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Sweet Kiddo Pics...

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Hey everybody,

These sweet girls are no stranger to the Benfield Blog, and I SO appreciate how loyal their family is - they always have a standing reservation for family portraits in the Fall. Below are a few favorites of my from each of the girls...











Talk to you soon,
Dale

Prayer Request for Mere and Cece

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Not my usual post...

Yesterday morning around 4am, Mere scared the crap out of me.

We were lying in bed, and she woke me up by saying:

Mere: Hey. Can you look at me?

Me: (shifting and flopping over, I thought she was making a joke by having something on her face that I couldn't quite make out, but resembled a Gonzo nose)... yeah, what's that?

Mere: I have an ice bag on my head to help my headache. Can you focus for a sec?

Me: yes.

Mere: I don't want to have a seizure but my head really hurts. I probably won't, but I feel like I have to tell you because I don't want the baby to die in case I do. Will you just watch me for a little bit?

Me: (eyes shoot open)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wait, let me back up a bit. Last week we smashed our car into Bambi's huge older brother, and since then Mere's blood pressure has been dangerously high - and she's had great blood pressure her entire pregnancy. We've been to the doctor (Abby) every day this week for tests (tested for Preeclampsia) and as soon as we figure something out, something else happens. It's been a very roller-coaster-y week for my emotions and Mere's health.

I'm writing this from the hospital, where I'm staying the night again (we did this a few weeks ago too, when Mere passed two big ol' kidney stones - poor girl). Abby says we might have to induce labor if Meredith's blood pressure doesn't get under control, and already said the baby will definitely be coming before our original January 22nd due date. If the baby is induced soon, it's not good news (Cece still has a month left before she's supposed to make her debut), so Abby is keeping us here to monitor Mere and the baby -- to keep Cece developing as much as possible before she comes out.

If you know me personally, you know I don't scare easily, and I'm always one to believe that everything typically works out, but I'm a little scared. Tonight Mere and I were lying here figuring out an updated plan for Christmas and we both hear over the intercom in the hallways: "attention: code blue. 256. attention: code blue. 256. attention: code blue. 256." It's haunting and sad and terrifying -- a very real reminder that it doesn't always work out the way I expect it, and that sometimes it comes time to ask our friends to pray.

So, will you please pray that Cece is able to safely stay inside for at least another week? Every single day helps her little lungs develop.

Thanks friends!
Dale

P.S.Here we are in our respective positions...

Mere looks adorable, even when she's all sick and stuff.


Here's my mobile office. Haha... btw, I'm thankful for hospital internet, even if it is as slow as frozen molasses.





Happy Christmas Eve! (and a Mere and Cece update)

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Hey everybody,

This is a very special Christmas. It's definitely been a weird couple months, and a rough week. Because of our hospital visits, Christmas came way too soon - not a present has been wrapped (we've already exchanged gifts), and I cut my Christmas menu to one item at each family meal, but none of that really matters.

This Christmas, it has truly been about spending much needed quality time with our families. They've supported us a lot lately - we're normally pretty low-maintainance - so Meredith and I are really appreciative of our family and friends who have made us feel so loved during this difficult week.

Here are my sweet nieces, shot by Meredith a few weeks ago... doesn't it just put you in the Christmas spirit?




Fyi... an update on Mere... we sweet talked Abby into letting us go home, and Mere is on super strict bed rest. We've been monitoring her blood pressure and headaches, and she's in pretty good spirits. I'm so glad she's able to be home (at her parents' house in Joplin) instead of the hospital for Christmas. We'll be heading back to the hospital tomorrow so Abby can check Mere's (and Cece's) status - hopefully it will all be good news and we can keep Cece cooking for a bit longer. Mere will be staying at her parents' (bed rest) until the baby comes (which makes me thankful for housesitters, as I will be back and forth between Joplin and Fayetteville until the baby comes - there's still a lot to do at home... we thought we had a month left!
Okay, enough blabbing for now, right? Merry Christmas Eve!

Talk to you soon,
Dale


Merry Christmas Y'all! Our Little Gift To You!

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Hey everybody,

Merry Christmas! We are approaching 4 years of blogging every day consecutively, and Meredith and I want to share our gratitude with all our faithful followers, friends, and family who check the blog daily - it's really nice to know that I have y'all out there who care about us enough to check in, and that I'm not just sitting here wasting an hour a day for four years. Haha!

Anyway, it's Christmas! We've been giving gifts for the past 24 hours (though, most of them haven't been properly wrapped), and wanted to give y'all your own unwrapped gift. It's not much, just a song.


