Ginger Ivey Photography

My blog has a new home!

2009-02-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

Finally! I have a spiffy new blog! Click here to head that way and be sure to update your bookmark!(if I'm lucky enough to have a bookmark on your computer!)

Be sure and leave a comment on the new blog and let me know what you think!!

Before you leave, here's a cute pic of my new sweet baby Mason....I'm now a GodMother to three!!

Baby Estep

2009-02-12T00:25:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post pictures of this precious little boy, but somehow it hadn't been done...but here he is! Allen and I got to know Nathan last year when he was on our team that went to China for 2 weeks, just before we were married. Over the last year, I've gotten to know his beautiful wife, Joanna, and now they have an adorable little boy named Elijah! I just wanted to squeeze him the whole time--he's so cute! Those big eyes would just stare at you and he was so good through all the outfit changes and messing around with him that we did....here's some of my faves...

His room is all decorated with sailboats, so Joanna brought along some fun props!

His hat was just too cute!!

Brides!

2009-01-31T00:23:00.000-08:00

I know, I know! I have totally fallen behind on blogging...but I'm back! It's just been an insane few weeks getting the year going, but it's been great! I was browsing a fellow photog's blog and it triggered in my mind that I had several brides that I haven't posted! I get sooo excited about the images and want to post them sooo bad...but I have to wait until after the wedding...and by then I've told myself "no" so many times that I've forgotten...but no more! I've got a better workflow now...
Anyway...this is the beautiful Cassie...I have to say that this was one of the windiest days that I have ever shot and she was such a trooper! Her mom became an expert veil-in-the-wind catcher by the end of our time together. Cassie and her mom have such a sweet relationship and it was an afternoon full of laughs! We shot until all the light was gone and then some. Congrats Cassie!

It was right after this that Cassie's veil flew high into a tree as her mom ran after it...luckily the wind shifted and the veil blew back down!!

I was too tired to decide which of these three in front of the church was my favorite...which one is yours?

Seriously, if this doesn't show you how windy it was...

Harpers & Grays!

2009-01-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, so part of my goals this year is to keep my blog and website updated, so I AM going to do it...
I had held off on posting these because Renee wanted to surprise her family with their cards so I didn't want them to see the pics on my blog beforehand! But now, here they are!

Meet the Harpers...Mark, Renee, and their precious little man, Ty. I've known Mark as long as I can remember...we grew up going to the same church camp, along with all his brothers and sisters...Anyway, Mark and his little family just recently moved up here to the dfw area and I was so thrilled when they called and wanted me to take their pics! We had soooo much fun out at the park---we were mostly laughing at all the silly faces Ty was making at us. I had just gotten back from the farm after Thanksgiving and it was SUPER windy...so much that we wondered if we should bother shooting...but God smiled on us and it was barely windy in the park! Here's some of my faves...

Renee and Ty were having fun rolling around in all the leaves!

Meet Nic & Amy Gray....Amy lived right next to me in the dorm my freshman year at Tech...oh what fun times we had! I took their pics last year for Christmas and I must have done something right because Amy called me again this year for more pics...we went to the park and played in the leaves(Amy's ring flew off as they were throwing leaves...but luckily we found it after only about 10 minutes of looking!)...Amy and Nic are just so cute and there's no doubting the love they have for one another when you see them...love you guys!

New Year to new things!

2009-01-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I was reading another photographers post this morning, and it inspired me to make a list of goals for 2009...not so much New Year's Resolutions, but a list of goals that is there for me to be aware of and to reach for...

As I look back on 2008, it really does make me smile! What can I say--it has been the best year of my life so far and I can't wait to see what 2009 brings! I started 2008 off in China - spent New Year's Eve eating noodles from a little street corner cafe with my fiance and then hopped a little plane in the morning to a town we'll call TR. China was an amazing start to the year...two weeks seeing the Lord work through people who have followed his call to spread the gospel to the nations...hiking in the mountains to bring gifts to students in need and listening to others share the Good News with those who have NEVER heard. Simply amazing.
Then back to Fort Worth to finish planning my wedding...and 4 weeks later...
On February 9th, I married the man of my dreams! There is no one on earth I love more and who could possibly be more perfect for me! God blessed me beyond what I could have ever imagined by giving me Allen...
Then a couple weeks later my sister had a baby boy!! And how precious he is! Corbin makes us smile over and over! I love that little man!
Not only has God blessed my personal life, but my business has grown so much!
Each month seemed to out-do the one before and I have just gotten busier and busier! I have worked with such beautiful and amazing couples for some fabulous weddings! It's kinda funny--I was thinking the other day about when I decided to stop shooting weddings like YEARS ago because they were so stressful and pretty much terrified me...well, that's because I shot my first wedding at the age of 19!! Can you believe it?! I look back and I'm like, what was I thinking!? But miraculously they all turned out well(and this was back in the day when we shot with film--there was no checking to see how your pics were turning out--you just had to know how to expose to every lighting situation!)....Man, I must have been brave or naive back then--not sure which! BUT, after learning SO MUCH MORE,(and moving into the digital age) I'm glad I finally got comfortable shooting weddings again because I absolutely LOVE it! And even more so this last year. I absolutely love my job! Have I mentioned that?
So yes, a year full of new clients and beautiful faces that have just amazed me.
Another big event. Allen and I bought a house this summer! WOW! It was totally a God thing and things just fell into place for us to get such a great deal on an amazing house. I do still need to post some updated pics!
We spent Thanksgiving with the Schovajsas and Christmas with the Iveys...what joy our families have brought to our lives! I look forward to what 2009 has in store!

