• I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for more holiday time and I can’t wait for Christmas! 🎄This week we’re focusing on kindness for #themarriagechallenge. “Love is kind.” I always thought that kindness was just “being nice,” but it’s deeper than that! Being kind is “having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.” Do you put others before yourself? Are you kind when others aren’t kind to you? Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” When we are kind to others even when they don’t deserve it, we help them to see Jesus! Here’s to a new week, a fresh start, and being kind to others!
    I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for more holiday time and I can’t wait for Christmas! 🎄This week we’re focusing on kindness for #themarriagechallenge. “Love is kind.” I always thought that kindness was just “being nice,” but it’s deeper than that! Being kind is “having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.” Do you put others before yourself? Are you kind when others aren’t kind to you? Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” When we are kind to others even when they don’t deserve it, we help them to see Jesus! Here’s to a new week, a fresh start, and being kind to others!
  • Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours!! I’m stepping off social media the next couple of days to spend time with family so I decided to post a day early. I’m ready for all the turkey, stuffing, and board games I can get 😜 I can’t believe that it’s already the end of November and Christmas is just over a month away! This year seems like it’s flown by which is even more of a reminder to savor every moment ❤️ Time is fleeting and it’s so easy to get caught up in the “busyness” of life that you miss the little moments that matter. Here’s to more intentionality with our time, loved ones, and celebrating life! #happythanksgiving
    Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours!! I’m stepping off social media the next couple of days to spend time with family so I decided to post a day early. I’m ready for all the turkey, stuffing, and board games I can get 😜 I can’t believe that it’s already the end of November and Christmas is just over a month away! This year seems like it’s flown by which is even more of a reminder to savor every moment ❤️ Time is fleeting and it’s so easy to get caught up in the “busyness” of life that you miss the little moments that matter. Here’s to more intentionality with our time, loved ones, and celebrating life! #happythanksgiving
  • Thank you for your feedback and encouragement about the Marriage Challenge! I’m thrilled to hear that so many of you are following along and if you missed my first post about it, we are breaking down the qualities of love from 1 Corinthians and challenging ourselves to grow each week. This week is patience and I’ve learned that I struggle most with patience when I ask Justin to do something and he doesn’t do it the way *I think* it should be done. Putting the microwave dish back in the microwave after using it, squeegeeing the hard water after showering, etc. It’s the little things that add up, but being impatient is never going to make it better! According to Merriam-Webster, patience is; “bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, able or willing to bear, not hasty or impetuous…” Patience is focusing on the good, remaining calm, optimistic, encouraging and not complaining when things don’t go your way. I don’t think I realized how much patience encompasses! This week, let’s keep those snarky comments to ourself, encourage our spouses, be quick to forgive, remember what’s important (your relationship!) and choose to not disagree. Fake it until you make it! If you’re not patient, try it out, it’s not going to be easy, but the results will be invaluable. What are the little moments that you find yourself being impatient? #themarriagechallenge
    Thank you for your feedback and encouragement about the Marriage Challenge! I’m thrilled to hear that so many of you are following along and if you missed my first post about it, we are breaking down the qualities of love from 1 Corinthians and challenging ourselves to grow each week. This week is patience and I’ve learned that I struggle most with patience when I ask Justin to do something and he doesn’t do it the way *I think* it should be done. Putting the microwave dish back in the microwave after using it, squeegeeing the hard water after showering, etc. It’s the little things that add up, but being impatient is never going to make it better! According to Merriam-Webster, patience is; “bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, able or willing to bear, not hasty or impetuous…” Patience is focusing on the good, remaining calm, optimistic, encouraging and not complaining when things don’t go your way. I don’t think I realized how much patience encompasses! This week, let’s keep those snarky comments to ourself, encourage our spouses, be quick to forgive, remember what’s important (your relationship!) and choose to not disagree. Fake it until you make it! If you’re not patient, try it out, it’s not going to be easy, but the results will be invaluable. What are the little moments that you find yourself being impatient? #themarriagechallenge
