woosah. :)

Wordless Wednesday - Dandelion Wishes

Live in Love,
}:{

Lessons Learned at the Park

It was an unusually warm February morning, so I decided to take my two littles to the park. As one was swinging and the other sliding, I took a moment to breathe in my environment. The sweetest bird song rang in my ear, and I followed the melody to the top of a nearby tree. He was a pretty nondescript little thing - grey with hints of blue and white around his neck...nothing that would have ordinarily caught my eye. As the breeze caressed my cheek and fluffy clouds rolled above me, I paused to study each melodious note uttered by the feathered creature. He sang loudly with his head tilted to the sky, each note crisp, sharp & beautiful. Then he stopped and turned his head as if to listen. Curious, I followed suit. It was then that I noticed that the song never stopped. The melody was carried on by another bird, not 50 feet away, at the top of a different tree. After a short while, my bird began to sing again. This time, though, it was different. Just as beautiful, but there was a change in the melody. And again, he stopped and listened. When he continued his song this time, my awareness had expanded - my mind had opened to this avian symphony. And the beautiful truth was laid bare. There never was a singular bird song. All along, it was a complex symphony of many different birds singing their very own songs. But they intertwined so beautifully, so seamlessly, it was as if they were all working together - each adding their own personal touch - to create something incredible that none of them could have accomplished on their own. Each song had it's own rhythm, it's own melody, it's own complex riffs and varying pauses. But each beautiful, melodious thread combined with the others to create a beautiful tapestry of sound that blanketed the air around me. Some birds were in trees with no leaves, others were in evergreens. Some were on lamp posts, others were on power lines. But one thing was sure...I never saw a bird singing from the ground. No matter their immediate location, they found the highest point that they could reach and sang their song proudly.

So, I challenge you, as I challenge myself. Find your song and sing it proudly. Go to the highest peak that you can manage and let the world hear your beautiful gift. Your surroundings may not be ideal, but do the very best you can with what you've got. And once you've begun to share your song, take a moment to pause and appreciate the songs of those around you. Listen intently, learn from them. Then sing again. And the big picture will show that you were indeed a vital part of this beautiful tapestry called life.

"Dawn has not yet broken,

Yet the sparrow gifts us with a song.

Light & sweet, whispering a melody of hope.

The sun will rise.

You may not believe it, but...

The sun will rise.

And,
Until your eyes can see

What my heart can feel,

I'll sing my sparrow's melody for you."

~Keda

Live in Love,
}:{

Supergirl

We were running late for school today, so we drove instead of walked. We said our morning prayers, exchanged "I love you's" and she hopped out of the van. The teacher hurried her on since it was already 8:04. But she hesitated. 

"What is she doing? Doesn't she know she's late?"

I could see the wheels turning in her mind. She shook her head and began to walk again. But then she stopped.

"What in the world?"

She took three steps back, bent over,  picked up a piece of garbage that someone else had carelessly tossed on the ground, threw it in the trash...then proceeded to enter the building.

It may seem like nothing to you, but that little thing...the fact that she cared enough to be responsible when she didn't have to...when reason told her not to...that makes her a Supergirl in my book. I LOVE my sweet, tender-hearted, loving, caring Baby Doll. And there's nothing anyone can do about it.


Live in Love,
}:{ Keda }:{

Wordless Wednesday

Unwavering Strength, Undeniable Beauty

I picked a lonely rose from in front of my house this morning. It was bent completely over, facing the ground...shaking in the wind, cold & rain...but its strength & beauty were undeniable. Not a petal was lost. It made it through the storm.

I am.
You are.
Strong.
Beautiful.

Worth 1000 Words

Live in Love,
}:{