Jul
15

JW Marriott Wedding

I hadn’t had the opportunity to work with Chrystina of Straughan Photography in almost two years when she asked me to help her second shoot this JW Marriott wedding in the San Antonio hill country. But, when she asked and I was available, I immediately jumped on it. I always love getting out and helping my fellow colleagues any time I can.

groom watching his bride-to-be approach the altar

As mostly customary for a second shooter, I got to hang out with the groom and groomsmen before the ceremony. They were a lot of fun—typical groomsmen—cutting on each other, making jokes, and eluding to punch lines I had no understanding of (probably thankful).

groomsmen having fun pre-ceremony at a JW Marriott wedding in San Antonio, Texas

JW Marriott Wedding—San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

This hill country wedding was super gorgeous! The ceremony took place in the Wedding Pavilion which overlooks the 18th green of the AT&T Oaks Golf Course. You can literally see hills for miles. Such a pretty landscape.

bride loses her veil during the recessional at a JW Marriott wedding

My favorite parts of Michele and Will’s wedding night were probably the cigar roller, the fact that the dance floor was never empty and their glow stick exit. The only mishap of the entire day, as far as I could tell, was when Michele’s veil didn’t want to stay on during the recessional. But it made for a good image. And, she kept on trucking… didn’t even seem to bother her.

wedding ceremony guests shot by a san antonio wedding photographer

I also love when the ceremony guests are asked to bless the couple. Definitely one of my favorite parts of a ceremony… well, besides the kiss. (If any photo geeks are reading, this was shot at f22.)

cold sparkers during first dance at JW Marriott wedding reception

The couple’s parents planned the surprise indoor sparklers for their first dance. They also planned a getaway car! The couple had no idea about either happening on their wedding night.

wedding grand exit in a classic car

The last thing I would like to say is that this wedding was the third time I’ve had a camera unexpectedly stop working in the middle of a wedding ceremony since 2010. Noteworthy… twice it has been Nikon’s flagship (most expensive) model. The moral of the story is to always hire a photographer who has backup gear!

Enjoy some of my favorite images from this JW Mariott hill country wedding then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

If you’d like to see more images from this Texas hill country wedding at the JW Marriott, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD. 

Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.

About Ata-Girl

I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I cater to outdoor-loving couples who prefer to have all the realness captured on their wedding days. I am the wedding photographer for the outdoor adventurers, the romantics, the laid back, the snugglers, and those who wish to capture all their realness.

I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of.

Mar
11

The Paniolo Ranch

I did not visit this gorgeous Texas hill country wedding venue on the most beautiful day, but there was NO hiding the beauty of this gem despite the gloomy overcast.

[Tweet “Paniolo Ranch Event Center, Bed & Breakfast & Spa”]

When I first read the venue’s tagline—Marries Hawaiian Luxuries and Lone Star Traditions—I had to figure out how. Paniolo, in Hawaiian, means a person who herds cattle; a cowboy.

paniolo ranch texas hill country wedding venue san antonio wedding photographers

This gorgeous hill country venue is situated amid 100 acres and basically every direction your eyes look, you can see jaw-dropping Texas landscapes. The indoor reception hall and outdoor ceremony site are surrounded by beauty. You really get a sense of seclusion here. If you’re looking for a texas hill country wedding venue that is isolated and remote, yet still very beautiful and modern—this IS IT!

I absolutely loved the large windowed-doors that allowed the allure of the outdoors to seamlessly flow inside. I adored the mixture of wrought-iron chandeliers with ultra-modern pin lighting. (I don’t need to mention the shiny, reflective, perfectly-polished floors, do I?)

paniolo ranch texas hill country wedding venue san antonio wedding photographers

And, I just considered the very large wrap-around porches gravy at this point!

paniolo ranch texas hill country wedding venue san antonio wedding photographers

Paniolo Ranch Event Center, Bed & Breakfast & Spa

Okay, so what other facts do you need to know about the Paniolo Ranch Event Center as it relates to your wedding planning?

