So Grateful...

The morning will be forever ingrained in my mind. The thought that America had been attacked; the feeling of helplessness, anguish, and remorse for those who had fallen due to the terrorist’s attacks – my boat was rocked, no tipped over.

But later I realized that this had happened to EVERY generation…from my great grandparents on. And someone was always there to protect us. My grandfathers, Kenny’s grandfathers, millions of soldiers – thank God for them!

Kenny was a Senior in high school and I was a freshman in college. We had pretty much decided that Kenny was going to go into the military – Air Force. Until he was pretty sure, but September 11th changed his mind.

Nevertheless, I am extremely grateful to those who have defending our country and who will continue to fight for us no matter what the circumstance.

That’s why, on Memorial Day, I decided to offer a free session to a family who was nominated…and then I couldn’t just choose one. Hope Shots will be taking pictures of families in both Louisiana and Texas (no one nominated in Arkansas, Mississippi, or Oklahoma … wink wink…7/4 is coming!) – I am so excited to announce the winners!

Louisiana - Tami Morgan & her precious family!! Dad is currently away on assignment

Texas – Corina & Ed Stoway - their entire family (almost) is in the military!


I cannot WAIT to show you these pictures & thank you so much to those who nominated these precious families!!

More than just a picture...

My hope is that I will not only take pictures....not just good pictures....but amazing pictures that people will want to look at forever and ever!

No, I'm not kidding - that's my crazy side coming out! I've always wanted to capture the lives of others that will hang on their walls forever! (ok, maybe not forever...but a loooonggg time!)

Here's where I entered Melanie & Jeff's wedding. My goal at every wedding is to not only capture the traditional pictures but actually the ones that show emotion, that really brings that person back to the day!

But this time...it was EVEN.MORE.IMPORTANT.

I won't tell you the details, but essentially this wedding was backed with emotion, packed with fun, and packed with sadness. And ... packed with moments that will NEVER be seen again. I can only ask for you to pray for this family, because I know the upcoming months will not be easy - but I am certain that they will be strong and I'm so glad the moments I captured will forever be in their hearts.

We never know how easy our lives can change until you are in the moment. It's sad to think that we don't take advantage of our lives. We don't take advantage of who is in them. And often, we honestly don't think about others (family and friends) until it's too late. I've been thinking about this often...trying to live life to the fullest, and trying to work hard to capture time in other's lives.

Please - for me - take some family pictures! It doesn't have to be with me or even professionally - just make sure that you capture the right here and right now. Don't think about the past or worry about the future...reach for the people you love the most and take a picture! You never, ever know what the Lord has planned!

Without further ado, this is one of the reasons why I was balling while editing these prints.

Houston Minis!!!

It's here!! It's finally here!! Houston minis are THIS weekend!! I have openings Saturday evening & Sunday evening!!

Perfect for Daddy's day!

I promise.....

that I will blog this weekend! I have been completely swamped with work and editing!! :) (That's a good thing...but I don't want to neglect the gorgeous pictures I am able to shoot every day!)

Here's something to keep you preoccupied in the meantime...it comes from laura - it's such an inspiration!!




Things to blog soon:
Military Families
giveway!
Summer Contest!
HEATHER & TONY'S WEDDING!
a sneak peek of Simon
The Cake Barn
Mel & Jeff's Wedding
Zachary...
and more!

See, I told you that I was busy!

Love you all!
Lida

Here's a little something I've been working on - ENJOY!

Heather & Tony

Let me know what you think!!

Love always,
Lida

It's been TOOOO long!

Oh my gooooodddnnneesss has it been a long time since I've blogged!

I've totally missed ya'll - yes, that's my southern accent coming out aka I really mean it!

Well, loads has been happening and mainly that taking LOTS of pictures! Now the fun really begins!

Starting with fun, I'd love to present to you the photos that I took at Tony & Heather's Wedding! They are live on my Miller's Storefront and ready for you to purchase and print - here's a little sneak peek - otherwise go on there to find your favorites!

I am super nervous about them, so if you'd leave me a note to let me know what you think, I would SO appreciate it!!

And without further delay, I present to you:

Mr. & Mrs. Bolin 5.14.11 - Thank you soooo much for allowing me to capture your wedding, I feel so blessed that I could be at the ceremony and help in the little ways that I could (one day, I'll blog about that too!) - I so appreciate you and I hope you fall in love with these photos as they capture the excitement, the fun, and the meaning of your marriage wrapped into a gorgeous day to celebrate you two!

With love always,

Lida (and Kenny, my faithful partner in crime!)

5.14.11 - Heather & Tony

Two peas in a pod, that's what these two are - they met through mutual friends - shy at first, Heather & Tony grew to be great friends. They lived the unmarried life (their blog) for a while - and finally, today, they'll be tying the knot.

No matter if they were friends or not, I am so excited for them as they begin their journey into life together. And guys, as good as the 'unmarried life' is - the married one is SO MUCH BETTER.

I am so excited about your dress, your rings, your vows (I may have helped!), your ceremony, your reception or anything in between - but above all, I'm so excited about your love & the feeling you have when you look at each other.

As a tribute to this amazing couple, I have put a slideshow together - when I transferred it, it didn't fit to the song like I wanted, I still wanted this to be up just for you two.

To a life of undying love -

Forever & Always!
Lida