  • This session reminds me of something out of a Wes Anderson movie! When Mary and Patrick showed up with their Tandem bicycle they are learning to ride together, I was pretty excited! Mary and Patrick are both into the 50’s vibe and together they enjoy drive-ins, old movies, ice cream, antiques and tandem biking and I think this session fits them perfectly! - Mary and Patrick first met when they were juniors in high school. Mary had just transferred to Temple High and was the shy new kid. That particular day she was feeling bold and wanted to make a new friend so she complimented the boy sitting behind her in German class that was wearing a Star Trek shirt. That boy was Patrick! He was surprised by her compliment and after class they walked together and chatting about Star Trek which led to them becoming instant friends! - Mary and Patrick are on the blog, this sunny morning and I hope you’ll take a peek and give them some love! 💛 They are two peas in a pod and I’m so happy they’ve found one another! I can’t wait for their wedding next June at @caliberoakweddings in Temple! #linkinbio
    This session reminds me of something out of a Wes Anderson movie! When Mary and Patrick showed up with their Tandem bicycle they are learning to ride together, I was pretty excited! Mary and Patrick are both into the 50’s vibe and together they enjoy drive-ins, old movies, ice cream, antiques and tandem biking and I think this session fits them perfectly! - Mary and Patrick first met when they were juniors in high school. Mary had just transferred to Temple High and was the shy new kid. That particular day she was feeling bold and wanted to make a new friend so she complimented the boy sitting behind her in German class that was wearing a Star Trek shirt. That boy was Patrick! He was surprised by her compliment and after class they walked together and chatting about Star Trek which led to them becoming instant friends! - Mary and Patrick are on the blog, this sunny morning and I hope you’ll take a peek and give them some love! 💛 They are two peas in a pod and I’m so happy they’ve found one another! I can’t wait for their wedding next June at @caliberoakweddings in Temple! #linkinbio
  • Here’s a little sunshine to brighten this cold day! I hope you’re staying warm and cozy 💛 Does this weather make anyone else want to bust out their Christmas tree? 🎄🙋‍♀️ - I am so excited to share Amanda and Ki-Young’s sunny Fort Worth engagement session on the blog today! ☀️ These two have hearts of gold and together they make the perfect pair. I know I’ve said this before, but I have the BEST couples. ❤️ Amanda and Ki-Young traveled quite a distance for their engagement session and they were up for anything. (Even a long, rocky, hike down to a waterfall!) - Amanda and Ki-Young live in different cities (Amanda in Houston and Ki-Young in Chicago) so when Ki-Young decided to propose, he secretly flew to Houston with one of Amanda's best friends, Alexis. Once in Houston, he waited at Hermann Park while Alexis lead Amanda to the spot where he was hiding. Ki-Young made a speech then got down on one knee and popped the question! 💍 Amanda said “yes!”, and these two are becoming husband and wife next July in Houston! #cantwait Read more of their story on the blog! #linkinbio☝️
    Here’s a little sunshine to brighten this cold day! I hope you’re staying warm and cozy 💛 Does this weather make anyone else want to bust out their Christmas tree? 🎄🙋‍♀️ - I am so excited to share Amanda and Ki-Young’s sunny Fort Worth engagement session on the blog today! ☀️ These two have hearts of gold and together they make the perfect pair. I know I’ve said this before, but I have the BEST couples. ❤️ Amanda and Ki-Young traveled quite a distance for their engagement session and they were up for anything. (Even a long, rocky, hike down to a waterfall!) - Amanda and Ki-Young live in different cities (Amanda in Houston and Ki-Young in Chicago) so when Ki-Young decided to propose, he secretly flew to Houston with one of Amanda's best friends, Alexis. Once in Houston, he waited at Hermann Park while Alexis lead Amanda to the spot where he was hiding. Ki-Young made a speech then got down on one knee and popped the question! 💍 Amanda said “yes!”, and these two are becoming husband and wife next July in Houston! #cantwait Read more of their story on the blog! #linkinbio☝️
  • It’s going to be a week full of engagement sessions on the blog and Nicki and Joe are the first up 😍 These two first met when they were interns for the same company. They both had crushes on each other, but Joe didn’t get the courage up to take Nicki on a date until almost two years later! When Joe was ready to ask Nicki to marry him, he got all their friends and family on board for a surprise proposal for Nicki. Joe casually asked Nicki out one Friday night to the restaurant where he had the surprise planned, but ironically Nicki was worn out from the week and almost didn’t go. Thankfully she changed her mind and the surprise proposal was on! Joe took Nicki to the restaurant where they had their first dinner date and when they arrived they were welcomed into a private room where they ordered their drinks. Instead of the drinks they ordered, the servers brought out champagne and Joe asked Nicki to marry him as the doors to the room were opened and all their family could share in the moment! 🎉 I can’t wait to celebrate with these two next June for their wedding at the McGovern Garden’s in Houston! In the meantime, be sure to check out their beautiful engagement session on the blog! ❤️ #tarabarnesphoto
