BOGO Weddings! Say Whaaaaat?! Girls with Pearls Photography

Who doesn’t love a good sale?! Gotta friend that is engaged too? Bring her along for the GWP experience!  Book one wedding at regular price and the friend can book at 50% off! You can split the savings and both save BIG!

What is a bogo?!

Book One Get One wedding (at equal or lesser value) at half off! Grab a fellow engaged friend and share the discount!  For example; collection 3 is $4650 and includes up to 8 hours of coverage, 2 photographers, digital files from wedding, a portrait session with $200 print credit and an 10×10 tier 1 wedding album.  If your friend books the same package, a 50% discount is given and you can split the savings! That would bring each total to $3487.50 before tax!

IDK, maybe I should wait a while. . .

I wouldn’t do that if I were you! We have NEVER run a public promo like this before! Deals like this really won’t last long.

But, I don’t have any engaged friends. Can I still get a discount?

Not a problem! You can still get a 15% discount . . . However just keep in mind that we call EVERYONE WE MEET a friend! So you do not have to finish each other’s sentences to qualify 🙂

OKAY! I am ready to book . . . now what?!

Just drop us a line when you are ready to move forward and we will take it from there! Info@girlswpearls.com Still have questions? Ask away!

We are so very excited to start off 2016 with a bang! If you want to meet me (Jamie), I will be at the Oklahoma Wedding Show, this Saturday 1/16 from 10-4. Stop by and say “HI!” We can go over your wedding in detail and even book on the spot.  Any wedding that books this weekend will receive a wedding album upgrade of choice AND a custom coffee table book of your engagement session*.

*if applicable

Baby sister is having a baby | Maternity Session | Tulsa, OK | Girls with Pearls Photography

Not that long ago I posted about my little sister having a baby but now my BABY sister is having a baby! I am the oldest of three girls 🙂

Last weekend I took Kristin (baby sister) out and shot some maternity pictures here in Tulsa. . . Zach jumped in for a few too 🙂

THEN the golden hour kicked in and things were just beautiful 🙂

I love this tree!!

Isn’t she the sweetest little momma-to-be?!

She decided to be a little brave and pretty much do whatever I asked of her . . . sometimes a good idea and sometimes not . . . Earlier in the day while scouting this location I came across a little freshwater creek and I thought it would be so neat (if she was willing) to climb down into and shoot. I figured the water was flowing and clear so it wouldn’t be too bad . . . just cold!

I jumped in first to test things out and scared the little fish away. I had Zach hold my flashes for me and everything just came together perfectly 🙂

We also took a few out of the water too!

I can’t wait to meet my new niece!!

xoxo – Jamie

Girls with Pearls Photography | Tulsa, OK | Maternity Photographer

Ashton & Paul | 1.3.2015 | Nouveau Antique Art Bar | Houston, TX

Ashton and Paul married on the third of January, 2015 at the Nouveau Antique Art Bar in Houston, TX. We were introduced to Ashton via the sweet couple pictured below, Sarah and Gilbert.  These two were one of the first weddings we shot professionally (and God bless them for still speaking to us) and we’ve stayed in touch since.  They celebrated their anniversary yesterday!

Ashton and Paul arrived early in the day at the Magnolia Hotel to begin getting ready.  The morning was filled with family, and makeup, and food, and kids running around….but no stress.  Everyone enjoyed the moments leading up to the BIG moment.

The wedding was very 1920’s vintage glam and Ashton held on to that theme from the venue down to her shoes, dress and hair and makeup.

The earrings were a sweet gift from the groom.  They went perfectly with her dress.

Ashton and Paul decided to do a “first look” being that we would only have about 10 minutes of daylight left following their ceremony.  When Jamie and I prepare for the “first look” we try to scout out the best location; somewhere that has good light but is still private with little distractions so the couple can really soak in the moment.  That location happened to be the grooms suite in this instance.

Then it was time to begin portraits with the lovely couple.  We headed down to the lobby of the Magnolia Hotel and then outside to one of my favorite spots in Houston.

How much do you love these bridesmaid dresses?  And the hair?!

