they are the epitome of amazing. they laugh and play and genuinely BREATHE life into each other.

and i ::adore:: them

i am …. so so SO humbled that you chose little ol’ me to capture these memories for you! i think the world of each of you and look forward to watching you grow together!!!! thank you thank you again and again and again.

you might see her grace the stages of the Amarillo Little Theatre

she’s beautiful and sweet

sarah, thank you again for asking me to do this for you. you are stunningly beautiful and such a sweet soul! can’t wait to see you on stage!

They both smiled nonstop about their wedding day and each other.

Kasey would casually lean into Colt and laugh.

“I’d marry her everyday….”

Colt & Kasey! Thank you for having me as a part of your wedding day! You are both gorgeous individuals with an amazing love and bond between the two of you!

Enjoy Your Slideshow!

Bridal Gown: Allure from Terry Costa in Dallas, TX

Hair & Makeup: Kasey, MAC Cosmetics

Floral: Mrs. Johnson

Venue: Johnson Residence

Caterer: Cheddars

Cake: Sue Erwin

Music: Ryan Long

phi·lan·thro·py [fi-lan-thruh-pee]

“altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement, usually manifested by donations of money, property, or work to needy persons, by endowment of institutions of learning and hospitals, and by generosity to other socially useful purposes.”

*********

i was first introduced to the gift of giving when i was in high school when our hyper red-headed cheerleading coach, Mrs. McLeod,  insisted that we find ways to give back to our community. whether it was our “Adopt-a-Highway” program, or volunteering our time to clean up the parking lot of a truck stop (sidenote: that was nasty), going to the grocery store as a SQUAD and carrying groceries out to people’s cars, serving food at the homeless shelters, or participating and raising funds for Camp Cactus….

we were required to give. donate. give. share. and give some more.

and for this, i will ALWAYS be thankful.

*********

i hope that you never find yourself in a low point in life. that you never have to find yourself on the receiving end of organizations that help those in need. organizations that come in to rebuild the lives and homes of those who lose things in fires or natural disasters. i hope you never need an ounce of blood to be GIVEN to you – that you have more than enough of your own blood running through your veins.

i hope that you don’t have to stand in line at a Food Bank hoping to get enough to scrape together a meal for your children that only slightly resembles Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas Dinners.

i hope that you never have to send your kids to a camp that focuses on children with cancer. i  hope that you are never running a Race for the Cure because you have personally been affected by breast cancer. i hope you NEVER have to shake your fists at the Heavens above and ask the rhetorical question of, “Why God Why?!”

*********

but i DO hope that you are able to go home and hug your children. and read them bedtime stories in their favorite pjs.  i hope that you ate a bit too much at dinner and have to pull out the elastic waistband pants.

i DO hope that you are healthy enough to donate your blood. that you were able to buy yourself a new pair of running shoes for that 5K to  raise money for cancer research.

i hope that you have enough money in your pocket to spare some change for the man ringing the bell in front of the department store at Christmas time. and that you have enough blessings in your life to stop in the midst of your Christmas shopping to pull an angel off that tree in the middle of the mall.

i hope that each of us had a fiery red-headed person in our lives that motivated you to give.  that she instilled philanthropy into your heart. that you are acutely aware of the greater need of those outside your own flesh.

give. give. give.

and if you can’t afford to give….

give your time.

read to kids. volunteer at the hospital. help build a home. babysit your stressed-out friend’s children… for free. donate your unused clothes.

let that red-headed cheerleading coach do more than just bounce around in your head – repeating over and over and over again that you need to give BACK to the community. let her become an inspiration. a pivotal point in your life. or attitude.

i hope you never know what it’s like to receive. really.

but more importantly, i hope that you never learn the value of giving, because you first had to receive.

**********

i won’t stand here and harp anymore. you know what i’m asking you to do. for some reason it’s been on my heart to stress it. to STRESS that there is NEED out there.

this year, i’ll be participating in the 5K Race for the Cure. you can help.

you can run. or you can walk.

you can even help in your sleep!

********************************************************************

and since it’s monday – and monday’s are FUNdays….

let’s give some stuff away!

i asked what my choice of nourishment would be if were stranded on an island.

and the random winner of a $20 Gift Certificate to Andie Smith Designs is:

i also asked you to comment for your chance win a groovy Starbucks Cup

and the random winner is:

send me your information and we’ll get you the loot!

and now that i’ve given you something…. pay it forward.

Happy Giving!

]]> http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3663 1 http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3462 http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3462#comments Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:01:56 +0000 chriselda http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3462

two weddings in one weekend.

i don’t normally agree to this

but these two couples this weekend were VERY special to me

Sam + Bekah were married friday

i have known Sam since he was a baby…. because i used to babysit him

he is my cousin. and provided our family with a very beautiful addition

we love love love rebekah and all that she brings to their relationship &  the way she perfectly compliments his personality.

Ellis + Brie were married yesterday

my mom and brie’s mom played softball together and i went to elementary school with her brothers

i photographed her and her little boy, Jaeven, a few years ago and was completely smitten by his charms.

last night, i was able to witness and document a very special union between this couple. i am so happy for them!

this weekend, my “career” as a wedding photographer, allowed me the privilege of being able share in the happiness and joy surrounding these couples. and i found myself thanking God for the opportunity to do what i do.  to all of those who choose me to be their wedding photographer: thank you for granting me this opportunity. this gift. this honor of being a small part of your special day. you make my heart happy.

she stood before me in the living room looking exceptionally gorgeous

today, she and Ellis will be married! Which means i can share this beautiful session with you!

brie – you are breath-taking! i can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me to be included in your special day and to be given the honor of recording it for you!

thank you! thank you!

