Texas Two Step

At the University of Texas & McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas with Chris + Rebekah

Okay y'all! The University of Texas campus is simply stunning! The day of our Engagement session, it was a bit on the chilly side, but my goodness, the sun was shining bright & highlighted the campus in the most beautiful way possible - the grass cut to perfection and the architecture had me in awe, looking up and gawking in a mesmerizing stare. Insert Rebekah & her fiance, Chris and let me tell you-magic! These two just portray goodness all around with the warmth of their smiles and their fun personalities. As I got to know them a bit more throughout our session, I could just tell-they are perfect for each other! They've been together for a little over seven years y'all, so you already know their wedding will be the celebration of the century with their closest friends and family in April! 

I asked them how they met and their answers weren't too far off from one another. This is a story of love at first sight-they make me believe it's a real thing!

Rebekah: "Chris and I met at a college frat party on September 3rd 2010. I was a junior to his freshman and I always said Id NEVER date a frat guy but he was different. He actually walked my best friend and I out of this party holding my hand the entire time and nervously asking for my number at the very end. We went on one official date where he thought he was doing good by ordering my favorite dessert, carrot cake, but it had nuts in it which I didn't care for so he took a fork and picked out all the nuts for me!!! On September 16th 2010 he asked me to be his girlfriend outside the nursing school building and its been a beautiful yet sometimes messy road ever since!"

Chris: "We were both attending UT Austin and we met at a frat party. I was hanging out with friends and suddenly saw her walk into the party. I mustered up the courage to talk to her and am very thankful that I got to meet her that day! This might sound like a cliché, but I knew that I liked her from the moment I first saw her."

I asked them each what they like most about the other person:

Rebekah: "Chris' patience and genuine kindness is by far what makes me fall in love with him over and over again. He is never in a rush or anxious (which can sometimes be frustrating) but to me, the one who is always rushing, he calms me. His kindness to everyone, not just those he knows is so refreshing. It's almost like going back to when we were kids and no one was a stranger and no one had ulterior motives. We just smiled and played and everyone was a friend- that is Chris! He is actually younger than me, but he helps make 'adulting' not as scary as the world makes it."  

Chris: "he best thing that I like about Rebekah is that she is very compassionate towards others. She is always willing to lend out a helping hand and is very thoughtful. She makes me a better person and is a beautiful woman inside and out."

I could tell what they liked about each other, because we all gravitate towards certain qualities that outwardly portray genuine goodness and I absolutely enjoyed Rebekah's joyful poise & I greatly appreciated Chris' patient disposition throughout our session. If the sun would've allowed, I would've just continued walking with them and taking photos without looking at the time, because I had a great time. time flies when you're having fun & our time went fast-these two are simply a breath of fresh air to be around! If you are blessed to know these two personally, I'm sure you're reading this with an understanding smile because you get the same feeling being around these two as I did.  

This time being engaged is extraordinary, and I'm positive their wedding day will be absolutely perfect. I had to ask if after they were married, they were planning on starting a family right away or taking it easy for a while as two lovebirds for a few years. These two had me laughing almost to tears when Rebekah quickly informed me that Chris wants several children, which Chris chimed in saying he would be happy with four children!  Rebekah seems to be on board for having multiple children and start a beautiful family, but she says she would be happy with two children & they'll have to take one day at a time. 

I asked where they see themselves in 5 years:

Rebekah: "Chris and I have done things a little backwards as we already have a house. I believe, in five years, we will be right here in Pearland, me still working at the job I love, (maybe part time) and Chris at a job he loves. We would have two beautiful children that we would raise the right way, by taking them to all the UT Longhorn and San Antonio Spurs games!! But in seriousness and in all the chaos that life may bring, I believe we will genuinely be able to say we are truly happy and still as much in love that day as we are today!"

Chris: "In five years, I see ourselves having kids and enjoying our time together as a married couple. I also see our family strengthening our relationship with God and influencing others in a positive way."

I love both of their responses, but I especially admire Chris' will to lead his new family with the guidance of the Lord and also wanting to influence other people in their daily life. This, right here, ladies & gentlemen, is truly what love is all about. 