If you have never been to the Nouveau Antique Art Bar you should totally check it out.  It is a really neat place with lots of local art and a really neat atmosphere.  The ceremony and reception were both inside of the bar. There is a small stage that is usually a lounge area during normal hours of operation and it worked out perfectly for the ceremony.

You guys.  She popped her foot for the first kiss.  Adorable.

Immediately after the ceremony we rushed outside to shoot in the last ten minutes of light we had left.

Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the dance floor Mr. & Mrs. Ready.

The band the couple hired was amazing! Miss Jubilee and The Humdingers came all the way from St. Louis. Do yourself a favor and check out this youtube video. Seriously, do it.

Okay, so funny story.  The sister of our sweet couple pictured at the beginning of the post, is Rachel.  We have kept in touch with her as well.  She has two of the cutest kids ever…Noah and Ella….and guess what?!  Noah caught the garter and Ella caught the bouquet.

As the reception was drawing to a close, Ashton pulled me aside and asked me if we could go take a picture at a “special spot”.  She led me to a little couch on the stage where the ceremony was held and told me they had their first kiss on that very couch.  This was the moment that got me.  Tears.  It’s something different every wedding.  When I say I cry at every wedding we shoot, I’m not just saying that to tug at the heartstrings of a potential bride and groom.  I really DO cry at every wedding.  I can’t help it, I’m a romantic at heart.  Thanks a lot Jane Austin.

The wedding really could not have been more perfect.  The whole day was surrounded by friends and family and everyone pitching in and working together to make it a really special day for this great couple.  It was exactly what a wedding should be.  A celebration of a new life that is beginning.

Ashton and Paul, thank you for letting us capture your special day.  We really do consider it an honor being that you have an amazing photographer in the family….though he was a little busy walking you down the isle ;).  We wish you a million years filled with the joy you felt on your wedding day.

love.love.love.

The Girls

Lauren & Steve | New Year’s Eve Wedding | The Woodlands Resort

What better way to ring in the new year than to get married on New Year’s Eve and start the year out as husband and wife?  My in-laws were married on New Year’s Eve and they usually throw a party to usher in the new year and celebrate their anniversary.  I hope Lauren and Steve adopt a sweet tradition like that.

They were married at The Woodlands Resort.  The ceremony was being held out on the deck so Lauren chose a faux fur shrug to wear over her dress.  It was fabulous!

Check out those gold Kate Spade’s!  Those are going on my shoe bucket list.

The bride wasn’t the only one with cute shoes.  Nice touch Steve.

There were storm clouds in the sky, but the rain held off and we were able to do the “first look” outside.  This will always be one of my favorite moments at a wedding….followed only by the first time the bride’s father sees her in her dress.

Even though it was a cold winter day Lauren’s bright cheery flowers from The Blooming Idea really popped. 

As I said before, the ceremony was held out on the deck.  The strands of lights were magical against the black night.  Everything felt exciting.  These two were about to begin their new lives together as a new year was about to begin.

The ceremony was officiated by a friend of the couple who was also the husband of one of Lauren’s bridesmaids.  He did a wonderful job.  I found out later it was the first ceremony he had ever done.  Nailed it.

Now it was time to party!  This was the first wedding we have ever shot on NYE and I was so excited!  Really, though I was!  Usually on NYE we are celebrating at my in-laws by eating and putting together puzzles (they are party animals you guys) or we’re on the couch at home and I’m trying desperately not to fall asleep before the ball drops.

I wanna put on my-my-my-my-my boogie shoes.  Adorable.  Even more adorable, Steve picked them out for the both of them.

And then it was time for the big moment.  The countdown began and everyone cheered and kissed and it was magical. (*side note* every time there is a NYE countdown I think of the episode of Friends where Joey kisses his female roommate played by Elle Macphereson at a NYE event.  Then, when they try to kiss again later Joey can’t do it without counting down…3…2…1….  Remember that one?!)

Congratulations Lauren and Steve! We wish you happiness all of your days!  And I hope you can kiss without counting down 😉

love.love.love.

