DFW Newborn Session: Meet Bridger Easton

Get ready to meet the most handsome baby boy! At just 30 days young, this tiny but mighty brute of a baby showed up with his Mama and Grandma for his Newborn Session and I can honestly say that I have never seen a one month old who was so active for his session. Ya’ll meet Mr. Personality, Bridger Easton!

You all might remember having seen his Mama’s Maternity Session at Grapevine Lake here on the blog. She was the goddess rocking the flower crown of delphiniums and flaunting her budding bump. If you missed it, check it out here. Seriously, one of my all time favorite Maternity Sessions. Amanda was poised and ready to meet her little man. Little did she know though, her baby boy would want to cook for a few more weeks!

Weighing in 7 pounds, 7 ounces, Bridger Easton made his way into the world during the wee hours of April 4th, 2019. He was born with a big and bold love for his Mama, the most handsome pout and a light dusting of brown hair.

Grandma, Mom and Bridger arrived for little man’s Newborn Session on Day 30 and I can happily say, he rocked it. Donning a few simple outfits, we posed this little guy in a garden and in doors with a casual background. This session was all about focusing on Bridger’s perfect little details. I made sure to document everything from his toes to his nose and all the smirks in between.

As usual, these guys were a dream to work with. Mama made sure to come prepared and we had no hiccups with his session. Seeing that I love to capture the lifestyle inspired shots, or candid moments, I made sure to have Amanda jump in for a few photos with her little man. Thanks again to this sweet family. I look forward to seeing your little guy grow!

“Above all, love each other deeply.” Peter 4:8

If you would like to book your unique Newborn Portrait Session, inquire with Angelina at therustienailhead@gmail.com. I would love to chat about your bundle of joy and help capture those raw and reflective first moments as a family! Don’t forget that we also offer Fresh 48 Sessions here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex!

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Laurel Highlands Mommy + Me Session |Tiffany + Isaac|

Gosh, it has been a whirlwind couple of weeks at the Norris household. We just got back from our annual Memorial Day trip to Pennsylvania to visit with our northern family and friends and to say that our trip was a rollercoaster of events and emotion is an understatement! My shoot calendar was full of Spring Mini Sessions and I have been working hard to make sure you get a glimpse at them all! First up, the most adorable Mommy + Me Session! Meet Tiffany and her baby boy, Isaac!

Tiffany’s Mama, Anne, reached out to me a few weeks before Mother’s Day in hopes of gifting a Mommy and Me Session to her sweet daughter and I was happy to oblige. We got the details worked out just in time for my arrival in the Laurel Highlands. Anne had informed me that Tiffany and her husband had spent a long time praying for their sweet boy and had continued to pray over him after his arrival. Baby Isaac arrived nearly 8 weeks before his due date. Weighing in at just a little over 3 pounds, Isaac would spend his first few weeks of life in the NICU.

As you can see, Tiffany was blessed with a blue eyed, spirited baby boy and though he was officially a premie, this little man has really made up for that in the past year! He is a little chunker with an adorable personality to match. After seeing him interact with his Mama, I can adequately guess that he is, in fact, a Mama’s Boy.  He was constantly loving on her throughout the shoot.

We had a few hiccups with timing because of the impending thunderstorms that plague this particular part of the country. In fact, when they showed up, it was pouring down rain so I told them to jump in their car and wait it out. Luckily for us, the storm only lasted 5 minutes and we began shooting right after. I crossed my fingers for a rainbow but alas, we would just have to shoot in the most perfect light instead. I promised Tiffany that the overcast skies would be beautiful and the captured moments reflect that delivery!

I had so much fun meeting this couple and their sweet boy and I hope to see them again soon. It is these families and their blessings that create the joy in what I do as a photographer and I am so happy that they thought of me to capture such a beautiful milestone! Oh and last, but certainly not least, If you see Isaac this weekend, make sure to wish him a Happy 1st Birthday! Maybe give him a hug from me too!

