Lasting Joy Photography

Shining brighter than the sunset with your beautiful brown eyes and bright smile, Jaylee!

Working so hard today to get caught up, trying to crank out as many galleries as I can over these next 2 weeks and I appreciate everyone understanding that it takes time to create your gallery and it's not simply a "click" like the internet tries to advertise. It's lighting, skin tones, adjusting color tones, capturing details, and so much more!

Will send updates as soon as possible to those waiting:

Canada, extended family
The Williamson Wedding
Colley, extended family
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Owens/Justice, extended family
Dylan, first communion
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's bridals
Mr & Mrs Seekins/Trinity’s bridals
Channing’s 16th Birthday
Jaylee’s 16th Birthday
Kadyn’s Bridals

I currently have no remaining availability for the remainder of the year as I've created my fall sessions group and I am waiting on a few more people to enter the group that requested to be on the list last year/early this year and once that's completed my group will be closed. So if you knew you requested to be on my fall minis group and for some reason you haven't received the link to enter, please reach out! As you can see, I've been a little busy and I'm likely to forget something purely by accident.

Fall family sessions group has officially been created!!

If you haven’t recieved your invite and you had requested to be on my fall books, please shoot me a message asap or comment below. 🥰

Can’t wait to see so many of you again and meet some new faces this year!

I will not be posting fall minis on this page due to the blessing of so many of you coming back again. ❤️📸

Chasing the sunset with Jaylee tonight ☀️

I've been photographing these sweet friends of mine since Maci was pregnant with Hadley, and it's been so special capturing these precious girls along the way! I'm not sure where the time goes, but it feels like just yesterday we were taking Hadley's newborns, Wes the best big sis looking into the crib at her baby sister.

We took these photos on an incredibly humid summer morning. Hadley had decided she didn't feel like pictures, Wes on the other hand cheesing it up for me every time I walked up. For a moment, the girls sat with their mama snuggling and playing as they took a break for someone else in the family to be photographed and I had to take the shot. The sweetness of motherhood, the laughter. Be still with your babies, soak them in. If I've learned anything with my time behind the camera, it's that time goes by so incredibly fast and you'll want to remember it all.

I can’t even believe this is my reality right now, but I‘ve officially booked in 3 2025 weddings and 1 for 2026 while having 8 of the sweetest weddings on my books this year!

The first wedding I shot, I knew it was something I immediately loved.

When capturing weddings, I’m drawn to finding you authentically connecting with each other, smiling ear to ear, and dancing the night away! I love finding sincere moments between you and your family that you’ll be grateful for in years to come. Seeing your best friends cheer you on and celebrate your love.

As I’ve gone head first into weddings, I also realize I love giving my wedding clients an abundance of photos from their day and that takes several hours/days of hard work to finalize for you over the course of a handful of weeks. So I’ve decided for 2025 I will only have 4 weddings to give those 4 my sincere attention and time. That means I only have ONE wedding left to be filled for next year so don’t miss out on your chance! It’s never too soon to start the conversation. 🤍

Happy Birthday, Channing!

What a fun way to celebrate YOU, and what a win with getting to do rooftop sunset pics! ☀️

I love them all! We had the BEST time this day, and it makes me even more excited for your wedding in just ONE more month!!!

The list is getting shorter y’all, ticking things off every chance I get to make deadlines and I appreciate everyone’s kindness and patience with me. 🤍

Canada, extended family
The Williamson Wedding
Colley, extended family
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's bridals
Owens/Justice, extended family
Dylan, first communion
Mr & Mrs Seekins Trinity’s bridals
Channing’s 16th

I have 2 sessions this week, then just a handful of sessions between July and August to get caught up on editing my weddings. Books are currently closed with my list of fall inquiries already!

& I only have room for 1 fall wedding left in 2025 🫶🏼

As I walked around the ceremony space, camera in hand, searching for a creative angle or a sweet moment exchanged by the bride and groom… my attention was pulled to the family behind me. Sitting in the front row, excitedly watching their granddaughter at the alter, were the sweetest grandmas hand in hand.