These are my goals for 2009...both big and small...business and personal...

Shoot twice as many weddings as I did in 2008
Get an organized system going in my office and keep it up!
Move my business structure to LLC
Get the canvases I want printed and hang them in the office and studio
Learn more about studio lighting and using flash on location different effects
Revamp my blog
Attend a photography workshop
Hold at least one more workshop
Finish MY wedding album
Submit images for a contest
Have a more firm grasp on my financials, taxes, etc...keep organized!
Read the Bible all the way through
Spend more time with my Creator
Get to my goal weight
Make time for other creative outlets--sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, etc.
Start AND Finish my wedding scrapbook!
Get my coffee table books from China and Africa printed
Develop a faster turnaround time for weddings
Bless a couple in need with free wedding photos
Go to a Tech football game!
Keep my website updated
Design/order new business cards(this will be very soon!)
Frame our diplomas
Simplify. Not sure what all it might entail, but it's still a goal!
Set up/decorate/organize our "hobby room"
Get fit!

I may add to this list as I think of new goals, but for now, these are the things I know I want to accomplish!

peas and juice,
Ginger

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

2008-12-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

So Allen and I are off to Lubbock until Sunday!!! Poor Allen has been working like 20 hrs a day again this past week, so it will be so nice to just relax and hang out with the family. I'm sooo excited to be spending Christmas with my new family--it's the first Christmas I haven't been home at my parents, and while I'll miss seeing them, I'm pumped about the Ivey Christmas!! I sure do love being married and I could not have asked for a more wonderful family to marry into--they are the absolute best! Love them all just as much as my own blood...

Anyway, I doubt we'll have much internet while we're there, so just call the cell if you need something...I'll be "back in business" again next Monday! Have a very very Merry Christmas!!

We love you!

The Hicks

2008-12-16T20:02:00.001-08:00

Ok, so Brooke was the winner of the contest that I made up for my bday and she called me up Sunday afternoon and since it was such a nice day out, we decided it'd be the best day...and it was! We had such fun playing with the boys...they are too cute! Blake and Brooke, you are so blessed with such precious little boys! Anyway, it seems that almost every family I've shot lately has at some point in the shoot ended up playing in the leaves, and this time was no different. Hudson loved to throw them, and Haddon loved to eat them! ;) Here's some faves...

i love Haddon sitting in the background eating leaves on this one as Blake and Hudson have a sword fight...too fun!

Reindeer Cake balls...

2008-12-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

So yeah, I know this has nothing to do with photography, other than the fact that I took a picture of what I ended up with, but who cares! Today Allen had a Christmas cookie/candy contest at work so last night we made these fun alternatives to just regular cake balls! Click here for the recipe!

Aren't they cute!?

family cards

2008-12-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been super busy this week finishing up clients' pictures for Christmas and cards...and in that time I made my sister's christmas cards as well as mom's...hopefully I'll get to mine and Allen's card soon!....so what do you think?

Shelley's card

Mom's card

Christmas Deadline!

2008-12-10T12:21:00.001-08:00

Ok, so for all of you who are waiting for your pictures...they are coming! I'm spending the entire day in my pajamas, editing away on wedding pictures(yes kerrie, yours!), designing Christmas cards, putting together books, and editing more pictures. If you haven't seen your pics yet...you'll awake in the morning to some sweet images!

And for those of you who have mentioned wanting to booka shoot with me, this Sunday is the last day to shoot in order to have pics in time for Christmas gifts or Christmas cards!!
I still have a few slots available this weekend, so call me now if you want to book!

It's so cold outside!!
so I am enjoying my favorite HOT drink...Hot Dr. Pepper with Lemon...try it before you knock it!

Crazy busy!

2008-12-08T14:13:00.001-08:00

Well, the title says it all...
I think I recall being busy around this time of year in the past, but this year---more so than ever! BUT...busy in a good way! I've been out shooting portrait sessions for couples and families and back home editing, designing Christmas cards, decorating the house, went home to the ranch for Thanksgiving(lots of fun!), and just about anything else you can think of that goes on this time of year!