 

To book your unique Mommy + Me Session, email therustienailhead@gmail.com! I would love to help document your miracles and the revolution of Mamas out there living that candid motherhood rising life!

DFW Family Portrait Session: The Eidson Boys and their Mama

With Mother’s Day coming up in just a few short days, I knew that this session would be the perfect one to share in celebration. Kristi and her sweet boys, Jack and Miles, have been coming back every April for photos with The Rustie Nail and this year was no exception. Just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day, these guys put on their best shirts and biggest smiles so their Mama could document a memory of just how little or big they are!

 

Each year, Kristi and I discuss a different vision and try to bring that to life. One year, we took the boys to play in the mud with their Tonka trucks by the Trinity River and last year, we waded in the shores of Grapevine Lake. This year, we would tackle the Fort Worth Stockyards and then a more laidback shoot at Doc’s Record Store in Fort Worth.

 

We met early in the morning on Good Friday. Lucky for us, we beat the Easter crowd and had a good portion of the Stockyards to ourselves! Kristi and the boys danced their way down the cobblestone paved corridors and boys took turns riding mechanical bulls, gazing through store windows at the barrels full of candy and hugging on their sweet Mama.

 

We made our way around the old cow pens and took some time to just let the kids run amuck. Thankfully, Kristi is a boy mom and by that I mean, she doesn’t sweat the small stuff. She let them run and play, not worrying about if they would wrinkle their shirts or fall and skin their knees. She could have cared less so long as they were both smiling and happy. She seriously is the coolest Mom y’all. When faced with a scheduling conflict because of my daughter, Kristi suggested I bring her along and her family loved on sweet Lucy throughout the entire shoot.

 

Towards the end of our shoot at the Stockyards, I made sure to snap a few pictures of both the boys with their mom individually. Jack is her big boy. Strong and tall, he made sure to wrap her up in a big hug and spin her around the room. I am still in awe of how grown up Jack is. Miles, on the other hand, is all too happy to play the part of Mama’s baby. He was so content in his mother’s arms and it was the sweetest moment. Case in point, I watch her Snapchats sometimes and Miles can be seen serenading his Mama with the cutest little songs.

 

We moved onto our second location, Doc’s Record Store in Fort Worth, Texas and Kristi’s sweet sister, Claire, made an appearance in this set! The sisters tried on fur coats and danced around in the vintage backdrop. I was in love with that pink wall and the records hanging up behind them. The Sade and Killers shirts were an all too cool look as well. The boys even jumped in on the fun. Jack was rocking a Bowie shirt and Miles his Rolling Stone tee. Paired with their vans, these guys looked every bit the part of Funkytown locals.

 

One of my favorite parts about this hidden gem near Montgomery Plaza is that Doc’s has an amazing back alley full of graffitied artwork. I had mentioned this to Kristi during the planning stage and with that, she was sold. We headed back there and the boys were in awe of the local talent.

 

Both Jack and Miles killed their individual shoot times. They were perfect gentleman, even offering to push Lucy around in her stroller since she made an appearance for this shoot, and made sure to bring their A -game when it came time to pose for images. I mean, how cool are they rocking those shades and the rock n roll tee shirts? As usual, I had a blast with this gang and I look forward to seeing them again!

 

DFW Maternity Session: The Clark Family

This session is just too sweet. Meet Stephen, Elizabeth and soon to be Baby Clark. This sweet couple met with me just weeks before their due date so we could document their last few moments as a twosome.

Having just celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary, these two are still basking in that newlywed glow. Adding a baby to the mix Has just made their smiles brighter.

We were supposed to meet at the Dallas Arboretum for a day of walking around the park but to our dismay, the park was closing early on the day we had chosen. So, we rallied and improvised. I met the Clark Family at the Filter Building on White Rock Lake directly across from the Arboretum.

Though we wouldn’t have as many florals, I promised these guys a variety of backdrops and I am happy to say that we managed to capture a lot of different settings for them. But who cares about the background when Ms Elizabeth was rocking that baby bump?!? Seriously? Could she be more beautiful. I have to admit I was a bit envious when I saw her rocking high heels at 36 weeks!

