What a sweet couple! JD & Joy didn’t let the summer heat get the best of them, either; they were all smiles!
Joy & JD, you can use your password to view the whole gallery online.
“They are precious!!!!! it’s going to be so hard to decide! Thanks so much again for doing this! The pics turned out great. I’ll be in touch with our choices!”
-Laura H.
Laura and Kellen were so much fun to work with. They wanted casual images that show off their vibrant and funny personalities. They even changed into their triathlon gear for some running images!
Kellen & Laura, you can use your password to view your whole gallery online.
We always love working pets into family portraits. They are so much fun and show off the whole family. Mueller Park is dog-friendly (and brand new!) so it made the perfect setting.
Liz, you all can use your password to access the whole gallery.
BlogathonATX was the brainchild of Ilene Haddad, a wonderfully talented local graphic designer. What started out as something like: “hey, let’s get a small group together to knock out some blog posts…maybe at a local cafe or hotel lobby…” morphed into something grand/huge, dare I say epic?
We want to thank all the sponsors who made the event nice and comfy for 50 bloggers, almost a dozen volunteers/staff/experts. So, with permission from the staff to use their body copy, here are the sponsors and some basic information about each one.
www.drak.net
@draknet
http://www.facebook.com/draknet
1525 Cypress Creek Rd., Suite H #154, Cedar Park, TX 78613
About: Formed in July of 1997, DrakNet (a privately owned, female owned, and completely debt free company) has excelled the web hosting market with a dedication to providing premium shared hosting solutions for small businesses, bloggers, and developers.
http://conjunctured.com
@conjunctured
http://www.facebook.com/conjunctured
1309 E. 7th Street, Austin, TX 78702
About: Conjunctured was born in July 2008 from the coworking movement that started in San Francisco in 2007. Since its origination, the popularity of coworking has spread like wildfire. Coworking spaces can now be found in pretty much every major city in the US. Conjunctured was the third coworking space to open in Texas, closely following Creative Space in College Station and Caroline Collective in Houston.
Conjunctured is a coworking space with a growing community of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and mobile workers who have grown tired of working alone. Along with the community aspect of coworking, Conjunctured provides all the essentials of a productive office environment.
http://pinqued.com/
@pinqued
http://ru-ru.facebook.com/pages/Pinqued-Interactive-Event-Production-and-Marketing/159935292389
About: Pinqued LLC creates the collision between the online and offline worlds. We are an interactive events marketing and management company co-founded by Jen Wojcik and Kate Buck in late 2009.
www.tabbedout.com
@TabbedOut
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-TX/TabbedOut/208207016589
About: Austin-based ATX Innovation has developed TabbedOut to allow customers to securely open, view, and pay bar or restaurant tabs from their phone (free download on iTunes and the Android market with Blackberry under development).
About: Founded in 2005, Mashable is the top source for news in social and digital media, technology and web culture. With more than 30 million monthly pageviews, Mashable is the most prolific news site reporting breaking web news, providing analysis of trends, reviewing new Web sites and services, and offering social media resources and guides. Mashable’s audience includes early adopters, social media enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, influencers, brands and corporations, marketing, PR and advertising agencies, Web 2.0 aficionados and technology journalists. Mashable is also popular with bloggers, Twitter and Facebook users — an increasingly influential demographic.
http://www.torchystacos.com/
@torchytaco
http://www.facebook.com/torchystacos
Many locations around town!
About: Austin Daze issue #65:
austindaze.com
…”Torchy’s Damn Good Tacos”, a new South Austin stop on the trailer vittle trail, an anomaly in this weird corporate day and age we exist, but a little fist thrust in the air for quality, originality and personality, all things we need to sustain any quality of life and sense of community and self on this spinning chunk of carbon upon which we exist. Let it be known, far and wide, Magnus says, “Come one, come all, to Torchy’s Damn Good Tacos! Your horizons will be forever expanded, your taste buds dazzled, your pangs sated. Uh-huh.”
