{MATCHLESS} PHOTOGRAPHY wedding photographers

As most people know by now, this Sunday is the San Angelo West Texas Bridal Showcase.    Anyone who is engaged, or soon to be engaged, or just looking for a way to spend a Sunday afternoon, might want to check it out.   There will be lots of booths with everything you can imagine to make your wedding day spectacular.

We thought we’d let those of you attending know… that along with our 10% off booking discount, we will having a giveaway prize at our booth!!!  We thought long and hard about what we wanted to give away.  We didn’t want it just to be for brides, but anyone who comes… including the grooms or even parents!  So all of you sign up at our table!  Because of this, the winner will have a choice of 3 prizes:  a FREE bridal session, a FREE engagement session, or a FREE 20×30 landscape print (on the flier below).  Now we won’t actually draw for the prize there at the showcase… We will record us drawing the winning name, and the video will be put on the blog Tuesday (Feb. 2nd) at 5:00pm!  So if you sign up, make sure you check the blog next Tuesday to see if you’re the winner.

by: Colin and Andre’a Feldhaus

{matchless}photography wedding and portrait photographers

Let me just say, this is another family that i absolutely LOVE!    Sometimes it’s hard to explain how great a family truly is… this is one of those families.  They are very sincere, self-less, and just have an amazing story.   Here’s one small part… A few years ago, they felt God calling them to adopt a child overseas.  So they left and spent over a month (I think) in a foreign country… where they didn’t speak English… to get the fourth member of their family.  We barely got to meet their daughter Julia before we went on our world travels, and now over 2 years later, she has grown so much.  Well I should say both of their children have grown so much!

Here are some of the photographs from our shoot.

The rockstar pose… they pulled it off flawlessly!

Here’s Rob and Dollie… the lighting was just perfect so Colin couldn’t pass up the opportunity!  And i have to admit, this is one of my favorite pictures of the evening!

Their two children… Ryan and Julia

Stylin’ with the aviators!  Ryan’s a natural.

borrowing big brother’s glasses… and looking oh so cool!

The whole family

One big happy family!

Last week, I was going through and cleaning/organizing my mother’s pantry.  I noticed she had TONS of baking ingredients… way more than she would ever use.  (I think they were supposed to be for baking holiday goodies, but we ran out of time!)  So, I had a challenge… trying to find a good recipe that would use quite a few of these ingredients to clear some shelves in the pantry.  Well, since we had a few packages of the block cream cheese – I decided on a cheesecake.  (Now I’ve baked a real cheesecake one other time, and it didn’t turn out too well.  It was a peach cheesecake, and although the flavor was amazing, it cracked on the top and sunk.  It was very traumatic!)  But hey, that was a few years ago, so why not try again!  Then I found lots of chocolate chips, marshmallows, and nuts.  Perfect for Rocky Road.  How can you go wrong combining two of my favorite things… cheesecake and rocky road ice-cream!?!?!

I searched for a recipe online and decided on the one from cook.com.  I got all my ingredients out, and started in on the baking.  I will admit, I do have one reoccurring cooking problem… sometimes I get really excited to actually get started, that I skim the instructions and mess up things.  Thank goodness, usually it’s nothing major.  Let me explain what my mistake was this time.  The recipe called for 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of chocolate chips.  You are supposed to take the heavy cream and 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips and heat them to make a chocolate sauce to mix in with the cream cheese mixture.  Well, me (zoned in to the baking mindset), skimmed the instructions and read it wrong.  I just read to heat the heavy cream and the chocolate chips.  So what did I do?  Yes, I melted the whole cup of chocolate chips with the cream!  I let that cool and moved onto making the cream cheese filling.  Right before I poured the chocolate sauce into the cream cheese mixture, I decided to read on.  That’s when I found out I had (apparently) made too rich of a chocolate sauce.  So I had a choice… do I only mix part of the sauce in with the cream cheese mixture, or do I pour all of it in there.  I decided to follow one of my husband’s all time cooking rules:  You can always add a little more of butter, vanilla, chocolate, or garlic.  So, into the cream cheese went the whole pan of chocolate sauce.  How bad can it be, right?

I will also say, I aspire to become a real baker.  I don’t really know what that means for me and my life, but it truly is a passion.  That being said, i’ve seen many shows on the food network where they bake things that are set in a roasting pan of water.  (usually things like custards.)  I’ve never actually made anything where I needed to do that.  Well, to my surprise, this cheesecake recipe said to!  I put my cheesecake pan into a roasting pan filled half way with boiling water.  I felt like I stepped it up a notch in my baking skills.  Kinda random and nerdy, I know, but I felt like one of the “big dawgs!”

Well, after the buzzer rang, I took the cheesecake out of the oven.  It looked perfect!  There were no cracks on the top and it didn’t sink at all!  SWEET!  Then was the moment of truth.  I cut a small sliver (because I had a feeling it would be a bit rich) and gave it to Colin… who was warned of my slight mistake.  He took one bite and without saying anything, stood up and gave me a big hug.  Score!  He said it tasted fantastic.  I’ve only had a small bite myself, but it does taste great and is quite rich.

