Erin + Cyrus – Las Cruces Wedding Photographer
Needless to say, I enjoyed the holidays. Maybe a little too much. It’s been hard to get back in the swing of things. The Christmas tree still hanging out in the living room is evidence of that.
Today I am happy to share with you a wedding I shot in September.
My wedding coverage is for the entire day. So first things first, I met Erin and her girls at Wildfire Hair Company for some salon styling.
Boys and gals relax in much different ways. 
While the girls were finishing up make up things I was able to capture some detail images.
Erin and Cyrus decided to see each other before their ceremony for a “First Look”. This was my first experience with a first look and it was so awesome. It was very touching to see such raw emotion from Cyrus when he saw Erin. Love birds.
I’ll let Erin tell you about it.
“I chose to do the First Look because I thought the pictures would
capture priceless facial expressions and they would be fun to look at years
down the road and reminisce. We chose to take the photos in a secluded area
right after I finished getting my wedding dress on. Elise hid out of sight,
or at least I was not paying any attention to where she was standing, I was
focused on removing the blindfold over my husband’s eyes. The pictures Elise
took were priceless and she was able to capture it without making such an
intimate moment feel awkward. I’m really glad I decided to add this option
to my photo package because the pictures she took are stunning!”
Thanks Erin! I love this one of her showing off her dress.
Since Erin and Cyrus went with the First Look we were able to schedule some photos in before their ceremony. Having this time to photograph really takes away the stress of shooting all the photos after the ceremony.
Erin and Cyrus made sure everyone had a good time on their wedding day. Mustaches included.
Best. Groomsmen. Photo. Ever.
Isn’t her veil gorgeous? I’ve never really been a fan of veils…until now.
After the ceremony we were able to fit in more photos before the reception.
Another veil shot.
And one more for good measure.
I think my favorite thing about Erin and Cyrus’s wedding was how they owned every detail. Everything said, “This is us and our love.” From the mustaches and high fives during the ceremony right down to the choreography of their first dance. Here’s to a lifetime of firsts you two!
Lace in the Canyon – Las Cruces Bridal Portraits Photographer
I am so in love with this dress. I am so happy to share with you this very beautiful and talented bride.
We started Erin’s “Trash the Dress” shoot on the railroad tracks. She chose the railroad tracks to match her engagement photos which were also taken there. Smart cookie. I think my favorite image from this session is the one below on the left. Her hands are so expressive. Swoon.
We then jetted across town and up the valley to Soledad Canyon. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite new locations.
We did a good deal of hiking. And quite a bit of chatting. Books, travel plans, and were we want to be in 5 years. How fun are her sneakers under this dress?!
You know how girls with curly hair always want straight hair and girls with straight hair always want curly hair? I have major hair envy right now!
Oh, my. Erin you are gorgeous. Thanks so much for the book recommendations and spending the afternoon with me.
Keep a look out for her wedding pictures…
Joestina – Newport LDS Temple Photographer
Joestina. The new “it” couple.
Justina and Joe chose to get married in the Newport Beach Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple. It was a beautiful August day and they looked beautiful to match.
While Justina waited for Joe to return from his church mission to Boston, she discovered Pinterest. And the wedding of her dreams was born. She also used Pinterest to share her ideas with me on what kind of poses and shots she was interested in.
The Newport Beach temple is gorgeous and the grounds were a dream to photograph.
Luckily we got to shoot a few pictures at Crystal Cove, a national park in Newport, before heading to a intimate family wedding dinner.
I am so happy for these two. Look at that dress!!
You guys are perfect for each other and we are so glad to have Joe in the family. Big hugs all around.
Little Firefighter – Family Photos in the Park, Las Cruces Photographer
This little guy knows exactly what he wants to be when he grows up.
A firefighter!
So mom suggested we take photos at Klein Park and make use of the old fire engine and assorted fireman stuff.
What a little heart breaker.