    It’s going to be a week full of engagement sessions on the blog and Nicki and Joe are the first up 😍 These two first met when they were interns for the same company. They both had crushes on each other, but Joe didn’t get the courage up to take Nicki on a date until almost two years later! When Joe was ready to ask Nicki to marry him, he got all their friends and family on board for a surprise proposal for Nicki. Joe casually asked Nicki out one Friday night to the restaurant where he had the surprise planned, but ironically Nicki was worn out from the week and almost didn’t go. Thankfully she changed her mind and the surprise proposal was on! Joe took Nicki to the restaurant where they had their first dinner date and when they arrived they were welcomed into a private room where they ordered their drinks. Instead of the drinks they ordered, the servers brought out champagne and Joe asked Nicki to marry him as the doors to the room were opened and all their family could share in the moment! 🎉 I can’t wait to celebrate with these two next June for their wedding at the McGovern Garden’s in Houston! In the meantime, be sure to check out their beautiful engagement session on the blog! ❤️ #tarabarnesphoto
  • Marriage is hard. It’s also fun, rewarding and life-giving, but there are days when it’s just plain hard. You choose one person for the rest of your life and then become roommates, life partners, and possibly raise children together! This post is a little different than my usual, and I know what I’m saying may not be popular, but I want to use social media for more than just pretty pictures. (Of course I still love those and there will be plenty to come 😘) Justin likes to say that marriage is one of the best institutions to kill selfishness and I couldn’t agree more. Selfishness only hurts marriages. Our society is very much about the “you.” What do you want, you do you, follow your dreams, but when you’re only focused on yourself it’s easy to become selfish and self-centered. I’d like to propose a weekly challenge. 1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings, but I’m not sure we fully recognize how difficult is is to follow. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” It’s easy for me to get overwhelmed and think, “but I’m not any of those things!” but that attitude doesn’t help. Justin and I have committed to choosing a characteristic from 1 Corinthians to focus on each week. We want to grow closer to each other and ultimately closer to our Lord. God is so gracious and merciful and will help us grow if we ask Him! This week we are choosing to be patient. I invite you to join us in focusing on patience this week ❤️ Whether you’re a husband, wife, parent, daughter, friend, brother, sister, all relationships can be difficult at times. What are moments that you find yourself struggling to be patient? Start small, slow down, figure out your triggers, remember what’s important, and maybe just take a couple of deep breaths when that moment of impatience strikes! This is not going to be easy, but we’re in this journey of life together and I’m here to encourage you! #themarriagechallenge
    Marriage is hard. It’s also fun, rewarding and life-giving, but there are days when it’s just plain hard. You choose one person for the rest of your life and then become roommates, life partners, and possibly raise children together! This post is a little different than my usual, and I know what I’m saying may not be popular, but I want to use social media for more than just pretty pictures. (Of course I still love those and there will be plenty to come 😘) Justin likes to say that marriage is one of the best institutions to kill selfishness and I couldn’t agree more. Selfishness only hurts marriages. Our society is very much about the “you.” What do you want, you do you, follow your dreams, but when you’re only focused on yourself it’s easy to become selfish and self-centered. I’d like to propose a weekly challenge. 1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings, but I’m not sure we fully recognize how difficult is is to follow. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” It’s easy for me to get overwhelmed and think, “but I’m not any of those things!” but that attitude doesn’t help. Justin and I have committed to choosing a characteristic from 1 Corinthians to focus on each week. We want to grow closer to each other and ultimately closer to our Lord. God is so gracious and merciful and will help us grow if we ask Him! This week we are choosing to be patient. I invite you to join us in focusing on patience this week ❤️ Whether you’re a husband, wife, parent, daughter, friend, brother, sister, all relationships can be difficult at times. What are moments that you find yourself struggling to be patient? Start small, slow down, figure out your triggers, remember what’s important, and maybe just take a couple of deep breaths when that moment of impatience strikes! This is not going to be easy, but we’re in this journey of life together and I’m here to encourage you! #themarriagechallenge
  • Oh hey guys! Happy Friday! I haven’t done an intro in a while, so I wanted to step in and say hi 👋 My name’s Tara and I make taking photos a fun, laid-back experience. I’m passionate about taking photos that represent YOU over taking dramatic overly-posed pictures. Of course those have their place, and I think they’re fun too, but I want to bring out your personality! I’m a huge fan of goldfish…probably eat about a bowl a day…oops. 🙈 I love spending time outdoors, being by the water is my fave. At lunch time you’ll find me cruising through the Chick Fil A drive through, spicy chicken sandwich for me please. Basic girl here, candles, fresh flowers, and cats make me happy. So there’s a few things about me! Tell me something random about you! What’s your favorite snack or something that makes you smile?