In 1997ish, when I was in high school, I was playing Canon in D around Christmas and a commercial came on tv that was playing Jolly Old Saint Nicolas and I realized it had a similar chord progression. Then, I started playing other Christmas melodies to the tune (since then, there has been a couple arrangements of Christmas carols put to Canon in D that I've heard), but this version is a Dale Benfield original. ;) I hope you enjoy it!


Merry Christmas!
Dale, Mere, Ellie, and Cece

If you're one of those happy girls on facebook who has become engaged over the holidays, email me and let's chat about your wedding! dalebenfield@gmail.com

Or, check out the revamped Benfield Photography home page here: www.benfieldphotography.net

Addie and Chad's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

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Hey everybody,

The year might be winding down, but we still have plenty of shoots left to share! Today's post is of a really sweet couple, Addie and Chad. We've known Addie for years, and were overjoyed when she got engaged! Their shoot was way fun...



















Talk to you soon,
Dale


Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow!

Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

St Catherine's at Bell Gables Wedding of Julie and Chad

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Hey everybody!


I love photographing at St. Catherine's at Bell Gables - the location is beautiful, and has so many different backdrops for photos. For intimate weddings, shooting inside the chapel is such a dreamy wedding venue, as it was in Julie's case.






After the wedding we photographed some really beautiful portraits - soft pretty December light can be so pretty if you know how to use it!





Some benny backlight in December... LOVES!









Talk to you soon,
Dale

Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

Courtney and Craig's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits, by Lauren

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Hey everybody!

Everybody at Benfield Photography knows and adores Courtney - she and her sweet daughter have been on the blog multiple times, and they are just as sweet as pie! So, you can imagine our excitement when we found out that Courtney had found Craig... fell in love... and got engaged! They aren't getting married locally (sadface!), but Lauren was able to meet up with the super gorgeous couple to photograph their engagement. She did an amazing job (as usual!)... look at these...


























Talk to you soon,
Dale

Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

Benny Awards Nominees: COMING SOON!

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Hey everybody!

This year of shooting is FINALLY over! It's been such an amazing year with incredible clients who are generous and beautiful and stylish and sweethearts... I could go on and on. That's why this is so hard...
I'm in the middle of the IMPOSSIBLE task of narrowing down and nominating images for our FIFTH ANNUAL (can you believe it???) Benny Awards!! Have a look at what I'm going through...

(and this isn't even CLOSE to all the images I'm sorting through!)






Stay tuned... I'll be announcing the nominees this coming week!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Sunday Superthoughts: Double Feature

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Hey everybody!

What a batty week! I realized that I didn't actually give you a quote last week because of all of the hospital drama, so this week I'm giving you two quotes that you'll hopefully love!

The first quote is what I've really adopted as a personal mantra this week. As one who is always planned and who values structure and the known, it is so hard to give up control. But what I've taken away from many of your messages this week through email/texts/comments is that we're on God's plan, not our own.  He has a plan and a purpose and it's far better than any plan I can create.  After all, this is the same God who created rainbow chard, sunrises and sunsets, weather patterns... oh,  and life.  Meredith and I have undergone a crazy shift of GO-GO-GO... to wait... wait... ... wait. She welcomes the change of pace, and I'm still having a hard time adapting, but I'm working on the downshift.


Secondly, Meredith and I seriously sat in the hospital room Sunday morning and cried reading everybody's encouraging words.  My mom organized a little prayer team, and I've heard from so many of y'all that you've been praying daily. Mere has said every day this week that y'all's and our prayers are being answered.  Every morning I wake up expecting to have to take Mere to the hospital, and every day God keeps Cece in her momma's tummy for another day. 

And we are grateful.

Not just for God's peace, not just for His timing, but for our friends and family who have lifted up Meredith and Cece in prayer.   It's hard for me to explain how grateful we are, but this Winnie the Pooh quote gives you a picture...



I promise to keep you updated, while also continuing my daily blog, as long as you promise to keep reading! :)


Talk to you soon,
Dale


Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

2012 Review: Part One - The Instagram Pics

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Hey everybody!

This year has been a whirlwind! So much has changed, and Meredith, Ellie, and I are excited to see how 2013 is going to continue our adventure as a family. I like taking the last day of the year to look back on 2012 and relive some of my favorite moments, which I've listed below. Today's images are from my instagram feed. If you're on instagram, follow me here: http://instagram.com/dalebenfield/

Also, today marks the fourth consecutive year that I've updated the blog every single day! Thanks for stopping by, following/subscribing, and supporting the blog!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I spent a lot of time at Ellie's school this year, whether it was guest-teaching her class, or making and bringing her lunch each week.