Fall Orchard Mini Sesssion – Las Cruces Child and Family Photographer
A bale of hay, assorted pumpkins, leaves on the ground, overalls, and cute kiddos. Yup, it’s a fall session in the country!
Oh did I mention the photo bombing cat?
No joke, that friendly feline came out of no where….and then stuck around to jump in photo, after photo, after photo.
Luckily the kiddos were pretty entertained with their new friend.
Her smile is infectious.
His isn’t bad either.
Favorite shot of the day.
Thanks for enduring the mosquitoes and photo bombing cat, I’d have to say it was worth it!
Rio Grande Family Fun – Southern NM Family Photographer
I’m a little obsessed with this photo spot.
It’s gorgeous. And who doesn’t love to run around in beach like sand? Not something we New Mexicans get to do too often.
This cute family met up with me. They added a new one to the group and needed an updated family picture. Shelly told me she scoured Pinterest for outfit ideas and managed to pull their wardrobe together from clothes they already had. It’s possible! Check out my Pinterest board for a jump start on outfit planning for photos.
These kiddos were anything but camera shy.
Whenever I take individual photos of kids I encourage them to pick the spot they’d like to take the picture. They love being included in the decision making and often have some pretty fun ideas!
My favorite (and mama’s pose suggestion!).
You guys make cute kiddos!!
Las Cruces Airport Engagement Pictures – Wedding Photographer Southern New Mexico
My little sister got married this summer! So I’ve got a lot of photos to share with you. Today, here’s the photos we took for their engagement.
We started our session at Soledad Canyon.
They chose this spot because they’re both major athletes and have hiked/run this canyon together. I love when my clients personalize their location choices because it adds another dimension of memorability to the photos.
You got to love New Mexico in the summer.
Then we sped across town to catch some sunset light at the Las Cruces Airport.
Joe spent two years in Boston serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During that time Justina sent a lot of letters to Boston. When Joe returned home they had a special reunion at the airport. The airport’s their “spot”.
Joe proposed out at the airport too.
The thing I love about this next picture is that these two pictures are literally one right after the other. These two are goof balls, which made a serious pick very challenging!
Now that’s some sexy light y’all.
Joe and Justina, love you guys. Even if all you do is giggle when you’re together!
Sweet Light – Las Cruces Family Photographer
Hey blog friends. Here is a sweet family who recently stepped in front of my lens.
We had some awesome light to work with in Organ, NM.
If you’ve ever done a shoot with me you know how funny I get around good light. It’s embarrassing really, I just blabber on and on about how gorgeous the light is and how ridiculously good looking you look in it.
This is how I know people love me and have sympathetic hearts, they put up with me!
This was a special shoot for this family. They said farwell (for two years) to oldest son. He’s serving a mission in Tulsa Oklahoma. We’re proud of you Aaron!
Thanks for putting up with me you guys! You may or may not be in my top 10.
2013 Senior Photo Packages – Las Cruces Senior Photographer
It’s that time of year again! Time for senior photos. Seniors are so fun to shoot and make me feel young again. Remember if you refer a friend and they shoot a session with me you earn a $50 print credit and so do they! So don’t wait around until the week before your senior photos are due to the yearbook…email, text, or facebook me and we’ll schedule your session.
Over the Rainbow – Las Cruces Family Photographer
There’s nothing quite like summer in New Mexico. This sweet little family met up with me down by the river. I like saying that, “down by the river”, makes me feel a little bit country.
Anyway, getting back to NM summers…It was gorgeous for the first part of their session. Beautiful clouds, light breeze, and awesome light, etc…
Then bang! Wind and full on rain!
Luckily, we rocked out the first half of their session. Even managed to slip in a little rainbow action.
You guys were so fun to work with, smiles all around.
I think the river is quickly becoming my new favorite spot these days. I have the mosquito bites to prove it too.
Thanks Irene and kids for laughing at my dumb jokes and opening up to me! You guys are beautiful.