Last night Allen and I went shopping for a Christmas tree...we went to Garden Ridge to check out their 50% off sale and then walked next door to Lowe's...and finally decided we were going to get a real tree...luckily, Lowe's was closed by the time we went back, so we stopped for Chinese food, and then on the way home stopped at this little place that has Christmas trees this time of year, and flowers and such in the spring...Anyway, their Christmas trees were amazing and we got an awesome one for just $40!(one that would have cost at least $80 at Lowes!)...we got it home, went and got some lights and decorated it...and it's just perfect! I LOVE IT! ...i just love the smell and feel it gives the house...such fun! I'll post a picture later when I'm done decorating...

Anyway, I just thought I'd take a quick break from all the pics I'm editing and share a few from Thanksgiving...we had so much delicious food and fun with the fam. My grandparents came down from Snook with my uncle and Allen and I had 4 days of pure relaxation! I also contracted pink eye(my mom got it...apparently I brought the germs home with me and I got it this past week---YUCK!...and sadly, i passed it on to allen...sorry babe!).
Anyway, I took all of these pics(except for the one of me and Allen and me and Corbin--mom took those...she had fun pretending to be a photographer for a bit!)...but yes, even the family portraits--it wasn't easy! And miraculously, Corbin was looking at the camera in almost all the shots! I think he liked the beeping ;)

I think Corbin was getting hungry as he waited for Dinner...

He's not quite walking, but this little guy sure can get around!

Granny finishing up her gravy...mmm mmm!

Mimi mixing the marshmallow fruit sald.

MMM....my Favorite thanksgiving dressing!!

Tiffany made chicken and dumplings...does it look like we have enough food? haha!

I made some sushi rolls.

The boys hanging out before dinner...except Allen--he was getting some much needed sleep!

Corbin hanging out with his great-grandpa!

someone is full...

My sexy sister walking back to the house after pictures...

Corbin loves his mommy!

And his Aunt Tiffy!(and her necklace too!)

and of course, me!

pic that mom snapped of me and the love of my life!

These are some shots I got of my beautiful and wonderful parents...they are truly the best ever and such a great example of love and a strong marriage--aren't they so cute!? I love them!!

Ok, so the following are some of our whole family portraits...this first one is my fave...what's yours?

Holiday Cards!

2008-12-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

*Click here to see more card options!*
So for all of you who have been in a rush to get pictures done for cards, here's some fun options...these are high quality press printed cards(like hallmark) and are totally awesome! You can customize the text to whatever you want and there are also other options such as a linen or pearl finish, so ask for those prices if you're interested!

We have...
4.5x5 flat card -- $22
5x5 flat card -- $28
5x7 flat card -- $28
4.5x5 folded card -- $35
5x7 folded card -- $45
5x5 trifold card -- $45
4.5x5 accordion card -- $55
5x7 wide format card -- $55

these prices are for a package of 25 cards, including envelopes

the 4x6 and 4x8 cards are with photographic paper, are one sided, and also include envelopes... they are priced as follows...
4x6 or 4x8 - $14
5x5 - $16
5x7 - $18

these are lustre or glossy print -- for metallic finish add $3 price of each pack...
you can use the designs from the press printed cards, but there'll only be one side

I'll have more card options up this weekend!

4.5x5 flat card, front and back

5x5 flat card, front and back

5x7 flat card, front and back

5x7 folded card front

inside spread

back

And here are the 4x6 photo cards...

and the 4x8 photo cards..

Yay for Fall!

2008-12-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

So last week I had a double shoot with Julie, her husband, and some of her family. Julie works at our bank and I was delighted when she mentioned that she wanted me to take pics of her and her husband. We scheduled them a while back and in the meantime she'd mentioned them to her sister and she wanted to shoot as well, so we sort of just combined the two shoots together and went around Fort Worth taking lots of fun pics! We had so much fun playing in leaves and running around with all the kids! Thanks guys--enjoy! And yes, there's a lot, but that's because it was 2 shoots in one!

We let the boys get in a leaf fight...it was pretty funny. A leaf fight seems like the best kind to let kids get in, right?

I am editing pics all day today, so if yours aren't up yet, check back tonight! I'm trying to get them done early for Christmas cards! If you are still wanting to book a shoot in time to get Christmas cards made, call me TODAY!!

Beautiful Bride!

2008-11-25T18:22:00.001-08:00

I know I've mentioned it before, but as much as I love shooting brides, I can't stand the wait!--having to wait until after the wedding to post the pics! And these weren't any different. Kerrie and I have been friends for a couple years now and I am soooo happy for her and her new hubby, Jerred! Hopefully I'll have some faves from their wedding soon! But here's some of the gorgeous bride!

Busy week!

2008-11-23T22:43:00.001-08:00

Man, it's been a really busy week with a wedding and several shoots, but it's been so much fun! Check back soon for some new pics!

Cake Balls, I'm 27!!