We worked our way down to the lake and managed to pass this gorgeous tree. I couldn’t not stop for a few photos in front of this massive piece of art. The light shone down on them and these two had no problem posing lovingly beneath its hearth.

They made little requests here and there but other than that, these guys were so easy to work with. I should have expected their laidback nature seeing that they have not found out their baby’s gender! Which I love so much! You only get so many surprises in life and these guys have embraced that mindset with an effortless grace. Though you can tell Elizabeth is getting a bit antsy about finding out whether a baby boy or girl is joining their tribe, this couple seems ready to welcome their bundle of joy.

Word on the street is that Baby Clark will be making his or her arrival any day, literally, any day, like today or tomorrow so join me in congratulating this happy duo soon-to-be trio as they navigate the most exhausting and exhilarating journey by bringing their sweet baby into the world. Best Wishes and Baby Bliss to the Clark Family! We will be praying for a healthy and happy delivery!

 

If you would like to book your unique Maternity Session in either Southwestern Pennsylvania or in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, shoot me (Angelina) an email at therustienailhead@gmail.com.

Colleyville, Texas Portrait Session: Mommy + Me

I am so excited to share this sweet Mother-Daughter Portrait Session with you guys! My sweet friend, Cassie, graciously agreed to a photo shoot with her adorable daughter, Finley, for my Mother’s Day promos and I could not be more in love with the results!

For awhile now, I have wanted to do a Portrait Session at this one particular spot in Colleyville, Texas. There is an old farm house and a bright red BNFS train that sits stationary in the yard nearby. To boot, the field surrounding the train, the tracks and the house is filled with Texas wildflowers so I knew this would be the perfect spot to set up shop.

The bluebonnets, sweet pea and Indian paintbrush were in full bloom at the end of April and I wanted to capture this duo having a little fun flower-picking. We started out in front of the train for a few quick shots and made our way to the nearby farmhouse. It was super bright at 6:30 so I was on a hunt to find some shade until the sun began to set a bit.

As that Golden Hour set in, little Miss Finley’s personality began to shine. She had brought two dresses, one with pink lace and the other, a white chiffon with pink and black anemones adorning the pleats. Both coordinated so well with her Mama’s bohemian chic maxi dress. I just loved the embroidering on her top and the way both dresses complimented the wild grown sweet peas.

Fin managed to find a few daisies to pick and both Mama and daughter posed with the delicate bouquet among the wildflowers. They manged to not only create a path that wouldn’t destroy any of the natural surroundings but to avoid the path of the bees humming around as well.  I think it’s fair to say that both these two have little hippie hearts.

We left the flowers just as the sun began to hide behind the treeline and as the last few rays passed over the leaves, these girls braved the tracks. Fin was her adorable, ham of a self. She was using the tracks as a balance beam and Cassie lovingly helped her daughter regain her balance.

As usual, these girls knocked it out of the park. Just check out their first family session here. I love that I get to photograph my sweet friends with their little ones and I cannot wait for the chance to get them in front of my lens again. There’s no greater joy in the creative world than watching the people you love become comfortable with your craft and that is definitely the case with this gang! Thanks for another beautiful session girls!

Family Portrait Session in Keller, Texas: The Smith Family

Meet the Smith Family! These guys are no strangers to the blog, though it has been awhile since I have had them in front of the lens. They have been featured before during our Christmas season Mini Sessions with a few other cousins! This go-around would be a little different, just the immediate family for a stroll in the park.

 

We met at Bear Creek Park in Keller, Texas for a few family portraits close to sunset. Thank goodness for daylight savings because we we’re able to have a late (7:15) start time for shooting. I knew we would be cutting it close with the kids getting off school and getting everyone ready but this way we all had a little leeway for that golden hour!

 

As usual, this tight nit group wasted no time filling me in on what they’ve been up to this last year. Between vacations, birthday parties and band concerts, these guys have been busy! 13 years of marriage, 3 kids and a bunch of after school activities will do that to ya!

