Ailee Petrovic

Personal April 3, 2015

Happy First Birthday, Hou!

houston pet photographer texas ailee petrovic dog first birthday I have found a new niche of photography that I adore: pets. Talk about an easy model! These furry animals don’t have any say into how they look in the photos, which is fine, as they normally look perfect. Dogs will never say: “That’s a beautiful backdrop, with great lighting and focus, but my hair looks funny when it’s tucked behind my ear.” Albeit, they are a tad more difficult to control, but still easier than a 10 month old crawler!

When my friend, Kristen, asked me to take photos for her pup’s first birthday, I jumped at the opportunity. Houston is seriously adorable – let’s talk about that bow tie, party hat, and his cake shots! Could he be more perfect?

Houston’s first birthday is today. We’re all going to be in New Orleans, celebrating from afar (but really celebrating our friend Amanda, who is getting married!).

Happy Friday! I hope you have the best weekend ever. xo
houston pet photographer texas ailee petrovic dog first birthday

Baby April 2, 2015

Proudly Introducing Baby Brooks

Last Wednesday, sweet baby Brooks entered this world, and his parents, family and friends are all enamored, as he is just adorable. I had the pleasure of meeting and taking Brooks’ photos on his one week birthday (an emotional milestone to all new parents as they scratch their heads and wonder where the last 7 days went!).

I took the photographs at Amy and Galen’s house, which is gorgeous. Brooks’ nursery is also perfect, with complementary shades of blue (cue me really wanting a baby boy!). Amy looks ridiculously good for having delivered a baby just 7 days prior. Super mom and dad! I had a couple good laughs as Galen is the tallest person I’ve ever taken photographs of, so I had to climb on their arm chairs about six different times.

I may never be able to get over little hand/finger photos. They’re seriously my favorite.

As I mentioned two weeks ago in Baby Kerr’s post, if you or your expecting friends live in Houston and would like to have hospital or newborn photos taken, please contact me!

Events April 1, 2015

#Jophee2015

This past weekend, a best friend of mine got married in one of the most gorgeous (and emotional!) wedding ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed, which was followed by one of the most incredibly fun receptions. Every single detail of the weekend was perfect. Sophee is definitely one of the most organized people I have ever met, so I was the least bit surprised. From the bridal brunch on Friday at Z’Tejas to the reception at Lakeway Resort & Spa, everything was planned to the nth degree. Everyone kept commenting on how the rehearsal dinner felt fancy enough to be the actual wedding!

Sophee and Johnny wrote their own vows, so pointless to say – everyone was crying. We had discussed doing the same, but I knew I wouldn’t have been able to keep it together and I know that’s a fact after boo-hooing when they read theirs. Sophee and Johnny are two of the most thoughtful and loving individuals I’ve ever met, and every single speech that was given reiterated this fact. And then there’s their model looks. I’ve never seen a model in any wedding magazine that looked as gorgeous as Sophee did when she slipped her dress on. Truly breathtaking.

It feels like yesterday that Sophee asked me to be her bridesmaid. I cannot believe they’re now married, relaxing on their honeymoon as husband and wife. I could not be any happier for them! Her wedding photographers (Anne Marie Photography) snapped a million photos, and I cannot wait to see them. Until then, here’s a sneak peek at some of the precious moments from the weekend.

Bridal Brunch

Venue: Z’Tejas | Paper Goods: Paper Therapy Shop | Florals: Walton’s

Personal March 30, 2015

Week in Review

Can it be Friday already, please? Although there is no such thing as sleeping in on the weekends with a baby, Monday mornings still make me feel so much more tired than a Saturday or Sunday. I wake up extra early to catch up on emails and to write this post before sweet Isla wakes up. I had the best weekend ever in Austin, celebrating the marriage of two incredible friends. Sophee and I have gone to school together since elementary, but only became best friends when we lived together at The University of Texas at Austin. I adore her. Both Sophee and Johnny are the most loving, thoughtful and selfless humans on this planet, and it was so evident that everyone felt that way about them throughout the weekend. I’m going to share more photos of the bridal brunch, rehearsal and wedding later this week, but am including a few sneak peeks this morning.