The Girls

Megan & Jonathan | The Woodlands United Methodist Church | The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

Megan and Jonathan were married on a beautiful autumn day at the Woodlands United Methodist Church.  

The courtyard off of the Robb chapel is probably one of my favorite portrait spots of any church we’ve been to.  It’s so beautiful and the light is always perfect.

I loved the neutral pallet Megan chose for her bridesmaids.  Each girl was able to customize the top of her dress by tying it in a different fashion.   As always, The Blooming Idea did a beautiful job on the flowers.

The kids in this wedding were all so adorable. I mean look at them. How cute are the flower girl dresses?

Look at the proud grandparents!

The groom and groomsmen went with a very classic look that everyone pulled off so well.  The groom wore a bow tie and the cuffs of his shirt were embroidered with his monogram, which I thought was nice touch.

Megan and Jonathan opted to keep things traditional and not see each other until the ceremony.  I always love the groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time, whether it’s when she’s walking down the isle or during the “first look”.

Immediately after the ceremony, we whisked Megan and Jonathan outside for some portraits.  We only had about 10 minutes of daylight left, but the light was so beautiful and golden.

Once portraits were completed it was off to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott for the reception.  That place has the best coffee just FYI.

I love when a first dance dip is executed perfectly!

Kiss The Cook Cakes designed the wedding cake.  I’m really sad I don’t eat grain anymore because their cakes are always so moist and delicious.

Congratulations Megan and Jonathan!  We wish you all of the love for all of your days.

love.love.love.

The Girls

Angela & Eric | Inn at Dos Brisas |Washington, Texas

So, I totally forgot to blog this wedding.  Which is like, “Wait, What?!” because it is so lovely.  I have three kids people….so I forgot a blog post….at least I didn’t leave one of my kids at the grocery store.  Wait…1, 2, 3….okay we’re good.

Angela and Eric were married at the beautiful Inn at Dos Brisas  in Washington, Texas near Chapel Hill, Texas.  This place is stunning.  There are nine Spanish-style haciendas on the property.  The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and they even have an organic garden on site where they grow vegetables and herbs to be used at the restaurant.

The day was beautiful.  It was a nice October day in Texas. October can go a couple of ways here in the Lone Star State.  It can be really hot, really cold or the third option which is cool and comfortable.  Here is the bride and groom during their first look:

 

Perfect. Angela wore a beautiful lace gown with cowboy boots. Moosefeathers Florist did an amazing job on all of the florals.

 

The ceremony was held inside one of the horse stables, which was perfect being that Angela loves horses and rides as well.

The reception was held out on the patio and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Hansen! We wish you a lifetime of love.

love.love.love.

The Girls

Baby Harlen and Richie| Home for the Holidays| Girls with Pearls Photography

Over the holidays my little family of three traveled to Texas to spend Christmas with my family. Of course we were all excited to see everyone but I was *mostly excited to see my new little nephew again!

I luff him!!

My mother loves us all so very much but in our absence she also loves her dogs (a little bit more) so they also get many Christmas presents. . . One of which was a new TEMPERPEDIC dog bed for Toby’s aching joints.  I asked very nicely if I could borrow it and I’m pretty sure he didn’t care much.  Not wanting to make a huge production, I just set it by a window and threw an old curtain I found over it so it was less dog bed-ie.

Harley didn’t seem to mind, though he was slightly frightened at first 🙂

“Whaaaat is going on here?”

Richie wasn’t sure what to do at first either. I told him to just lay next to him and tell him a story or something but then Harley decided to relieve a little pressure. . . we all giggled.

“yeah, that was someone over there”

Richie wanted to hold Harlen so I layed him on his chest. Harley was snuggling into position and Richie was trying to figure to what to do next . . . Then Harley tried to nurse on his shirt pocket!

“something doesn’t taste right”

Then. THEN. Then they both relaxed and be still my heart!

“this feels nice :)”

I just love them both so much.