Rebekah & Chris, 

 I am truly overjoyed for you two being brought together & are going to be married in just a few short months. I truly hope that you love your engagement photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Coming from a bride who been there and know how fast it goes by, cherish the next few months together as an engaged couple and do everything you can to slow down and enjoy being each others' fiances. You’ll only get to be fiancees for a short while longer, and then it’s husband and wife. You’ll be able to enjoy marriage for a lifetime. I'm honored to be the one to capture this special time for you - I have so many favorites from our time together during your Engagement Session & I am looking forward to creating new favorites at your wedding in April!

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

— Psalm 62:2

Favorites of 2017

2017 Wedding Favorites

Yes, this year has been full of gorgeous bouquets, jeweled high heels, beautiful wedding dresses on gorgeous brides & dapper men in suits. Most of all, however,  2017 has been a year full of magnificent gatherings to celebrate genuine love stories and I have been blessed to be able to capture these amazing moments. Here are just a few of my favorite moments, details and smiles. Please enjoy! 

Swoon-worthy Views

At The Long Center for the Preforming Arts in Austin, Texas with Pete + Paige

Oh my goodness, do I have something to share with you today! October 7, 2017 was the most popular wedding date of the year according to the knot.com. Paige & Pete's were the most perfect couple to take full advantage of this coveted Fall wedding date. Everything was planned meticulously in order to have everything perfect, and boy, was it! This wedding was everything you dream of when you think of the word classy.

The class started with the groom's hand-made suit to the lust-worthy jewelry and jeweled high heels that the gorgeous bride, Paige had ready to wear for her big day.  Everything was ravishingly sophisticated and as I walked in to the hotel room where the bride and bridesmaids were getting ready at the JW Marriott, the view from the window just so happen to face the exact direction of their venue across the river at The Long Center of Preforming Arts. As the beautiful bride, Paige was having her makeup completed, she kept an eye on the setup of their ceremony site from across the river. This happenstance created a sense of perfection as if everything was exactly where it should be-and might I mention, the view was phenomenal!   

He sat eagerly in the chair that had a view of downtown Austin & while he waited, Paige sent a gift over to him. As he opened the box, wondering what his wife-to-be was gifting to him, a huge smile swept across his face as he soon realized it was a book meant just for him. Each bridesmaid & groomsman treated me as though we had known each other forever and were very down to earth. Amazing details, perfect wedding date and Bridal party aside, Paige & Pete were the true reason I was looking forward to being able to capture the love on this wedding day for so long. As I got to know Paige & Pete throughout their long Engagement, I began to really enjoy being around the two. They just have a loving sense about them & my eagerness for the wedding day to arrive had been growing. Finally We loaded up & headed over to The Long Center, where the bride & groom first saw each other for their First Look. But first, Paige & her father had a First Look moment as well. It was hard not to tear up myself, knowing how important these moments are to each of them.  

Standing in front of The Long Center, Pete turned around to see his beautiful bride. In that moment, Paige began to tear up with happiness as Pete looked at her in awe. The fun loving relationship between the two was unmistakable as they both grinned ear to ear. 

It was time. It was the moment they had been preparing for their entire lives & everything was in it's perfect place. They were ready to say the truest words they will ever say. A thin veil of clouds covered the Austin skyline, hovering over the guests and embracing the bride and groom. He stood across from her, tall and dapper, with a secure smile, a quiet confidence, and, of course, in his sharp navy blue handmade tuxedo. A classic look for a classy groom. Her gaze met his, and in her white sleek dress, with bright, hopeful, adoring eyes and trusting hands, a gentle heart, and an eager soul, she began to say her vows. 

Just like that, they were officially husband and wife and very ready to start the celebrations!

After a fantastic evening filled with delicious food, dancing with friends and family, Paige & Pete were sent off in a very Austinite way-by pedicab! Everything was absolutely incredible & most importantly, the pair became one. 

To Paige and Pete, thank you for trusting me with capturing your big day for y'all. I really do cherish you both and hope that when you look at these memories and moments, now and forever, you’ll always be reminded of why you truly love each other and bring a smile to your face. Cheers to you both- I pray you have a strong marriage and continue to create many more fun memories down the road together!