- Excerpt from Trailer Vittles, Pt. 3
http://luxbakeryandcafe.com/
@luxbakerycafe
http://www.facebook.com/luxbakerycafe
3601 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749
About: Lux Bakery & Cafe is a locally-owned eatery tucked in near the corner of William Cannon and Brodie in the heart of Southwest Austin.
The cafe serves a delicious variety of sandwiches, soups and salads, along with their famous fresh fruit smoothies and bubble drinks, while the bakery includes fresh baked pastries, muffins, cookies and much more. All these tasty treats can be custom ordered for parties, events, gifts for someone special, or just because!
Stop by for a real treat!
http://www.casabrasilcoffees.com
@casabrasil
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Casa-Brasil/157002955704
About: Casa Brasil wants to provide you the best cup of coffee available, directly reward those who produced the beans, and celebrate the culture of the beautiful country it came from. We approach artisan coffee producers with humility for their work and respect for the coffee they have grown. This sense of duty leads us to vacuum pack all coffee at source, import directly, roast in small batches, and cup every roast before it hits the shelf.
Our direct trade business model ensures we get the best coffee available and that these artisan producers are directly rewarded for their higher quality coffee. Direct relationships also mean opportunities for direct giving, and we encourage you to visit our progresso page to see how you can participate. Enjoy, and thank you for taking the time to visit our site. Obrigado e um grande abraço.
http://www.treatyoakrum.com/
@treatyoakrum
http://www.treatyoakrum.com/
About: Treaty Oak Platinum Rum is hand-crafted from scratch in Austin, Texas with all Texas ingredients.
Our rum was created with three important principles in mind:
While these ideals may seem very simple, we are proud to say that we are Texas’ first & only distillery to both brew and distill our spirit. For that matter, we are one of very few micro-distilleries in the United States that adhere to this labor-intensive production method. Simply put, we believe controlling all aspects of production results in a superior quality spirit.
http://www.grahamstexastea.com/
@grahamstexastea
http://www.facebook.com/grahamstexastea
About: Graham’s Texas Tea is a sweet tea flavored vodka made by hand, in Texas, with premium ingredients. GTT is brought to you by Graham Barnes Distilling, the makers of Treaty Oak Platinum Rum.
http://www.austincornucopia.com
@cornucopiapops
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cornucopia/36739818358
1914 Guadalupe St., Suite B, Austin, TX 78705
About: Walk into Cornucopia and you will quickly see what we’re about, variety and delicious gourmet popcorn! Made fresh every day, we have over 40 colorful & creative flavors to delight any audience. We’re always in the kitchen experimenting with new palates & ingredients.
Popped fresh in Austin Texas, Cornucopia is tired of the boring old movie theater popcorn. Each batch of corn is made in-store and by the hands of best friends & partners, Nikki & Nadia.
We invite you to find your favorite flavor and to share in the fun of popcorn with us.
http://www.thecupcakebaraustin.com
@thecupcakebar_
http://www.facebook.com/thecupcakebar
About: The Cupcake Bar originated as a branch of the Figs Catering dessert menu. After its studio party premiere, guests began booking the cupcake catering service for their own special occasions. This sugar sensation became its own entity and now offers customized desserts and entertainment in and around the Austin area.
http://www.asyouwishaustin.com/
@asyouwish
http://www.facebook.com/AsYouWishPhotography
About: Lori Luza and the staff at As You Wish photography are passionate about making their clients happy. Lori defines her photography style as “down-to-Earth,” allowing for real emotion to come through in the images. This philosophy holds true whether photographing a wedding, shooting a senior portrait, or capturing the love in a family. We want to put a smile on your face! Our on-location sessions and build-your-own packages allow you to customize an experience that is just As You Wish…
http://www.texasimprints.com/
@graphitees
http://www.facebook.com/CustomScreenPrinting
About: We specialize in custom screen printing. If you’re looking for T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Tote’s, Apron’s, Polo’s, Towels? You’ve come to the right people for the job. We also offer full color professional transfers for a single shirt applications.
http://www.couturedesserts.com/
@hate4cake
http://www.facebook.com/austinweddingcakes
About: Coco Chanel said that a girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous. Well…so should your cake!