2008-11-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it---27! It's kinda funny, sometimes when someone asks how old I am, I have to think about it for a second before I answer. But I usually get it right...unlike Allen, who for some reason, on our honeymoon, thought he was 28. About the third time he told someone that, I stopped and was like...wait a second...no you aren't! You're only 27! Crazy boy...trying to grow up too fast! ;) Anyway, in April he did turn 28..and now I'm 27. 27. 27.27. I need to remember that for the next year...HA!

Anyway, I think life only gets better with each birthday. And this one was indeed the best so far! I mean, it was in fact, my first birthday to have a husband!!!(and the best one ever at that!) This year I used my birthday as an excuse(as usual) to have a party! Back in college I would have had some huge party where people have to park 3 blocks away and then walk...and while I'll ALWAYS be a party thrower(I just LOVE being a hostess!)...I have toned down the numbers since college...we just don't have room for 75-100...I don't even know how we fit that many people back then(I think it was just our HUGE back yard). Ok, this is random, but at one of our parties, my roommate's room was on fire and we didn't even notice!!(Don't tell our landlord, we never did!)...moral of that story...don't burn a candle in a wooden candle holder on a wooden shelf on your wall...I LOVE YOU LAUREN!! haha! ok...back to present time....I digress...
Anyway, yesterday was my birthday and we had some friends over for food and fun! A friend of mine let me try a cake ball she had made the other day and it was so delicious, I decided I had to make them for my party...they are FABULOUS!! I can't wait to make them again for Thanksgiving at my parent's house! You can find the recipe here. This blog has so many fun and delicious looking treats! I totally bookmarked it!

It was sooo easy, you just bake a red velvet cake...

Then let it cool, crumble it into a bowl. Mix it with a can of cream cheese frosting and roll it into balls(this can get messy). Then let them chill for a few hours in the fridge...

Then you just melt some chocolate bark and roll the balls in it and plop each coated one onto wax paper to harden...and get THIS!!!!

mmmmm....does it make you want to try it now?! It makes like 50 balls and cost maybe $5 total?? YAY!

Anyway, my dear husband, who also loves to try new things to cook(and I do mean cook...he's not so much the baker!) made some DELICIOUS meatballs...I don't have pictures, but just imagine yummy juicy maple-glazed meatballs...oh so good! We also made chocolate covered strawberries, which by the way, are my favorite fruit. Chocolate covered strawberries...remember that if you ever feel the need to give me a gift of any sort... ;)

OH OH OH! I almost forgot to tell you....Allen got me such a fun birthday present, and since this post is all about yummy foods, it fits right in...we've always talked about going to one of those cooking classes at Central Market but never have...but guess what, on December 1st, we ARE! He knows how much I love tamales(hey, i am from south Texas, what do you expect!?), and he found a Tamale Workshop they are having--YAY!! I'll tell you all about it after we go! We're supposed to learn how to make all sorts of yummy stuff...so Mom and Dad Ivey, looks like we're gonna make some Mexican food for Christmas this year? ;)

Anyway...in honor of my birthday...(I LOVE LOVE LOVE giving gifts!) I am giving away a portrait shoot to one lucky winner!!! Email me at ginger@gingeriveyphoto.com with a story of your favorite birthday memory...AND why you think you deserve a free portrait session! Hurry Hurry, cuz I want to shoot before long so you can have the pictures for Christmas!!

Jennifer + Casey

2008-11-14T00:09:00.000-08:00

Ok...so I have been editing this shoot for a while because we took a million pictures! But it's now 2am and I have finally narrowed it down(you can call it narrowed down considering how many favorites i started out with) to some faves to post...Seriously...I think half my time editing this shoot was narrowing it down...because I LOVED so many!!

Anyway, I was soooo excited to do this shoot because Jennifer is my "new" sweet cousin...cousin-in-law? Whatever--she is Allen's cousin and now she's mine too! I gladly claim her! (and soon Casey too!) We really hadn't hung out a whole lot before, but I was THRILLED when she called and asked me to do their pictures! You would think the devil didn't want me to take their pictures(because he knew how awesome they would be!), because I hit every closed highway or batch of backed up traffic I possibly could heading out there...But 2 hours after leaving my house, I made it and then began a super fun photo shoot! It's nuts, but I feel like I've known Jennifer a long time(maybe that happens when you become family!). We had a ton of fun as we went around shooting(I love shooting in places I've never been!). Jennifer and Casey are so very in love and I just couldn't get enough of their love for each other and how beautiful they are and how sweet they are to each other and how much they make each other(and me) laugh...I would shoot couples like them all day long if I could! I feel like I'm using a lot of !!!!...but seriously...I'm excited about these pics...and it's 2am...so combine those and this is what you get!
So needless to say, but I'll say it anyway...there's more than "a few"...they are just TOO GORGEOUS not to--Jennifer's eyes just pop! And yes her eyes really are that beautiful color--I didn't dare touch that! Enjoy!

I couldn't decide which of these i liked better so they're both here!