With Love, 

Lyndsay

Special thanks to all of the fabulous vendors who made this wedding a reality for Paige & Pete!

The Creative Team:

Wedding Planner: Emily Vidal

Getting ready Location: The JW Marriot

Venue: The Long Center of Preforming Arts

Florist: Merveille Event Design

Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori

Caterer: Sterling Events 

DJ & Lighting: Altared Weddings & Events

Hair: Urban Hair (Hair by Casey)

Make-up: Rae Cosmetics (Allan) 

Jewelry: Kendra Scott

Pedi-Cab: Jeremy Dzal

Officiant: Doyle High

Roxanne & Ben Zedler Mill Engagement Session - Luling, Texas

At Zedler Mill Engagement Session in Luling, Texas with Ben + Roxanne

As I stepped out of the car, I realized this was no ordinary Engagement Session. I drove one hour from Austin to Luling and not quite knowing what to expect because I had never been to this location. It always is a bit of a challenge going to a place I'm unfamiliar with, but I also really enjoy challenging myself to explore new places and chase the light to capture the love between each couple. I could tell Roxanne was very excited about her and her fiance's venue, Zedler Mill & as I got out of the car, I began to understand why. The property seemed to be a few acres and rested along the beautifully clear waters of the San Marcos River. Wooden bridges, an amazing old mill and the limestone seating for the ceremony site that faced the river were all parts of this venue that made me agree with Roxanne's love for the place. The crisp air was a bit chilly, but the warmth of Ben & Roxanne's love and energy made that a fleeting thought in the back of my mind as I focused in on the two. Ben wore a dapper suit & Roxanne looked absolutely stunning in her red lacy dress. They really nailed their style for this photo shoot & of course the photographer in me made me smile from ear to ear!

I wanted to know more about their love story and I asked how they met. As they say, there are always two sides to every story and there is no difference with these two. They each shared their own details of how they met.

“The night that started it all for Rox and I was a plethora of events leading to a long relationship, and a much awaited marriage. It was the end of another school year and spirits were high. Summer was about to kick off and the graduation for the class of 2009 had just released another crop of young adults from the binds of finals and school stress. My little brother Jon wanted to have a big party to celebrate, I helped him get things together like bon fire piles and other party set up. We knew it would be a big night, but I could never imagine how life changing that night would. As more and more people would show up, the bigger and louder the party got eventually it started to slow down. we had crossed paths a few times out there, I couldn’t not notice her, she was so pretty, and the smile that she gave me could have melted the ice caps. Much later once we were dating she actually told me she didn’t even want to go to the party and her friend talked her into it. I’m so thankful her mind was swayed that night.”

— Ben's side of the story

“Ben and I met at his brother Jon’s graduation party. Jon was in my grade but him and I were not close friends. One of my best friends, Christina, begged and begged me to go to the party with her but I just didn’t think it would be fun. I finally agreed to go with her as long as we didn’t have to stay long. They lived so far out in the middle of nowhere we got lost trying to get there and we almost gave up!! We ended up finding it and making our way down to the bonfire area. Jon hung out with a lot of people I didn’t really know that well so it was awkward at first. Christina and I found some older friends that had graduated before us and just hung out with them, luckily Ben was in that crowd. I didn’t know much about Ben but I quickly found out he loves to be the center of attention and is the life of the party! I always think meeting him was just fate because I am literally the complete opposite of that and usually am very shy but for some reason I just gravitated toward Ben. We hung out all night until the party died down and my friend and I left. I was so shy I didn’t even think to give him my number or anything! The next couple of days I just couldn’t stop thinking about him and how dumb I was to not give out my number so I reached out to a few mutual friends and got it and I texted him first!!! Now you can ask any of my friends and they would tell you I have never done something like that! It was so unlike me. We have been together now for 8 years!”

— Roxanne's side of the story

Roxanne & Ben, I really enjoyed getting to know you both a bit more during our session and I love that you compliment each other so well. You make a great pair and I cannot wait for your wedding next September! Thank you for choosing me to capture this amazing chapter in your lives. Cheers!