I can think of nothing more precious to grab my attention in that moment. Because of their love for their own children, they get to celebrate another beautiful milestone in life together… their granddaughter’s wedding day.

To have the imagination of a child, to soak in how beautiful the sunset is, pick the flowers.... simplicity. Such a precious moment to hold onto.

Lollar fam, you have mail!

Current editing queue:

Canada, extended family (final touches)
The Williamson Wedding
Colley, extended family
Randy & Bradee’s engagements and family session
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's bridals
Owens/Justice, extended family
Dylan, first communion
Mr & Mrs Seekins/Trinity’s bridals
Channing’s Sweet 16

Feels like a fairytale, a true happily ever after. 🤍

Updates coming today on the editing queue, wedding season pushed me a little behind but I'm hustling to catch back up!

Will be posting another update this evening, hang tight friends!

Canada, extended family
The Williamson Wedding
Lollar family
Colley, extended family
Randy & Bradee’s engagements and family session
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's bridals
Owens/Justice, extended family
Dylan, first communion
Mr & Mrs Seekins/Trinity’s bridals
Channing, sweet 16

That being said, unless we have communicated about your upcoming session, you have a gift card, you've put your name on my fall minis list, or you were a client last year during fall season and we spoke about you returning I have no remaining availability for this year as my schedule is quite limited!

I will be messaging out soon for scheduling fall minis, and I'm so excited to see so many of you again!

Introducing Mr & Mrs Seekins!!!

A day full of sincere joy, laughter, and most importantly love.

Honored to have captured this day, my friends!

A moment for the girls! 🤍

Trinity, you were surrounded by a group of women who truly love you and it was so obvious as you all gathered together to get ready, as they saw you for the first time in your gorgeous wedding gown, and as they brought smile after smile to your face.

More coming of this beautiful wedding but as my images were uploading I saw this one early on and had to edit it while waiting on the rest because it was just so sweet!

My favorite moment sharing bridals the day after (or in this case the night of) the wedding day!

Let me introduce you all to MRS Trinity Seekins!

What a gorgeous bride you are, my friend. So grateful to know you and celebrate this day with you and Austin!

This is your sign to book for your wedding!

Oh and maybe me too. 😉

Love is a sincere gift. Inspiring, uplifting, and joyful. Lean into love, every step of your relationship and let it guide you through each stage of life.

Sending this gallery off this evening, and working hard this weekend between Austin & Trinity's wedding and Channing's session Sunday to get more galleries sent out!

Current Editing Queue:

Canada, extended family
The Williamson Wedding
Lollar family
Colley, extended family
Randy & Bradee’s engagements and family session
Trinity’s bridals
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's bridals
Owens/Justice, extended family
Dylan, first communion

Happy Friday my friends!

I’ve got a busy day of to do’s and editing planned and I’ll be updating the editing queue this evening!!! Stay tuned. 🤍

Also, if you messaged me last year or this year about being on my fall mini session list please please circle back and make sure you’re on that list! Finalizing and sending out the first round of messages/emails next month!

With the list I have already, fall is pretty full so please make sure you have your spot secured! You can never message me too many times!

I had a client tell me she loved the photos in her gallery because they weren't just a posed, smiling at the camera type of photo...but because real emotion was there. True happiness. & that is what I set out to capture each session, each time behind the camera whether it be couples, families, little ones... I hope to hold still a memory of a time so sweet.

Here's where I'm at on curating your galleries:

Canada, extended family
The Williamson Wedding
Lollar family
Colley, extended family
Cade & Carissa, engagements
Randy & Bradee’s engagements and family session
Trinity’s bridals
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's bridals
Owens/Justice, extended family
Dylan, first communion

My next availability is October as my summer months through September have been fully booked. I'm so looking forward to fall minis!

I always love making a minute for the couples in extended family photo sessions!