Too cute!

Yep. They should be models.

Seriously, her eyes are the color of that wall--LOVE 'em!

Thanks so much Jennifer and Casey--yall are just too much fun!

Kendrick Family

2008-11-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

This family was such fun! Adrienne heard about me from another one of my clients and I'm so glad she did! She warned me that the twins had had problems with pictures in the past...but look what we came out with!! Let me tell you--20 month old twins do not sit...for more than a split second! haha! We had a great day at the park--Dad had just gotten into town so the kids were latched to him...such sweet love!

I think this was the only image we got where the kids weren't going in different directions!

So sweet...

We broke out a bag of Christmas ornaments for the twins to play with...it was like Easter egg hunting! Too fun!

Check out that face in the back--she was such a ham!

Thanks guys!

To all my folks out there, if you are still needing family pics for Christmas, you have until the first week of December--so call now to book!!

WOOOOHOOOO! new LOGO!

2008-11-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

Notice the new logo? What do you think? Like the new colors?

Tell me! Tell me!

New LOGO!!!

2008-11-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

So I had the ever-so-talented Kasey Spain create me a new logo...to go with the new name change! You're gonna love it! I DO! Anyway, check back soon to see the changes!

The Lee Family

2008-10-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

Soooo, can you tell I've been a bit behind on my blogging? But I'm catching up! Anyway, last friday I was able to minister to this sweet family that will be leaving in a few months to serve in another country! They go to Redeemer with us and it was so great to get to know them better. They have 3 great kids and we really had a good time--lots of laughs! The facial expressions of the kids cracked me up the most! Thanks so much guys for letting me be a part of capturing your family before you leave!

I had to throw in this shot too(above) because the situation was hilarious...Joy(the little one) is pointing out that those guys should not be running naked. (The TCU track team ran by in their little running shorts)...Joy kept pointing and asking why they were naked?!

Joy decided to get back at her brother by tickling him!

Hannah

2008-10-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

So I realized that I never blogged the pics from my shoot with Hannah!! I met Hannah back in the Starbucks-workin days, and she is such a sweet person! A couple months ago she called wanting to know if I would take some pictures for use on a future cd(she sings. very well.)...of course I would! We had a lot of fun running all over the place taking pictures. AND, through her, I randomly reconnected with an old friend from college, Zelvis! They actually server together at the same church and I hadn't seen him in YEARS, but he came over with her for our editing session...good times. Anyway, Hannah is just the sweetest and I'm blessed to have been able to do her music shoot. Here's the faves!

New Albums!!

2008-10-22T00:16:00.001-07:00

YAY!! Soooo...I've had my new sample album for a while now...BUT...now I'm finally giving you a look too! Anyway, I absolutely love these albums and the little pocket books you can order are super fun--they're exact copies of your main album and you can give them as gifts to friends and family! LOVE THEM! I'm also waiting on some more sample albums, so I'll show you those when I get them. In the mean time, feast on these!

Jerred + Kerrie

2008-10-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

Jerred and Kerrie are such a fun couple, and you can totally tell how much they are in love just from these images! I love being able to capture the emotions between couples!! Kerrie is so animated and it just cracked me up the whole time! Jerred and Kerrie are actually getting married on the same day(of last year of course) that Allen proposed to me! what fun! Anyway...these two lovebirds met while working at Starbucks...back when I worked there too! So I've had the pleasure of knowing these two for quite some time and I was thrilled when they asked me to shoot their wedding. I know it will be a blast! Thanks you two for such a crazy and fun engagement shoot!!

Justin + Jessica

2008-10-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the chance to do a shoot with a super fun couple from our church, Justin and Jessica. They have been married for a few years and decided it was time for some new pictures...we had a lot of fun--aside from Jessica getting bit by fire ants! I just absolutely love shooting couples and capturing the emotion and love between them! Thanks guys!

Audrey + Tyler

2008-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the post is finally here! Just to prepare you, there's quite a few images for a blog post, but I just couldn't narrow them down! You've seen their engagement photos, and Audrey's bridals...and now, here's a sneak peek from their wedding! Audrey and Tyler were probably the most laid back bride and groom I have ever worked with! It probably helped that I know them so well, but either way--it was a fabulous weekend! The whole wedding weekend was spent out at a place in Seadrift, TX called Falcon Point Ranch...at a lodge there on the water...on a 6,000 acre ranch and wildlife preserve. It was just an amazing place! The festivities started Friday evening with the rehearsal and dinner(their chef was AMAZING!)...that evening some people hung out and fished or swam in the pool, etc...On Saturday the wedding cake was actually assembled and decorated there at the Lodge--and what an amazing job Rachel did on the cake! And finally after lots and lots of planning and getting everything together, as the sun was setting over the bay, the happy couple was married!! There was a delicious dinner, a live band, and lots of dancing! Then rather than drive away in a car, they came down the pier as everyone threw fish food and then sped away on a boat! All in all, it was a beautiful wedding full of family, friends, and fun! Thanks guys for allowing me to be part of your special day!