With Love,

Lyndsay

Farm and Fresh

At Reneau Farm's Wedding in New Braunfels, Texas with Brandon + Sarah

The smell of flowers filled the air as I walked up the steps of a quaint, but welcoming house that was perfectly placed on the property of Reneau Farms. I knew that New Braunfels, Texas was a great town and as I stopped on the spacious patio to take it all in, I looked in to the horizon & my thoughts were confirmed. I could see nothing but the Texas hill county as the sun perfectly hit the green grass. I had never been to this venue before, but it immediately began to make a good impression as I smelled the fresh cut grass, I could see the property was well maintained. This was going to be a great wedding day.

 Contagious laughter filled the air as Sarah, the bride, and her closest friends were getting dolled up for the big day. Everything was perfectly ready to go-bridesmaids dresses steamed, flowers all bundled in to each bouquet & perfume just waiting to be sprayed. The bead work that decorated Sarah's wedding dress was absolutely stunning. 

Little did Brandon know, that while he was getting in to his suit to prepare for the big day, Sarah had just read the words he had written for her moments before they were about to walk down the isle. Tears of joy rolled down her face as she read his words and the realization of what was about to happen started to sink in. She began to smile again!

The bridesmaids were quick to help Sarah make sure she was absolutely perfect and ready to walk down the isle.  The spacious white patio was the perfect place for the 'First Look' between Sarah & her father. 

Friends and family gathered to witness the beautiful ceremony between Sarah & Brandon. The gorgeous scenery of the farm painted the backdrop with old chapel stained glass windows behind the alter. As their promises of love to one another were proclaimed, a few tears were shed and a long awaited kiss to seal the deal was embraced by both the bride and groom. As soon as they kissed to make it official, they began to smile from ear to ear and their closest friends and family stood to their feet to cheer them on as they walked down the isle as newlyweds for the very first time! 

As the sun set, the couple enjoyed the gorgeous Texas hill country views as guests were entertained with a few drinks and taking snapshots of themselves to put in the couple's guest book. Everyone celebrated with the couple as the daylight began to slip below the horizon. 

To Sarah & Brandon, The connection between you was truly authentic-full of smiles and gentle gestures towards one another-only the kind of interaction that is between two people who truly love each other. You both looked at each other with eyes that said "I got the better end of the deal!" Thank you for allowing me to serve you on your big day & I truly wish you both the very best marriage. Cheers to a long & happy life together!

With Love,

Lyndsay Lyon

The Wedding Team...

Planner: Blaize , Bailee & Hamila from Lively Events

Photographer: Lyndsay Lyon & Madalyn Lyon

Venue: Reneau Farms

Catering: Teka Molino

Floral Design: The Flower Girl

DJ: Toast Entertainment

Beauty Artist: Emmie Ambrose

Cake: 2Tarts

Officiant: Michael (Uncle)

Vintage Rentals: CRU

Rentals: Peerless

The Most Perfect Legacy

At San Antonio, Texas with Baby Carter

He held his tiny hands up close near his face, his mouth began to open, and as he let out the cutest sneeze I had ever heard, the severity of this new sensation, to him, was quite evident as his entire little frame recoiled in shock. While I thought it was the most adorable thing I had ever seen, he looked at me with huge eyes, confused as to what had just happened to him. As I held this sweet baby wrapped in his crisp white linen blanket, the perplexed look on his face evened out as his thoughts were quickly forgotten and he faded in to a peaceful sleep.

As I sat there, rocking away, I thought about how shocking each new experience must be for baby Carter.  I'm sure the feeling of my cold hand running across the side of his tiny face was a bit startling while he was fast asleep, but all of a sudden, eyes closed, bottom lip sucked in, reacting to my touch, he grinned. It was as if he was having a good dream and something had just happened to make his subconscious joy turn on. In that moment, I realized that his brief smile was his way of expressing appreciation for being held. He enjoyed the warmth of my body as he moved in closer turning his head towards my chest hoping I was his food source.