One last random note:  I was in a bit of a hurry when I was decorating the top.  I put the marshmallows around the edge and then made some more chocolate sauce to drizzle on the top.  Since I was trying to do things quickly, I used the big plastic stirring spoon that I melted the chocolate with, to drizzle the sauce on the cake.  This was not a good idea.  I would advise you use always use a small spoon so the drizzling stays in thin lines.  Mine had a couple large splotches from the big spoon.  Oh well.

Also… I was too scared to take the cake off the metal base, so yes, it’s in the pictures.

ROCKY ROAD CHEESECAKE: recipe from cooks.com

1 1/2 c. chocolate wafer crumbs
2 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tbsp. butter

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth. Press in bottom of 9 inch springform pan. Wrap outside of pan tightly in foil.

FILLING:

1/2 c. heavy or whipping cream
1 c. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1/3 c. marshmallow creme
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
5 lg. eggs, at room temperature
1 c. chopped pecans, divided

Heat cream and 1/4 cup chocolate chips in small saucepan over low heat, stirring until chocolate is melted; cool. (or if you’re me… heat the 1/2 cup of cream with the whole 1 cup of chocolate chips – then cool!) Beat cream cheese and sugar in mixer bowl until fluffy. Beat in flour, then chocolate mixture, marshmallow cream and vanilla until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

By Andre’a Feldhaus

This is another family we’ve know for quite some time.  What can we say about they Wyatt’s?  Well, they’re absolutely hilarious to be around.  They’re so much fun you just can’t help but laugh.  All the four sons and three granddaughters were in town last week… and for mom’s birthday, they all got their pictures taken.

I, Andre’a, (during a photo shoot) usually walk around and try to take some candid photos while Colin is taking the main pictures.  Well, that didn’t quite happen on this shoot.  Since there were three young and energetic girls, I had to keep their attention.  And that means I was standing by Colin bribing them with candy.  (Thank goodness the parents came prepared with the fruit snacks!!!)

Since it had been raining the couple days before this shoot, we opted for the Visitors Center.  Now, this is never our first choice in locations, but i will say… it worked perfect!  We were able to keep everyone dry, and the kids were able to wonder around and not get into the mud.

Anyway, we had a ton of fun and it was great catching up with the whole clan.  So here are a few of the photographs.

By Colin and Andre’a Feldhaus

{matchless} photography professional wedding and portrait photography based in San Angelo Texas

Through out our time of traveling, we’ve noticed different countries display their warnings in many ways.  It was actually quite amusing so it became a hobby of ours to take photos of ANY silly sign we came across (whether warning or not).

A place that speaks Colin’s language…

gotta love the picture of the man drowning…

I don’t know about you, but “SAFE” is the first word that crosses my mind.

Ok… so who’s idea was this?  or is Microsoft that desperate…

This is one of my favorite signs because it says so much in one little picture.  But really, what on earth can you do to prevent this?

By Colin and Andre’a Feldhaus

{matchless}photography.com     wedding and portrait photography

So, I’ve had this idea for a blog post for some time now… our year 2009 in review… in pictures… only pictures (well, with titles as well).  I thought it would be fun and a little different, so here it goes.

2009’s most random moment:  Zorbing

This is an activity found in New Zealand where you roll down a hill in a big giant ball with a little water in it.  Pretty much it’s like being in a hamster ball.

2009’s most disgusting:  eating a grasshopper!

2009’s most scary moment:  Bungee jumping

2009’s most nerdy moment:  the odometer

I will admit that I love it when there are many of the same numbers in a row on my odometer.

2009’s biggest accomplishment: the Rimu Nelson Lakes Hike

This was a 3 day hike in the mountains of New Zealand.  We climbed up to 1700 meters with a 30lb backpack on! WHEW! You should check out Active New Zealand, they really have some great tours going.

2009’s most hilarious moment:  the human castles in Spain

Ok, the human castles themselves are miraculous, but how can you not laugh at this picture?

2009’s most crooked building… that we saw:  Germany

2009’s coldest day EVER!… ok not really, but it was pretty cold:  South Island of New Zealand

Yes, that water coming out of the faucet is really frozen.

The most south we’ve ever been in 2009 (or ever):  Southern most tip of New Zealand

2009’s most confused moment:  trying to do a video project in Spain, when you can’t speak Spanish… and they can’t speak english!

2009’s best architecture:  the Sangrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain by Gaudi

2009’s all around most memorable moment:  straight up trading our NZ van for an iphone!

Definitely will NEVER forget this moment!  Thanks Jeremy!  Colin never parts from it!

by colin and Andre’a Feldhaus

{matchless}photography.com     wedding and portrait photography

It’s time for another geekly review. Let’s Kick It.

CES… consumer electronics show

That was held last week, and you would think that in a geekly review, I would have alot to say about it…. well I don’t, basically for one reason… it is geared for the “consumer”.  Ok, the real reason…  Apple is not there.  Just kidding,  here is my two cents.