I must say...this one made me a little nervous--I know those boys...I wouldn't put it past 'em! ;) I think if these pics would have been after the ceremony instead of before, Tyler would've gotten wet!

This shot is from the top room in the lodge that overlooked the whole place.

Audrey Koenig!!

2008-09-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I was down in the booming metropolis of Seadrift, TX. Even people in neighboring towns new nothing of the hidden jewel right on the bay that is Falcon Point Lodge. What an amazing place for a wedding!! Located on a 6,000 acre ranch and wildlife preserve, this was absolutely wonderful! We arrived on Friday for the rehearsal festivities and an AMAZING dinner. Apparently, this was one of the first weddings they had had out there, but you would never have known it! Their chef was outstanding and the staff was so friendly and accommodating! You would think they did this every weekend! It was like a small resort on the bay...with a long pier out front and beautiful sunsets...
Anyway, Audrey and Tyler are now married! Here are a few of her bridals that I can now post!!(it's the hardest thing waiting to post bridals until after the wedding!!). I will blog pics from their wedding soon. Audrey is so absolutely stunningly gorgeous--we only planned on taking enough shots to get one good one for the wedding(because we're doing more later) but I just couldn't stop shooting!! Enjoy!

Kacie -- Senior

2008-09-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon I get a call from Kacie's mom asking if it was raining in Fort Worth...because it was pouring in Granbury. But here, the skies were blue and there was no sign of rain. I looked up the weather for the day and there was a 0% chance of precipitation until 8pm, when it went up to 10% chance for the next few hours....So I told her mom that we were good to go...then I took a nap, got up, got my stuff together and walked out to the car to head to the shoot. I pulled out of my neighborhood and it starts to rain! WHAT IN THE WORLD!? 0% chance my booty!!! Someone needs to get better at their job!! anyway, it didn't last long and we were good to go by the time I met them. We headed downtown and found even more cool places to shoot! Kacie was worried that she didn't know what to do, but she was absolutely great!!! We had a lot of fun and wrapped up the day with some great images!

Conner -- Senior

2008-09-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I had two senior shoots and they were both tons of fun! In the morning, I met Conner and her mom and we went all over the place until it was just too hot to keep going! We laughed and laughed all morning long...caused cyclists on the trail in the park(or as I called them, bicykers--I accidentally made up a new word) to gaze at us in wonder...and found lots of cool new places to shoot. All in all it was a fabulous morning and we got some great shots--thanks Conner and Jada for making my Saturday morning so entertaining!!

Corbin John -- 6 months old!!

2008-09-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here's a few more shots of my precious nephew. It was raining so we had to make due with shooting inside--and made a makeshift backdrop close to the window with the most light(not much on a rainy day!!!)...but we still came out with some cute shots...He absolutely loves his uncle allen--even if allen isn't looking at Corbin, he just laughs! Hope you like them Shelley!!

The cutest nephew ever!

2008-08-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

So on top of our wedding reception and Audrey's engagements and bridals...I managed to squeeze my precious nephew(as if it was hard--hehe) for some 6 month pics...my mom has pictures of each of us at 6 months in cloth diapers, so we had to do it with Corbin too! here's just a peak...I ran out of time editing...and even this one isn't completely done, but i had to put something up! so I'll have more tomorrow!

Audrey & Tyler

2008-08-26T21:24:00.001-07:00

What can I say...Audrey is pretty close to a sister to me...our families have grown up together and I was absolutely honored when she asked me to shoot her wedding! I can't wait! This last weekend I went home for Allen and my wedding reception(I know...6 months later, but better late than never!) and Audrey and I planned out a weekend of pictures...their engagements and her bridals...
And then it rained... :(
But Audrey and Tyler were troopers and did not let the rain stop them!! We went out to her aunt and uncle's house and waited in the poolhouse for the rain to slow and then just started shooting in the sprinkles...we had such a good time and lots of laughs! And soooooo many pictures! Love it! Here's a "few" of my favorites! ;)
(Seriously, did you really expect any less than this?)

Megan

2008-08-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Ok...Megan and her mom were SOOOO much fun... Megan is a cheerleader in Granbury and I met her when I shot their cheerleading pictures...so glad I did!! What a day we had..I can't even tell you how many places we went to and Megan was totally up for anything. We just made an evening out of the whole shoot! Thanks for nachos Karen! We'll have to have a jamba juice next time we get together!! I tried to narrow these down to just a few favorites...but it was too hard!!
So there's kind of a lot... :)

This is Megan "blending in" with the graffiti on the pillar... ;)

Shots from the new studio!