I can't explain the significance of how gratifying these moments were to me, but it represented the most pure form of human connection I've ever experienced. They say God is in the details, and just then, I completely understood that God is in fact, in every detail of life, even a sleeping baby's reaction to human touch. It is an overwhelming feeling of joy, being able to see Shannah, my sister, the one I grew up experiencing so many 'first times' with, bring such a sweet baby in to the world with her husband, Clint.  Reality set in that I was an aunt of the most amazingly sweet baby boy I had ever laid my eyes on, Carter Rhodes Oncken. One of the most rewarding things about Carter is his very name in and of itself and the meaning behind why Shannah & Clint were certain it was perfect for their first born son. Let me explain.

Rewind almost 6 years ago to when Clint proposed to my sister, Shannah. They were so thrilled to tell both sides of the family and eventually asked if I could photograph their Engagement session. Now, at this time, I was in college studying Photography and was learning the more intermediate fundamentals of photography.  I was just starting my journey of learning who I was as a photographer and developing and fine tuning 'my style' of work (R.I.P. heavy editing & vignette). I'll admit, I felt a bit undeserving of the position to fulfill a 'professional Engagement Session', but was so thrilled she wanted me to capture this special time in their lives and was determined to do my best with the knowledge and gear that I had at that time in my photography journey. Their request came with one specific wish. They wanted their photos to be taken on Clint's grandfather's farm in Lufkin, Texas. For me, it was about a four hour drive and I figured if they asked me to come all the way out to East Texas for their Engagement session, that specific location must mean a lot to them. So, sure enough, I packed up my puppy at the time and brought along my new boyfried, Zach, and headed that way. As we arrived late in the night, the smell of fresh pine trees filled our noses and as we exhaled the crisp, clean air, we looked up to enjoy the black sky that was wonderfully lit with the light of only the stars. It was mesmerizing to say the least. We went to bed in the most quaint and charming home at the end of the long dirt driveway. As the sun came up the next morning, my alarm was set & our session began early that morning. Well in to the day, while the sun was high in the sky, Zach and I had the pleasure of meeting Papa as he came to visit us all for lunch at the house and tell us a little bit more about the land. Papa asked if we wanted a tour of the property and after gladly accepting, he said "Well, hop in the back of the truck & let's go!" As he gave us the tour of his farm, also known as 'Blackjack Farm', he explained that the land was a pine tree farm that he had kept up with for many many years. He explained that patience was the key to maintaining his farm because it could take up to 10-20 years for a full crop to grow. He explained, after the crop was full grown, he would have it cleared and begin the process of seeding and planting a brand new crop all over again to start the new and patient process. As the day went on, his character began to unfold with each new story about his wife, whom he loved dearly, but explained with a smile on his face, was up in heaven smiling back down at him. With each new joke he told, his pure heart had all of us smiling from ear to ear with joy in his presence. His goodness shined through with each kind gesture he extended to Zach & I during our visit to Blackjack Farm. He even let us ride on the lawnmower, which we had way too much fun with and will always be a fond memory that we cherish.  As evening came, we gave him a huge hug and repeatedly thanked him for his hospitality and kindness. He humbly explained he was happy to have us visit and happy to tell his story. As Zach and I began our drive back home, I wholeheartedly understood why Shannah & Clint had requested their Engagement photos be taken specifically at Papa's farm. Even though I only met him once, I knew that Papa had a heart of gold and contagious goodness that rubbed off on anyone that would spend time with him. 

    God had blessed Papa with many good things that he could be proud of, especially his grandson, Clint. Unfortunately, before Shannah & Clint became pregnant with baby Carter, Papa passed away to see the Lord. He will always be remembered for his humble nature, his diligent hard work and his patience. The smell of pine trees will always remind me of that time we enjoyed with Papa on his farm with Shannah & Clint. Papa's name was Barham Dale Rhodes. In a way, Shannah & Clint wanted Papa's legacy to continue, and what better way to carry this down the family tree than to name their first born son Carter Rhodes Oncken.  Carter was born on November 2, 2017 to the most deserving parents there are. Papa would be proud & I just know he is looking down smiling on sweet baby Carter.

