He Asked....She said YES {North Texas Wedding Photographer}

Oh the cuteness of a newly engaged couple, the excitement and joy of true love is so amazing and so much fun to watch it through my camera lens.  I love being able to plan out a session and then have a blast with a couple during their engagement photo session.

Andrew and Angela are pretty amazing and make such an adorable couple.  We have know Andrew since our kids were little.  Andrew is another one of my son's good friends, and he is also the brother of my adorable new daughter in law Amie.  So, this couple is pretty special to me and I am so very honored to be able to celebrate their new engagement with them and to capture such an amazing time for them.

Here are just a few of our favorites...

 Here's the story behind the football portion of our photo shoot...  Andrew's best friend Drew got married in April of 2013 and they threw the football with the garter on it during Drew's wedding and guess who caught it.  Yep you go it... Andrew.   Drew is also going to be Andrew's best man at his upcoming wedding.  So exciting and I was so glad that Andrew and Angela brought this along for their photo shoot.  Super Special!!

 

Oh don't you just love them!  They make an adorable couple.  Andrew & Angela thank you so much for allowing me to be apart of this amazing new journey in your lives.  I wish you both years and years of happiness.

Congratulations! 

Love & Laughter -
Deanna

Introducing Amie Jo Belser {North Texas Portrait Photographer}

Whoop!  Whoop!!  Today I finally get to share these amazingly fun & beautiful bridal photos of our daughter -in- law "Amie Jo Belser".   Our son Brad and Amie were married Saturday March 1, 2014 and it was absolutely the most beautiful perfect day.  I can't wait to get their wedding photos and be able to share a few of those with you all too.  In the meantime though I do get to show off this beautiful Bride!

Amie is the perfect match for our son Brad and she fits our family perfectly, just as God planned it to be.  We are so thankful, blessed and excited to have her and Dannah as apart of our family.

Here are a few of my favorite images....

I love this sweet girls personality & style and I love that I was able to capture that in her Bridal Photo Shoot.  Such sweet memories to last a lifetime.  Thank you Amie for allowing Mimsy to capture these for you.  Love you bunches!!!

Be sure and watch her video here:

Love & Laughter -
Deanna (Mimsy)

Amie + Brad's Urban Engagment Session {North Texas Photographer}

Awww.... this Urban Engagement session was absolutely gorgeous and so much fun.  This couple is very near and dear to my heart; as Brad is our Son and Amie is our wonderful daughter in law.  It is so evident to all that know them that God has brought them together to become one.  It is amazing to see God working in the lives of your children and to see the pure joy of all that God provides.

When we were planning out their upcoming engagement session, we decided on Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas.   Amie & Brad are both musicians and are both very creative & artistic, so it simply seemed to be the best place to capture the love of this couple.   

All the props in the session are one's they have made together in their shop {The Royal Junk Co.} You see they love to find old furniture and discarded pieces and give them new life and resale them.  They did an outstanding job on putting together these props.  I told them I needed to hire them as my prop designers.  I am sure we will be collaborating often lol.

If you are interested you can check out their store here and be sure and tell them Specialty Photography sent you to their page.  Leave them some love people.

The wedding is all in motion and will be here before we know it.  March 1, 2014 is the amazing day.  The dress is in alterations, the wedding planner is in place, the photographer is hired and things are all coming together perfectly.  We will be doing Amie's Bridal Session before too long, but I will not be able to post or share those until after the big day.  

Here are several highlights from their session...

Thank you Amie & Brad for allowing us to be apart of capturing your love.  We had a blast and love you both so very much.  Praying for God's continue guidance in your lives and for your family as you become one.  We hope that you treasure the memories of this time and your photos for years and years to come.  

Toodles -

Mom

Small Business Saturday {North Texas Portrait Studio}

Hi SP Friends...

I am delighted to share with you our plans for Small Business Saturday.  Check out the deal and make plans now to stop by and tour the studio and chat with us.  We would love to see you.

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday®, a day dedicated to helping small businesses and their communities. We at Specialty Photography are proud to take part in Small Business Saturday this year and we want to encourage you to Shop Small® with us on Saturday November 24.

On Small Business Saturday, we are excited to offer you 50% off any session that is booked on this one day. That makes any portrait session just $49 and yes you may use your session in 2013; you simply have to book it on Saturday November 24th to take advantage of this deal.

Visit ShopSmall.com to learn about other ways to get involved and support your favorite small businesses. Also, don’t forget to “Like” and recommend us on Facebook at facebook.com/specialtyphotography!

