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Don and Zoraida – September 2008 – Austin TX
Don and Zoraida were married on a sunny summer day, perfect for the setting overlooking the lake and Austin’s rolling hills. A small group of family and friends gathered for an outdoor ceremony, which really took advantage of the beautiful 360 degree views. Two close friends walked the bride down the aisle, at the start Zoraida’s shoe slipped off and the matron of honor knelt down to attend to the issue. I just love candid moments like this – especially the huge smile on Zoraida’s face as all eyes were on her. Her wedding gown was stunning, her hair falling naturally to frame her face.
Don and Zoraida are completely laid back and chose one of their favorite foods for dinner at the reception – fajitas and of course, at the bar, margaritas made especially for the event. Don and Zoraida took photos with each guest at their wedding, it was very important to them that each guest was part of the celebration. After dinner, guests were led from the reception hall to the large deck overlooking the lake for dancing and toasts. This wedding was intimate and fun and a beautiful celebration of a couple head-over-heels in love.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I’m so grateful to have a big, loving family who gathers for holidays to share a great meal and laughter and create memories year after year. My parents house has lots of room for their grandchildren to run around (including our pup Boston) and in the past couple of years Dad has started a tradition of a Thanksgiving Hayride.
The best part about the hayride, besides the thrill associated with your siblings hanging on for dear life as Dad rolls over bumpy patches, is the opportunity for great, candid photos of family members. Dad hooks a trailer to the car with four-wheel drive, fills it with hay and we all pile on for a scenic country drive. Younger hay-ride attendees cuddle up on someones lap, blankets and stories and cups of hot chocolate are shared since it’s usually pretty cold outside and everyone is having a great time.
No one has fallen out of the trailer yet but anything can happen on a hayride. In one of the photos below, my sister Tasha is doing “the wave” with cute green mittens on. Last year, the hayride stopped near some cattle grazing the field. The cows were curious and came over to see what was going on. After the hayride resumed the cows began chasing the trailer…..because we were sitting on hay which of course cows love to eat. Exciting at first, things got really interesting when we realized the hayride was approaching a closed gate and the cows would catch up with us.
If you’ve never been on a hay-ride, I definitely recommend one or starting a Thanksgiving tradition.