Although last week was a busy week with wedding prep for my friends Brittany and Amanda, as I finished an entire set of wedding envelopes and worked on welcome brochures and cocktail menu signs, I did make time for a few additional fun activities like having Sasha’s two cousins, Kristina and Bobby, over for dinner at our house on Thursday.

Other highlights included:

Eating breakfast with my longest-lasting-best-friend, Alisdair, at Kerbey Lane in Austin (kind of like we did last year!). We grew up together in Scotland, then he moved to Texas for our senior year of high school and stayed another 6 years! He moved back to Scotland over two years ago and is currently visiting. We’re having a big get-together at our house to celebrate tonight!
Attending Isla’s first swimming class at our local pool, Dad’s Club – it was not the highlight of her week, let’s just say that. Our instructor said it’s normal for them to cry during their first session, so I’m definitely looking forward to when she starts to enjoy the class! And there are only three babies/moms, and one of them coincidentally is our friend, Nina!
Running with Isla a number of times while using her new lion neck pillow that I found on Amazon – I used to worry about her neck being uncomfortable while we ran, and I am so excited to have found this! She loves it.
Picking up our visas from the Russian consulate – it’s official! We are going to St. Petersburg! And planning an Australia/New Zealand trip for January 2016! It’s not booked yet, but we’re heading to the Australian Open next year. I’m beyond excited.
Visiting sweet baby Kerr – he slept the whole time. Julie said he is only awake 45 minutes to an hour a day. What?? I know. I am bringing out next baby over to her house and making her do some sort of sleep-vibe-transfer.
Getting a new ficus delivered for our bedroom from Houston Interior Plants – I want one in every single room. Seriously! I love adding a pop of green plant life to our house.
Clapping, waving, and high fives all day, every day. Isla is obsessed with all three. And she will mimic whatever I do with my tongue now, whether that be wiggle it from side to side or make klacking noises. She things it’s hilarious, and I do too.
Getting my nails done at Paradise Nails, while Sasha’s mom spent time with Isla after Laura, our nanny left. I used to enjoy getting my nails done more than I do now, as I’m always wondering what Isla is up to, but I still love a good foot soak and back massage!

w12

Events March 26, 2015

The Perfect Blush Pink Dress

Next weekend, one of my good friends is getting married in New Orleans, and she has asked me to be in her house party (if you’re not familiar with this southern tradition, read this explanation here). Amanda asked all of the house party to wear blush pink dresses, which is also the bridesmaid dress color I chose for my wedding (photos here). Instead of lucking out and finding one dress early on that fit me like a glove, I tried on over twenty blush pink dresses from a number of different stores. I’ve had a hard time finding dresses that fit well recently, given my (ahem) milk-enhanced chest. After trying on some pretty pricey dresses, my friend, Taylor, sent me a link to a dress at Forever 21, and I actually really liked it. The best part was the price tag: $39? Yes, please. Given that I don’t normally wear light pink due to my insanely pale skin, I was a-okay with spending less than $40 on a dress. It’s currently getting altered, as they didn’t have my size, and I’m excited to get it back and try it on. I’m praying it fits well!

During my extensive research, I found some gorgeous blush pink dresses at J. Crew, BHLDN, Nordstrom, Asos, Forever 21 and Macy’s. While at the latter shop, the cashier asked me if I was looking for a bridesmaid dress, and I explained it was for the house party. She told me that blush pink is the most popular bridal party dress color, and that she constantly is helping women find dresses in this color. Et voila, here is my guide to help all of the ladies out there looking for a blush pink dress. If that’s not you, perhaps you think one of these little numbers is pretty and grab it just for fun! I absolutely love this Joanna August Polly Dress and this Tahari Sleeveless Brocade Dress. Lots of good options out there!