As parents, we have a million photos of our children, maybe even our family, but I love having a moment for just the 2 of you to cherish the sweetness of your love. 🥰

The simplicity of the studio paired with the magnitude of this love. Less than 6 weeks til Randy & Bradee say "I do" and I can't wait to be there capturing the sweetness and genuine happiness of this day!

What to get your mama any time of the year??? A session with her entire family of course!

More coming of this good looking crew!

Current editing queue:

Canada, extended family
The Williamson Wedding
Lollar family
Colley, extended family
Cade & Carissa, engagements
Randy & Bradee’s engagements and family session
Trinity’s bridals
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's bridals
Owens/Justice, extended family
Dylan, first communion

Hang in there with me, my friends! & as always, message with any requests, concerns, or questions 🥰

Has it truly been 1 month already?!

This wedding was the best combination of all things fun and beautiful! Megan & Jeb, watching you guys commit to each other was truly heart warming, and the pure excitement and joy on your faces as you celebrated this day had happy tears in so many eyes.

One month down, a lifetime to go!

Venue: The Springs Event Venue Waxahachie
Coordinator/Planner: Taylor Weddings & Events
Videographer: SJ Photography & Videography
Gown: Sunday's Bridal

Josh & Olivia, you've got mail! It was such a joy chasing Josh & Olivia around downtown, I honestly felt like I was just hanging out with them on their date night as they connected so easily and authentically in front of the camera. My fav!

It's no secret you guys, I got a little behind (obvious by that incredibly long list I keep posting) but I'm truly working so hard on getting caught up and just this weekend I'm crossing 2 galleries off my list plus everyone has a handful of sneak peeks to make up for the delay!

Current editing queue:

Canada, extended family
The Williamson Wedding
Lollar family
Colley, extended family
Cade & Carissa, engagements
Randy & Bradee’s engagements and family session
Trinity’s bridals
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's Bridals
Owens/Justice, extended family
Dylan, first communion

My typical/average turnaround is 2-3 weeks for portrait sessions, 4-5 weeks for extended family sessions, and 6-8 weeks for weddings and events. I always update my social media feeds with the updated list/order, and I'm literally working daily with the exception of taking my kiddo's birthday off. So hang in there if you're waiting, more coming soon!

I’ve had the honor of capturing so many dads and their families this year, but this guy right here is my favorite by far!

So proud of this man and how big he loves our little boy daily. 🤍

Celebrating Dylan's First Holy Communion

Such a special time capturing this important milestone for Dylan and his family. Praying you continue to grow in your faith, sweet boy!

When part of your engagement session takes place where you had your first date. 🥰

It's the details for me. Bright, colorful details. 💐

Current editing queue:

Canada, extended family
Josh & Olivia, engagements
The Williamson Wedding
Lollar family
Colley, extended family
Cade & Carissa, engagements
Randy & Bradee’s engagements and family session
Trinity’s bridals
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal//RJ's bridals
Owens/Justice, extended family

This life goes by so quickly, slow down and soak it in with the one you love. 🥰

Little by little, I'm tackling this editing queue!

I love the opportunity to bless my clients with a little extra from time to time, and in doing so along with ensuring each image is edited with love and care, it just simply takes time but it's always worth the wait!

Current editing queue:

Canada, extended family (delivering by Sunday)
RJ's bridals
Josh & Olivia, engagements
The Riley boys
The Williamson Wedding
Lollar family
Colley, extended family
Cade & Carissa, engagements
Randy & Bradee’s engagements and family session
Trinity’s bridals
Davidson maternity
Allen, extended family
Mr & Mrs Deal
Owens/Justice, extended family

The month is slowing down a bit with just a few more mini sessions followed by Austin & Trinity's wedding day before I take a major break in July-August to second shoot, capture Randy & Bradee's wedding day, and knock out this editing queue!

Update 🤍📸

Golden hour sessions are forever my favorite.☀️🌻🤍