  • can accommodate up to 250 guests
  • round tables and Chiavari chairs are included
  • features some of the best hill country views in the area directly from the ballroom and magical bridal suite (you have to see to believe, pictured below)
  • there is open-air ceremony seating and indoor reception seating
  • breakfast is included with some packages; spa services also available
  • the ranch also has five (5) B&B accommodations on-site and offers a 10% discount when you book both
  • the ranch B&B can sleep 26 guests
  • bride and groom getting-ready rooms
  • swimming pool and heated jacuzzi
  • your way or all-inclusive options for weddings
paniolo ranch texas hill country wedding venue san antonio wedding photographers

If you’re looking for that perfect hill country wedding venue and you’d like to arrange your own tour at The Paniolo Ranch Event Center, Bed & Breakfast & Spa with Judy or Hunter, you can reach out here:

Here are some more images to further illustrate my points of how wonderful this Texas wedding venue, Paniolo Ranch, is:

Many thanks to my uber-talented and very beautiful friend Sonia, over at Aria Productions, for sharing one of her images she captured on the venue tour with me and allowing me to include it herein.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!


Let’s hangout! I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.
san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010

I am San Antonio’s most unique wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

I am a full-time, internationally-awarded and WPPI-C certified professional wedding and senior photographer based in South Texas near San Antonio. I offer a premier and personal service coupled with an unforgettable photography experience. I cater to clients who appreciate quality photography and help them to create family heirlooms that will last for generations.

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journey and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love to spend my spare time hiking, camping, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and Prince. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of!

The post, Paniolo Ranch—a Boerne Area Wedding Venue, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Mar
09

The Milestone in New Braunfels

When Noah and Martina were forced to have an indoor ceremony at the Milestone of New Braunfels, they handled it like champs. This unplanned detour might have sent a lot of brides into panic mode, but not Martina. She didn’t seem bothered by the rain that was slowly saturating everything outdoors. The only thing she seemed concerned with was that she was getting to marry Noah. (And besides, everyone knows that rain on your wedding is an old superstitious blessing. It means that your marriage will be blessed by fertility.)

groom getting dressed at The Milestone New Braunfels

I had the honor of shooting this hill country wedding at the Milestone in Boerne by working alongside Sara, from Sara Griffin Photography, as her second shooter. As her second shooter, my main task is to cover and document everything that happens with the groom prior to the ceremony. I actually enjoy this a lot, because when I’m shooting my own weddings, this is something that I always miss out on.

indoor ceremony, rain plan at The Milestone New Braunfels

The rain made the first look and little challenging because we had to shoot under the protection of the patio roof. So we were basically shooting in an “outdoor hallway.” I was Sara’s second, plus there were two videographers, making a total of four people trying to capture this moment. We had to be super diligent and extra cautious not to get into each other’s shots during such a tender moment. I decided to capture the moment from the rain so that I’d have a vantage point that no one else had under the porch.

The Milestone New Braunfels: a Texas Hill Country Wedding Venue

first look, groom getting emotional

Again, despite the icky rain and despite the obstacles, we were facing, all that mattered was that Noah and Martina were getting married. Noah seemed so happy that this day was finally here.

bride and groom first look creative session

When the DJ finally opened up the floor, the action was non-stop! There was one dance-off after another.

texas wedding reception

The evening concluded with a last, private dance for Martina and Noah to close the night…

bride and groom last dance at The Milestone New Braunfels

…and a bubble exit.

wedding bubble exit in new braunfels

Enjoy some of my favorite images from this Milestone Boerne, hill country wedding then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

If you’d like to see even more images from this Milestone Boerne, hill country wedding, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD. 

Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.

About Ata-Girl

I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I cater to outdoor-loving couples who prefer to have all the realness captured on their wedding days. I am the wedding photographer for the outdoor adventurers, the romantics, the laid back, the snugglers, and those who wish to capture all their realness.

I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of.

