monica hunter photography

Nathan + Rachael Sneakpeek

2010-10-18T20:38:00.004-05:00

This ring is a token of my love and commitment.
You are my best friend, and I will love and respect you always.

See how in their veins all becomes spirit:
Into each other they mature and grow.
Like axles, their forms tremblingly orbit,
round which it whirls, bewitching and aglow.
Thirsters, and they receive drink,
watchers, and see: they receive sight.
Let them into one another sink
so as to endure each other outright.

-from Nathan and Rachael's vows at their ceremony earlier in the day

Many more are on the way - look for the full post later this week!

And a special thank you to Nathan and Rachael.
I'm absolutely honored you asked me to photograph your reception.

Darice + Brian are Engaged!

2010-10-05T18:25:00.003-05:00

Darice and Brian found me through weddingwire...and I'm so very glad they did!

Darice, I hope I was able to capture just how sweet and fun you and Brian are.

I can't wait for the wedding, guys!

Handsome L and His Beautiful Mama.

2010-09-26T15:36:00.002-05:00

I've known L's mama, Reagan, for quite some time. And, though I've done lots of work for her before, this was my first time shooting portraits of her son. He's such a handsome little man.

I can't wait to watch him grow up.

Love you, R. Hope I was able to really capture you and Mister L.

Barbara + Mike - Engaged!

2010-09-23T16:49:00.002-05:00

We're in the process of a blog and marketing overhaul at Monica Hunter Photography...things may get a bit crazy over here! Hope everyone likes the changes. So, rather than my usual chatter...let's just get to the images!

Barbara and Mike - Thank you so much for choosing Monica Hunter Photography as your wedding photographers! We can't wait! I hope you love your images...and I hope they convey just how much you two adore each other.

Oh - Barbara and Mike met at a car show...this is Barbara's car (in the process of being restored)...

Look forward to your wedding, guys!

Sweet Baby A ~ Nine Months.

2010-08-30T20:07:00.002-05:00

Nine. Months.

This means I only have one more shoot for Baby A's First Year Package.

The past three months have flown by. Baby A, I'm so excited for your One Year Shoot! Baby A's Mom and Dad, you guys have the best baby. She's adorable...and so, so sweet. Thank you for choosing me as your family photographer...and I hope to continue to be.

For A's Nine Month Shoot, we headed outdoors! Don't worry...we had our shoot really early to beat the heat.

I couldn't decide which of these two I liked better...also? Crawling!

Also - little teeth.

Receptiontimes! Elisabeth-and-Fred-Style.

2010-08-18T17:15:00.005-05:00

After we wrapped up the group wedding party photos (and after they so graciously jumped up and down in over-a-hundred-degree heat), we took a limo to the reception at The Hall at Old Town Plaza in Norman, Oklahoma.

Since the wedding and reception were in Norman, and we're primarily based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, all of the other vendors were new to us. They all did such a fantastic job! From the supertasty food (provided by Abbey Road Catering), to the cakes (just perfect! - Ruth's Sweete Justice Bakery), to the music (Forever Young Entertainment) and decor (Dallas's The Porter Touch).... everything was so lovely.

The wedding party was announced...and Fred and Elisabeth had their first dance as husband and wife.

She danced with her father, and he with his mother.
Elisabeth and her father danced to Heartland's "I Loved Her First," and I cried through most of the song (and again just now when I googled the lyrics). Fred and his mama danced to Green Day's "Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)."

Then, the reception was in full swing!

We're so happy for you, Elisabeth and Fred. We hope the day didn't go too quickly...and that you're able to remember how each moment was magical.

Becoming the Alonzis.

2010-08-16T21:23:00.004-05:00

I'm breaking my self-imposed rule about posting these before we're done editing. I just can't help myself!

Elisabeth Hall married Fred Alonzi on Friday, August 13, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Norman, Oklahoma. I hope they always remember what that day felt like.

Check back soon for another post - the reception! It was magical.

Sneak Peek: Mr. & Mrs.

2010-08-15T14:24:00.007-05:00

Elisabeth and Fred were married on August 13, 2010. And....it's sneak peek time.

He only had eyes for his wife. She only had eyes for her husband.
They floated back down the aisle, out of the front doors of the church, and into the world, married.

We stepped away, briefly, during the reception. Mostly for Fred and Elisabeth to be able to catch their breath...

