$200 Mini-Sessions to benefit AlexM in Haiti

Remember that time my very generous friend offered up several Mini-Sessions in order to help us with our adoption fund? They sold out in one day and raised $1000 for us. Incredible! 

So, it's my turn. Alex and his oldest son, Jo, are heading to Haiti this summer and are funding it themselves. They're still short some of the money they need. Alex went last year with his church to help with the relief efforts and decided he needed to bring his family back. If you've ever been on a trip like this, you know how life-changing it can be. As a parent, I feel like trips like this are exactly what shape our children's world views, and are so important! 

I'm offering 5 Mini-Sessions for $200.00, including the digital negatives (a $310 value!).  They are first-come, first-served, so if you're interested, please email me at lissa.anglin@me.com.

The sessions can be anything- Engagement, family, newborn, maternity, etc...and last 30 minutes at one location.  They'll need to be scheduled before Dec. 31, 2013. 

Please share this with your friends! 

And...if you'd like to see what they did in Haiti last year, check out this video Alex put together: 

it's 'doption day! • carissa and heavenly

Today is a day to REJOICE! My wonderful friend, Carisa, has been in the process of fostering-to-adopt sweet Heavenly for several months now.

Carissa's heart and her story are incredible- and she encourages me in so many ways. After she decided that God had been leading her to adopt, she said "Yes", and waited without knowing anything about her future daughter. I want to have that kind of trust in the Lord! 

You can read more of her story at her blog, HERE.  It's a beautiful one, please don't miss out.

I had the pleasure of photographing Carissa and Heavenly a few months ago, and wasn't able to share the images because of foster care law. But today, I get to show you what a lovely family God has made! 

Congrats you two! 

kinsey • bridal • watson building

Now that Kinsey is a Mrs. I am excited to share her bridal session with you! I am so in love with her classic and elegant style. Kinsey told me she had a heart for old romance, and I think she nailed that look. We shot a portion of her bridals at the beautiful Watson Building here in Lubbock, and then headed outdoors for a few more. Kinsey also had a gorgeous silk flower bouquet (I'll post the vendor link with the wedding post). 

Kinsey, you are such a beautiful bride!

buddy + belinda • wedding • seminole, tx

I have been consistently blessed by my clients this year- but I had no idea what a blessing it would be to photograph this wedding! From the second we arrived, Buddy, Belinda, and their families were so, so hospitable. As in- we were checked on, helped out, and offered iced lattes (it was 100 degrees outside) at least 5 times before the ceremony. (And you know I took them up on that one!). Haha- really, though- throughout the day it was clear how thoughtful, excited, and loving this family was.

The wedding was held at Belinda's parent's beautiful home in Seminole, Texas. Not only was it a sentimental location, but it was absolutely perfect for the event. Guests were well-fed and enjoyed chatting while watching a gorgeous West Texas sunset. Another thing I loved about this wedding was that there were several different languages being spoken- family and guests from all over the world came in- and you could hear German, Spanish, Portugese, and more! Belinda's mom made some amazing German raspberry cheesecake for Buddy's table- it is a family recipe, and was so delicious.

During their engagement, Buddy was in the process of building a new home (yes, with his own two hands) for the two of them (with Belinda's input, of course)- but he'd worked right up until the day before the wedding to put the final touches on it. I thought this was such a great picture of a bridegroom preparing for his bride- just the way God does for His church.

I so enjoyed photographing all the beautiful florals at this wedding. Essentially, Belinda chose all of her favorites, and the talented ladies at Blumenflor created such beautiful arrangements with them.

The very talented Ashley Rodgers second shot this wedding with me, and some of these images are hers!

Enjoy!

Wedding Gown: Allure Bridals, Bella's in Lubbock, TX

Groom and Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse

Bridesmaids: B2

Florist: Blumenflor

Cake: Ann Theissen

Catering: Kendall's Kountry Meat Market, Hobbs, NM

Hair: Evolutions, Seminole, TX

Makeup: Vicki Neudorf with Panache, Lubbock, TX

Garter: HOUSEofLOVELY

Piano: Piano Gallery, Lubbock, TX

the best/worst year of my life.

29.

I'll be honest- I never really thought about what life would be like after, say, 25 years old. So it amazes me that I am surprised all the time about what it really is like!