Feb
27

Einsenhower Park Engagement

Ajia didn’t expect to find her future husband at a job she took during nursing school at TAMUCC in 2015, but that’s what happened. Even though she had worked with Joe for the previous six months, it was during a pool party that she had a chance to talk with him and discover how much they actually had in common.

A few months after the pool party, Joe asked Ajia out on a first official date… followed by many other dates which were at the beach or at a restaurant making for one great summer. Then one very early morning at Denny’s, Joe thought it would be a great idea if Ajia would be his girlfriend. Ajia agreed and the rest is history.

Eisenhower Park Engagement Photos

The two would date for the next four-and-a-half years before deciding to tie the knot.

Nearly three years later, on New Year’s Eve, when Joe and Ajia spent the holiday with their respective families in different cities, Joe realized how much Ajia meant to him. It was at this precise moment he decided he would propose to Ajia and even confided in his mom.

[Tweet “Eisenhower Park Engagement Photos”]

He drove back to San Antonio and immediately purchased an engagement ring.

However, it wasn’t until May 2019 when the two enjoyed a cruise with Ajia’s family that Joe actually planned to carry out the proposal. He wanted this moment to be extra special and he thought the cruise would be the perfect moment. Ajia’s whole family was on the cruise, aware of Joe’s intent, and kept the secret.

After seven long days, the last stop was in Cozumel and the proposal had not yet happened. The boat docked and Ajia, Joe and Ajia’s family walked around on the streets. While Ajia went to a nearby bar to grab a few adult beverages, Joe enlisted the help of some street performers and asked them to incorporate Ajia into their routine.

The performance was flawless. With a large crowd watching and cheering at the end, Joe started to help Ajia up, but instead kicked off his sandals, dropped to a knee and popped the question.

The crowd cheered more loudly and went crazy! People were recording what was happening… taking pictures, Instagramming® and Snapchatting® the whole proposal.

Ajia, Joe and her family capped off the proposal with more excitement by enjoying some 4×4’ing, speed boat riding, a fancy dinner and then clubbing on the cruise ship.

Ajia and Joe will wed later this year on September 26, 2020.

I LOVE that Ajia and Joe included Presley in their engagement session! Presley is an 11-year-old white Siberian Husky. About four years ago, Ajia and Joe’s roommate found her on craigslist. They met her and immediately fell in love with her. Presley is an old woman at heart but loves going on beach trips, hikes, and just relaxing at the house with Ajia and Joe.

Enjoy some more of my favorite images from this Eisenhower Park engagement session then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

If you’d like to see all the images from this Eisenhower Park engagement session, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD. 

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!


Let’s hangout! I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.
san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010

I am San Antonio’s most unique wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

I am a full-time, internationally-awarded and WPPI-C certified professional wedding and senior photographer based in South Texas near San Antonio. I offer a premier and personal service coupled with an unforgettable photography experience. I cater to clients who appreciate quality photography and help them to create family heirlooms that will last for generations.

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journey and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love to spend my spare time hiking, camping, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and Prince. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of!

The post, Eisenhower Park Engagement Photos, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Feb
12

Denman Estate Engagement

Denman Estate was the perfect location for Areli (Elle) and Victor’s engagement session for so many reasons, but I’ll give you two before I tell you about their whole love story. One, it was the place they would enjoy together when they would unwind after a particularly difficult workweek, and two, it was the place that Victor took Elle back to so he could surprise propose to her.

denman estate engagement session san antonio wedding photographers

[Tweet “Denman Estate Engagement”]

Elle and Victor first met in 2009 at Texas A&M. After that first random meeting, they would occasionally run into each other but the two never quite developed a connection.

In late 2013, they had a chance encounter in San Antonio—nearly 200 miles from where they had first met. That night they exchanged numbers and started talking often and quickly realized they enjoyed a lot of the same things. Elle and Victor built their friendship on a similar love for humor, movies and old Nickelodeon® cartoons. They’d always make it a habit to go see the latest Marvel® movies together, grab dinner, then hang out afterward just to talk about the movie, or All That or Hey Arnold—two of their favorite Nickelodeon cartoons.

