Family – Amanda Raylee Photography | Dallas Fort Worth Wedding + Portrait Photographer

The Anglin’s Fort Worth Family Session

Posted on May 6, 2021May 4, 2021 by Amanda Alexander in Uncategorized

The Anglin’s Fort Worth family session took place early in the morning in Flower Mound. I prefer shooting in the early morning or evening in order to take advantage of the softer, golden light that we all adore. Another plus to morning sessions is walking away looking your best for the rest of the day!

The anglin family

I have had the pleasure of working with the Anglin’s since their oldest, Xander, was still in mom’s tummy! From 2017 to now, every session that I have with this precious family becomes my new favorite! Our first session together was a maternity session, since then we have covered just about all of the bases. I captured Xander’s newborn photos, milestone sessions, and lots of family sessions in between. Then when Eli came along, we did it all over again and loved every minute of it. As a photographer, there are always certain families that you have a soft spot for, that is the Anglin’s for me. They have offered unwavering support to me over the last four years and I hope we get to continue to create these magical moments together for a long time coming!

Having the opportunity to grow with a family truly is the most unique and rewarding aspect of being a photographer. I have made some lasting bonds and friendships with my amazing clients that I cherish! It is so fun to see how fast kids change from one session to the next. Documenting their growing personalities through photos is so special. Xander and Eli never fail to melt my heart with their sweet smiles.

Outfit choice for family photos

I love the outfits the Anglin’s chose for their Fort Worth family session! The fact that Amber is a pop of color in the group really draws your eye in to the photos. Burnt orange, denim and navy blues is a classic color combo and works especially well in the fall season. Tying in the subtle oranges in the trees with a pop of warmth in your outfits is genius.

Veda Kathleen | Newborn Lifestyle | Dallas, Tx | Dallas Fort Worth Newborn Photographer

Posted on December 20, 2018October 13, 2019 by Amanda Alexander in Newborn

Pregnancy unicorns do exist y’all and I met one!

The gorgeous Jordan was a stunning pregnant woman and a photographer’s dream to shoot. Her and her husband Bret came to me for a maternity session this past October and I’ve been obsessed with their gallery ever since. It was like shooting Ken and Barbie for pregnancy magazine. I swear, y’all! See for yourself.

I was so thrilled when Jordan contacted me again to schedule a newborn lifestyle session for their sweet baby girl Veda not long after.

Are you thinking My Girl? Totally, me too.

Sweet angel baby, Veda, was so precious and did amazing during her session. This beautiful family and their equally perfect, magazine quality home, made my photographer’s heart go pitter patter all morning long.

Here are some of my favorites during Veda’s newborn lifestyle session.

Baby Kei | Surrogacy | Fresh 48 | Fort Worth, Tx

Posted on September 5, 2018September 5, 2018 by Amanda Alexander in Documentary, Newborn, Uncategorized

Surrogacy is an amazing thing. Being able to give a gift like that, there are almost no words for it. As a mom myself, I couldn’t imagine a life without my babies. That’s why I was so thrilled when my sister-in-law, Angelina, asked me to document her little belly buddy Kei’s first moments in the world at Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest in Fort Worth, Texas.

You could tell that the brand new parent, K&P, were already head over heels in love for this tiny baby boy.

I asked them to share a little bit of their experience and here’s what Angelina had to say…

It’s hard to put into words what this experience has been like and just how much it means to me. We were matched perfectly to this amazing couple living a world away. We instantly knew they were the ones God had put in our path. We got to hear their struggle and are now part of the same story. We had all wanted to get this journey started right away, after all they’ve been waiting so long already. Our first try was a success! 39 weeks and 3 days later and he’s here! This miracle has come true. This prayer that’s been said and asked for countless times has finally been answered. This dream has come true. These amazing people are now parents! It’s an unbelievable feeling to realize the role I played. We became family. I am emotional and cry thinking about everything and where we are now. I hugged my husband lastnight and just cried then he said “it’s crazy huh? You did it!” Just because the pregnancy is over, doesn’t mean our journey is. It’s just beginning. We get to be included for the rest of his life!

***Words from K&P to come later after they’ve adjusted to new parenthood.

Also, you can read Angelina’s blog documenting their entire surrogacy journey here.

Here are some of my favorite moments from Baby Kei’s fresh 48.

Welcome to the world little guy!

Rylie Charlotte | Newborn Lifestyle | Crowley, Tx

Posted on August 17, 2018August 17, 2018 by Amanda Alexander in Documentary, Newborn

I don’t feel old y’all. I’m 30 and I still feel like I’m 17. Most of the time. I mean I do have 3 kids. Hahaha! I had my son early so I’ve been a mom forever, and now everyone I went to school with, middle and high school, are having babies and getting married. It’s so exciting but now it makes me feel OLD! Haha. It stings a little less when I get to snuggle on these babies (and shoot their weddings) so that helps.