My little impromptu dog-bed session that lasted all of twenty minutes (not counting diaper changing time) will forever be so special to me . . . I guess my mother and sister can share in this too. I guess 😉

 

xoxo – Jamie

 

My little sister had a baby: GWP birth photography

Everybody knows that babies only work on their own schedules. Well my sweet little nephew, Harlen Michael Broussard, was no exception . . . he made his way into this world a little early but not before I was able to make the nine hour (8 @ 80) drive from Tulsa to Houston. Alicia (Ah-lee-see-ah or ah-lee-sha, my sister) called me around 3:30 PM on 11.07.2014 and after picking up Richie, fixing dinner/packing road trip food and grabbing my baby sister, Kristin, I got on the road around 7:30 PM. Silly me thought that it was a good idea to wake up early that morning and have coffee with my husband so I had already been up since before 6 AM. . . I am NOT a morning person.

When we arrived, Alicia’s contractions were still several minutes apart and getting stronger. She had been at it since she called me the afternoon before. . . She was also going au’natural! We had made a pact months prior to this time to not let her breakdown and get the drugs unless things took a turn for the worse. I thought that was a simple job but as the morning progressed it was getting harder and harder to watch her in pain.

The delivery room quickly turned into a family affair. We took turns fanning her, holding hands and adding support to her feet as the contractions grew stronger. Alicia’s husband, Chris never left her side.

a family affair

Dad helped out too 🙂

“yes, i’m having a GREAT time” – Alicia

I know your having a baby but first “Lemme take a selfie”

She was very impressed.

Our Mom also never left her side.

Things were starting to get more intense so the Doctor came into check the progression . . . Dad had to wait behind the curtain 🙂

This is Julie, Chris’ mom . . . She gave his hand a break from the death grip for a couple minutes . . . but only a couple!

The contractions were right on top of each other and really starting to take a toll on Alicia. Chris reassured her that she’s got this . . . she snapped back with a quick response but I will leave what was said up to your imagination 🙂

This was the point of no return. . . She was starting to beg for drugs and I had to uphold my end of the bargain and tell her no. It was HARD.  I didn’t want to see her in pain but I also didn’t want her to be disappointed in herself.  Her birth plan was already shot due to high blood pressure and an uncooperative pelvic bone. Chris was her rock and we were her warriors.

So sweet.

Even looking at the pictures now I can still hear us chanting in unison . . . “Push Push Pushhhhhhhh. You got this. You are so strong, I am so proud of you.”

She was so tired. She had been hard pushing for hours and little Harlen had barely moved an inch. The room started to fall quiet because we were out of words. We were all scared.  I know I was fighting back tears.  Kristin (our baby sister) had to leave the room. Then the doctor told her to give it all she’s got just one more time . . . We all held our breath.

“you’ve got this”

I forgot to mention early on that we had no idea if Harlen was a boy or a girl! Alicia and Chris wanted to be surprised . . .No one had a clue! I love Chris’ first reactions . . . “it’s a boy! It’s a boy!” . . . Now pay close attention to my mothers first reaction on the right hand side of the larger image below. I still can’t look at it with out laughing 🙂

It’s a boy!!

We were all a hot mess by this point.  It was after 9 AM and crying seemed to be all I could do . . . Well that and attempt to focus my camera on Chris while he cut the cord. Which I failed at  

“We did it”

What a great team they made 🙂

I LOVE this next shot(s). So much emotion. It makes me tear up. . . my little sister is a mom.

Yep! He is perfect 🙂

tiny feets

Proud Daddy

Proud Grandpa

Proud Papa

Proud Yaya

I love his perfectly round face here.

hello world.

After getting a few hours sleep and taking a very hot shower we came back to the hospital to see our new little cherub again . . . and bring momma some chocolate 🙂

My Dad sometimes has little hairs that poke out above his ears after a long day, then we noticed little Harlen had the same problem . . . runs in the family I guess 🙂

The next few frames were snapped with in seconds of each other . . . Everyone knows babies are a little indecisive.

“stop! I don’t like that. Oh wait, maybe I . . . zzzzzz”

Check out these tiny feet!