For the next four years, they saw each other through a fair share of failed relationships, but through all that, they were always able to still remain friends.

In the spring of 2017, Elle and Victor were both single and started to spend more time with each other. In July, the two scheduled their usual “date” to watch the latest Marvel movie, Spider-Man Homecoming.

For the first time since 2009, they saw something different in each other… something more than just a friend and by August their relationship was official.

Denman Estate Engagement

Since making it official, they would always go for walks or short hikes when Elle had a weekend off. The place they seemed to visit most frequently was Denman Estate Park.

Just like any other Saturday, Elle and Victor slept in and then enjoyed a late breakfast followed by a walk. This particular morning, Elle was not in the mood for a walk but Victor insisted and encouraged her by saying that the walk would make her feel better.

denman estate engagement session san antonio wedding photographers

The two walked a few laps around the park. After Elle mentioned that she would like to see more of the ducks, Victor suggested that they walk out onto the peninsula.

As the two approach the peninsula, Victor started to describe some random YouTube® video he had recently watched. Elle was confused by his story but listened. Victor went on to narrate about some guy and the plans he and his girlfriend had made for the day. Continuing, Victor said that the guy was talking to his girlfriend about life… and it was at this exact point that something in Victor’s voice changed. There was a hint of a quiver. Elle sensed Victor’s nervousness but still didn’t realize that anything was out of the ordinary. Then, Victor said that the guy in the video said,

Will you marry me…(long pause) Ellie?”

Victor
denman estate engagement session san antonio wedding photographers

This was no longer a video.

Elle immediately recognized the video was not on YouTube at all. This is a story about Elle and Victor and Victor is proposing… here in the park… on the peninsula… in front of the ducks and all the other people who have decided to walk this morning.

Elle said, “Oh my god, Oh my god, Oh my god, Oh my god!” Then she realized she hadn’t said yes, and followed with, “YES!!!”

There were cheers and applause from all the other park-goers.

denman estate engagement session san antonio wedding photographers

I got engaged in a Buc-ee’s shirt and leggings which oddly enough happened to be the exact outfit I wore the first time I hung out at his house.

Elle

Elle and Victor will be getting married on January 16, 2021 at the Club at Garden Ridge.

Enjoy some of my favorite images from Elle and Victor’s Denman Estate engagement session then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

If you’d like to see all the images from this Denman Estate engagement session, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD. 

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!


Let’s hangout! I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.
san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010

I am San Antonio’s most unique wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

I am a full-time, internationally-awarded and WPPI-C certified professional wedding and senior photographer based in South Texas near San Antonio. I offer a premier and personal service coupled with an unforgettable photography experience. I cater to clients who appreciate quality photography and help them to create family heirlooms that will last for generations.

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journey and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love to spend my spare time hiking, camping, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and Prince. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of!

The post, Denman Estate Engagement Session, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Jan
22

Mobile Meeting Space

For years, I had a studio just west of downtown San Antonio. Late last year, with a pretty heavy heart, I decided it was best to give up for a number of reasons and create another way that potential clients could visit a San Antonio photographer.

The biggest two reasons were that I was finding myself conducting more meetings than shooting in this space and though the building was super cute and super chic, it was not in the most ideal neighborhood.

mobile meetup space office atagirl photography san antonio wedding photographers _4S25171

For a minute, I tried unsuccessfully to create a group of wedding professionals who would be willing to share an office space in a more affluent part of town. That also didn’t pan out.

My Mobile Meeting Space

Then, one morning while drinking coffee (my fuel for the day), it suddenly dawned on me that I have the perfect office sitting right in my driveway!

Not only do I have a private “office” that has its very own private kitchen and bathroom, but I can also take this office anywhere that is convenient for my clients. It’s super private, super accessible, and super handy!!

mobile meetup space office atagirl photography san antonio wedding photographers _4S25172

If you need to meet outside your office during your lunch hour? No problem.