This has been the best worst year of my life, and I couldn't be more thankful.

Miscarriages, changes in income, starting a new business, growing a 2 year old, beginning the adoption process, being involved and busy with family and friends and church...

I'm tired. But motivated. And stronger- knowing where I've been, but weaker (in the best way possible)- knowing God got me through.

We are embracing the crazy around here. Accepting it. Realizing that "crazy" to us just might be what God had planned all along. In general, I have not found the crazy to be fun, or pleasurable. Change scares me. 

BUT- it is worth it. Beyond worth it. It's in those "can I make it through this?" moments that God has reminded me that He has a plan.

I had the pleasure of meeting an American woman who lived in Ethiopia until she was 18 years old yesterday. What a wealth of knowledge for us!

This morning, Shawn and I waited in the lobby of my OB/GYN's office. (I'll be undergoing some blood testing just to investigate any potential causes of the miscarriages I've experienced this year.) As we sat, in walked a woman, holding a little girl's hand. The girl was about 3 years old- and I immediately noticed her pretty brown skin and said to Shawn, "That's exactly how I'd like to dress my little girl". Then, looking up- I realized that the woman was wearing the same shirt that the woman I'd met yesterday had been wearing. Ethiopia. There it is. Again.

Do we want more biological children? Yes. Was adoption always a part of the plan? Yes. 

So we are waiting. And appreciating all that we have. Because really, we are rich- in love, in resources, in family and friends willing to support us. Not to mention I can run to the God of the Universe to discuss these things. 

But back to the best/worst thing. I'm so glad I didn't know this time was coming. But so many good things have come of it. Things I needed to experience to be who I am. There has been so much grace, so many clear reminders...God will take care of His children.

Through this time, I have discovered what real hope is. Hope is not wishful thinking- it is understanding that God's got this. God wins. And if I'm trusting Him, I'll be much more than ok. 

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

— Romans 1:1-5

lovely emily • lubbock photographer

I once heard Emily say this, and I will always think about her when it comes to a sincere and passionate desire to be genuine. And she really is.

Emily came into our lives when I found myself on the brink of a summer wedding season with a tiny crawling baby whom I desperately needed help with. I'm confident I couldn't have survived that season without Emily's loving care of my son. She graciously ignored my dirty house and disheveled office space, dealt with baby messes of all kinds, and loved on Knox all the way.

Still, even though I don't get to see her every week, she is a blessing to us and so many others. That person she is "being" is beautiful, kind, thoughtful, and loves the Lord. I am so thankful for a friend who selflessly gives to others, loves coffee, and has great taste. :)

aaron • headshots • lubbock, tx

I don't often blog about it, but I love shooting headshots. Aaron is an actor and contacted me about getting some new headshots last week. I so enjoyed shooting with him and exploring all the different types of light, angle, and emotion we could capture. Headshots are so very simple and complex all at the same time! Here are some of my favorites.

House of Lovely update • winner!

I'm excited to announce that Becca Egger is the winner of the HOUSEofLOVELY giveaway! Thanks to all who participated- I hope to have more giveaways in the future.

Becca, I'll be contacting you via email!

bryan + sarah • wedding • fancy booth

Ahhhh, Fancy Booth time! If you've never been to a wedding reception with a photo booth setup, you are missing out! It is one of the best ways to entertain your guests AND get some awesome photos of them.

This year I am offering a couple to my couples that have chosen to have the Fancy Booth at their wedding reception:

             Mustard + Grey       OR        Metallic Silver Chevron

Sarah chose the mustard + grey and it fit her design aesthetic for the wedding really well. Here are some of my favorites from their booth!

britt + emma • borger high school seniors

Britt and Emma are both seniors at Borger High School (my hometown), and wanted to shoot a few images with each other during their sessions. So, we combined them and had the best time!

These two are so much fun. Emma is easygoing and athletic- Britt is into music and fashion. I loved shooting with them both. It was clear they were friends after checking out their clothing selections. They'd planned individually, but sure enough, their wardrobes seemed to compliment each other- and most importantly, each one of them individually.

I have no doubt that God has some great plans ahead for these two ladies. I so enjoyed my time with them - and their posse! Enjoy!