To book your session you can call the studio at 972.877.4778, email us at deanna@specialtyphotography.biz or you may stop by the studio from 10am - 3pm and book on the spot. We will have some yummy treats for those that stop by and tour the studio. We would love to see you, so make plans now to stop by.

Thank you for supporting Small Business Saturday 2012.

Love & Laughter -

Deanna

Specialty Photography's FAQ's {North Texas Custom Portrait Studio}

Hi Friends...

HaPpY  mOnDaY!!   I hope you each had a fabulous weekend :)

I thought I would share our FAQ's with you today, as we get questions about these things often.   This page is actually located on the bottom of our blog page and on our website under the "Details" tab.   Feel free to visit it often, as we try to keep this updated with current policies and helpful information for clients.  

I am ready to book my session, what do I need to do now? Awesome! You can call the studio, Monday - Friday to book your session 972.877.4778. Have your calendar ready so we can schedule your portrait session as well as your view & order session.

What payment methods do you accept? cash, check, visa, mastercard, discover & american express.

Do you photograph sessions in a studio or on location? SP actually does both. Our studio is located on our personal property behind our home. Our metal barn/building is newly remodeled for our camera room, dressing suite, prop storage and waiting area. Plus, we have 4 acres of land that provide many creative outlets for shooting outdoors at our studio. We also shoot many sessions on location throughout the DFW area. We work with each client to make sure their goals are being met for each and every session.

Do you offer Digital Images where I can print my images myself? Yes, we offer digital images that can be purchased on a individual basis (fee per file). We also have a couple of collections that offer a few digital images in them.

What if I need to reschedule my session? We totally understand that things happen sometimes and appointments need to be rearranged. If you need to reschedule we just ask that you give us a 48 hour notice and go ahead and reschedule your appointment. While our session fees are non-refundable, you may use it for a one-time reschedule.

When do I pay my session fee and what does this cover? Your full session fee is due when you book your appointment. Your session fee covers the time and talent of the photographer, our time in the studio to professionally prepare your images and your view and order session. The session fee is non-refundable, but can be applied towards a rescheduled appointment.

Can I have my items shipped to me? Yes, of course. However, all shipping and handling charges for your order will be added to your invoice.

When do I get to see the images from my session and place my order? The most important decisions in the portrait process occur during your view & order session. We take great pride in providing our clients with a fun and interactive way to place your order. When you schedule your portrait session, we will also schedule your view & order session for appoximately 7 days after your portrait session. It is very important that all decision makers be present during this time, as this is the time where your final decisions will be made on which images you are going to purchase. Our ordering sessions generally take about 1.5 to 2 hours (sounds like a long time, but it goes by so quickly). At your view and order session we will show you a video of all your images and then go through the images one by one and help you select your favorite images. (all images are projected on a large screen for your viewing) At this point we will work with you to select wall images, gift images, books, frames, etc. We have many collections and bonus items that we offer clients during this session.

How long does it take for me to get my order? Orders are generally ready to pick up at the studio within 2 weeks of your order date. However, if you have some custom design work that is going to be taking place, it can take as long as 3 to 4 weeks. We always send out a proof to you via email for custom work and you have to sign a print approval form, before we can order. So sometimes, this is a little more time consuming.

When is payment due for my order? At the time your order is placed. We do offer payment plans, with 50% of your order being due at the time of your order. Orders are non-refundable once the 50% payment has been received.

How long do you keep my files at your studio? We keep all purchased images/files for one year from the session date in our current computer system & backup system. All unordered images/files will be deleted from our *system 30 days after the online gallery posting. *once removed from our computer system your ordered images are stored on a DVD and filed away for up to 5 years.

What if I want to make a copy of my images? All images remain the property of Specialty Photography and are protected by federal copyright laws. Duplication in part or whole (wheather by scanning or reprinting) is prohibited and will be prosecuted by law.

What is a Wall Collection? These are collections of images that truly make a statement on any wall. It's art for your home or office. Usually these are created using our Canvas Gallery Wraps or Print Wraps, but you can select to do the same groupings with framed portraits as well. We offer many groupings and layout designs that we share with you at your view and order session.

Do you offer custom framing? Absolutely! Specialty Photography offers a variety of custom frame options for you to select from. SP is also a authorized dealer for Organic Bloom frames and we have many wonderful unique options for you to choose from.

Love & Laughter -

Deanna

Simply Bridal

Hi Friends...