When choosing a path in life, the choice is often out of our hands. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to choose not only our path, but who to walk it with.
We are best friends, turned baking partners. We believe dessert should always be the main course in life, and it should taste as good as it looks. That’s why we created Haute Cakes. Perhaps you find some of life’s questions difficult…paper or plastic, chicken or fish; but to dessert or not to dessert?
The answer is clear.
http://www.nxnwbrew.com/
@nxnwbrew
http://www.facebook.com/nxnwbrew
10010 Capital of Texas Highway N, Austin, TX 78759
About: A message from Davis Tucker, owner of NXNW: North by Northwest came into existence from an idea that I had many years ago – that great craft brewed beer and fabulous food could come together in a fun and interesting atmosphere.
http://flavors.me/juliegomoll
@juliegomoll
About: Entrepreneur. Crafty thinker. Marketing strategist. Clever schemer. Designer. Cocky geek.
Let me help.
http://www.jeremyarntz.com/
@jeremya
About: Hello I’m Jeremy (duh!) and I live in Austin, TX. I’m a professional web developer and have been for the past 10 years. In my free time I like to take photos, kayak, watch tv/movies, write and, as crazy as it sounds, code.
I like to keep busy. I’m currently working on a book on developing web applications for iOS, blogging on several blogs, creating plugins for WordPress, and hacking on a couple of projects that I’m not ready to tell the world about. I always have something in the works so stay tuned to this blog!
And, of course, we owe a giant Thank You to Ilene not only for the idea, but also for leading the teams of staff, volunteers, and experts to ensure that all the details were covered. In addition to capturing some moments of the BlogathonATX debut (images will be ready soon!), I also got some work done on some big projects for As You Wish. It was just the kick in the pants those projects needed!
Thank YOU, @IleenieWeenie!
Graphic DesigNerd
http://ileenieweenie.com/
@IleenieWeenie
About: Ilene’s love of visual communication comes from nearly 20 years in the graphic design field, where she merges her creative and project management skills to assist businesses and non-profits in developing unique solutions and powerful brands via print, stage and screen. An enthusiastic collaborator, Ilene combines a love of design with her husband’s creative and technical skills to form sister company, Blue House Design, which offers live event conceptualization, design and production.
Ilene received her B.F.A. from the University of Texas before electricity was invented and resides in Austin with her husband, Bill, and Wally the Poodle. In her spare time, you can find Ilene wreaking havoc on Twitter. Follow her if you dare… @IleenieWeenie
This week, the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Austin threw a nice reception for vendors in the Austin area. It was a great way to meet other professionals in the wedding industry and see what the Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown has to offer for weddings and other large events.
Here are some great reasons to host your event at the
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown:
They know their stuff. Plus, the key managers have worked together at that venue for a full decade. They know each other and can respond quickly and accurately.
If your needs are not being met, they will adjust to you. Just ask anyone who tried the vegan quesadillas individually prepared by the chef.
The signature cocktail for the event was a Garden Goddess. Think pear-tini meets rosemary lemonade. The only problem with this little yumminess is that they are sweet and therefore stronger than they seem. If you plan to serve these, be sure you have reserved a block of rooms for your event!
They are “in” with so many great vendors. When you need a recommendation for a florist or a DJ, they will have quality referrals for you.
Stellar. Beautiful. Plenty.
The party space can handle almost 200 guests for a typical wedding reception dinner/dance. Plus, two additional rooms make great spaces for a quiet coffee lounge for family to visit and a kids room to keep them entertained and happy.
Parking downtown can be a nightmare, but the Hilton Garden Inn’s valet service is top notch. Your guests will feel pampered and everyone will have an easy trip from the ceremony to the reception.
18th floor. Next to Interstate-35 with a 180-degree view of everything from the University of Texas campus to the State Capitol building and grounds to the full length of 6th Street…and all the way out to Lady Bird Lake and Hill Country. Amazing. Gorgeous. Beautiful.