Check back soon...we'll start at the beginning.

And Now She's Mrs.

2010-08-04T21:25:00.005-05:00

I wanted to post these WEEKS ago...I was so excited.
And I still am. Elisabeth is such a stunning bride. And, while I'm busy editing her and Fred's wedding photos, here's a few photos from her bridal shoot.

For these bridals, we went to the Oklahoma Museum of Art and The Colcord Hotel, both in Oklahoma City. Thanks, Michael, The Colcord Hotel was absolutely amazing.

The bride's dress is Maggie Sottero , purchased at Moliere Bridal in Oklahoma City.

Her makeup is Bobbi Brown ; her hairstylist is Amanda Murrow. That stunning birdcage veil? She and her mom made it!

Thank you, Elisabeth, for having me photograph your bridal portraits...and thank you (to you and Fred) for having me photograph your wedding. Getting to witness (and share in) your joy and love for each other was magical. I'll have a post for that soon!

Thank you to Elisabeth, Elaine (Maid of Honor Extraordinaire), and Claudia (Magical Mother of the Bride).

Sweet Sawyer.

2010-08-04T18:02:00.004-05:00

Portrait time! Sawyer's mom contacted me through facebook (hey - be a fan!) to do a portrait shoot of her kiddos in celebration of Sawyer's birthday (he's one now!).

We braved the heat at the Dallas Zoo, and it was totally worth it.

Thanks so much for letting me meet (and photograph!) your kids, Amanda and Derik. I can't wait to do the family shoot in the spring!

Your proofs should be ready later tonight!

samantha and jesse.

2010-07-05T19:08:00.004-05:00

These two just might be the nicest people I know. They braved high temperatures and all kinds of locations...and were still smiling. Thank you both, S&J. I can't wait for your wedding. Not just because I'm shooting it : )

Also - a special shout-out THANKYOU to David (location scout extraordinaire), Terry (SuperAssistant), Brad (firework supplier), and Rachel (sanity maintainer).

Fantastically Fifty.

2010-06-27T20:55:00.002-05:00

Her husband and sister-in-law wanted to throw her a party.

A surprise party.

It was so much fun to be a part of it. Thanks so much, Shelia (and Ken and Janet - the planners) - from the deejay and the cake to the bartender and the dancing, you folks sure know how to have a good time.

Baby A's 6 month shoot.

2010-05-24T20:27:00.003-05:00

Sweet Baby A is six months old.

Here's just a sneak peek. And, OH MAN, it was hard narrowing these down.

Baby's First Sweet Potatoes.

I can't even put into words how honored I am to be a part of Baby A's life. Can't wait for 9 months, guys!

Sisters.

2010-05-24T20:01:00.003-05:00

They say that the longest relationship you have is with your siblings.
I love my younger sister. There were times, though, when we didn't like each other very much. We could play for hours on end....and then snark at each other and slam doors. We would unify against our parents...when we weren't tattling to them.

My sister and I love each other fiercely. I know these girls feel the same way.

Ashleigh and Clay.

2010-05-10T18:57:00.003-05:00

Every once in a while, you make a friend that speaks to your soul. Ashleigh is one of those friends. She and I have been through so much...and I couldn't be happier that she and Clay have found each other.
They are perfect for each other.

I hope I was able to capture just how much you two love each other, Ashleigh and Clay. It was just as evident throughout your shoot as it is every time I'm around you.

We started with an "Icebreaker" image...just a little something to get everyone ready for Phototimes...and then worked our way through downtown Fort Worth (where the couple live and will be married).

I made them do this...They would never act this way in public...

I think this is my favorite...maybe.

I love you both...and I'm so happy that I've had a front row seat to you falling in love. It's an honor to be a part of your wedding.

Heidi + John

2010-04-06T17:01:00.004-05:00

On March 28, 2010, Heidi and John got married at The Inn at Wild Rose Hall, surrounded by their families and friends.

The bride and groom are so in love...and are so much fun...and are complete partners. It was truly an honor to be their wedding photographer...I hope I was able to capture just how thrilled they were to become husband and wife.

Roni and Ryan Get Married.

2010-03-20T12:28:00.003-05:00

On March, 15, 2010, Roni and Ryan became husband and wife. They were surrounded by their friends and family at A&M Gardens in Azle, Texas, on a beautiful evening.