2008-08-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

So last week I had my first shoot in the new studio!! It was somewhat last minute, but the weather worked out well(meaning the sun was shining to give us good light through the window!) and we had lots of fun...Our dear friends will be having their second baby, a little boy, in just a few weeks, and she felt like she was ready to pop, so we decided to do the pics asap...their little girl, Olivia, is so precious and so much fun! Let me know what you think!!

Travis decided he wanted to make a smiley face on her belly!

This is Olivia...she helped a lot with the pictures. ;)

This one is my favorite!!

Busy busy!

2008-08-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

Ok...I'm swamped! Haha--no but seriously...I need about 12 extra hours a day for the next week, and I'll be ok... ;) We still haven't finished moving because it rained all week long...which makes for loading the back of truck not cool...Today was finally nice, but all i had time to do was squeeze in a nap before my senior shoot this evening--which was SOOOOO much fun!
Yesterday I took NaCole's belly pictures...she called me the day before and said she was about ready to pop--so let's shoot!....and we did...in my new studio!!!!!!! i really do love it...and i will TRY to post at least a couple pictures tonight....maybe...
And then today I shot some senior portraits with Megan. Can I say FUN? Honestly--her and her mom and I had a blast...we went all over the place, shot til sunset...grabbed a quick dinner while it got dark, and then took a few night shots downtown...those shots are coming soon as well...

We are leaving in the morning to head down to Inez, where I have 2 more shoots and our "wedding reception" for those folks back home who couldn't make it to the wedding...oh...and 6 month shots of my nephew...
So look for a lot of new pics next week...in the mean time, i'll be the one running around like crazy--just look for a blur with red hair! ;)

Survey

2008-08-19T13:27:00.001-07:00

Ok folks....I want your opinion...I have been going back and forth with the idea of changing my name from Gravel Road Photography to Ginger Ivey Photography...but I don't know...I came up with gravel road a few years ago before I was married...but who knew I was going to end up with a name as cool as Ginger Ivey!!??! ...so give me your opinions!!

Done painting!!

2008-08-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well guys...it took a little longer because it's been a crazy week...my mom came to town to help paint and to hang out...we started moving...i stepped on a screw that went into my foot...and we finally have the internet and phone hooked up! So... last night I finished the last room to be painted--now the whole house has new paint! These are just a few I snapped for those of you who have been begging for pictures!! Once we get all our stuff moved in and I get things hung on the walls and all that fun stuff, I'll take some "final" pictures...until then, enjoy these!!

This is the new studio--i'm on the hunt for some vintage cool looking couch...

Here's the new office--those are clothes for a garage sale on the floor!

I LOVE the barstools!

That tv looks Tiny!...it's actually sitting on our end table...but we haven't moved our other tv and haven't decided on an entertainment center...

So I have to say that this tub is heaven...even Allen is a huge fan!!

This is our unfinished guest bathroom...it's finished now, but I when I was taking these, I forgot to take a pic of it and the sun went down, so the lighting stinks...but not to worry...more will come!

I have to say that God has totally blessed us in providing such a wonderful house! We absolutey love it!! It's way bigger than we had been looking for and very open and we are just down the street from some good friends...Such a blessing! thanks to everyone who helped!

Almost there!

2008-07-30T11:21:00.001-07:00

Well, I've been a little off the radar on here...because we've been soooo busy!! We ended up closing on our house on July 14th--5 days early, but worked out very well because of some crazy details that came up. There is so much stuff that goes into closing on a house...who knew! But I think the calls have finally stopped--no one calling saying, "um, we just emailed you some pages that you forgot to put your middle initial on when you signed. Please fax them to us and overnight the originals back." Which is odd because one of the papers we signed was giving them permission to do things like add an initial or whatever if we happened to miss something. Weird. What the point of that paper? Anyway, all that done--It's OURS!! I spent about a week cleaning--not your typical cleaning...I mean scrubbing baseboards, cabinets, drawers, doors, doorframes...FLOORS...every surface of this house has been scrubbed, cleaned and sanitized. I don't think the people who lived in it before EVER vacuumed(thank goodness for the amazing carpet guy that cleaned the carpet) or mopped or dusted...or cleaned period. All that's left to clean is the tubs and showers, but you'd be amazed at it now if you'd seen it before. Then a week and a half ago, we started painting! Now I've painted a room before...and a bathroom. But never a whole house!! It's quite a job! My mother-in-law is loves to paint(she should be on one of those home shows!) and she came over last monday to start painting with me...Boy did we get a lot done in just like a day and a half! I'm hoping to be completely done by the end of the week--I'm so ready to move in, but I want everything to be done first!! Anyway, I'll post some pictures later today of the progress!!

Paint!

2008-07-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I don' have any pics to post right now...I'm exhausted and am headed to bed. My mother-in-law came into town today and we started to paint the house!! we actually got a lot done...we finished the kitchen(red) except for a spot above the cabinets that allen will have to finish because neither of us could reach it!(we have extra tall ceilings) we also finished rolling most of the entry way and dining room area...tomorrow we'll finish the details/corners on those places, the office, and master bathroom and bedroom...then all we'll have left is the studio, living room, and two other bedrooms. ok, now that i write that, it still sounds like a lot...but painting every wall in the house is a big job!!! I can't wait to post the "after" pictures...who knows, maybe it will only be a few more days! more pics to come later...gnight!

