Erica Bensten State Park Bridal Portraits | Mission, Texas

In December, I photographed Erica's bridal session. Twice.

Yes, you read correctly - twice. All just a mere few days before her wedding!!! The best part about photographing such a beautiful bride is the fact that both times provided us with really funny experiences and stories to share. All in all, it was an absolute joy to see such a special friend and sister in her beautiful gown. I shared Erica and George's wedding a few days ago and mentioned that they opted out of having formal portraits done on their wedding day. It was different from what I am used to but in retrospect, I can totally understand why Erica may have felt like she had enough photos, ha ha!

Anyway, she had the most beautiful dress ever! It was completely different from anything I had ever seen before. The top was sleeveless yet modestly covered, there was a beautiful blinded out belt, and the mermaid bottom was tiered and ribboned - wow!!!

Erica, you made a beautiful bride!!

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

Happy Tuesday friends!

Erica + George Kalos Event Center Wedding | Mission, Texas

Erica and George were married recently at the Kalos Event Center in Mission, Texas. It was the first time (I think!) that I have photographed a wedding at this location. I have in fact been to the location along with its sister location, the Corinthian Event Center, both in Mission, Texas for a few different times for both events and weddings as a guest. This time, however, I was honored with the pleasure of not only witnessing my sorority sister say "I do" as a guest but as the photographer with the duty of documenting it. 

It should be noted, for all you brides out there planning wedding, that no task is too daunting and it is never too late to ask if a vendor is available. Erica actually waited until the very last minute to hire me! It should also be noted, however, that she is not the first or only bride to hire me so quickly before the actual event date. I have, in fact, had someone hire me the Thursday before their Saturday wedding but that was quite a few years ago! 

But I digress... Erica and George were finally married late last year and I couldn't be happier for them. While Erica and I did not attend the same college, we are sorority sisters and have become very close as alumnae. She was one of the few people who attended my very intimate wedding. She also gifted my husband and I our uniquely amazing wedding guest book. Perhaps I should share it with you, the reader, some day. 

While Erica and George dated for a few years and then were engaged for another full year, I had not had the pleasure of spending much time with them together. Soon after becoming engaged, George's job took him across the country and I simply had the joy of hearing about him from his bride. Perhaps on the most important occasion of all, I finally saw firsthand the love that George possesses for Erica. Every time I saw him look at his bride, and eventual wife, he beamed with joy and an everlasting smile. George is completely in love with Erica and Erica is fully in love with him. It was beautiful to watch and I look forward to seeing their marriage grow with age. 

Congratulations George and Erica!

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

The best part about being the boss, when I actually get to work and hang out with my little ones! Erica insisted the kiddos attend the wedding... and I am so glad my little family did. Abby and I got to dance in the end, so much fun!

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

This couple decided they didn't want bride and groom portraits. While a little odd for the timeline's I am used to, I actually got to eat when everyone else did. Ha! It was awesome :) 
A week before, however, Erica had a bridal session so I'll share those with you soon.

Again, congrats Erica and George. Well wishes for a healthy and long marriage!!!

Vanessa La Munequita Ranch Bridal Session | Mission, Texas

When I shared Vanessa and her fiancé John's engagement photos a few months ago, I mentioned how Vanessa had promised to one day hire me for her wedding when she was engaged. Fast forward a few years later and graduation, Vanessa became engaged to her college sweetheart last year and married this summer. As promised, I was hired to photograph the beautiful wedding. Early this summer, I had the pleasure of finally seeing Vanessa in all her bridal glory. 

We decided on La Munequita Ranch as a backdrop for her bridal portraits. A country girl at heart, La Munequita Ranch provided a subtle rustiness to her portraits. We were joined by her mother and maid of honor as well as my momma and baby girl. The best part of this career, I'll say again and again, is being able to stay close to my babies. But I digress...

Vanessa, you looked absolutely beautiful and truly have worn one of my favorite wedding gowns to date. You oozed romantic-ness and look flawless. I hope marriage is treating you well sister!

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

2014 © Marisol Izaguirre

Beautiful portraits and compliments aside, thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing me as your photographer Vanessa. You are kind and understanding and it was a pleasure photographing you while I waddled with my big baby belly. I am beyond happy for you and wish you and your husband a beautiful life full of love, happiness, and health. Be blessed my friends!

Location: La Munequita Ranch in Mission, Texas (www.lamunequitaranch.com)

Hair & Make Up: Truly You Makeup Artistry (www.trulyyou.squarespace.com)