To Shannah and Clint, 

  I wish you both the very best as you embark on this very big 'first time' in your lives with Carter. I have seen the authentic love between you two & I am grateful for you each being a part of my life. Shannah, you seem like you were made for this moment and that you have understood motherhood as second nature. Clint, I can see your love and patience with your family and am so glad God brought you and my sister together. I can't wait to be there to see all of the 'first times' in Carter's life and am anxious to see the Godly character I saw in Papa in Carter as he grows and learns. Thank you for making Zach & I such a proud Aunt and Uncle and we can't wait to make more fun memories together! Cheers to living our legacy!

With Love,

Lyndsay 

Ps. I'm glad Waco is loving his new baby brother!

“The Lord knows the days of the upright and their heritage will last forever””

— Psalm 37:18

Love is Brewing

At Salado, Texas with Jerry + Erin

When I met Erin, she came up to me with her sweet mother to my booth at the Bridal Extravaganza a few months back. Her demeanor was joyous & her smile was gorgeous. I was so happy to talk with because they were both smiling ear to ear and expressed they enjoyed the work I had out on display. She explained her fiance's name was Jerry & their wedding was at a venue called La Rio Mansion in Belton, Texas. I have photographed weddings at dozens of venues over the years & I remember telling myself put a star next to her name & look up her venue when you get home. This was my way of telling myself I really enjoyed their conversation & was intrigued about learning more about the venue as well by how they were describing the setting. I looked up her venue & fell in love with the online images & I can honestly say, this will be one of my most anticipated venues I will look forward to photographing in 2018. 

Fast forward to Erin  & Jerry's Engagement session on an evening in mid-July. I had a 12 hour wedding the day before & I had learned a valuable lesson on which shoes NOT to wear (post coming later). I put on a sun hat, put on the Dr. Scholl's for my my poor feet in my short wedges & took a mini road trip up to Salado, Texas to meet the couple. I was feeling exhausted from the day before & also from photographing another Engagement session in the 104 degree Texas heat for two hours earlier in the day. I drove in to town and starting to immediately fall in love with the old town architecture and quaint feel of the town. I was 'downtown' Salado & a car would pass down Main Street every two minutes. It was nice to get out of the fast hustle and bustle of the hurried Austin scene for a while actually. When I saw Erin & Jerry, I was all smiles because I could tell they had read through my Style Guide & really prepared for their session. Oh & did I mention the sunlight was heavenly?  We scoped out the area a bit and out of nowhere, as if it were out of a Hawaiian landscape, a mini forest of green bamboo appeared & I immediately knew we should start there for location #1! The entire session was a blast. We talked, we walked and we laughed. This couple has a very amazing proposal story that actually takes place here in Salado. 

We found this wonderful all white painted wood building called The Stagecoach Inn. They explained it had recently had a makeover & might I say, I absolutely loved having a crisp white deck to capture this couple.

We drove about half a mile down Main St. because Jerry had told us about a small greenhouse he had seen & it was gorgeous. They danced like no one was watching & that skirt of hers twirled just perfectly! We had fun acting like the Beatles while crossing the street and stumbled across this cute brick sidewalk that the light was hitting just perfectly. 

We drove back to our original locatin just behind the brewery a little ways down & I saw a little bit of brush and a creek that caught my eye.  As Jerry & Erin told me the story of their proposal, they explained he actually proposed to her on his birthday because her family was in town. They were on their way to the town's Brewery, called Barrow Brewing Company to celebrate his birthday...or so Erin thought! What actually happened is Jerry pulled over on the side of the road, walked her down near the creek & proposed. She said she was so surprised and thrown off because it was his birthday.

They met up with friends an family after she said yes of course & had a great nights together at the brewery. It was a great night & a story that will go down in their family history for a lifetime. When it's Mid-July in Texas, and you're doing an Engagement session outside and then at a brewery, you get a beer! That's just what we did. I took a few photos of the two enjoying their cold drink as we relaxed and got to know each other a bit better. Perfect lighting, a great couple, client's who have a great outfit selection and being able to share stories over a beer-what more can a girl ask for?! the answer is nothing. It was perfect, they were perfect & so in love. 