Pretty in Pink – Las Cruces Newborn Photograher
Introducing Aubriella! Isn’t that such a pretty name?
Aubriella’s mama won an awesome prize package put together by Las Cruces Moms.
If you are a mom in Las Cruces, look up “Las Cruces Moms” and request them as a friend. This is a great page that is growing like crazy! It’s a spot that provides a place of support and connection between local moms. Go check it out!
Look at that soft and snuggable skin! There’s nothing like a new baby.
Army – Las Cruces Photographer
I had the honor of photographing an army retirement ceremony recently.
The ceremony was very personal with lots of family and friends lending their support.
I was very touched to see how much dedication some of our citizens give to this country. I am so grateful we have courageous men and women invested in the future of this country.
I can’t say it enough, thank you and your family for all the years of service to this great country.
Andrea – Las Cruces Newborn Photographer
This is Andrea.
She is baby girl number three for my dear friend. I think it’s safe to say there will always be pink, ponies, and bows in this house.
While mom Wendy was pregnant I often heard her say, “I just can’t wait to meet my baby.” Well, she is here.
And she is loved! Here’s a collage I made, perfect for remembering the tiny details.
Thank you for joining us Andrea, I have a feeling you are going to move mountains.
Love on the Dunes – White Sands Wedding Photographer
Jackie and Del love the White Sands National Monument.
So getting married in an intimate ceremony there just made sense.
After the ceremony we took a few celebratory photos.
I love the beachy feel in these photos.
It was so refreshing to share such an intimate moment with you guys. I hope you have a blast on your cruise and continue to make life an adventure.
New Addition – Las Cruces Newborn Photographer
Meet my newest nephew! Arza…
Tallin is excited to be a big brother.
Happy Father’s Day!
And yes, more baby feet, no newborn shoot would be complete without them.
We are so happy you are here Arza.
Alameda House – Las Cruces Wedding Photographer
Let me share with you a recent wedding I was privileged to attend and document.
The reception was held at the historic Alameda House in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
It was great to have Karen from Treehouse Photography along to second shoot for me. Adding a second shooter is a great to way increase the amount and variety of images captured at a wedding. Here’s a shot from Karen.
The ceremony was held at the Newman Center.
I love this subtle interaction between Tony and Rebecca.
“First Dance” of many. Congratulations you two, may life continue to be beautiful!
Terrific Two’s – Las Cruces Child Photographer
That’s right, I am the proud mama of a two year old. Heaven help me.
Melody has grown so much since her last birthday. Sometimes I stop and think, “Where did my baby go?”. But then she’ll randomly come up to me and give me a kiss. That’s nice.
She is such a fun little girl.
Even though I miss her baby days from time to time, watching her personality shine brighter and brighter keeps me in the moment.
A girl and her daddy.
I love you Melody, thank you for making my life.
Baby Sister – Las Cruces Newborn Photographer
Here is a couple of quick pictures I took of a friend’s precious newborn girl.
Why are tiny baby feet so irresistible?
Sisters…nothing quite like it.
If you’re having a baby anytime soon, let’s talk. I would so love to capture these precious features and moments for you that seem slip through our fingers like water. Plus, I seem to be having a smallish case of baby fever…help me!
Other side of the Tracks – Las Cruces Engagement Portraits
Mika and Jami spent their first anniversary on a photo shoot with me. So, naturally, we started things off at the site of their first “official” date; the historic Rio Grande theater.
I asked them what show they saw on this monumental date. I couldn’t stop grinning when they told me they saw a performance of “The Vagina Monologues”. That’s one of the first dates Nate and I went on, which we both admitted is kinda a strange first date kind of thing to do, but hey worked for both of us!
Jami and Mika didn’t have many pictures taken of their wedding so we treated this session like an engagement session. Mika had suggested taking some pictures with railroad tracks so we jetted over to a spot I had never shot before.