This is just a first look at all the images from the day...I'm hoping my assistant and I were able to capture the couple's youthful energy and fun spirit.

baby A's 3 month shoot.

2010-02-17T20:56:00.004-06:00

just three short months ago, i took photos of sweet baby A as a newborn.

she still has red hair. and is SUCH a good baby.

here's just a sneak peek from their shoot (which, incidentally, was the weekend of snowmageddon 2010).

can't wait to see you in another few months, baby A (and mom and dad)!

tonia and dylan.

2010-02-17T19:34:00.007-06:00

january 2, 2010, tonia and dylan got married. well....they were actually already married, but this time they included their family and friends in the celebrating!

it's really nice to see that tonia's and dylan's personalities are so complimentary.
at their wedding, even though they were in a crowded room, they only saw each other.

they got married at hopkins icehouse in texarkana...one of their favorite bars. (yay for huge windows!)

Portland Trip, Part Two

2010-01-16T11:19:00.004-06:00

okay...so, we left the tour (it was over, we had to) and made our way to a nail salon (K and A are good that way...and, if you saw my nails in the last post, you know how neglected they were).

after some primping and whatnot, we headed to our dinner reservation...at Casa Naranja, a pacific northwest - mediterranean fusion restaurant. we ordered (between four of us-K's friend E joined us here) tons of plates of food. it was all delish.

these were yam fries with a lemon cayenne aioli sauce

tempura chevre and date balls with honey and fresh sage

we bar-hopped a bit on mississippi street. that was fun.

oddly, not the only leglamp i saw this trip.

me, A

E, K

sunday, we had another adventure planned...after J's supertasty breakfast, we piled in K's car and headed to Hood River. the drive there was phenomenal. the snow has started to melt and waterfall down. i have no photos of this. oddly, taking photos from the backseat of a car don't do the scenery justice.

first stop in Hood River, was the Naked Winery. we had a great time there...and the wines were fantastic. also, A and K entered their contest to name a new wine. we all bought wine here.

next, we headed over to Quenett. we had another lovely experience here. plus, this place had a dog. his name is bandit...and i'm pretty sure we became best friends. we also purchased wine here.

we had dinner in another fantastic Hood River place...and made the drive back to Portland.

breakfast monday morning was another trip highlight - Bumblekiss. it was a supercute place...with really friendly staff...and delicious food.

unfortunately, we had to go home. THANK YOU, Jeff and Katie! this trip was so much fun (and still so relaxing). it was just what i needed.

There Are No Words.

2010-01-15T20:51:00.003-06:00

Because it's important.

Portland Trip, In Photos

2010-01-13T20:17:00.004-06:00

one week ago today, i was in portland...

well, actually we got there a week ago yesterday.

my girlfriend, A., and i flew in to portland to visit her sister (K.) and her husband (J.) on a friday...and after a quick tour of K's house (and a glass of wine), we decided to take in a portland happy hour.

K took us to Shaken, a 007-inspired bar. the atmosphere was great...the martinis (i had a whiskitini) were tasty...and i was with two of my best friends. because i can't operate a camera and a martini glass, i don't have photos from here.

after a happy hour drink, K took us to a fantastic jazz bistro, Vinideus Jazz Bistro. J joined us. we did a wine tasting here and listened to some jazz.

photo by Jeff

saturday morning was The Big Day. K had made plans...gotten us tickets...and arranged for our attendance at a portland walking tour, The Epicurean Adventure . It was AMAZING.

our first stop was Cacao...where we tasted "drinking chocolate." you know, melted 72% cacao chocolate. the teeny cup was completely satisfying...and the attendants/workers/baristas/insert appropriate term here were so very informative.

next on the tour was Elephants Deli. incidentally, they are the fantastic folks who catered K's wedding (which i shot in june). here, we tasted their Tomato Orange soup. it was delicious.

for the next stop, Nan (our fantastic tour guide) warned us...to enter the actual 'making' area of the next stop, we'd have to wear HAIRNETS. i may have said i was so excited, i'd wear it for the rest of the tour.

photo by Katie

we went to Pearl Bakery. Oh, man. here, we tasted baguettes, croissants, a sugared-orange-zested gibassier, and chocolate bouchon.

after that, we travelled to In Good Taste, a cooking school and store. here, we had a wine tasting (Oregon Pinor Noir - Twin Forks) and a mustard tasting (delicious). we made some purchases.