It was just about time to head back, but as we talked more, I let them know I had seen a very large mural of the Texas flag painted on the side of an old building. It was on the side of the highway on my way up to Salado about 15 minutes south. I asked them if they wanted to go check it out & take a few photos in front of the building to end our session & they said yes! Check it out for yourself!

Once we found the building, we found not one, but TWO Texas murals, which are currently now my absolute favorite Texas backdrops.

 I figured out a few things that day-

1) Traveling to a place really makes me even more passionate about my photography.

2.) I am even more eager in my efforts scoping out my surroundings, finding good lighting, utilizing the gorgeous scenery and capturing the perfect frame.

3.) Most of all, I learned that by asking Jerry & Erin questions about their love story, it gave me a window in to what makes the connection between the two spark. Their story is unique and hearing more about the behind the scenes details really makes me excited to be their photographer for their big day next spring. I can try, but I can't promise that I won't be emotional during their wedding ceremony, that is for sure.  

“And now these remain: Faith, Hope & Love. But the greatest of these is Love.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:13

Welcome

Hi, I’m Lyndsay

   Thank you for stopping by my new blog and welcome! My name is Lyndsay Lyon and I have decided to start off by writing a little bit about my life. My life as a wife, a wedding photographer, home maker and a Christian. I'd love to introduce myself with a cliche few facts about my life, but to sum it up, I am human. I studied my passion of Photography at Texas State University and I have been learning about life and love and everything in between ever since. My dad always said "Never stop learning & never stop growing." I have good days and I have bad days, but I trust in the Lord to give me strength through it all.  Through my words in this blog, I hope to portray not just the good, but to also show you the beauty in the struggle of what it's like to balance a life that seems to be moving at 150 MPH all around me and to find peace within the pace.

   When I was younger, I used to cut out images from magazines and take hours upon hours perfectly organizing them on to a presentable 8.5 x 11 piece of paper to slide in the clear covers for each binder I had for each class. It made me happy. I enjoyed the looking part of the process, but also the cutting out and the creating part as well. I filled my binders and lockers and walls in my room with photos of anything and everything I found myself drawn to. I went through phases of what I was drawn to. I started off loving photos of dogs or cute clothes, and that slowly shifted to adoring the many white sand beaches where you can see for miles of clear blue water- which I am still very much drawn to to this day.  When my middle school years hit, I will admit, I had a 'lip gloss' phase where I would go through every fashion magazine and cut out every image of a lip gloss to then create a 'flower' out of these cutouts. I may or may not have taken a few from my orthodontist-he was putting me through so much physical and emotional pain, I figured it's the least he could do is give a teenage girl a few magazine for the road. When I hit about 8th grade, I took an interest in images of people. I found myself being drawn especially to couples. I would wonder if that couple from the image was real and what their story was. Images of older couples made me grin from ear to ear reminding me of my own grandparents who have been married since 1964. Images of younger couples made me happy as well as I could tell their love was new & fresh, which at the time, I related to. I didn't exactly relate to the young cutout couple because I was personally in a relationship, but because I secretly craved a love that was similar to those I would see. I didn't personally know what it was like to have a boyfriend or to truly love and be loved, but I wanted to know & I was eager to learn. I dated one guy in high school and while I think he is an amazing guy, I am glad life separated us. My high school love and loss had prepared me for a new chapter of adventure called College & boy, that it was! My college years were filled with learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. I learned what I liked, what I didn't & what it means to truly be a friend to someone.  My dad always told me  'Don't forget who you are!" & through the many ups and downs that my college years presented, I always remember hearing my dad's reassuring voice saying that to me in the back of my head. I will have to write another blog post in the future detailing how I met the love of my life towards the end of my college career, but I had finally found that love I had been craving for so long & that I had seen in all the photos growing up. I went on to graduate in the Winter of 2013, earning my Bachelor's degree in Photography & moved to Austin shortly afterwards. I will be unraveling certain stories about my life as well as my clients' lives in this blog & I hope you can relate to these story and be able to see the beauty I see through my lens by these stories as well.    