Mere and I got to go to Paris for the 4th time as a couple! She shot boudoir shots, and I got to shoot a super fabulous portrait session.  Every time we go, it's as magical as the first!


Lots of hanging out with this goober, and we went on a couple dates too...


I photographed (and shot video of) NWA Fashion Week for my sweet Riffraff friends...


Then Mere and I had more travel... taking us to Texas (Austin x2, Houston, and Dallas x6)  - we love photographing weddings in Texas, and are excited that 2013 already has some TX weddings on the books!


We also got to spend a week in Punta Cana, where we shot our sweet friends, Katya and Rob for their wedding (we actually shot a day after session of them underwater, which I'll show ya tomorrow!).


Family vacation, where I actually did ZERO work (I was amazed)... besides the blog of course... took place at the beach where Ellie enjoyed the water but not the seafood.


While we were on family vacation, Mere got sick, which led us to believe we were going to have a baby.  We were right!!  An in-home ultrasound showed us we were having a baby girl!!  I made her a onesie of her monogram. :)  Crafty?  I try.


We already booked our trip to Excellence Playa Mujeres with our friends from Riffraff before we found out we were pregnant - poor Mere didn't get to take advantage of the all-inclusiveness, but we still had a blast while she consumed mock-tails (don't feel too badly, we booked a wedding there for 2013, so she'll get a chance to redeem herself). Btw, it was weird celebrating July 4th in Mexico, but strangely... it wasn't our first time.


When Ellie's birthday rolled around, we scheduled a fun trip to St. Louis, where we watched the Cubs/Cards, had a spa day at the Four Seasons, and rode in a helicopter!


In August we attended Fashion market (Magic and Project) in Las Vegas with our Riffraff friends, checking out the upcoming styles while eating yummy food.


For Halloween, I thought I'd be one of my favorite chefs, Michael Symon.  The pic on the right is me ready for a wedding.  I don't always dress so dapper, but it was kind of a fancy ordeal and I didn't want to stick out in a bad way.  Oh, I also learned to tie bow-ties, which helped me tie grooms' bow-ties later in the year.


And of course, I have to include some of my favorite meals that I made this year.  I started having dinner parties for my friends every two weeks, but more importantly I got to cook for my sweet wife (who is growing a human, which I hear is VERY tiring!).  Crown roasts, standing rib roasts, lobster, beignets, and my piece de resistance: Beef Wellington (step aside, Gordon Ramsay!).


And most recently, now that Mere is 9 months pregnant, her complications have become a little scary, and we've had some overnights in the hospital. However, our latest ultrasound showed us that Cece is going to have Mere's good looks, so I'm over the moon!



Below are some other fun pics from 2012.  Mere, Ellie, and I wish you the very best in 2013!!









Talk to you soon,
Dale

 Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008, so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

2012 Year in Review: The Superpost

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Hey everybody!

Meredith and I truly feel blessed to have the life we do, getting to travel the world photographing amazing couples' weddings, having friends who love us, and having family who supports us.

One of my favorite images from the year is this shot we got of Katya and Rob during their day after session in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  I have underwater housing for my camera and was excited to get to use it for such an extraordinary couple!


But then again, all our couples are extraordinary! We really are fortunate to have clients like us: laid back, artsy, and super in love! For example...


We've also had a great year of being featured in some great publications.  Martha Stewart Weddings pinned a Benfield Photography original, countless blogs have featured weddings and engagements, and Southern Bride published a beautiful outdoor Southern wedding by Benfield Photography!


Speaking of having our work featured, the coolest thing happened to me this year: The Chancellor Hotel which recently opened in downtown Fayetteville, commissioned me to photograph Old Main for their Old Main Suite!  They got some HUGE prints displayed!


One of the best things that happened this year is that Mere and I became best buds with this goofball, Kirsten Blowers, owner of Riffraff (our favorite store!) and we got to travel the globe with her!  She's an amazing person... very giving and loving... and knows how to be super silly at the same time!  She also has the ginormous task of designing Cece's nursery, but we of course trust her 100 percent!  We have the same taste and style, which is why she trusts us in shooting all the Riffraff stuff...

... including this sweet shot for their Fashion LookBook (notice who it is! Benny Bride Chelsey!)...


I've also been writing daily photo tips for photographers who subscribe to my tip list.  If you want on that list, here's a link.

I've also combined tips into the 101 Photo Tips e-book, which is for sale here.  There will be another installment coming in the new year! Yay!!


Of course, the biggest news of 2012 is that Mere and I are expecting a baby girl!

... named Cecelia Ruth (Ruth is Mere's grammy's name)


And not only are WE expecting, but my lifelong best friend, Tom, is expecting too!  Cece will have two GIRLS to be best friends with already!!  We couldn't be happier for the Walters family!