I am so excited here lol!  What's new...right?!!   It's the little things in life that keep me so excited all the time.  But hey, this one is pretty cool!  Our studio has been invited to be apart of the "Simply Bridal" event hosted by Mimosa Hall.  I am beyond thrilled and am looking forward to meeting lot's of new Brides.

Mimosa Hall is one of Burleson & Crowley's newest Wedding & Event Center.  {Click here to check it out}

"Simply Bridal" is Everything the Bride needs...Close at hand.

• Date:  Sunday, October 7, 2012


• Time:  1-5pm


• Cost:  FREE - but you MUST RSVP by October 4, 2012 in order to attend.  

The event will showcase the latest in Wedding Fashion, hair and makeup, all with local professionals and boutiques.  Each Bride will also get to chat with local Professional Photographer's, Caterers, Florist, Bakeries, Dj's and more.   So don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to visit personally with local wedding professionals, who are ready and able to help you have the wedding of your dreams.

Please RSVP by October 4, 2012 through Facebook to:  Specialee Catered or Serendipity Escape  {Click each link to see their FB page and RSVP}

Feel free to share with friends & family and I will see you there!!  Be sure and stop by and say HI, I would love to chat with you :)



 

Love & Laughter -

Deanna

 

50 Years of Love = a celebration {North Texas Wedding Photograhper}

Rex and Janice Carey celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Beaumont Ranch surrounded by a room full of family and friends.  What a fabulous event they all shared celebrating years of  life, love, commitment, and the firm foundation they have planted in their family.  Truly a blessing!!

Janice & Rex married on January 27, 1962 at Selden Baptist Church, about 10 miles south of Stephenville, Texas.   They both grew up on dairy farms about 5 miles apart in the Selden Community.  Their parents were great friends,  they attended the same elementary school for four years, and they even attended the same Baptist church in Selden.   Janice shared with me that she is not exactly sure when they first met, since they have pretty much known each other their whole lives, but Rex remembers seeing Janice for the first time when her grandfather brought her to church when she was about 3 and Rex was about 7.

It is so awesome to see two people whose lives have been intertwined for years; and they ultimately fell in love, got married, started a family, followed the Lord's leadership, and stayed the course.  Now they have 3 amazing children, 11 awesome grandchildren, and 1 blessed marriage  to show for it.

The morning of their 50th anniversary celebration started off with us having a family portrait session with their entire family - it was indeed a beautiful Texas morning.

 



Oh my goodness....  I just love the combination of the beautiful Beaumont Ranch, a loving family & the morning sunshine!    This first set of images is of Rex & Janice along with their 3 Children Kristy, Jill & Joel.



 



This beautiful family is Kristy (Rex & Janice's daughter) along with her husband Chad and their 4 children (Jonathan, Sophia, Mattias & Cate)

 



This beautiful family is Jill (Rex & Janice's daughter) along with her husband David and their two children (Samuel & Peter)



This beautiful family is Joel (Rex & Janice's son) along with his wife Mendy and their 5 children (Luke, Matt, Cole, Jack & Grace)

The next set of images are of highlights from the party itself.    Everyone enjoyed a Texas BBQ, dancing, a Texas swing band, family, friends & fellowship.



The presentation that was given in honor of Rex & Janice was put together by their Children & Grandchildren.   They each shared scripture, words of encouragement and thankfulness for the faithfulness that the Carey's have showed throughout the course of their lives.  All the grandchildren shared highlights from each decade that the Carey's have been married along with a matching family portrait.   Such a wonderful way to showcase and share the life they have shared together for so many years.



and to wrap up the afternoon  Rex and Janice finished up with some fun, laughter and dancing.



Congratulations Rex and Janice!!   You two have a wonderful family and a blessed marriage and I thank you for sharing that with us.    I loved being apart of your day and count it such a honor that I was there to capture your day in print.  I hope that your images will provide years of joy and happy memories for you and your family.

Love & Laugther -

Deanna

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two become One {North Texas Wedding Photographer}

On June 16, 2012 Ryan Almand & Sarah Harris became One through the unity of Marriage and what a beautiful, beautiful day it was. Even though Texas is HOT HOT in June, last Saturday was actually a very nice day and by the time the ceremony got started there was a nice breeze blowing and the evening air was perfect for the reception. I am always so honored to be hired by a family to capture all that takes place the day of the wedding and to have the opportunity to showcase their Love Story through images, and this wedding was no different.