 

We hung by the water for a few fun shots of the whole family first. I like to get these photos done first because 1-everyone looks there best in the beginning and 2-we always get the best smiles when everyone is comfortable and relaxed. I was glad to get the big shots out of the way first.

 

Ian was his usual self. Like any typical boy, he brought a ball along to play with and even tried to jump in the pond after he almost lost it. Dad helped him out and we managed to keep all the kids dry.  Though quiet and reserved, this kid is always keeping this crew on their toes. Whether he’s throwing the baseball around or climbing to the highest branch on a tree, there is no stopping him once his mind is set on something.

 

Then there’s Kylie! She is so much more grown-up than the last time I saw her. She showed up in this adorable blue and white striped off the shoulder top and a red rose floral headband. I was so impressed by her. She is involved in her school’s band and has a bunch of good girlfriends she loves hanging with. I found myself being envious of my preteen days, when it was all sleepovers and late night calls with your besties. Those were the days!

 

The last one for close-ups was Avery! This little girl is just the sweetest. She arrived in style, wearing a blue and white striped dress, jean jacket and some seriously killer red heels. What a babydoll. She is most definitely the ham in her family. She was doing cartwheels and running around in the flowers. She is always a joy to be around and I was glad to have some one on one time with her.

 

Our last stop was this massive tree near the pond. I joked that I had been saving this tree just for them and in a way, I had. They all just lined up by it and these shots were the result! The kids loved jumping on it and I just love the way the light reflects off the water onto this bunch. I always enjoy hanging out with Crystal, her husband and kids and I hope we have the chance to do it again!

Colleyville, Texas Portrait Session: Meet the Montgomerys

Meet the Newlyweds, Larry and Mary Beth Montgomery! These two crazy kids tied the knot just a little over a week ago and we had the chance to document the last few days of their engagement. These guys had been in my books for quite some time but the weather in Texas just wasn’t agreeing with our schedules. No worries though! Just as they were approaching the finishing line, the sky cleared up and we ended up shooting their engagement photos on the first really nice spring day in North Texas!

Larry had purchased this session for his then-girlfriend over Christmas. He knew that she would love to have a few photos taken of her with her little boy, Liam. Little did she know that Larry would propose shortly after and this session would become their first shoot as a Family of 3!

After checking the weather for several weeks and praying for a day without rain, we decided to meet just 7 days before their “I-Dos” at the Colleyville Nature Center. Mary Beth had stressed that she wanted nature to be a the forefront of importance in their portraits because both Larry and Mary Beth lead active lifestyles. Located smack dab in the middle of the metroplex, the Nature Center would be an awe-inspiring backdrop. Spring had just begun and the flowers were blooming all over the park.

They arrived in style. Seeing that they were so close to the big day, Mary Beth had arranged to have her Hair & Make Up Trial that morning and she showed up looking fabulous! I fell in love with her skirt and the simple black off the shoulder top was a beautiful complement to her jeweled necklace and long dark locks!

To boot, the boys were  dressed simple, casual and so very perfect. Larry brought a classic neutral gray suit jacket to wear over his button down and Liam looked picture-perfect with his black and white gingham backwards hat and red corduroys. It was the perfect combination of style and laidback glam.

DID I MENTION THE ROCK ON HER FINGER? Holy moly, it is gorgeous. It is shiny and beautiful and looks oh-so perfect on her freshly manicured fingers! I even gave Larry a High Five! Good Job Buddy!

We strolled around the park stopping underneath fresh blooms and by the various waterways that surround the Nature Center for  photos of this sweet new family. If truth be told, it seemed to me like they had been a family for quite some time.

Liam really loves his Mama. It’s hard not to notice the way he looks at her. But, he really admires Larry too. You can tell. He looks up to him and has this ease about playing and joking with his StepDad that comes with an air of trust and respect. It made my heart so happy to see them all lovingly holding hands and embracing this new journey they were about to take off on.