]]> http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3658 3 http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3668 http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3668#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:56:16 +0000 chriselda http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3668 when i have the honor of photographing a couple, like Taylor and Abby, i realize how lucky i am to be entrusted with capturing memories for two people in love.

the subtleties. the silly little things that happen in between photos. the stories they tell about each other.

to be allowed access to their past, present and future together. to be able to point my camera in the direction of their smiling faces and find that proof of love.

they laugh. nonstop. smile. nonstop. hold each other. love on each other. and support each other.

nonstop.

you only have to be around them for a few seconds to know they’re completely in love… and if you haven’t realized it - you’re just not paying attention.

Taylor and Abby….. you are both such wonderful people! thank you for being so sweet with each other. it was so nice to spend the afternoon with both of you! i’m so excited about your upcoming wedding!

thank you again for everything. and for helping me up when i’ve fallen down

They hugged and kissed and, more importantly, laughed most of the night together.

they have quickly and effortlessly become one of my favorite couples. they are down to earth and as genuine as they come.

megan, you’re gorgeous.

Lovely Reception Details! Another GREAT PlanitLounge Wedding!

Franco and Megan – i’m so glad that i have cultivated a friendship with the two of you and that i get to see you two in your first year of marriage even aside from the photography. You are both such great spirits and souls and have truly brightened my career! thank you again and again for placing so much trust, faith, and encouragement in me and for allowing me the honor of interpreting your special day to future generations!

Enjoy your Slideshow

Bridal Gown: La Sposa from Maison de Mode – Houston, TX

Hair: Michelle Sherrill

Floral Design: Parie Designs

Venue: Country Home Weddings

Cakes: Groom’s Mother

Photographer: Chriselda Photography assisted by Roman Montemayor

]]> http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3636 9 http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3450 http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3450#comments Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:47:57 +0000 chriselda http://chriseldaphotography.com/blog/?p=3450 because i am a full time wedding and portrait photographer, the last thing i want to do is edit personal photos of my daily life.

it’s like showing up to work on your day off

so, when it comes to school events, sporting events and vacations… you won’t see me out there with my professional gear.  but i still want photos.

after many many many purchases of point and shoot cameras, i finally came across a few that i LOVE and cannot live without.

Canon SX120 IS

this camera takes WONDERFUL photos. has a great zoom. does video. and is pretty much as amazing as they come for under $200. The only thing i don’t like is that it doesn’t have it’s own battery. So you have to keep purchasing AA batteries, or investing in rechargeable batteries.  on a regular battery, i can barely get through a concert (due to heavy use of the zoom).  HOWEVER!!!!! i like to use the Energizer Lithium Batteries, and i can keep those in there for a few days before i have to change out the batteries. and let me tell you…. i let the kid run around with this camera and snap away. so those batteries have a GREAT lifespan!

i have been coveting the Canon G series since they had the G7.

the next time i buy myself a gift my son decides to buy me something, it’ll be the Canon G11

the camera is sleek. and very attractive. and i’d like to take it on long-haul vacations, like our trip to Mexico City last year, because it allows me to shoot in RAW mode and has a decent zoom for being a point and shoot.

site seeing all day long with a big camera, and several lenses is not may favorite way to experience the sites

i have played around with this camera some. and have zero complaints.

finally, after going to Camp Alphie, i was inspired to purchase a waterproof camera to take to the pool, waterpark, and/or just let my 5 year old use it during vacations, etc.

so i did some research and found the Fuji FinePix XP10. Overall, i really like this little camera. it was cheap(ish) and does what i feel $150 worth of camera should do. it comes with it’s own battery. i can tell you firsthand… it takes a beating!

the images quality is meh and i often times come back and edit/enhance photos from it. and the AWB might as well be nonexistent….

but, quite frankly, i have NEVER expected it to do what my 5D does. so i’m satisfied with it. it also does video!!! and, again, it’s waterproof and worth it’s price for that reason alone! how neat is it to go down the water slide and get it all on video?? love it!

if you’ve been around the blog for awhile, you’ve seen personal photos of the kiddo and i. all of those photos were taken with these cameras. so if you’re looking for a personal recommendation on a good (yet affordable) camera, i hope this post came in handy.

otherwise… pardon my ramblings.

enjoy your sunday!

- erica

i’ve known preston and erica for about a year and it has been such an enjoyable time getting to know them, their love for each other, and their families.

i admittedly was sad to see their wedding day come and go, because they have truly touched my heart with the way the love each other effortlessly.

right before the ceremony, we all started to tear up. as the music began to play, and peoople took their places, erica took a deep breath

oooooh preston…

preston’s ring is his grandpa’s original ring. the date engraved on it is the day his grandparents were married.

preston and erica – i wish i could adequately express how much the two of you mean to me. i’m sure that the two of you have restored the faith of so many of your friends and family. you are both precious individuals and create a beautiful union with each other. i can only imagine how much love and life will be present in your lives. i love love love the two of you dearly. you are truly etched into my heart forever. i’m thrilled to have been given this opportunity to work for and with you.

enjoy your slideshow

Dress: David’s Bridal

Makeup: MAC Cosmetics

Hair: Anita of Phoophie and the Phixx

Floral: Bridal Party

Cake: Cakes ‘n More

Venue: Ranch House Weddings

Catering: Creations by Mona-Lisa