There she is! What a warrior she is.  She grew a human inside her body and brought him into this world after almost 20 hours of hard, drug free labor. So proud of her.

I leave you with this last image because it just makes me laugh.  Newborns aren’t always the sweet quiet beings we imagine them to be . . . besides the on and off crying they make the funniest noises and if you have ever spent time with a newborn you can hear the grunt sounds Harlen is making in the image below 🙂

I am so glad I was able to make it in time to Houston and experience the birth of my sweet little nephew.  It was so hard to leave him the next day! Alicia sends me #bbgram s from time to time to keep me quiet.  But honestly I absolutely cannot wait until Christmas!! This year we get to celebrate in Texas with my family and I have so many kisses and hugs to shower him with.  I can’t wait for the family time, the good food and keeping traditions alive.

 

xoxo – Jamie

 

 

 

Carolyn & Carl | The Barn at Piano Bridge | Sengelmann Hall | Schulenburg, Texas

What happens when a wedding planner gets married?  Her wedding is beautiful right down to the last detail!

Carolyn and Carl married on October 4th, 2014 in Schulenburg, Texas.  The wedding was at The Barn at Piano Bridge and the reception was held at the historic Sengelmann Hall in Schulenburg’s downtown square.  (P.S. Jamie got stuck in the elevator at the reception for two hours leaving me to photograph most of the reception by myself but that’s a story for another time….)

You couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.  It was sunny and cool, but not chilly.  Carolyn was beautiful in her Pronovias gown and boots by Old Gringo. Makeup was done by the ALWAYS fabulous Wendy Martin of Makeup by Wendy and the girls hair was done by Tree Vaello.

I love old buildings.  Sengelmann Hall was beautiful and old and charming and perfect for this wedding.

Suzie’s cakes and Bakery did a fab job on this beautiful cake. The wedding and reception flowers were done by The Flower Box. I am in love with the lush roses that were used!

Texas Unlimited Band provided the reception music and did an awesome job.  Seriously. They did everything from classic country to some hip hop numbers.

To the new Mr. & Mrs. Bowen! We wish the two of you all the happiness one lifetime can hold.

love.love.love.

The Girls

 

 

 

Love Bomb: the movie #lovebomb

We are allowed the opportunity to be a part of big events in peoples lives many times a year as wedding photographers but it isn’t often that we are invited to be apart of a movement that changes peoples lives for the better. Recently, I (Jamie) shot the premier for Love Bomb the Movie in Tulsa, Ok. It was a full on red carpet event!

Love Bomb backdrop

The event coordinator, Jenny Lind, meticulously planned for months with Dr. Luker and friends of Luker Chiropractic and things went off without a hitch! Here she is with her sweet husband and family 🙂

Jenny Lind and Fam

Tulsa had a great turn out! Here are a few of the #lovebombers

#lovebombers

I asked Jenny’s husband to take a quick shot of us together 🙂

This next crazy bunch are my own personal local celebrities! This is the crew from Gallagher Wellness Center.  I LOVE them!

GWC!

Dr. Rhea Zimmerman with her boyfriend Austin and friend Alejandra traveled to The Sacred Valley, Peru on a mission to serve as many people as possible offering healing, hope, and connection through collaboration with a medical clinic . . . They dropped love bombs expecting absolutely nothing in return. I snapped a few stills during the movie:

Before the start of every day the #lovebomb team meditated and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

The theater was eerily silent during the screening. We were completely captivated.

After the screening, The bunch at Luker Chiropractic presented Jenny with a love bomb of her very own and a plaque thanking her for her hard work.  Representatives from Folds of Honor and Oklahaven Children’s Chiropractic Center said a few words also.

At the end of the night Jenny invited everyone to participate in a #lovebomb portrait . . . it came out perfectly.

 

I will leave you with this beautiful quote from Dr. Rhea herself . . . “I find it a continual journey to keep choosing love”

Now go out there and love with out expectation!

But first . . . one last picture of this cute little guy 🙂

 

xoxo – Jamie

 

Love. Love. Love.

The Girls

Girls with Pearls Photography

www.girlswpearls.com