Rylie Charlotte is the first baby girl of my friend Leeana and her hubby Jose. She was born on July 15th, weighing a teeny 6 pounds 15 ounces. I met Leeana way back in 7th grade so meeting her baby girl was a special treat. The first thing I said when I saw Miss Rylie was “oh my goooosh, that HAIR”, that girl has the best little head of hair you’ve ever seen on a newborn, I can’t wait to see what it looks like in a year!

Here are some of my favorite moments from this very special newborn lifestyle session.

Maverick Judah | Maternity Session| Newborn Lifestyle | Argyle, Tx

Posted on July 30, 2018March 23, 2023 by Amanda Alexander in Newborn

Hello Hello! I am back in the blogging game you guys. This time for real. I am going to be so on top of this.

Let me introduce you to something. His name is Maverick and he is the first baby boy I’ve gotten to shoot in a loooong stream of adorable girls. Weighing in at 10 pounds, I believe his mama said, and those little eyes that match his big sister’s. He stole my heart y’all!

This little family has been a part of my client family since 2016. Believe it or not, I met them when that curly haired little beauty was still in her mommy’s tummy. It was one of my favorite maternity sessions.

Then I found out they were expecting baby number TWO and guess who got to photograph that maternity session?

THIS GIRL!

It was perfect and beautiful! I was so excited to finally meet baby Maverick when we finally had his newborn session in their gorgeous new home. Especially because his gender was a surprise just like his big sister’s was.

Here are some of my favorite moments of his newborn lifestyle session!

Oh and don’t forget, I offer discounts on baby bundles! Contact me here for details.

A Day in the Life of The Kupiec Family | Documentary Lifestyle |Aubrey, Tx

Posted on June 3, 2018August 17, 2018 by Amanda Alexander in Documentary

When I first started shooting my clients, I always imagined doing documentary sessions one day. It’s like being a little photojournalist but for families. Do you ever just see your kids playing together from across the lawn or maybe you’re giving your husband a long sweet hug in the kitchen after a long day. Those moments are precious. One day you might not live in the same house and your babies will be grown before you know it. Don’t you want to remember them someday or even show them to generations to come.

This year I gave myself a few goals. One was to get my own studio (more on that later) and the other was to be creative. I want to shoot what makes my heart happy and I am so excited to share this with all of you These are called “Family Lifestyle” sessions or “A Day in the Life”. When you schedule one of these documentary style shoots, I want you to feel relaxed. I know, nothing about family pictures with your kids is relaxing but hear me out! I don’t want coordinating outfits, I don’t need anyone to stay pristine. No shoes, no shirt, no problem y’all! I just want to come over and hang out with you. Follow your kids playing or helping mama cook. Daddy mowing the lawn or the babies having a bubble bath.

SO HERE IS THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
I will be offering half-price documentary sessions all Summer long! For just $175, I will come to your family home for a couple of hours to capture your memories in your most comfortable setting. All edited photos are included and will be sent to you in a digital gallery with a release to print AND an added discount on an album!

To show you my vision, I was lucky enough to know the perfect family to try out one of these sessions and I couldn’t be more in love. Thank you so much Sammie Sean, Graham, and Harrison for letting me hang out with you for the morning.

Here is a day in the life of the Kupiec family…

Brogyn Rae | Fresh 48 | Fort Worth, Tx

Posted on November 3, 2017March 23, 2023 by Amanda Alexander in Fresh 48, Lifestyle

What’s a Fresh 48?

It’s a question I get a lot. Fresh 48’s are a newer type of session but they are one of my favorites to shoot. A Fresh 48 is a session that is shot within the first two days, and sometimes 3 days, of your newborn’s life while you’re at the hospital. No fancy outfits or woodsy locations, just a mommy, daddy, and a precious baby. Parents still glowing with the love and awe of a new little person in their life. First timers and veterans are exactly the same during those first moments. Everyone loves a new squishy little one. Personally I can’t get enough of those precious cries and oh that baby smell. There is nothing like new baby smell. Seriously, next time you have a chance, smell a newborn. With parent permission of course!

I was lucky enough to follow the Blair family from maternity, to fresh 48, to newborn session. I love being able to do that. It gives me so much time to become familiar with them from pregnancy to the first couple of weeks home. Brogyn was the perfect baby. She was awake for a minute and then out like a light when she was swaddled. She and mommy wore the most adorable matching outfits from Posh Peanut, the colors were perfection. It was probably my favorite Fresh 48 session of the year.

Here are some of my favorite photos from Brogyn Rae’s fresh 48!

Oh and special announcement!!!!

From now until the end of the year, all mommies expecting babies due in April to July who book a maternity, fresh 48, or newborn session with me will get $100 off! I’ll be booking a limited amount of these so book yours early!! Click here to contact me so we can get you on the calendar.

