Candace & Billy, Wedding - Weslaco, Texas

Marisol Izaguirre Photography January 20, 2011

I booked my very first wedding back in December of 2009. I sat with the alumnae chapter of my sorority (Delta Zeta, wohoo!) during our Christmas dinner and I mentioned how I had decided to turn a hobby into a business.

I am pursuing a career as a photographer this coming year. Now I just hope I book one wedding so that I can get on a roll... {Okay, so maybe I didn't think that exactly, but it went something like that...}

If I could just get someone to book me for their wedding, that was what I wanted the most back in December of 2009. Then it happened. Candace, in such a non-chalant way, said it. "You could photograph my wedding. I'll hire you." The room went silent. I'm not making this up because I myself was silent - somehow bewildered by her coy remark. Though my sisters may not admit it, I know they must have been shocked as well. Perhaps one of them even slightly choked on a Chick-fi-la nugget because there she was - hiring me as the person to photograph her wedding. I had only just done my first paying portrait session a few weeks before. Zero weddings. Zero.

Fast forward all of 2010 and we stop the last few weeks of December. Over the past year I have photographed about 8 weddings and have learned so much from each one. There was no better way to end my first wedding season than to spend the last wedding photographing Candace. Candace is my sorority sister so she obviously holds a special place in my heart. Candace was the first person to book me as their wedding photographer. She trusted me without having seen any professional work on my behalf. But she did it.

Candace, thank you.

You gave me that nudge I so desperately wanted back in 2009... someone to hire me. And you did.

Candace and Billy are perfectly made for one another. Billy is so kind and caring for his beautiful bride and Candace enjoys being Billy's number one lady. When Billy proposed to Candace back on her birthday two years ago, we were all excited for her. She had found someone so loving and caring. Someone who wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Someone who was completely head over heels for her.

Billy is lucky. Candace is an amazing young woman with a very caring heart. I met her as the president of my sorority when I joined. Tall, with long beautiful blonde hair, she exuded a caring personality while still leading our collegiate chapter.

I had so much fun spending the day with her. The day she married.

Billy and Candace, Thank you so very much for trusting me with your wedding day imagery. I had an absolute great time at your wedding... it was so much fun! I even got to put away my camera and dance the night away, oh the perks of photographing your close friend's wedding ;) I wish you both a healthy and blessed marriage filled with a lifetime of happiness. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

The look on the groom as he watches his bride walk down the aisle... priceless.

The beautiful flowers were by Special Flowers in McAllen, Texas.

The boys being a little silly...

The reception was held at the beautiful Villa de Cortez Ballroom in Weslaco, Texas.

Delicious cake by Norma's Cakes. Trust me, it was good.

I posted more photos than I usually do for weddings but I just couldn't help myself.... Happy Thursday!

Be blessed :)

Please Note: Clients free to use these watermarked images on your social networking sites. Please refrain from altering the photo in any shape or form. Re-editing of images is strictly prohibited and infringes upon copyright law. Otherwise, please don't steal my images :) Thank you!

Jessica and Robert, Engaged - McAllen, Texas

Marisol Izaguirre Photography January 18, 2011

If you've been reading my blog for a while you may remember I briefly mentioned participating in a bridal/wedding fair back in October (2010). The decision to participate as an exhibitor, more commonly known as a wedding vendor, was truly last minute and a completely new experience for me. I had contemplated the idea of participating in a bridal fair for a while but I had no idea I actually would go through with it so soon. I found out about the October show on a Sunday afternoon and signed up by Tuesday evening.

Gasp. I had a mere four days to get organize, prepare samples, and order tons of brochures. I was completely swamped with work in preparation for the bridal fair and was truly blessed to have the help of my parents, my brothers, Chris and his parents. Truly, without all of them I would not have managed, at all. I have been wanting to write about the experience as a whole but I completely overlooked writing that blog post. Perhaps I will sit down and reflect on the highs and lows from my first wedding show, perhaps.

Well at this wedding fair, I had an engagement session giveaway and selected the winning couple from a random drawing back in November. The winners were a lovely couple who scheduled their session for mid-December and the weather was absolutely perfect that day. Jessica and Robert were complete strangers when I first met them. Within the past few weeks, however, I have learned a lot about them through text messages, phone calls, and our in person meetings. They are absolutely in love with one another and it was completely evident in their engagement session.

Jessica is quiet and somewhat timid. Robert complements his bride with a quite-ness about him while still being firm and talkative. Together they are two perfect pieces of a puzzle. I have certainly enjoyed getting go them through photographing them and meeting with them on various occasions for their ordering process. Their wedding is next month in February so I am eagerly excited for them to join one another in marriage.