Our last stop was by the ponds. I had promised Liam that he could take a few photos. I try do this with all my sessions because you would be amazed at the authenticity of the smiles you get when the little ones become the one behind the lens. Liam had Larry dipping his Mom and was posing her all kinds of funny ways.  He really enjoyed himself and I was glad to see his perspective documented so naturally.

I had asked them to bring a blanket to sit on. This is usually an easy photo. Not with these guys though. I was crying laughing at Larry on that blanket. He could not get comfortable to save his life. We tried so hard to make it work and in the long run, the photos were really cute but only they and I will know what a struggle that blanket was. Larry kept tipping over and wrestling to get comfy. Liam and Mary Beth couldn’t keep it together while watching him struggle. I hope that in 20 years from now, these guys still laugh at that memory that way I do.

Congratulations to the Montgomerys! I could not be happier for you guys! I wish you a wonderful and prosperous life together and I appreciate you allowing me the opportunity to document this very special time in your lives!

Dallas-Fort Worth Holiday Portrait Sessions: The Fogle Family

Meet the Fogle Family! These guys are longtime friends. In fact, Mr. Norris and I vacationed with these guys long before their two little ones were a part of the picture. We met Cassie and Zach almost 10 years ago on my first trip to Texas.

After meeting these guys, we all jumped on a plane and headed out on a weeklong adventure in the Panamanian rainforest. Cassie and I kayaked the Canal, Zach and Russ drank at the swim-up bar and we all hiked to the Ya-Ya Waterfall for a dip in the heart of the jungle. That trip was so fun because we all got to get to know one another in such a fun setting. It was a trip full of memories that I will cherish forever and I am so glad that all these years later, we all get to still hang out!

Cassie reached out not too long ago about booking a Family Portrait Session at their home and I was happy to oblige. I love in-home sessions because everyone is so relaxed and natural in their own setting. The bonus is that the Fogle Family Home is so awesome. These guys are adventurers and their two little ones (Falin and Finley) have a plethora of  fun stuff to do right in their own backyard.

We started out in the front yard. Cassie and Zack had built some pretty amazing Christmas decorations including a huge tree and a bunch of candy canes that would be perfect for a Christmas Card photo. Mom and Finley even busted out a little “watch me Whip, Watch me Ney-Ney” moves.

The kids were adamant that every member of the family should be in the shoot so as their cat, Boomerang and their pup, Leiney, made their way over to us, we made sure to snuggle them both for a few photos. I love that the kids wanted to take so many photos with their pets. Falin said to me at one point, “Can you please take a picture of me and my dog? Doesn’t he look so cute right now?” And yes, he did.

AND I TOTALLY FORGOT…They have CHICKENS! So, of course, we had to include them in the shoot. Popcorn made his way over and once the kids had chased them down, it was time to love on these hens for a little bit. Finley had me cracking up. She even threw the chicken at me at one point but no joke, it’s my favorite photo of the bunch!

Once I had grabbed enough photos of just the kids, we moved onto Mom and Dad. Cassie and Zach are so cute it’s crazy.  These smiles are genuine and I love that after all these years, these two still have that magic together. And yes, I may or may not have asked Zach to whisper the ABCs in her ear as seductively as possible.

After these two were done fooling around, the kids and pets all jumped in for a few more family shots around their fire pit in the backyard. We were nearing the end of the kids’ patience so we had to hurry but I just love the way these turned out. Zach and Cassie built an enormous pergola with swings all the way around their fire pit and it played the perfect backdrop to end our session.

As usual, I had a blast with these guys! I always look forward to spending a little time with them and I really look forward to watching this family grow in love! Keep a lookout for another feature because Mom, Cassie, and I did a little side project after their shoot and I cannot wait to tell you a little but more about Cassie and what she’s been up to these days!

DECEMBER ONLY SPECIAL: $100 Portrait Session Gift Certificates that you can use in 2018 towards a 30 minute session, print release and online gallery with downloadable PIN and a Blog Spotlight for sharing with Friends and Family! Email Angelina at therustienailhead@gmail.com to inquire purchasing and packages!