If you need to meet before yoga outside your gym? No problem.

If you need to meet around the corner from your house? No problem.

We can also tag team these meetings by scheduling outside your venue or with other wedding professionals you have hired. That way, you don’t have to run all over town, fighting traffic, wasting gas (and time), and stressing out while trying to nail down all your wedding plans.

The best thing about having this mobile meeting space: we can have water, coffee, IPAs or wine in a quiet, private space and not have to talk over other patrons or worry if we’ll have to share the table!

mobile meetup space office atagirl photography san antonio wedding photographers _4S25177

My open house is scheduled for January 29 from 11 am to 4 pm—weather permitting. Come see me at 1421 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio (near the frontage road between SSFCU and Chic-Fil-A)!

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!


Let’s hangout! I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.

Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.

About Ata-Girl

I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I cater to outdoor-loving couples who prefer to have all the realness captured on their wedding days. I am the wedding photographer for the outdoor adventurers, the romantics, the laid back, the snugglers, and those who wish to capture all their realness.

I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of.

Dec
04

Baseball-Themed Engagement

This San Antonio baseball-themed engagement session was a no brainer. Seriously. There is not one single location that would have been a better backdrop for these two lovebirds to celebrate their upcoming marriage.

When Sammantha and Colby first met on January 4, 2016, the two probably did not ever fathom that their story would end in marriage. Sammantha had come back to her hometown of El Paso to work an internship and had just finished her undergrad and was preparing to begin law school the coming fall. Colby was more than 2,000 miles away from his home of upstate New York working for a new triple-A baseball team. Sammantha admitted that, initially, there was no love lost between the two.

However, that didn’t last long. The season required extra long hours at the field… hours that started as the sun approached the horizon and ended long, long after it set. Sammantha’s internship with the El Paso Chihuahua’s was not only giving her the benefit of work experience, it was also allowing her to form an incipient friendship with Colby—a friendship that would grow into something more substantial over the course of a 64-game grueling schedule.

San Antonio Baseball-Themed Engagement

For seven months, the two worked tirelessly beside each other, enjoyed each other’s company, went on lunch dates, happily endured sarcasm and wit… then on Independence Day, they made this thing officially official.

[Tweet “San Antonio Baseball-Themed Engagement”]

But shortly after, the two came to a crossroads. Sammantha was going to law school in San Antonio, and Colby would be taking a job with the Oklahoma City Dodgers. For a while, this long-distance relationship worked. Colby would make the 467-mile trip as often as he could and Sammantha would reciprocate and head north during as many school breaks as she could.

But eventually, they fell into a place where this was no longer sufficient. Colby began looking for jobs in San Antonio and scored one with the San Antonio Spurs. He immediately moved south.

When Sammantha graduated from law school, Colby knew it was finally time. Though they had already celebrated this major milestone with her family, Colby insisted she celebrate privately with him. Despite her pleas for a quiet weekend on the couch in loose-fitting clothing watching nothing but junk TV, Colby twisted her arm just long enough to get her out of the house so that certain preparations could be made. The two enjoyed dinner at Fratello’s.

As they returned home, Sammantha heard a commotion outside on the back porch. When she stepped outside, she was surprised by friends and family standing there—friends and family not only from San Antonio, but from out of town too! They were on the back porch with votive candles and a sign that asked, “Will you marry me?”

As I looked at the sign, Colby got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. My friends and family were there to witness and celebrate.

Sammantha

The two currently enjoy a life with five dogs—some of which have been rescued through fostering. They also have three fish, a snake, and have also adopted a neighborhood cat. Sammantha refers to the animals as their family circus. I’d refer to it as very soft, kind and caring hearts. They’re my kind of people for sure! Bennie, one of the dogs and the circus spokesanimal, is going to get the privilege of carrying their rings down the aisle. I can’t wait for this.

Enjoy some of my favorite images from this San Antonio baseball-themed engagement session then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

If you’d like to see all the images from this San Antonio baseball-themed engagement session, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD. 