Jessica and Robert, thank you for allowing me to photograph you! I am delighted to have met you both and wish you a blessed and healthy marriage. May the Lord bless you both with many years together and an eternity of endless love. Enjoy the weeks leading up to the big day and have an amazing time on your wedding day!!!

To be in love, it's the best!

Happy Tuesday!!!

The Conners, Mini Session - Progreso Lakes, Texas

Marisol Izaguirre Photography January 13, 2011

My mini sessions went great this past holiday season. I enjoyed meeting such great people and absolutely loved photographing so many cute children. Each child had such unique personalities and behaved differently in front of the camera. I think I learned a lot of parenting skills from interacting with them and watching their parents care for them. A few more holiday mini sessions and I may seriously consider adopting a few children ;)

The Conners were absolutely adorable in front of the camera. They were so well behaved and although it may have been a little early in the morning for them on their Saturday session, they hammed it up for the camera.

Part of my job as a photographer is traveling to various locations both in and out of my hometown area. I definitely love this aspect of photography... I get to see so many beautiful and interesting places. The Conner's session took me to a brand new place here in the Rio Grande Valley.

Progreso lakes is small but oh-so-beautiful! I had a great time capturing the beautiful surroundings. Amy, thank you for calling me that day and hiring me to photograph your beautiful children. I am delighted to have met you and captured some images for your family. I wish you a great and happy new year!

Be blessed! Happy Thursday! :)

Jennifer and Rodger, Engaged - South Padre Island, Texas

Marisol Izaguirre Photography January 12, 2011

I was a bridesmaid at one of my friend's wedding last April. At the reception, next to my table was a group of people I went to high school with. It was really nice to see friends I had not seen in a few years and catch up with all of them. Some were married, some were expanding their families and there was a couple who was just engaged.

There I was, in my bridesmaid dress, proclaiming my love for photography and the new business venture I had embarked on. So I told them, if any of you are getting married, let me photograph your wedding. So Jennifer and Rodger called me a few months later and hired me.

Boy was I excited!!! I love building a relationship with all of my clients, especially my brides and grooms. Photographing Jennifer and Rodger's upcoming wedding served as a form to re-aquaint myself with old friends.

Jennifer and Rodger have been dating for many, many years. I roughly estimate about 8 to 9 years. {Please correct me if I'm wrong Jenn!!!} High school sweethearts, they are the type of people who are so kind and caring that they make you fall in love with them when you meet them. Through our emails and appointments, I slowly remembered what Jennifer was like. Sweet, very sweet. She is truly kind and very caring.

Jennifer cares about her fiance, her family, her friends and all of the wonderful details of her wedding day. Rodger is gentle with Jennifer and very caring as well. He is attentive to his beautiful bride-to-be and always nurturing. Photographing them together was full of laughs and tender moments. I witnessed Rodger's kind nature as he made sure Jennifer was happy and always taken care of.

From looking out for her out on the scary pier for some photos to clearing the sand on the beach for her to walk on, I could easily tell Rodger is head over heels for Jennifer. And Jennifer, Jennifer is oh-so-in-love with him, too.

Jennifer and Rodger, I am beyond delighted at your upcoming wedding. I am glad our paths crossed back in April once again and that I get to share on your wedding day as your photographer. I can't wait for April!!!! You and Rodger are beautiful and have such an amazing character. I wish you a relaxed few months as your wedding day approaches.

Now let's take a look at what Port Isabel and South Padre Island has to offer....

Happy Wednesday!!! :)

Mini-Session - Colleen & Shelby - McAllen, Texas

Marisol Izaguirre Photography January 6, 2011

Happy New Year!

It's 2011 and the sixth day into the new year has been exceptionally well. I am delighted to have had some time to rest and enjoy time with my beloved family. I hope you tuned in for my 2010 Photographer's recap post from this past Friday. I am hoping to write a personal recap as well, but for today I wanted to share with you some fun photos from another of my holiday sessions. I am so behind on blogging last year's sessions, ahh! But I'm working on catching up, and I start now...

Colleen gave me call on a Sunday morning and booked a mini-session with me. She was spunky and excited about her upcoming session. During our phone conversation, I felt like I was speaking to an old friend. When I met her for her session, it also felt like I had already met her before. We laughed and I got to meet her beautiful little girl.

Shelby was a pleasure to photograph and we were joined by Colleen's Great Dane. As we strolled through her backyard, I learned about what made little Shelby happy and what didn't float her boat. Taking her picture, that wasn't her favorite. But running around and having me chase her as she explored the waterfalls and bridge, that made her smile.

It was certainly a workout trying to capture her on camera, but it was definitely worth it. Shelby is an adorably cute little girl and Colleen has a wonderful spirit. I am glad I got to meet them both this holiday season and, more-so, that I had the chance to photograph them.

