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Spring in Waco, Texas 2018
Girls Spring Break Getaway to Waco, Texas
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Fixer Upper, you’ve probably gotten to the end of the show thinking, “Can it really be that picture perfect in Waco?” Well, my friends, the answer is YES. This weekend getaway was about as good as it gets. Time with my best friends and exploring all Waco has to offer. Spring break was perfect this year!
First stop: Texas Tulips!
We went straight from the airport to Texas Tulips. The small tulip farm in Pilot, Texas was the perfect backdrop for my first set of pictures. Owen and CJ willingly posed in baskets and gave me the biggest smiles. I will not confirm or deny if their mamas were dancing like fools waving around a container of snacks.
If you go to Waco, Texas and you don’t stop at Torchy’s Tacos-- you made a mistake. This is my favorite taco spot in Texas. Their Queso is killer and they have the tastiest tacos you ever did eat. The tables are just the right size for endless baskets of chips and a game or two of spades.
Clayton loved pointing at everything on this trip!
We made sure to hit a few antique shops and vintage markets while we were there. The best finds came from the Cedar Chest in McGregor, Texas.
Nothing makes this girl happier than finding the perfect vintage book and toast separator.We indeed had some great finds this day.
Magnolia Market:
Magnolia, sweet Magnolia! Every detail was perfect! White brick, vintage trucks, flowers, and the perfect spot to take a picture everywhere you looked. Chip and Joanna have thought of everything. It was so fun to see the silos in person again and see how much has changed since the last time Andrew and I visited. The biggest addition to Magnolia is Magnolia Table. After a short wait we sat down at the perfect table. The food was everything we expected and then some. If you are wondering how much I really loved my pancakes, just take a look here. ;)
The Silos Baking Co. established in 2016. One of my favorite photo spots! Although it was Sunday, we decided to pop by Magnolia anyways to get these photos while no one would be there! So glad we did this!
Clayton was apparently mesmerized by all that Waco charm. That or he secretly had a leaf in his mouth pretty much the entire time we were there...Clayton: "I think I should probably tell mom about my new chew toy."Brooke: "What do you have in your mouth kid? Is that a leaf? Oh, It is.
"Three words: Steel. City. Pops.
The best popsicles this side of the Mississippi! You can’t go wrong with coconut dipped in dark chocolate or pineapple. Owen and CJ couldn’t agree more.
Magnolia Table + Magnolia Market
Monday was my favorite day in Waco because it was filled to the brim with Magnolia! Started the morning off with breakfast at the new Magnolia Table! It was amazing!! Everything was picture perfect and tasted delightful. After breakfast, we stopped by a well known Waco park to capture a few portraits of Emily and her husband Caleb. After our quick session we headed over to Magnolia Market again! :) After a wonderful time at Magnolia Market it was time for a sweet treat--Heritage Creamery, a local ice cream shop! How cool is their ice cream van!? They have amazing flavors like Honey Lavendar. Then we walked next door to grab some coffee at Common Grounds!
We spent our last day in Waco enjoying Emily's homemade pancakes and a scenic walk before heading to the airport. It was such a wonderful trip from beginning to end! Till next time Waco!
Kirsten + Alex | Tropical Downtown West Palm Beach Wedding
A Tropical Downtown West Palm Beach Wedding at the Lake Pavilion in West Palm Beach, Florida
On Saturday, February 17th, 2018, Andrew and I had the honor of documenting Alex and Kirsten's tropical downtown West Palm Beach wedding. This breezy spring wedding ceremony was held on the waterfront dock and the reception took place at the Lake Pavilion in Downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. The inspiration for their wedding was elegant and modern Palm Beach. They brought their vision together with soft rose hues and a tropical flair. They even included their adorable golden doodle named Ziggy. This was one gorgeous tropical wedding day from beginning to end!
Their Love Story:
Kirsten and Alex first met on April 30th, 2011, in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a Saturday night and they were both meeting up with a mutual friend for a house party at the University of Cincinnati. After their eyes met for the first time, they spent the rest of the evening waiting for an opportunity to talk and get to know one another. When that moment finally came, they felt an instant connection while sharing drinks on an old, raggedy loveseat in the driveway.
They began dating and eventually moved to South Florida together in October of 2013. After moving, Alex immediately began working for an e-commerce company where he continues to helps manage one of their key accounts. Kirsten attended and recently graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master's degree in Medical Science. She now works as a Physician's Assistant for a family medicine office.
The Proposal Story:
After five years of dating Alex was ready to pop the big question! On September 17th, 2016 in Jupiter, Florida, he did just that! For several weeks Alex had been telling Kirsten his company was planning an "employee and family photo shoot" for their new line of sunglasses.
Unfortunately, the date of the "shoot" was the only Saturday that Kirsten was scheduled to be at her Internal Medicine rotation at Nova. Two days prior to the proposal, Kirsten's instructor looked over the schedule and told her she no longer needed to come into the office because there were no interesting cases. Alex was thrilled that she could go to the "shoot".
