My Friend Charla

When I was planning my wedding I knew photography was high on my list. I started shopping for an amazing photographer six months out. I had heard of Holmes Photographic Art in Corsicana but when I called she was booked. Her packages were dreamy and her shots classic. I finally found someone out of Dallas but often visited Charla's website and dreamed about what she would have done for us. 

Fast forward a few years and I was working at Fuzzy Friends and we were working on our calendar project. We had a great relationship with a photographer but she was moving far away and we needed a new one. I laughed at the thought that we could partner with Charla. I knew she was "big time" and may not consider partnering with us on such a large donation on our part. We met her at On The Border and in that hour I met the sweetest, most down to earth woman I've ever known. She described her farm like life and eagerly said she was on board.

In the ten years since that lunch, Charla has been my friend, my counselor and the most amazing photographer to me and my family. We have shared lunches, dinners, margaritas, laughs and the joy of life. Charla is a solid friend, a loyal friend and completely beautiful. The artistic way she creates family moments in front of her lens is just the icing on top.

Charla photographed us long before kids. She would hike out to the tallest hill with 50lbs of gear just to get the best shot of me and whit with our dogs. She knows no limit when it comes to a good backdrop. 

When I couldn't get pregnant Charla listened to me cry and said , "beck, it will happen, and when it does, we are going to have the best shoot you've ever seen!" When I told Charla I was pregnant, you would have thought she was family. Well, she is. She photographed me pregnant and I can't think of a more special time.

 When my kids finally came and we landed in the NICU, Charla wanted to come photograph them even when they weighed 2lbs and looked like aliens- she still saw the beauty in them. When I made huge life changes Charla would send me texts of encouragement. You never have to worry where Charla stands with you. She loves deep.  

I've told everyone I know how amazing she is behind the lens and I hope she has grabbed some great customers here in Waco and beyond, because of us. Her work is timeless and leaves me breathless. When the kids came home Charla set up shop in my dining room. There I was with my pajamas on and Charla and crew are moving my dining room table and setting up lights and filters. They were peed on by triplets, waited out crying and lulled three babies to sleep. They were in no hurry.

She has captured their first birthday, their dedication pics in cream linen, their first Christmas, and on Wednesday she took their second Christmas shot. They were crazy but she came prepared. They warm up slow but when they do- watch out. 

Charla, words on this screen barely scratch the surface when I think about how much we love you. You make my kids giggle, you make my heart full and I can't think of a way to repay you for the joy you have put on paper for me. My memories not only include all of these beautiful pictures but also the beauty that was behind the lens. Thankful for you and the God that put us together.