Aren’t they adorable? Congratulations to the new Blair family!

The Talamantes Wedding | Cross Creek Ranch | Plano, Tx

Posted on July 7, 2017July 7, 2017 by Amanda Alexander in Weddings

I’ve been wanting to blog this amazing Cinco de Mayo wedding since I shot it and I’m FINALLY doing it y’all!

Cue the Rocky music you guys because it is happening! Here we go!

This wedding was planned in 5 short months and was nothing short of gorgeous. Cinco de Mayo is already a colorful holiday and the way Meagan planned it all was perfect. BBQ food truck. Pan dulce bar. A bridal suite I wanted to steal and put in my backyard for mommy getaways. It was the best day.

I watched all the joy from family and friends spill out everywhere I wandered. The bridal party laughing about their bare feet. The groomsmen taking shots and goofing off with the groom, David. Everyone was so happy that Noah’s mommy and daddy were becoming man and wife. They would officially be the Talamantes family.

It was such a joy and a pleasure to be a part of a beautiful day with these two love birds and their perfect little family. I wish you two all the world’s happiness on your new adventure in life!

Here are some of my favorite shots of the Talamantes wedding!

Photographer: Amanda Raylee Photography
Venue: Cross Creek Ranch
Floral: Market Street Allen
Cakes: Market Street Allen
Pan Dulce Bar: La Popular Panaderia
Catering: Not Just Q
Hair: Marbles Beauty
Bridal Makeup: Florina Perales (Forever Flow)
Centerpieces/Decoration: Cross Creek Ranch
DJ: Noel Martinez

Congrats you two!!

The Dollar Wedding | Historic 512 | Fort Worth, Tx

Posted on May 20, 2017March 23, 2023 by Amanda Alexander in Weddings

Would you believe it all started at a Buffalo Wild Wings? Not really where fairy tales usually begin but this one did. One boy, two twin boys, a Time Square engagement later and here we are. Chelsea and Scott’s wedding day!

It was shaping up to be a beautiful April Sunday at the Historic 512 in Downtown Fort Worth. Chelsea and her bridesmaids were finishing their last minute touch ups. Scott was hanging out with the guys, including their three little guys, Maddok, Hatton, and Maxxon. Then came time for the dress, it was a beautiful mermaid gown with intricate lace detail and a high neck. It was perfection on her. I still remembered every detail from our bridal session a couple of months before. I watched as Chelsea floated around the room helping all of her girls get ready. Eyeliner. Hair. Lipstick. Even doing her own.

While Scott and the boys had some traditions of there own to share…

In the middle of the wedding party photos, Scott and Chelsea took a moment together to just be. To say hello. To take in the day that they become a family. It was probably the sweetest moment I’ve ever witness at a wedding. Sometimes a little breather is needed during the craziness to breath together.

And before we knew it, it was time to walk…

Thank you so much to Chelsea and Scott for choosing me to capture this special day for you. It was gorgeous, so full of wonderful memories, and joy. I’m so glad that I got to be a part of it all. Congratulations to the new Dollar family!

Here are some more of my favorites of the day…

Photographer: Amanda Raylee Photography
2nd Shooter: Meagan Nelson Photography
Venue: Historic 512
DJ: MWP Customs DJ Services
Caterers: Triumph Catering
Details: Keri Rains Decor

The Martinez Family | Family Session | Plano, Tx

Posted on April 28, 2017March 23, 2023 by Amanda Alexander in Family

Getting to see a family become a family is a special experience. I met a gorgeous strong woman last year while she was pregnant with her son. Her name is Madeline. She was graceful and beautiful and I fully credit her with my maternity session boom. Her session was amazing and still one of my favorites. You can see it here and I’m sure you will agree with me 100%. She was fantastic! Fast forward to this past fall when she asked me to take family photos of her and baby Mateo. Not just any family photos. Their first family photos.

It was a cold morning but these 2 were bundled up and stuck it out like troopers. Mateo couldn’t get enough of the camera. Looking adorable in his fuzzy hat. We wandered around the park and snuggled in the blankets. We played with leaves and sticks and had all the fun that early morning. It was such a great experience to see this young woman go from being pregnant and excited to meet her baby to being the perfect mommy for her son. Two puzzle pieces that were simply meant to be together.

Being a single mom is not easy. My mother is law was a single mom of 5 boys and just hearing her stories of all the crazy moments, all the fun moments, and all the wonderful memories is amazing. All the credit in the world to single mothers out there doing everything they can for their families. I know Maddy was nervous about taking these photos being just the two of them but I think their perfect. This is their family. This is their life. I know when Mateo is older and graduating from high school, he’s going to see these photos and say “Wow. My mom did so much for me.” and he won’t be wrong. Miss Maddy, you are a genuine, kind, caring person and it’s such a joy to see you be a mom to this little cutie.

Here are some of my favorites from this family session…

Happy early mother’s day!