And....they're back! Archer Family - October 2011

The Archer Family ... if you know them, they have left a lasting impression on you.  I was thinking the other day - I have known this family since before they were a family. 

I love them so incredibly much! 

A season, a reason, or a lifetime...

They are for sure the last two

Cherie understands how precious pictures are.  She drives Matt crazy with them, because we do them a couple times a year.  However, I know better...he is super proud of his family and loves to show them off.

Cherie said it perfectly the other day

"When you can't remember a specific moment in your life, your picture are there to remind you"

Well Said!

Family pictures this time around are a little different.  They have the amazing opportunity to have a foreign exchange student living with them. 

We call him Jakob...because frankly, none of us Americans can say his first name correctly. 

Jakob is this amazing kid who has fit in so perfectly with their family.

Here is what I know about Jakob in the 2-3 months he has been here

He LOVES American Football

I mean - he REALLY loves it.  I think he could easily put some grown men to shame with the stats that he knows.

He LOVES hamburgers

Well, maybe just food in general...but hamburgers, watch out!

He is happy

He always has a smile on his face

He is a pretty funny guy

I love to listen to him crack jokes with Matt and the kids

Jakob is a perfect addition to the Archer Family.  He already fights with TJ & Tatum like a real brother would - you would never know he has only been here a short amount of time.

Oh...and let's not forget about Stoney.

Cherie will tell you that he is THE perfect dog

He was off his game on picture day...but he's still pretty cute!

Much Love to you all

xoxo

Brooke

http://www.maddiepiecreations.com/

817-564-3068

Inspiration Through Art {Cayden}

If you have followed me over the last couple of years, you already know that I am a part of an amazing organization called Inspiration Through Art.  I have the honor to be amongst some fabulous photographers in this group that use our art to give families a little extra love.

"Our mission at Inspiration Through Art is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. We are here to offer emotional support through the beauty and expression art has to offer, as a way of healing and coping. We understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long."

A few months ago I was contacted by Cayden's mom.  She had applied to ITA and had chosen me to be her photographer.  I am so glad she did.  I fell in love with all the sweet faces staring back at me when I met them this past weekend.

Cayden and his brother DJ have both been diagnosed with diabetes.  Cayden actually has an insulin pump, he looked at me a little funny when I asked to see it. I think these kids are so brave to deal with the circumstances that they have been given, all while having the biggest, brightest, sometimes toothless, smiles on their face.

 

Here is a little of how mom described her sweet kiddos.

"Landon is the oldest and my first, he is smart kid and always concerned about his little brother. He LOVES legos! Cayden is my baby and is my little hero. He is brave, strong, and very much all boy. He loves anything country. DJ is my step son, he is a few months younger then Landon, he was recently diagnosed with diabetes as well. He likes to talk. Kailey is my step daughter, she is very much a drama queen and princess. She seriously thinks the world revolves around her."

Uh...mom, she is the only girl surrounded by 3 brothers...it IS all about her :)

Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your family.  Your children are amazing and together you have such a strong family.

Much Love

Brooke

If you know of a child or family that is suffering from a serious illness or life altering ability - I encourage you to check out the Inspiration Through Art website. There are so many wonderful photographers that are a part of this group - choose one that is right for your family. Let us love you!

MaddiePie Creations

http://www.maddiepiecreations.com/

817-564-3068



J Family 2011

I have been lucky enough to not only photograph this family from their beginning, but I am also friends with them.  I have watched their story unfold.  With each chapter in their story, I am more and more proud of them.

They have proven that love really can conquer anything.  

Together, they can take on the world.

Sweet, sweet Evan.  I am so proud of his pictures.  Up until probably 6 months ago, he wouldn't look in my direction must less talk to me.  Something changed somewhere along the way.  Now...he runs up and gives me a great big hug each time he sees me.  

He makes me heart smile each time I get to see him.

Much love to all three of you.  Thank you for allowing me to take part in your story and be your friend.

Much Love,

Brooke

www.maddiepiecreations.com

817-564-3068

H Family 2011

I love all of my clients.  I especially love it when clients become amazing friends. I love that I get to be a part of their lives and see how they grow and change.

I have said before that our lives are like a story.  When I have the distinct honor to be a part of that story, or even just a chapter in your story...I am beyond happy.

This family is beautiful.  One of the greatest things about them is the love for their boys. 

Their wild

goofy

amazing boys

We spent some time together at the botanical gardens this past weekend.  Lots of laughter, a minor mishap, a break in between... and we ended up with some fabulous pictures.

Thank you H Family for loving me just as much as I love you!