Ryan & Sarah were the most precious couple. Their wedding day was simply beautiful and I loved the country setting and vintage feel of the day, but most of all I loved seeing the LOVE that Ryan & Sarah share. It was evident throughout this amazing celebration that they have a love that is strong, contagious and they were surrounded by loving parents, grandparents & friends. It was indeed a day filled with Love, Laughter, Happy Tears and most of all JOY!

Ryan & Sarah actually met each other through a mutual friend and it seems that Ryan had to pursue Sarah for a little while before she finally agreed to go out with him. LOL! But, she finally did give in and go out with him and I am pretty sure that went well, because they have been creating their love story ever since. Last Saturday they started a new chapter as Man and Wife and now get to spend a lifetime together creating a wonderful life filled with amazing memories along the way.

Here is a glimpse into their perfect day!!

 



I loved all the beautiful details of the day, but I especially loved the display of photos of Ryan & Sarah that were pinned to shutters. This made a perfect backdrop and I know everyone loved seeing all the fun photos of this adorable couple.



Oh my goodness... isn't Sarah beautiful! I love her big beautiful eyes and her dress was simply gorgeous.

 



Something old, something new, Something borrowed, something blue

(something old & borrowed) Sarah's Bouquet was a surprise for her from her parent's and was hand made just for her, and the entire bouquet was made with brooches. Many of the brooches were from Sarah's Great Grandmother and some of them were from her Mother. The bouquet had several photo charms hanging around the base of it, so that when Sarah held the bouquet the charms dangled and were showcased. Each of these were filled with special family members that have passed away on both Sarah and Ryan's side of the family. Amazing!! It was indeed the most beautiful bouquet that I have ever seen and I for one will remember this for my own daughter's wedding one day.

(something new) Sarah's Shoes were another surprise to her and these were custom painted and included Ryan & Sarah's name among other important little details throughout the shoe design.

(something blue) Sarah's Mom also had a blue James Avery Charm attached to the garter that Sarah was going to wear in the wedding as a surprise for Sarah too. Now she can always wear her something blue on her charm bracelet for years to come. Love that!

 



Awww... the Bridal Party! They were so much fun and you could tell that they all have an amazing friendship with each other which made the day that much sweeter.



Family is priceless and I loved seeing the love, support and encouragement that both Ryan & Sarah's families showed that day towards their children. Many many amazing moments between them were captured and I hope that they cherish the memories of these moments forever!

 



 

 



The ceremony was filled with many wonderful tender moments. I loved the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl, they were adorable and the sign that Ryan's nephew carried was simply precious.

 



One of my favorite images from the ceremony is this one of Ryan and Sarah lighting the unity candle and the flame burning bright. Just LOVE it!

 

 



The dances were filled with tender moments and a little fun all mixed together.

 



and... the BIG send off! Ryan and Sarah were sprinkled (ok maybe tossed) with birdseed as they walked through a loving tunnell filled with many friends & family wishing them well. and... the BIG send off! Ryan and Sarah were sprinkled (ok maybe tossed) with birdseed as they walked through a loving tunnell filled with many friends & family wishing them well.   The photo in the middle of this last set of images is of Ryan holding Sarah and Sarah holding a sign that says "Jen Se Vzali" which is Czech for "JUST MARRIED" Ryan's grandfather "Stanley A Liska" is Czech and this adorable sign was another unique surprise for them. 

• Wedding Location: Ryan's Grandparent's home "Gerald and Betty Sue Almand"


• The Bride & Groom Cakes: Cakes by Margo


• The Bouquet: Lewisville Bridal Boutique - Designer: Melissa


• The Flowers: Flowers by Meta; Red Oak, Texas


• The Bride's Shoes: My Soul to Yours; Corsicana, Texas - Designer: Stephanie Bland


• Wedding Coordinator: Bethany Miliken


• The Band: Clint Levi Band; Stephenville, Texas

 

I hope that you enjoyed a glimpse into Ryan & Sarah's beautiful wedding day. Be sure and check out our facebook page next week, as I will be posting a photo album, filled with more memories. www.facebook.com/specialtyphotography Oh! and be sure and LIKE us too!!

Thank YOU to my hubby Jeff Belser for being a wonderful assistant and second shooter and to my daughter Sarah Belser for being a fabulous lighting assistant and coordinator of my photography schedule throughout the day. I couldn't do what I do on wedding day's without you guys!! Love you to pieces!!

Lastly but not least, THANK YOU Almand and Harris families for allowing us to be apart of your fabulous day. I trust that you will treasure your images always and that they will keep the memories alive for years and generations to come.

Love & Laughter -

Deanna