{Decor} Oh, Smoke!

The Little Red Caboose is one of my favorite stories I read with my son. It has such a great message- be happy with who you are, for you were created with a great purpose.
So, when one of my besties told me she's doing her baby boy's room in trains, I new exactly what I was going to create for her. My favorite part of the story is when the little red caboose is complaining and says "Oh, smoke!" It just silly enough that it makes my son and I laugh a little every time. It also helps when you say it with a pouty lip and a voice like the little kid from A Christmas Story (the little piggy). Try it. You'll laugh just a little. Promise.
I apologize for the mediocre commercial photography lately. I've been working late into the night on projects that are to be packed and shipped out first thing in the morning. So, I've been forced to take pictures by the light of the moon, or at least with my flash. Still thankful for all the wonderful creative ideas I've been able to take part in.

{Print} The Story of Sweet Baby June...

A friend of mine commissioned me to make a baby book for a sweet little girl that is about to make her debut. While the real story is yet to be written, I created a place for mom and dad to write it all down.

{Photog} G-R-O-W

Love this sweet family! Remember Joshua? I can't believe how much he's grown just in the past 6 months. This is a great reminder of why it's so important to take pictures so frequently. I can't stand the thought of not being able to remember a single detail about my kids being little.

My business has also been growing, and I'll be making some huge changes in the month of Decmeber. I'm so thankful for all my clients who have helped me along the way. BIG props coming your way. :) It's not too late to get in on the digs!
I'm offering a great deal if you plan for next year. Book your Winter/Spring 2012 session by December 31st, and recieve 2011 rates! This offer is good for all types of full sessions- baby milestones, senior portraits, yearly portraits, etc. Prices will be changing January 1st. E-mail me for details. LauraVeno@sbcglobal.net

Enjoy your preview, sweet P family! It was so good to photograph you again. :)

{Photog} Urban, Delicious, and Prego all in one sentence

This urban, delicious maternity session for one of my favorite prego families was quite the adventure! (You may never see those words in the same sentence again.) With one precious little princess already in their pocket, they're expecting another bundle of boy! With their first, they had some beautiful maternity portraits done in the DFW area. So, I proposed doing something a little different. I saw the Austin postcard wall awhile back and knew immediately I wanted to have a session there, and what better way than to welcome a little one to the world (especially the wierdly, unique world of Austin!). After the wall we ventured over the hills and through the streets to the restaurant row of travel trailers for a delicious family treat. I heart the blue eyes, family cuddles, and sisterly love in these pictures (Jeremy, you have pretty eyes, too). I heart this family session, and hope you do, too. Greetings, Grayson, from your Aunt Laura. :)

{Photog} & {Parties} Look Whoo's Having a Boy

This "Woodland Friends" themed baby shower couldn't have turned out better for my little sister. Remember the invitations that went out? I'm in love with the details, from the owl cupcakes and milk bottles, to the monogram tree stump, and the special chalboard messages from loved ones. Baby Grayson was showered with loads of fun little boy gifts and eager and expectant wishes and words of wisdom. The party was put together by myself, our older (smarter and more mature, but so much fun) sister, and a fabulous and talented friend. Enjoy your preview, everyone, and keep watch for the "tasty" maternity session that followed!

{Photog} Birthdays are for Celebrating

There's not much more I love than a good birthday celebration. It's the one day of the year that belongs to you, and you deserve a party! So, when my uber-creative and oh-so craft saavy friend asked me to come to her grandfather's 80th birthday party and take pictures, of course I said yes! I knew this would be a great shin-dig, and her family did not disappoint. These are the kind of people you want at your wedding reception. They know how to have a good time, and- good for me- they were all smiles. A photo-booth, family portraits in the courtyard, and some quick snaps of the party in action... Thanks so much for letting me be apart of such a special day. Enjoy your preview!

{Photog} The Most Wonderful Time of the Year... Christmas Mini's!

2011 Christmas Mini-Sessions are here! My favorite thing to do is give gifts, so let this be your first of the season! You may never see a deal this amazing again...

Mini-sessions are a 20 minute on-location session for you and your immediate family members. With all the checklists, to-do lists, and gift lists, I know how busy the holidays can be, so this is a great option for this time of year!

Included with your session:
*3 high-res downloadable images from your online gallery (a $150 value).
*25 boutique style Christmas cards (a $60 value). Choose from 4 options.
And, because Christmas is the best gift of all, I'm also including a $25 gift certificate for you to give a friend.

...All for $120.

There are 3 different session days to choose from, each a different style. Contact me for more details and to book your session. TheBirdandTheBee@sbcglobal.net

*Session fees must be paid in full to hold your spot. Since these sessions are time sensitive and stylized, there will be no refunds and no rescheduling for canceled sessions. Please do not be late for your session, as it will only cut our 20 minutes short, and not into another sessions time.
*Giftee's name will be printed on the gift certificate and kept in our records.

{Photog} All That is Good and Gorgeous

Meet Reese. I got to spend a precious Sunday morning with this sweet bundle of everything that is good and gorgeous. Laid back and beautiful like her momma (remember her stunning maternity pics?), this little one was a joy to photograph. Enjoy your preview sweet M family!