I'm still alive!

2008-07-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,
Sorry I've been a little out of pocket lately--life's been crazy!! Aside from the new house(which we may close on tomorrow!) I've been swamped and then my computer decided to cease to accept power from the adapter...I thought I just needed a new adapter--but I was sadly wrong! :( So I have to buy a new computer tomorrow(eeek!). Exciting to get a new computer, but bummed that it wasn't budgeted! If any of you have any input, let me know....I'm torn between the macbook pro and the 20" iMac...
I should have an exciting post no later than Tuesday--lots to happen in the next 2 days!!

Love you all!

Granbury Cheerleaders

2008-07-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!--a little late! Hope all of you had a relaxing holiday. We were able to spend an extra long weekend out at Possum Kingdom with my best friend, her husband, and 2 munchkins. Pictures of the weekend to come soon...but first, I had to get done with my edits of the Granbury cheerleaders. We shot super early on Saturday morning before their parade...unfortunately it was the only time this summer that everyone would be in town, so I woke up at 5am and drove down to Granbury, then back to the lake! The girls were great--we only had about an hour to shoot and there were 18 of them!! Here's my faves of each of the girls--thanks so much for being good sports and shooting so early girls!!

Malee + Tim

2008-06-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

Wow...Malee and Tim are absolute troopers! It was SOOOOO hot on our shoot and yet they were upbeat and willing to do whatever I suggested! Humid, hot, and no breeze--but you couldn't have known that from these shots! They are such a sweet and in love couple--they've been married 3 years and just wanted some new pictures together. Here's a few faves!

Drew, Meghan, and baby Lily!!

2008-06-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

Wow...it has been a crazy last several days! Not only have I been completely booked, but we've been trying to get all our paperwork and whatnot taken care of for our new house, working on my new website, and trying to put together a sample album by tomorrow! My bed has been calling my name for like the past 30 hours and I've only succumbed to it for a few hours....BUT, don't get me wrong--it's been a wonderful past several days! I absolutely love my job. Not only am I thrilled when I have a camera clicking in my hands, but I'm thrilled with the people I work with--my clients! I love it when my clients go from an email or comment, to a voice on the phone, to the beautiful people I get to shoot and end up as a treasured relationship. The couple I shot yesterday were a perfect example--already I can't wait to talk to them about their images! Drew and Meghan were so sweet and their baby girl, Lily, was such a little flirt--full of smiles! I am sure she got some great nutrients from the grass she was determined to eat--here's a few of my faves!

Owen Maddox

2008-06-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was able to shoot a precious baby boy--Owen Maddox. He fell asleep and was amazing at letting us pretty much do whatever we wanted with him for quite some time! As usual, I got such baby fever from being around the little one! He was only a week and a half old...I want one! haha! But alas, we will wait a while. Anyway, these are a few of my faves from the shoot!

William + Jennifer

2008-06-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of shooting a super fun couple--Jennifer and William! I actually graduated high school with Jennifer's brother and haven't seen her in FOREVER! They were so full of love and we had a great time! Here's a few of my favorites...

The House... :)

2008-06-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

I promised a few pics of the house...Here's a few I snapped!

The charming front.

The entry way looking back at the front door--the office on the right with the french door, and closest to the front...will be my studio!

My future studio/meeting room...minus the chandelier of course!!

Need I say anything? Bubbles will be nice... ;)

The master bedroom...we need to hire Stanley Steemer!

Ahhhh....granite!

We love the open concept!

Our back patio! Can't wait for some fall evenings with outdoor dinners!

Well, that's the house! Pray everything goes well in all the closing and within a month we'll be homeowners!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!

2008-06-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

So can you tell I am excited??? We put an offer on a house last Monday and after a weeka and a half of praying that they would accept it, we have our answer---YES! We are so excited and can't wait to be new home owners! Our new house will have a studio as well for babies and pregnant belly shoots! I will post some "before" pictures later today(it's a foreclosure, so there will be a little fixing up to do!).

June News!

2008-06-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Sooo, the most exciting news that we have for the month is my INSANE idea to practically give away shoots for the month. I am doing half hour shoots for ONLY $25!!
There's only half the month left so hurry and book your mini-shoot today!

Welcome to my blog!

2008-06-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

I have constantly been asked if I have a blog for my photography and I can finally say YES! I fought the idea for a while, but now I'm giving in to the trend and plan to keep up! Haha! Anyway, visit the blog for recent news, favorite shots from recent shoots, and whatever else I may feel like passing on to you! For more details, pricing, galleries, etc., visit the website HERE

Please leave comments--they are fun!