Umm, I think we hit the jackpot with this spot. Besides the dead animal (we hope) smells, this location was legen–wait for it…DARY! Yes, I have been watching a bunch of How I Met Your Mother on Netflix.
Stylist for this shoot: Mika.
We literally raced across town trying to beat the sunset. Even though the first pecan orchard I led us to was full of water we found an even better spot.
Jami and Mika, thank you so much for letting me be the third wheel on your special night. You guys are awesome.
Cute Bunnies – Las Cruces Childrens Photographer
I had the pleasure of spending a bright morning with these kiddos.
Everyone enjoyed the Easter props.
This one is definitely my favorite from the day.
But then again, this expression is priceless…
Oh! Now I can’t decide!
Blessings – Las Cruces Maternity Photographer
This is my sweet sister in law. We are SO excited to meet baby boy. I truly believe that babies are blessings and being a mother is such a spiritual experience. As soon I found out Yvonne was expecting I started planning this photo shoot. So we dragged the husbands and kiddos up to Cloudcroft, NM for a picnic lunch and photos.
Isn’t she the cutest pregnant lady, ever?! Maybe I’m biased but she gets my vote.
I’m not sure if Melody is quite aware of what is coming, but she loves babies and am excited to see her reaction to a new cousin.
Thanks Yvonne for driving nearly two hours with your pregnant bladder to take these photos. Love you!
NMSU – Graduation Portrait Photographer
Finishing college. Ahhh, now you can let out a nice sigh of relief and relaxation. Well, sorta. This is Kyla. She wanted to take a moment and document this “life event” as Facebook would call it.
Kyla is interested in big animals. The more exotic the better. She described to me the reptiles she owns but didn’t bring to the shoot. So naturally, if Kyla is going to have a dog, it is going to be a Great Dane. I’m beginning to fall in love with Great Danes myself. Nate will take some convincing.
Kyla, you are gorgeous!
I managed to squeeze in one more Rio Grande dry bed shoot. Shortly after this shoot I drove over the river and was startled by how much water was in it. Made me smile to think we had just be stomping around in it.
Thanks for the fun, relaxed shoot Kyla. I hope you enjoy this accomplishment and wish you the best of luck and good fortune in your future adventures! Anyone brave enough to work with large exotic animals is going to have a lot of fun stories to tell the grandkids.
Trash the Dress – Las Cruces Bridal Photographer
This shoot was also inspired by the Taylor Swift video.
Christa is coming up on her one year anniversary this summer! What better way to celebrate than to pull out the ol’ wedding dress and run around the dry river bed with me?
Christa and I go way back, to like 2006? Back then we were sharing dirty dishes as roommates.
Now I have my own dirty dishes.
I call this pose “Holding up the Wall”. It’s my own invention.
Thanks Christa for being such a sport and getting your beautiful wedding dress dirty in the name of photography.
Hunger Games – Las Cruces Photographer
I was avoiding reading the Hunger Games series. I pushed my way through the twilight series and all my twilight fans friends highly recommended reading the Hunger Games. Then I saw the movie preview which sparked my interest. I flew through the books, borrowed from the same twilight fan friends. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but am getting more and more anxious to with every excited facebook status update from friends.
So…in honor of the 74th Hunger Games, check out this shoot. I stumbled across this music video and immediately loved the song, video, location, dress, pretty much everything.
So with this video playing in mind, I’m driving in the car, crossing the dry as Hades Rio Grande and think to myself, “Boy, I’d sure love to do a shoot in the river…” with “So do it!” immediately following. I seem to get the best thinking done in the car, while driving.
Enter Chelsea. : )
You may recognize Chelsea, she’s appeared on the blog with her family. We’re buds.
Even though it was a little windy, I think it’s safe to say we had an awesome time. It definitely was a girls night out for me.
Oh! And that dress…totally a Goodwill score…I know right?!
Thanks Chelsea, darling. You are absolutely stunning. : )