  Earlier this year, I had a wedding on March 18, 2017, only this time, I was on the other side of the lens. I was the one wearing the white lacy dress and my hair was not pulled back tight as it usually is while working as the photographer. My hair was half up, half down. I had one braid holding back the rest of my hair, which flowed down my back, was nice and curled and perfectly sprayed in to place. I adjusted my stick on bra under my gown and just before I walked down the isle, the importance of this moment hit me. I was the bride. I was about to be presented to my future husband by my father & life would forever be changed. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and took in the moment. As my dad and I began the long walk to the alter, I could tell he was trying his best to keep it together and said 'You know, I've always told you to not forget who you are and I want you to know that I love you and I'm proud of you. Remember to always give him the benefit of the doubt & to forgive when it is difficult. God will bless you both." Naturally, the tears starting flowing down my face once we reached the back of the isle & I remember looking at the man I was about to marry just eagerly smiling at me. So much was running through my head the entire morning of our wedding, but when I saw my husband's face standing there, waiting for me to meet him at the alter, I just knew, everything was exactly as it should be & nothing else mattered in that moment except for the commitment we were about to make to each other. Time stood still while I read my vows to my best friend and the most loving & supportive man in the world, my husband, Zach Gee. In that moment, the only word I can use to describe how I felt was surreal.  Everything that had happened between us the previous 4 years of our love story had led up to that one space at that one time. That one moment was the answer to many prayers I had prayed & I don't remember much from the day, but that moment of holding his hand felt like home. Even through the ugly crying of me attempting to tell this man my vows, I felt absolutely comfortable and at peace. I can honestly say that absolutely nothing amounts to that moment & everything that had happened in my life had led up to this union between Zach & I. 

   Looking back, I can still remember the feeling of seeing Zach eagerly smiling at the end of the isle and all the emotions I had being so calm on the walk towards my new future. I knew that life wouldn't be perfect after we were married and things that bugged us about each other would most likely still bug us. I did know one thing & that is this - I was in this for the long haul & this is the man I choose. I still choose him every day & try my best to support him and give him the encouragement and love he needs to stay positive and motivated about pressing on to become what he is meant to be. Married life has had it's difficulties, but it has also been the most rewarding thing I a have ever done & I am excited to see where life takes us. I look back on those feelings and it stirs up such a sense of satisfaction and absolute contentment in knowing that what I do for a living isn't just for the purpose of earning a pay check. I feel such a sense of pride being able to capture the love between two people to this degree & to capture the same joy I felt the day I was a bride standing in front of my groom on our wedding day.    

     I was raised in a family of three girls and with my father's siblings only being sisters as well, I knew our family name 'Lyon' had no chance of being carried on to the next generation. While I changed my legal last name to Lyndsay Gee, I figured, keeping my business name as Lyndsay Lyon would be my contribution to my original family name and heritage. After all, I truly owe it to my parents for being there for me all those years cutting out magazines and especially through my college years supporting my studies and encouraging me along the way.  I am so very grateful for my support team & I can absolutely say that I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for their prayers, advice and encouragement.

I appreciate you reading my very first blog post. I will write as often as I can because I truly want you to be able to read the many amazing stories I am able to be a part of due to being a wedding & lifestyle photographer. I'm so excited to be able to have my own voice through this blog & I hope you can read along and be able to further understand what is like to be, well, human.

On a side note, something I am absolutely looking forward to sharing with y'all is my older sister, Shannah, is pregnant with her and her husband's first child. Be on the look out for a maternity session as well as a newborn session and of course periodically throughout the baby's first year with a cake smash of course! Stay Tuned & Leave comments below if you'd like! I'd love to meet you and stay connected, so feel free to reach out!

With Love,

Lyndsay

Villa Victory

At Vintage Villas in Austin, Texas with Jim + Janice

This wedding was on February 18, 2017 at Vintage Villas. The setting was absolutely gorgeous with the sun slowly sinking behind the horizon just after the ceremony and not to mention, all guests were facing the alter, which was overlooking the lake!