Much Love

Brooke

http://www.maddiepiecreatoins.com/

817-564-3068

Tastefully Unique - {Burleson Catering and Event Planning}

This past weekend I was invited to photograph a 40th Birthday Party.  Tastefully Unique, a full catering and event planning company was taking care of this birthday boy!  That is FOR SURE!

The theme of the birthday party was Mardi Gras.  There was an amazing jazz band, decorated like you can't imagine.  If I hadn't known better, I would have told you that I walked into a pretty awesome wedding reception.  The floral arrangements were stunning, the food was amazing, the atmosphere was perfect. 

These ladies know how to do it RIGHT!  Teresa and Tammy are the owners of Tastefully Unique, however, they understand that it takes a village.  They have taken the best from the community and have pulled together an amazing company.

If you are looking for someone to cater or plan your next party... you HAVE to book Tastefully Unique.  You will not be dissapointed.  I was honored to be there to take part in the evening and capture some of their fabulousness!  {yeah, it's a word}

And because no rave review is complete without pictures... check out some of their amazing work!

Much Love

Brooke

MaddiePie Creations

maddiepiecreations@yahoo.com

817-564-3068

Inspired: FickleZeal

I haven't done a post about what inspires me in a really long time.  Today, I was reminded of a photographer that always manages to touch my heart. 

FickleZeal is a husband and wife photography team.  They have such a passion for children with Down Syndrome.  They shoot much more than that...however, it is these sessions that always push me to work harder at what I do.

I truly belive that as photographers it is our responsibility...and maybe that isn't the right word...but it is our job to capture our clients in all of their glory.  Kids are especially difficult sometimes.  They may be hungry by the time they get to the session, or tired, or just in a cranky mood for the day.  They might be shy, or nervous, or unable to communicate with me. 

However, at the end of each session, I love it when the kids have warmed up and we have been able to spend some time together and really have fun.  When I talk to a parent as they are viewing their session and they are so surprised that I was able to get the personalities of their children, after they were just positive that the session had been a disaster...that is what makes me love my job.

FickleZeal does amazing work.  I would completely recommend them for any type of session.  I know I know...I am a photographer, why in the world would I recommend another company?? 

Because I believe in them.  I admire them and they never fail to inspire me.

Take a little bit and go check out their work.  It's beautiful.  Thank you Jenna & Andre for making our industry a better place

http://www.ficklezeal.com/blog/

Much Love

Brooke

MaddiePie Creations

Ms. Brooke in the Studio

I don't get to shoot in my studio often.  Sometimes I get to travel to a clients home and we set up a little mini studio wherever we can make room.

This sweet girl is full of life...and has the BEST name ever :)

Brooke's mommy wanted some pictures in her dance costume's for this year so we set up shop and rocked it out!

She was pretty much over it at this point!  

They only last so long at this age :)

Love her!

Much Love

Brooke

Justin is graduating this year!! {Mansfield Senior Photography}

His mom described him as a good kid, very shy and really didn't like to take pictures.

He is very uncomfortable in front of the camera.

Well mom...he might have been a little uncomfortable in the beginning...

but by the end...he was doing pretty awesome!

boys and their toys...

Thank you for allowing me to be your photographer.  

Justin, you are going accomplish some amazing things in your life! 

 I can't wait to see how your story unfolds.

Much Love to both of you!

Brooke

Jennifer & Lui Wedding {Dallas Wedding Photography}

As you saw in the previous post, Jennifer is stunning and Lui is super handsome!  Their first dance song was perfect "Better Together" by Jack Johnson. They truly are better together.

The day started off with amazing weather and transitioned into an evening that was just as lovely. 

Here are some images from the day...

The beautiful Maggie Sottero wedding dress

The rings

The Guys

The Girls







The Whole Group

Fierce!

So Handsome!

The Reception was hosted at La Buena Vida Vineyards in Grapevine.  It was a very lovely venue




Flower Arrangements by Elizabeth Alaniz

The first dance

I love that he sang barefoot!
The John Lewis Band

Mother/Son Dance

I absolutely love couples that smash the cake!  Don't ever take yourself too seriously.  A little food fight now and then makes the world go 'round.

The dancing...oh, the dancing.  It was a great night and the music was fantastic.  
A perfect blend of their cultures.

These three girls traveled from Boston to attend the wedding.  Very awesome!

The two that caught the bouquet and the garter...

More Dancing

The Final Exit.

View the slideshow to see more from Jennifer and Lui's special day



Untitled from Brooke Lowther on Vimeo.

Much love

Brooke