{Photog} Preview of a Preview for a Precious One

I couldn't resist... I'm completely not done with these edits, but just did these and couldn't keep them to myself. How selfish would that be?!?!? They just fill my heart with happiness... (Sigh)... I hope they make your Tuesday a little brighter (or Monday evening, for all you night owls, like me). More previews, and the story on this precious one to come!

{Photog} The Apple and the Tree, Jenny & Bree

When I was young (er, 'cause I still see a 21 year old when I look in the mirror), my mom would often say, "That apple doesn't fall far from the tree," about me, when I did awesome (not always) things just like herself or my dad.
This is my dear (and gorgeous and skinny-in-an-awesome way) friend, Jenny, and her equally dear (and gorgeous and skinny-in-a-future-super-model way) daughter, Bree. And, well, that apple doesn't fall far from the tree (but only cause of the awesomeness, unlike me). I took this fun gal and her mini-me downtown for a unique momma, daughter mini session, and here is what happened...

{Photog} Baby Boy Blue

Meet Cooper. So snuggly and sweet. And his family is just as. Well, I didn't snuggle them, too, but definitely sweet. Thanks for letting me relish in the toes and fingers and cheeks and chunkiness. I had so many favorites in this one. I can't wait to watch this handsome boy grow!

{Wear} A Fall Floral to Twirl In

Who says florals are just for the spring? The pinks, greens, and reds in this floral print really pop on a grey background. It reminds me of those grey fall days that I know are coming. Finished off with black polka dots, perfect for those black suede boots and leggings. The elastic waist band is perfect for dressing babies, or big girls who can "do it by myself". Only a few sizes available, check it out in our Etsy shop. www.etsy.com/shop/thebirdandbee

{Wear} Time to Pull Out the Scarves

This chill in our Texas air is a welcome change from our 100 plus degree days. This means many happy things for me and my family- the state fair, camping, smores, holidays, birthdays, boots, and scarves! Anyone who knows me, seldom sees me without a scarf. They are my most favorite accessory, and I would give anything (almost) to get them in my son's and daughter's sizes. And, because I must share my passion for accessories with my off spring, I made them some myself. And, because I like to share, I made some for you.

Toddler and child size infinity scarves. These scarves are perfect for our active little ones- no beginning and no end, which means no falling off while running amuck. Wrap them twice or three times for extra warmth in soft knits. Our latest fall colors are in! Pistachio green, Marled grey, Rich chocolate brown, and Flecked royal purple. Only one of each in stock right now. Custom orders welcome. www.etsy.com/shop/thebirdandbee

{Wear} Blue Tiered Tutu, One of a Kind

So, sometimes I get an inkling to try something new, or just create out of what I have. Maybe this comes from the times I would create Barbie dresses out of my mothers sewing scraps, or maybe I just have issues with throwing scraps away... Either way, this is the first of many accessories I've been working on, and the only one of this kind. I may or may not recreate this item ever again. We'll just see how it goes. But for now, here's one in a 2T for you.
This tea length 3 tiered tulle tutu skirt is sure to make her spin. Crinkled satin elastic waist band so that your big girl can do it all by herself. Find it in our Etsy shop while it lasts!

{Decor} Little Cabin

While I didn't hand stitch all of these decorations, I did find each piece all over creation and bring them together to create this ruggishly handsome cabin themed boys room, perfect for any young outdoors"boy". Originally designed for my own little woodsboy, now available for yours. Check it out in our Etsy shop!

{Photog} Bucket Rides and Other Shenanigans

Another one of my favorite families... Mostly because they're fun and kind and caring and SO cute, but also because it's my sister, brother-in-law, and niece and nephew. I kind of LOVE them. :) So, of course this was a super fun session. My sister trusts me enough to try my ideas (and there was no way H-man was not going to sit in the bucket after I told him that was the plan... "My mom's going to carry me in a bucket!?!?"-mouth hanging open), and I have to say, I think it paid off.

{Print} Woodland Friends Invite

My precious little sister is having her second baby, and we're celebrating in true outdoor boy style. With the baby room set in a Woodland Friends theme, a shower in any other just wouldn't do.
This invitation is fit for any party in your neck of the woods. These handmade cards are inked and pressed with an owl and branches, framing a simple print. The brown envelopes are lined with coordinating trees, deer, and other woodland friends. Check it out in our Etsy shop!
Pictures from the party are coming soon!

{Photog} All Smiles

Meet Miss E, and her precious mom and dad. She was all smiles this late Saturday morning at the gardens. There's nothing warmer than a baby's giggle and smile... Well, maybe this Texas heat, but that's a different kind of sticky warm. Back to the nice warm... ahhh, baby giggles and smiles. And though, the sweetness was all over her face, she had quite a different agenda. She was going to walk! No sitting in buckets or kneeling on the ground for this one (at least not after she figured out she wanted to stand). I have no doubt that this one will be up for a game of chase very soon. Thanks for a great session, mom and dad. The love you have for your little one warms my heart (and forced my own little ones into a snuggly arm lock they had to wiggle out of when I got home). Love the love that inspires one to love. You can quote me on that... or maybe use it as a tongue twister.