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!


Let’s hangout! I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.
san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010

I am San Antonio’s most unique wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

I am a full-time, internationally-awarded and WPPI-C certified professional wedding and senior photographer based in South Texas near San Antonio. I offer a premier and personal service coupled with an unforgettable photography experience. I cater to clients who appreciate quality photography and help them to create family heirlooms that will last for generations.

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journey and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love to spend my spare time hiking, camping, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and Prince. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of!

The post, San Antonio Baseball-Themed Engagement, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Aug
01

Red, White & Blue Wedding Inspo

Independence Day is almost a month passed, but I couldn’t think of a more perfect time for sharing this red, white, and blue wedding theme inspiration.

A wedding styled in red, white, and blue could be used for a few different themes. Most evident, it could be used for a wedding occuring around July 4th, but just think of all the other themes this could satisfy.

red white and blue wedding inspiration helotes hill country wedding san antonio wedding photographers

[Tweet “Red, White & Blue Wedding Inspo”]

Here’s my list of ten less obvious reasons to incorporate this trio of colors into your wedding:

  • Your wedding date is near Veteran’s Day/November 11 (you want to make a tribute)
  • Your wedding date is near Flag Day/June 14 (you want to make a tribute)
  • Your wedding date is near Memorial Day/last Monday of May (you want to make a tribute)
  • One of you is active military or a veteran
  • You want a nautical theme
  • One of you recently became a U.S. citizen
  • One of you is a barber
  • Your wedding is happening during the Olympics
  • You just want to showcase your patriotism
  • In addition to celebrating anything related to The United States of America, you could also use these colors to celebrate the flags of Australia, Chile, France, the Netherlands, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the United Kingdom.
red-white-and-blue-wedding-inspiration-helotes-hill-country-wedding-san-antonio-wedding-photographers-_4S21778

In addition to characterizing the symbolism of the American Independence Day, I think that these colors (red, white, and blue) are resounding color companions. They contrast perfectly and are pretty flawless when used as a color palette. Seeing the three colors side by side always makes me proud to be an American and subtly reminds me of my time in the service. This color trio is powerful, warm, and spirited.

red-white-and-blue-wedding-inspiration-helotes-hill-country-wedding-san-antonio-wedding-photographers-_4S16012

Red, White & Blue Wedding Inspo

Enjoy some of my favorite images from this red, white, and blue styled shoot then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

If you’d like to see all the images from this red, white & blue wedding inspiration, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD. 

The incredibly talented wedding professionals who collaborated for this red, white and blue styled shoot were as follows:

Venue: The Oaks at Heavenly
Photographer: Ata-Girl Photography Co.
Planner/Coordinator: Timeless Moments by Design
Florist: from His garden
Stationer: Notable Design
Caterer: Heavenly Gourmet
Cake: Blanca’s Cakes
Gown: Bella Bridesmaids
Menswear: Rex Formal Wear
Jewelry: Diamonds Direct
Furniture Rentals: Buffalo Beach Trading Co.
Furniture Rentals: Vintage Lace Antique Boutique & Flower Shop
Models: Vanessa & Eduardo Martinez

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!


Let’s hangout! I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.
san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010

I am San Antonio’s most unique wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

I am a full-time, internationally-awarded and WPPI-C certified professional wedding and senior photographer based in South Texas near San Antonio. I offer a premier and personal service coupled with an unforgettable photography experience. I cater to clients who appreciate quality photography and help them to create family heirlooms that will last for generations.

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love to spend my spare time hiking, camping, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and Prince. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of!

The post, Red, White & Blue Wedding Inspo, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Mar
28

Tips for Table Shots

Have you ever considered how your reception seating can affect your photographs and your photographer’s ability to photograph your guests?

Before we even begin to discuss seating arrangements, you should know how many guests you will want or need to accommodate at your wedding and reception. So before you start venue shopping, have that number in mind.