    Oh hey guys! Happy Friday! I haven’t done an intro in a while, so I wanted to step in and say hi 👋 My name’s Tara and I make taking photos a fun, laid-back experience. I’m passionate about taking photos that represent YOU over taking dramatic overly-posed pictures. Of course those have their place, and I think they’re fun too, but I want to bring out your personality! I’m a huge fan of goldfish…probably eat about a bowl a day…oops. 🙈 I love spending time outdoors, being by the water is my fave. At lunch time you’ll find me cruising through the Chick Fil A drive through, spicy chicken sandwich for me please. Basic girl here, candles, fresh flowers, and cats make me happy. So there’s a few things about me! Tell me something random about you! What’s your favorite snack or something that makes you smile?
  • These two ladies were the best roommates I could have asked for at #showitunited2018 this past week! I can’t believe it’s over, but I had an amazing time in Arizona learning so much about myself and my business and I can’t wait to go back next year. Over the last four days I had the opportunity to meet the most inspiring photographers and business owners. Several of whom I admired or knew of online, but had never met in person. It’s hard to find the words to describe my experience, but from tears to laughter this conference pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I went to the conference expecting to learn about photography, but came out learning so much more than that. I learned how to be a better person, a better friend, a better wife, and a better business owner. I have a lot of thinking to do and I’m grateful for a few days off to process everything. If you’re a photographer and you haven’t heard of the Showit United conference, come with me next year! It’s the most incredible, growing experience, that feels a lot like summer camp for adults! Until next time showit XO #showitunited #friendship #communityovercompetition
    These two ladies were the best roommates I could have asked for at #showitunited2018 this past week! I can’t believe it’s over, but I had an amazing time in Arizona learning so much about myself and my business and I can’t wait to go back next year. Over the last four days I had the opportunity to meet the most inspiring photographers and business owners. Several of whom I admired or knew of online, but had never met in person. It’s hard to find the words to describe my experience, but from tears to laughter this conference pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I went to the conference expecting to learn about photography, but came out learning so much more than that. I learned how to be a better person, a better friend, a better wife, and a better business owner. I have a lot of thinking to do and I’m grateful for a few days off to process everything. If you’re a photographer and you haven’t heard of the Showit United conference, come with me next year! It’s the most incredible, growing experience, that feels a lot like summer camp for adults! Until next time showit XO #showitunited #friendship #communityovercompetition
  • Love this shot by my second shooter @katharinegann 😍 Who’s excited for the weekend!? I know I am because I’ll be on a plane tomorrow afternoon headed to Phoenix for my conference 🎉 #showitunited2018 In other news, Courtney and Matt’s gorgeous wedding at @doveridgevineyardtx is on the blog this crisp, Saturday morning! I know I don’t normally share blogs on the weekend, but I wanted to get this one up before my trip and it’s just oh so pretty! Dove Ridge Vineyard has one of the best views in Weatherford and I can’t believe it’s in my hometown ❤️ Check out more from Courtney and Matt’s day via the link in my bio #tarabarnesbride #linkinbio
    Love this shot by my second shooter @katharinegann 😍 Who’s excited for the weekend!? I know I am because I’ll be on a plane tomorrow afternoon headed to Phoenix for my conference 🎉 #showitunited2018 In other news, Courtney and Matt’s gorgeous wedding at @doveridgevineyardtx is on the blog this crisp, Saturday morning! I know I don’t normally share blogs on the weekend, but I wanted to get this one up before my trip and it’s just oh so pretty! Dove Ridge Vineyard has one of the best views in Weatherford and I can’t believe it’s in my hometown ❤️ Check out more from Courtney and Matt’s day via the link in my bio #tarabarnesbride #linkinbio