McIntyre Family {Portraits}

You might already know Nick and Sarah. They're the talented artists behind Exaggerface face painting, whom I got a chance to work with earlier in the year at a birthday party. Sarah is also an amazing painter. Oh, and Nick's dad is Santa Claus. Seriously. So you might say the've got it all going for them and that they have an amazing life. Some might even hate them for that. If you're one of those people, you might want to stop reading right now because their family portrait images might just make your head explode.

Sarah was due any day when we shot these images on a crisp November morning. She was a great model and a great sport as I had her romp, stand then sit in the tall grass. Steam rose for the pond behind her, creating a surreal and beautiful landscape. Oh. My. Gosh.

Then Nick and their son, Greyson, got in on the action and the shoot went from being spectacularly beautiful to all-out fun as they ran and played and I tried my best to make my camera keep up.

Nick and Sarah's baby girl was born just a few days after we shot these photos. I feel truly blessed not only to know this awesome family, but to have had the privilege of capturing this beautiful and tender time in their family's life.

See more images from this shoot at http://www.jamespharaon.com/mcintyrefamily

Nelda & Karl {Married}

Nelda and Karl's wedding has been a blessing in so many ways. It's a blessing that they found each other and that they spend so much time giving to others. They were married in Austin, Texas on Mount Bonnell at sunset on a beautiful autumn Texas day. Surrounded by a handful of friends and family, they said "I do" as rays of beautiful golden sun enveloped them. It was simply breathtaking.

But that's only part of their amazing story.

That story is not mine to tell, but you might notice from the photos that Nelda isn't wearing a traditional wedding dress. The dresses that she, her daughter and granddaughters are wearing were custom made by The Freed Jubilee Market, which gives women who are rescued from sexual slavery a way to restore their lives and to have their dignity restored.

After the ceremony, the entire group headed to Asti, a local restaurant, for a private dinner and reception and some of the tastiest food I've ever eaten. 

Nelda and Karl's day was filled with love, laughter and life in a way that was deeply moving.

Thanks you, Karl and Nelda for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful day. May your lives together be long, happy and full of life.

Thanks also to my amazing second-shooter on this wedding, without whom I literally could not have captured this full day. Heather Robards of Fields of Heather Photography is simply awesome!

To see more from this wedding or to order prints, visit http://www.jamespharaon.com/yawbuckmanwedding

Parker Family {Portraits}

These images are very special to me because these are some of our family's best friends ever. It's not hyperbole to say that I wouldn't be where I am today without Matt - he got me interested in photography, taught me how to use a flash and let me borrow his video camera so I could get started doing video. And as if that weren't enough, he and Lauren are the most gracious, genuine people and parents you'll ever hope to meet. They're love for each other, for their kids and for God shines through everything they do. And then there's their stinkin' beautiful kids... Thank you, Parkers, for everything you do for our family - for your friendship, support and love. I hope these images bless you for years to come as you bless others around you.

See more form this session at http://www.jamespharaon.com/parkerfamilyportraits