[Tweet “Tips for Table Shots”]

You should already know that it is recommended to:

  • Make seating charts for guests of 50 or more
  • Start making your seating charts early
  • Group people who know each other together
  • Create charts that are easy to read
  • Don’t put all the single people awkwardly at the same table
  • Seat the older people further from the band, younger people (more likely to dance) closer to the band/DJ
  • Consider seating all the children together at one table, etc.
table shot tips for wedding receptions san antonio wedding photographers marriott riverwalk san antonio texas _4S21395

But let me tell you what you may not know. I want to let you in on some tips that can help you to make your images better, or at the very least, make it easier for your photographer to get more/better images of your guests.

Why do your tables and seating arrangements even matter? Because not everyone makes it out to the dance floor. You want a pretty complete and accurate photographic record of the guests who attended your reception, right? Then, it’s your job to create the best possible scenario in which your photographer can capture those guests. You want to set your photographer up for success!

Tips for Table Shots

To get these shots, your photographer has to visit each table, introduce themselves, usually make small talk, sometimes answer a few questions about camera gear, and then ask the guests for permission to take a picture. Photographers like to make quick work of this and typically will try to capture each table in one or two snaps. To help them achieve this task, make sure you:

  • Leave enough room on every side of the tables to move around/leave the tables (your guests will appreciate this too)
  • Don’t put more tables in your floor plan than your venue recommends; resist the temptation to squeeze tables together
  • Don’t place tables against a wall
  • Smaller-sized tables are easier to photograph than larger tables (i.e., 8’ round tables are better for table shots that 20’ rectangular/farm tables)
  • Consider how your centerpieces may affect your table shots; either place them lower to the level of the table or higher above people’s faces (this will also make it easier to your guests to converse across the table)
  • Table shots are best captured before guests are served while they are still clean
  • Be sure there is an allowance in the timeline to capture these table shots
    • If the guests are served a plated meal, the photographer can work the tables just ahead of the servers
    • If the guests are treated to a buffet, consider releasing the tables to the buffet line in some orderly fashion so the photographer can work the tables just ahead of this same schedule
    • Ideally, the table shots should happen before cake cutting; cake cutting is traditionally the silent cue that it is okay/polite to leave the reception
  • While most guests are cooperative when asked to take a shot for the newlyweds, some are extremely camera shy or reluctant and refuse; set up this expectation in your paper suite (or wedding day signage) by letting your guests know that your photographer will be taking table shots during the reception
  • Some couples prefer to visit each of the tables while the table shots are being taken; this also encourages the guests to be more cooperative
table shot tips for wedding receptions san antonio wedding photographers marquardt ranch boerne texas _4S20854

Pro Tip: When it comes to the shapes of tables most commonly used at receptions, you have four basic options: round, rectangle, oval and square. Generally, more people can be seated when using rectangular-shaped tables and it’s easier to talk across them. However, round tables are more traditional, give your guests more leg room, and are my personal favorite to photograph the table shots.

Are you curious about how to make a seating chart? There are a few online tools that can be used. Websites like AllSeated, WeddingWire, and WeddingMapper really take all the hard work out and make is so simple. These sites have the ability to drag and drop, customize pre-made templates, and even to try different table options. AllSeated even has a vast library of actual floor plans from venues. I logged in and created two very bad seating examples to give you an idea. Caveat: I am a photographer, not a planner or stylist. 

Here’s an example from Park 31 in Spring Branch.

tips for table shots at wedding reception san antonio wedding photographers Park 31 spring branch texas

In addition to the tables and chairs, you can also add bars, sofas, love seats, corner chairs, banquets, etc. AllSeated gives you a really good idea of how your floor plan will flow and what you will have comfortable room for.

Here’s an example from Firefly Farm in Wimberley.

tips for table shots at wedding reception san antonio wedding photographers Firefly Farm wimberely texas

The most important thing to remember is, if there is no room for your photographer to maneuver between tables to get table shots, you can probably forget about them.