3d home televisions were a big deal at this years CES. Do I think 3d televisions are a big deal; no.  I cannot speak for the rest of the world, but while 3d is cool, it will not catch on until the viewer does not need to wear some sort of 3d glasses for it to be viewed… especially for home use. Until that becomes readily available, I think it is just a fad… like it was in the 70s or 80’s. If you want to check out some really cool technology from Christie projectors and 3d technology (that was not at CES… I think, at least I did not hear of it there) watch this vid.

For the best of shows at the 2010 CES, I would go here.

Nikon Rumors

The web is all abuzzzz.  Nikon has scheduled a press event for Feb 3.  Let your imaginations run wild…. that was nerdy. Seriously tho, I will break this down into two sections: what I hope for and what I expect.  I hope for a replacement for the D700, more specifically a D700s. Same sensor as the D3s, but in a smaller package. That would be nice. And while they are releasing the D700s, it would be super awesome cool if they would also release either a 28mm 1.4 or a 35mm 1.4 lens. Seriously Nikon, pretty please, make me some super sexy, super fast wide angle lenses. But I do not think that is going to happen. I expect… uh, a new nikon high end point and shoot and probably some teleconverters. Both of which I have no use for…  as you can see, I am not expecting much, so I won’t be disappointed.

Website Favorites

http://www.thebschool.com/

I have been meaning to join the bschool for a long time now…. and boy, am I glad I did.  The bschool is a social networking site geared specifically toward professional wedding and portrait photographers.  I have learned so much just in the couple days since I have joined. I would recommend checking out this site for every photographer that is trying to make money.  There are lots of free videos on itunes and every Thursday at 6pm Texas time becker (the creator) has a free live podcast where he usually has a guest and people can ask questions.  It is tops.  So, check it out… at least the free podcasts that are on itunes.

Before we get to the annAWESOMEnt…. doesn’t WT also mean something different….. sign fail. 20 points for whoever knows where this sign is…

Seriously tho…. The West Texas Bridal Showcase is going to be Super!!!!

and:

This is the annAWESOMEnt (Colin’s new “super word” for an awesome announcement) for all our bride and grooms that are coming to the 2010 West Texas Bridal Showcase.  We have a booth and are super excited to meet each one of you!  We’re actually so excited about it, that we decided to sweeten the deal…  Anybody that is ready to book their wedding package and pay the deposit that day (Jan. 31st 2010), will be given a 10% discount on the spot!  That’s right!… ten percent off!  We will also be having our own personal {matchless}photography giveaway!  So stop on by and put your name in for the drawing!  It’s going to be a great showcase with lots of awesome vendors so you won’t want to miss it.  Wedding season is right around the corner and we can’t wait!

Colin and Andre’a Feldhuas

{matchless}photography wedding and portrait photography

For starters, sorry it’s been a few days since our last blog post.  We’ve been out of town tending to some family stuff and haven’t had the chance to post anything.  But we’re back in business now!

The Dauphin family… where to begin.  Colin and I have both known this family for YEARS!  I (Andre’a) actually have some hilarious memories with the two oldest girls.  One video we made in high school with a bunch of friends, still finds it way around to surface and haunt us… to this day!  Kirt is the lead pastor of PaulAnn Baptist Church and this year for the holidays, had the whole family in!  Perfect family picture time!!!  Because this family has so many fun personalities to capture, there wasn’t a dull moment on the shoot.  We had the quiet and composed, the rocker, the doctor, the spiderman fanatic, the superstah (yes, it needs to be said just like that), the athletic, the pianist, the adventurer, the mother, the daughter, the father, the aunt, the sister, the the all around uber cool family.

Here they are… the whole dauphin clan… lookin good!

mom with her 3 beautiful daughters

Three generations of girls!  Poor little Ruthie didn’t look too excited… but she’s got some stinkin cute boots on!

Meet the amazing Kirt and Cindi!  All i can say is, they love each other and love God more!  They are an excellent example of what a marriage should look like.

The gorgeous miss Abigail.

Scott and Katie with their newest member, Asher!  too cute.

What i love about this photo is ethan in the background “webbing” us… i guess spiderman truly is always watching.

Chris and Ashley with their two kiddos, Ethan and Ruthie.  Colin actually went to jr. high and high school with Chris, so they’re pretty good friends.  He was telling me his old memories of helping Chris strip his cotton and playing in rock bands together… talk about multi-talented!  Very weird combination, but they are remarkable people and now have a beautiful family.

by Colin and Andre’a Feldhaus

{matchless}photography.com

wedding and portrait photography

Parc Guell is a place I think one could easily stay all day. It is enormous to begin with, but there are so many fun and cool things to experience as you walk around. At the entrance, there are two houses… and personally i think they look like gigantic gingerbread houses. How fun is that!

I think I’ll just post the rest of the pictures. It’s hard to explain the amazing architecture, beautiful lookouts, and just the peacefulness that was there.

There were a couple of awesome lookouts where we got some good photos.

And the Gaudi cathedral from afar… you can really see all the construction from this angle.

And just another cute moment captured.

By:  Colin and Andre’a Feldhaus

{matchless}photography.com

wedding and portrait photograhpers