They got up that day and prepared for the 10:00 am shoot. His "boss" kept calling all morning to discuss the photographer, the location, etc. The original plan had been to meet at Coral Cove at 9:45am, but then the location changed to the Jupiter Lighthouse. The lighthouse employees said they had some time to check out the top of the lighthouse before the photographer arrived. A little reluctantly, Kirsten agreed to go to the top. The view was amazing and they were soaking it all in when Alex got down on one knee and popped the question!
There was never a sunglass photo shoot and Alex had convinced Kirsten's instructor to give her the day off without giving away the surprise! The surprises continued when they went to Alex's parents house to share the good news. Alex had arranged for Kirsten's mother and stepfather to travel from Ohio to help celebrate the occasion!
Thank you!
Kirsten and Alex, thank you for allowing Andrew and I the pleasure of being a part of your gorgeous wedding day! It was such an honor to work with you both! We wish you all the best in this wonderful new season!
First all the pretty details!
Then it was time for the first look at the Palm Beach Lake Trail next to the Flagler Museum!
Then it was time for the wedding ceremony!
The details that brought this Tropical Downtown West Palm Beach Wedding together:
Venue: The Lake Pavilion in Downtown West Palm Beach, Florida
Coordinator: The Golden Pineapple Event Company
Florist: Orange Blossoms Florals
Photographers: Andrew & Crystal Bolin of Crystal Bolin Photography
Band: Street Talk Band
Officiate: Anthony Church with The Celebrants
Caterers: Laura Ashley Catering
Wedding Cake Baker: Lynn Zehringer the Mother of the Bride
Invitations, Programs, Signs & Calligraphy: Chirp Paperie
Ring Designer: Jupiter Jewelry
Jewelry Designer: Champagne and Grit
Hair Piece & Veil: Champagne and Grit
Hair & Makeup Artist: Bombshell Makeovers
Dress Designer: Casablanca (A custom gown coordinated by Brides and Beyond in Celina, Ohio)
Men's Wear: Banana Republic
Shoe Designer: Asos
Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your MuMu
View their engagement session here!
Clayton James | Ten-Month Portraits at Dubois Park in Jupiter, FL
Ten-Month Portraits at Dubois Park in Jupiter, FL
Meet little Clayton James, C.J. for short, my adorable godson! If you follow me on Instagram and Facebook, chances are you've seen his cuteness a few times! Although he has been in front of my camera many times since he was two weeks old, this is his first time debuting on the blog! He is ten-months-old today and I just can't believe how big he is already! Here are a few of my favorite things about this little guy!
He calls me 'Rina' (well not just yet, but he will) which is short for Madrina--that's godmother in Spanish and Italian. Since I am Cuban and I was in Italy when he was born, his mommy and I thought it was the perfect name! Andrew is his godfather and he goes by 'Rino' short for Padrino. My favorite thing is that even though Clayton can't say our names yet, his parents/our best friends have been calling us those names since he was born.
His mommy and daddy are just the best parents this little guy could ask for! I believe that is the reason he truly is the happiest of babies! He rarely cries, he's always smiling, he kicks his foot to the beat when he hears music playing and if he's really feelin' the beat he'll even dance! Can you tell his parents are musicians or what!?
His signature style is classic like a proper gentlemen and you can often catch him sporting his go-to hat which is naturally featured in this shoot. His joyful little personality has been coming through for months now! He is very pensive, extremely observant and full of expressions. He also can recognize faces very well. If you're familiar, he will throw himself into your arms, but if you're new... not so much. He'll maybe just pass along a friendly wave hello. And if you have a big scary beard be prepared for him to burst into tears! ;)
He has always been good at 'cheesing-it-up' on and off camera. Rina's favorite little model! Now, I hope you enjoy our little impromptu ten-month portraits at Dubois Park in Jupiter, Florida!
Keep smiling, Clayton James, Rina loves you!
Details that brought these Ten-Month Portraits at Dubois Park in Jupiter, FL together:
Location: Dubois Park in Jupiter, FLPhotographer: Crystal Bolin
Brandy + Chris | Royal Palm Commons Park Engagement
Royal Palm Commons Park Engagement
On Saturday, January 27th, 2018, Andrew and I had the pleasure of documenting Chris and Brandy's Royal Palm Commons Park engagement session! It was a cool, sunny morning but extremely windy. Half the session was spent battling the wind! Despite the consistent breeze we were able to capture their gorgeous engagement photos!
Brandy and Chris are such a sweet couple and we are so excited to document their wedding in just over a month! Their wedding will be held at the stunning PGA National Resort & Spa! The theme will be Cinderella inspired, perfect fit for their fairytale love story.
Brandy and Chris, thank you for choosing Andrew and I to document your sweet love! We are so honored to be a part of this special season of your lives! We hope you love your engagement photos!
The details that brought this Royal Palm Commons Park Engagement together:
Location: Royal Palm Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach, FloridaPhotographer: Crystal Bolin