The Tea Zone was up next. A, K, and i tasted three different teas (i preferred the first...but because i only took photos and not notes, i can't remember the names). this place has not only a tea place, but a full bar, music venue, and screening area. funtimes.

by this point on the tour...i was a little hungry. we'd had bites here and there...but we needed some substance.

we headed to HotLips Pizza , a business that focuses on FLOSS: fresh, local (where they can), organic, seasonable, sustainable. at the location where we were, they use their ovens to heat the water for the building. plus, the food we had (broccoli, hazelnut, cheese pizza and their fruit-pressed sodas) were really, really good.

next up: McMenamins - Ringlers Pub . because i stayed at the Grand Lodge (one of McMenamins' hotels) this summer, i was familiar with their beer. and i missed it.

to end the tour, we ambled over to Mio Gelato. and i think every meal should end with this fantastic cup of three scoops of samples.

it's really K's fault for booking the tour and Nan's fault for being such and excellent guide...i spent the rest of our portland trip yapping to any local who'd listen how they HAVE to go on it...you learn so much...and get to see so much.

next post...the rest of Saturday...Hood River on Sunday...and flying home.

In the Year of 2009

2010-01-01T08:33:00.002-06:00

I cannot believe this year is over.

It was a big year for me, personally and professionally. I--officially and For Real--launched my business. Here are some of the images-the ones I consider to be either some of my best work for the year or just my favorites. As always, comments welcome...and followers of this blog should look forward to some stellar deals in 2010!

In no chronologicalish order...

from a&k's engagement shoot.

a bachelorette party for s.

s&t's wedding weekend.

a&t's wedding reception.

one of the raddest chicks i know.

k&j's wedding weekend.

d&j's wedding.

part of the sideshow tragedy.
i can't decide which i like better...the color of black and white version.

a lingerie shoot.

a&k's wedding.

little miss a. a newborn shoot.

I feel like this year's been good to me; I feel like I've grown as a photographer. I hope 2010 has continued growth and happiness.

I wanted, also, to take the opportunity to thank all my clients. Thank you all for taking a chance on me.

xo, m

Holiday Gingersnaps.

2009-12-13T12:42:00.002-06:00

Little baby A is finally here... I hope she knows how many people are already in love with her.

Look for more photos of this little, darling girl...her parents have booked a First Year package, and I cannot wait to watch her grow up.

amie and kristian's wedding.

2009-10-06T17:55:00.002-05:00

we all made our way to glen rose.

friday was beautiful...the weather was perfect...the rehearsal went off swimmingly...old friends and family gathered around a fire.

saturday, the skies opened up...and it rained allllll day.

that couldn't stop these lovebirds from standing in front of their loved ones and declaring their love to each other.

it was an honor to be asked to capture it...here's a couple of photos...more to come (still editing).

a bridal portrait.

2009-10-06T17:54:00.002-05:00

well, now that the wedding's happened...and i can actually spill the surprise...and show photos of the dress...here's one of the bridal portraits...

more to come...

a great present for her groom.

2009-10-06T17:51:00.002-05:00

so, a while back, i did an engagement shoot...and the bride-to-be and i starting kicking around some ideas about a special shoot. she wanted to do a shoot of lingerie-type photos, get them made into an album, and give it to her groom on their wedding day. i love these shoots.

here are just a couple.

the sideshow tragedy.

2009-10-06T17:34:00.002-05:00

well...last month, i saw the sideshow tragedy...and took a couple of photos...

from fred's in fort worth.

and from city tavern in dallas. taken with my phone.

they're a great band.

Johnny and Delilah.

2009-08-27T20:19:00.002-05:00

I got a lucky break with this one.

I was working and got a call to shoot this wedding about two weeks before the big day. It was an honor to be thought of, and I was so glad to be able to accept the job! Plus, I found out that this couple met the same day as Kate and Jeff (the Old Hollywood in Portland wedding), which is just good luck.

I'm still editing them all, but I wanted to share just a few.

Also, I met Johnny and Delilah the day after Abbey was born.

somebody's getting marrrrrried.

2009-08-05T21:47:00.002-05:00

Amie Singleton and Kristian Christensen (I am almost sure I'm misspelling his name...again) are getting married. Today, we did a little shooting around the Turtle Creekish area and Deep Ellum. These are a couple of my favorites. These two are so infectiously adorable, it almost makes me want to kiss strangers.