Our advice: plan your party to start ~30 minutes before sunset and let the view be part of your entertainment. Watch the city come alive at night!
Book a large enough event between now and the end of 2010 and get a complimentary iPad, which you can then use on their free WiFi!
Taylor wanted something purely Austin for her Senior Portraits, so we made the hike up Mt. Bonnell. What a spectacular view
Taylor, you can use your password to see the rest of the images in your gallery.
These two were as much fun as their outfits are cute! We met at the Arboretum where played on the cows, battled fireants, and even did some reading!
Allyson, you all can use your password to view all the images in your gallery.
Before Dylan heads off to college on a golf scholarship, his mom wanted us to help commemorate this time in his life with a portrait session. A park was the perfect setting for us to get in all the “shots”.
Sue, you can Dylan can use your password to view your online gallery.
This little one gave us a real run for our money. Despite the very hot day, she was full of energy and wanted to run, Run, RUN. There isn’t much reasoning to be done with a 1 year old, so we just chased and played and had a fabulous time.
A., you and your mom can use your password to go see all the images online.
Downtown Round Rock, Texas has a lot of great nooks and crannies for portrait sessions with small groups. And, there is a big green field with a pretty wall that makes a perfect backdrop for sitting poses.
Stacy, you can use your password to see the online gallery.
Chris and Whitney found us on Yelp! and contacted me with an urgent portrait session while all the family was in town. The calendar worked in our favor, so we were able to accommodate them during the window of availability.
Whitney & Chris, you can use your password to view your images online.
Shannon wanted something unique for their family images. After getting rained out, we ended up at their venue on a rainy day, anyway. (No complaints here. I remember how bad/dry last summer was!) We had fun dodging rain drops and crafting photo spots out of corners of the place. Big huge thanks to Spider House for letting us play in your space.
Shannon, you can use your password to see all the images.
Lauri probably didn’t consider when she’d be doing bridal portraits when she picked an early fall wedding date. Boy, was it hot! We also had a few adventures along the way: I almost passed out a couple of times, we crossed paths with an interesting character, Lauri posed with a peacock, and Fire/EMS came to assist the interesting guy. (Too bad Lauri had already changed, else we’d have images of her with the fire truck after EMS left for the hospital.)
Lauri, thank you for being such a trooper. In spite of all the calamity, it was a fabulous session. I really enjoy working with you! Use your password to view the whole gallery.
Toddler sessions are such fun. While Sheri and her family prepare for the arrival of the next addition to their family, they also wanted to capture this magical time with their firstborn.
Sheri, you can use your password to view the full gallery of images.
Oh what FUN was this session with Libby & Connie and their “widdle ones”. These roommates have become fast friends—you’d think they grew up together. So, this double session with them and their poochies was a blast! Fun For Friends with Furballs!
Connie & Libby, thank you for sharing such a fun evening with me. You can use your password to view the whole gallery online.
Our friend @ileenieweenie (a fabulous graphic designer) hosted a #MadMenTweetup for the 2010 season premiere of the show. She found the perfect venue, @TheBrownBar, who even opened early for a cocktail hour before the show. About 50 people, most of whom dressed in 1964 attire, showed to watch the episode together.
We were thrilled to be part of the fun little event and hope to see many more themed Tweetups!
The Stone family was getting ready for their summer vacation, but took a few minutes out of their day to strike a pose or two.
Traci, you and your family can use your password to view all the images online.
What a fun session we had with this little fairy princess! A. was celebrating her 2-year birthday and wanted to mark the occasion with a cute pastel outfit and a yellow fairy princess costume. We had a ton of fun with the flowers in the garden at Mayfield Park in Austin.
A., you and your family can use your password to view the entire session’s images online.
“Your timing is uncanny…”
and
“[Our print] arrived today. I am all smiles.”
-Elizabeth L.
1) Select a location, and then 2) Click the Tungle.me button to book a session quickly and easily!