The post, Tips for Table Shots, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Mar
06

Don’t be a Natalie

In today’s market, literally anyone can claim to be a wedding photographer. All you need is an entry-level DSLR and a Facebook business page.

Just this past week over dinner, I was talking about this issue with photographer friends. One admitted that even price can’t differentiate between good and bad photographers any more. He admitted that he’s personally received phone calls on the day of someone else’s wedding asking for off-camera flash advice… minutes before the grand entrance! This was not a $500 wedding photographer! This photographer regularly books weddings for $4,000!

how to avoid wedding photographer regret san antonio wedding photographers

Once again, I see a story making headlines about a upset bride who received subpar wedding images. This particular bride paid $250 to receive 100 images of her wedding. Natalie admits that she was on a budget, but that she had been planning her wedding since she was a little girl. She had to have a small wedding, but wanted everyone to see her pink wedding gown. I’m guessing she paid more for her gown than she did for her wedding images.

How did Natalie get in this dilemma? How could she have prevented this from happening? (Natalie is not pictured in this blog.)

How to Avoid Wedding Photographer Regret

First things first… how did this happen to her? 

  • Natalie probably shopped on price alone.
  • Natalie didn’t ask her friends for a referral.
  • Natalie wanted great pictures but didn’t want to pay for them.
  • Natalie did not properly research the photographer whom she hired.
  • Natalie placed a higher priority on other things and did not place a value on the photographs until AFTER the wedding.
how to avoid wedding photographer regret san antonio wedding photographers

How could she have prevented this?

  • Natalie could have asked friends, co-workers and other professionals (her dental hygienist, florist, or nail tech) for a referral. People love to help other people out and are willing to share information!
  • Natalie could have educated herself about the real cost of great wedding images. There’s so much more that goes into this, but basically, properly covering an eight-hour wedding is 40 or more hours of work. If someone is willing to do that for $250 or $6 an hour, then you should expect $6/hour quality. (That’s less than the pay to flip burgers!) And, don’t forget this $6 has to pay the photographer a salary plus run a business.
  • Natalie could have asked the photographer to see entire wedding coverages—not just taken into account her wedding portfolio, which I believe, turned out to not even belong to the photographer. Had she researched her photographer more thoroughly, she would have easily discovered her actual work did not match that in her portfolio. She may have also discovered that Natalie had illegally obtained and used those photos to promote her business. Ideally, you want to see entire wedding coverages from the same venue you’ll be having your wedding in. However, it is sometimes as equally beneficial to hire a photographer who has never shot at that venue before. This usually inspires creativity. At the very, very least, you want to see a photographer’s ability to cover a complete wedding from beginning to end whether or not they’ve shot at your specific venue.
  • Natalie could have planned ahead for great wedding photography! Many photographers will offer an interest-free payment plan. A photographer charging $5,000 for a wedding package paid out over 18 months will only cost you $278 per month. You probably spend that easily on eating out, drinks, mani/pedi trips, or clothes.
  • Natalie could have prioritized better. I believe that when you are planning your wedding, you need to prioritize and pay the most for what you value the most. If it’s most important to you that you have a really high-end, beautiful cake, then that’s where you should increase your budget. If it’s more important to you that everyone have plenty of alcoholic drinks, then that’s where you should splurge. However, you must also keep in mind that the only real way to preserve all the things you design your day around is with your photos and videos. A $25,000 photographer can make your $1,000 wedding look like it cost $25,000. A $1,000 photographer can make your $25,000 wedding look like it cost $1,000.
how to avoid wedding photographer regret san antonio wedding photographers

Clients just assume that because we are a photographer that we know how to perform all the tasks required to do a good job and that we are diligent with all those tasks. But, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Is there any profession where every single professional is fully and equally qualified?

Singers? Nope, there was Milli Vanilli. 

Investment advisors? Nope, there was Bernie Madoff.

Movie moguls? Nope, there was Harvey Weinstein.

Photographers? Nope, there was Queen Bee Photography.

The post, Don’t be a Natalie: How to Avoid Wedding Photographer Regret, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

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