Colleen and Shelby, I hope you had a Merry Christmas and the start to a great new year!

Happy Thursday!!!

Farewell 2010... A Photographer's Recap.

Marisol Izaguirre Photography December 31, 2010

In my timezone, we are about six hours away from welcoming the new year. Before the festivities begin at home and I lose out on blogging for the last day of 2010 I want to write. I want to write about the year and all aspects of running a photography business. I want to write about all of the failures I experienced as I embarked on being a business owner. I want to write about all of the highlights of the year during my sessions and weddings. I will write it all down so that over the next year and beyond I can look back... look back on everything I experienced my very first full year doing what I love.

I booked my first wedding the last few weeks of 2009 and since then I have never looked back... well, I have. But the point I attempt to make is that I have grown since then and learned so much. In January I photographed my first newborn session - a beautiful baby girl who will soon turn one! January was also the month in which I decided to put my fears in a box and lock it away. In fact, I decided that I'd fear nothing but the Lord. Insecurities only bring you down and I wanted to make 2010 a great year.

It was amazing to feel strong and energized to dive into a field with so many possibilities. In January I ordered business cards, tons of them. 500 to be exact and ran out long ago. Not because I passed them out like crazy, but because I was asked for them. I felt accomplished when I booked clients who had been holding on to my card for opportunity to book a session. Thus, I learned to always carry business cards with me - always. Unfortunately, I learned this around mid-summer because I'd always forget :( Fret not, I always have them handy now :)

February and March were a bit slow in terms of sessions but I did book a few portrait sessions for college seniors. I anxiously awaited the months of April and May to photograph all of my spring graduates. Then April came and I had my first wedding to photograph. I was nervous, way nervous. But I did it. And it was then that I knew I had made the right choice to pursue photography. By May, I had booked a second wedding and was in full swing as a photographer.

Since then, the summer months were booked solid and I enjoyed all of my wonderful South Texas summer weddings. Yup, in immense heat and heels I carried my gear non-stop. I must admit there was a point towards late July where I felt stressed and overwhelmed. I had to take a step back and just breathe. Note to self, always remember to breathe.

August offered my hottest summer wedding but one of my favorites to photograph. In this same month, my personal life changed dramatically and the effects of certain events have definitely made the latter part of 2010 as a photographer extremely challenging. But more on that in the personal recap blog post... soon to follow.

September was my "breather" month in the sense that I really needed to take some time to myself and do that little thing I talked about needing earlier- breathing. When October rolled around I was back in full photography mode with sessions and a beautiful fall wedding. In mid-October I decided to host holiday mini-sessions and wished they were a success.

November was certainly a highlight for my photography career because I had my first wedding where I had to travel. Now it's not quite a destination wedding, but I still traveled a long way. Here again, I knew I had made the right choice... I LOVE photographing weddings!!! November was also fully booked with mini-sessions and all of the fall 2010 college seniors.

I had planned to take December off and sing Christmas songs everyday while baking cookies. But my business had other plans for me. I had many last minute family sessions and I was blessed with meeting such amazing clients. A few days before Christmas, I wrapped up my 2010 wedding season. Remember the wedding I mentioned was my first booked wedding? It was this one, and it was amazingly beautiful and romantic. A perfect way to end the season.

So now, on December 31, 2010 what have I learned this past year? Many, many things.

I succeeded in creating, starting and operating my own photography business. From nothing. I succeeded in learning to shoot manually and have progressively learned to nail my exposures. I succeeded in implementing new ideas into my photography both on the talent and business aspect. I succeeded in offering my clients an experience and worthy imagery. I succeeded in becoming a photographer.

But I also failed. I failed oh-so many times miserably. I failed in booking a few weddings due to being to busy to follow up with requests, etc. I failed at not having back up batteries for my external flash (Note: Thank you mom for saving the day!!!). I failed at investing in a lens I really have no use for. I failed at believing in myself on quite a few occasions. I'm sure I failed tons more but on the subject of being positive, I'll limit myself ;) Ha!

My failures taught me to think quick, be overly prepared and trust yourself and what you're worth. It amazes me how quickly 2010 has come to an end but I am reminded of all the great things I experienced with my photography.

But 2010 could not have been possible without the grace of God. Lord, thank you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love you :) And to all of my 2010 Clients, a big hug and thank you for believing in me and letting me capture a little piece of your lives. Be blessed always!

Tomorrow is a new day, and a new year. I am ready to embrace it and conquer it. I bid you farewell 2010, you have been such an amazing year. I took a leap of faith and 2010 was there to record it. And so was this blog. So in culmination of the end of a successful photographer's year, I leave you with a collection of some of my favorite images from all of my 2010 clients - portraits and weddings.

Happy New Year!!!

Thank you 2010 and welcome 2011!!!