Can't WAIT for the wedding, you two!!

old hollywood in oregon.

2009-06-30T22:47:00.003-05:00

I'm still wading through all the images from my trip to Portland and Forest Grove (and David Hill and everywhere else). There were just a few, however, I wanted to share now.

The bride, Katie, is one of those beautiful people whose presence improves any situation. If you're telling a sad story, she's the first one to hold your hand and cry with you. If you've got jokes, she's laughing the loudest. It was an absolute honor to be asked to photograph her wedding. Plus, she married Jeff; there isn't a better person for either of them. He is there for her when she cries and tells her jokes to make her laugh. I consider myself lucky to be his friend.

the bride's sister, ashleigh, and i...taken by elisabeth

pre-rehearsal pampering

flower for katie's hair...and her fancy shoes

david hill vinyard, ceremony

rings.

cake, done in the style of the bride's gown.

father and daughter dance to "little surfer girl"

mother and son dance.

the bride dancing with the ringbearer.

the battins.

terry and anna.

2009-06-16T20:34:00.002-05:00

Five short days after getting back from Mexico, I was off to Sulphur Springs to photograph Anna and Terry's reception. They got married May 15, 2009, on a cruise.

Before Anna and I initially talked about the reception, I was thinking small, backyard reception. Holy wow. These folks know how to backyard reception! Their gallery is up, but I wanted to show off just a few from the day. It was an absolute honor to be included in their reception, both as their photographer and their friend.

little sister's wedding.

2009-06-16T20:29:00.002-05:00

just a couple of candids...and the only photo I got of the two of us the entire trip.

getting ready.

father and daughter.

it was an absolute honor to photograph the trip (and be maid of honor for her wedding).
more photos to come later.

baby sister gets married.

2009-06-01T21:38:00.002-05:00

This year wedding season has had an added pressure for me.

My baby sister...my only sister...got married.

Even though it took them six and a half years for them to do it, I still wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to see our dad see her for the first time in her wedding gown. I wasn't ready to watch him walk her down the aisle. I wasn't ready to watch her grow up.

But since she did, I don't think there's a better match for her. Her husband is a wonderful guy...and I couldn't imagine a better fit for her.

Photos will definitely come soon. If anyone is looking for destination wedding photographers in Cancun, I have a fantastic company to recommend.

Just a preview:

Brittany's Senior Photos

2009-05-06T21:20:00.002-05:00

Well, I thought the weather was going to do us in.

After a couple of reschedules...and a quick relocation, we made it happen. With about an hour of pretty weather, Ms. Britt and I were able to get some really great shots (and a couple of outfit changes!).

Just a peek...

working on the website.

2009-04-27T18:36:00.004-05:00

So, I'm still working on my website.

this is sweet, little abbey. i did her parents' maternity portraits as well...and it was amazing to be able to meet her so soon afterwards. this is abbey's karate kick.

from tyler and sheila's engagement shoot in las colinas. they make my job easy. can't wait for the wedding!

Because I Think This Counts as "Work"

2009-04-18T17:03:00.003-05:00

I am using this template for its larger photo-y goodness, as this is ostensibly a photo business website. To upload large photos, I have to use on online photosharing site. And, because I have one of those that I've sort of kept up with for a while, I have a pretty decent size archive...that I haven't looked at in a verrrry long time.

Some gems...(shown at a smaller size because there are oh-so-many).

graceland.

jangles and jpd.

rachael and jangles.

wes...just before he got on the plane to get married.

monica and christian's engagement shoot proofs.
both from 2007.

akasha and brian's wedding.

the sideshow tragedy

hunjo with the tiny baby. back when he was actually a tiny baby.

jack and gracie. taken with my phone.

somewhere between dallas and austin.

vacation to south padre island.

ML.

john elliot...one of the texarkana shows.

in the bathroom at the bar where john elliot was playing.

For Rachel.

2009-04-18T16:05:00.002-05:00

So, because I'm still getting my metaphorical feet wet with all this blogging, here are a couple of snapshots taken a couple of weeks ago. ish.

I'm currently working on my website...so, basically, resisting the urge to throw my computer out the window.

woohoo!

2009-04-11T15:03:00.000-05:00

So, we'll see how this goes.