Back on the work front, this year randomly had a few celebrities in the mix...
Matt was in a movie that Mere and I found while flipping through channels...


Brittany is a Big Brother star...(third from left)


And Chad was in Hatfields and McCoys with Kevin Costner!


As I showed yesterday, Meredith and I were lucky enough to go to Paris again this year, because we found some work to do there (yep, always working!) - I had an amazing couple portrait shoot and Meredith had a string of secret sessions.


Speaking of secret sessions, Mere had another amazing year with a full schedule of secret sessions, our take on classy boudoir portraits.  Our brides love her style, her photoshop prowess, and how she makes every client feel comfortable and look beautiful.  (if you're interested in a secret session, contact her at: meredith@benfieldphotography.com)


Lastly, 2012 found me working to share even more of my personal life and thoughts with y'all, instead of pictures, pictures, pictures.  I realize that you read this blog not because of pictures, but because you've come to know Meredith, Ellie, and me as people - and we are so thankful!  Each Sunday, I share a "superthought" and write from the heart.  Some of my favorites from 2012 are below.


Thanks again for a wonderful year! We appreciate you all so much, and are thankful that you spend time stopping by the blog, referring us to newly engaged friends and family, and being all-around awesome!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

**Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

Best Engagement Portraits: Benny Awards are LIVE!!!

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Hey everybody!

It's that time of year again! The Benny Award nominiees have been announced and voting is LIVE!!!
Here's the link to cast your votes!http://www.benfieldphoto.com/benny-awards.html


Here are the nominees for Best Engagement Portraits:

































































Here's the link to cast your votes!http://www.benfieldphoto.com/benny-awards.html


Talk to you soon,
Dale

Best Bridal Portraits: Benny Awards Nominees

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Hey everybody!

Today I want to share my very favorite bridal portraits from 2012 with y'all! We have amazing brides who are not only as sweet as pie, but have killer style and are drop dead gorgeous! Be sure to case your votes for your favorite bridal portrait by clicking the link below - the brides win REAL prizes!!

Here's the link to cast your votes!http://www.benfieldphoto.com/benny-awards.html











































Here's the link again to cast your votes!http://www.benfieldphoto.com/benny-awards.html

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Best Wedding Portraits: The Benny Award Nominees

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Hey everybody!

Wedding portraits are my favorite time of the wedding day! I love this special one-on-one time with the bride and groom (um... would that be one-on-two, or two-on-two since I have another photographer with me? Anyway... I digress...) Here are my favorite wedding portraits from 2012. Also, these are the nominees for Best Wedding Portraits for the Benny Awards. You can vote for your favorite images here: http://www.benfieldphoto.com/benny-awards.html


































































































Talk to you soon,
Dale

Guest Blogger Meg: On {Quiet} Generosity

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Hey there!

While Mere and Dale are busy with the newest addition to the Benfield family, baby Cece (can we get a YAY! Or a crowd wave or something?!). I’d just like to put out into the world that I cannot wait to see who Cece becomes, she has the coolest parents and sweetest/most stylish older sis she could ask for. I have the honor of doing a guest post on this blog. I go way back with the Benfields; Dale was my High School journalism teacher, took my oldest sister’s senior photos when he was first doing photography professionally, which of course led to my senior photos (I’ve never felt like more of a rockstar), they shot my recent nuptials and if you’re an avid reader of this blog you know Dale, Mere, and I are close friends because of this crazy thing I do called Art Feeds.

I think that it’s pretty evident that Dale and Mere are incredible artists just by scrolling up and down this page. Since I’m hijacking the blog for a day and there’s nothing Dale can do about it (muahahah!) I’d like to talk a little bit about how that incredible talent they both have translates to their insides and their amazing hearts. I read some C.S Lewis this morning that made me think of the Benfields. I’m going to tell you a little story about why they are so special.

“Already the new men are dotted here and there. Their voices and faces are different from ours stronger, quieter, happier, more radiant. They begin where most of us leave off… They do not draw attention to themselves. You tend to think you are being kind to them when they are really being kind to you. They love you more than other men do, but need you less. They will usually seem to have a lot of time: you will wonder where it comes from.” –C.S Lewis on Godly people and generosity.

In 2010, one year into Art Feeds' existence, we had a really wild year. We were up for this huge voting grant. I reached out to Dale, knowing he had grown a huge following with his fabulous blog and asked if he could promote for the grant. He did me about a million better, he responded with not only a “Yes!” but also a “Can I make you a video and take some photos of Art Feeds in action as well?” I was so floored by his generosity. The first ever “good” photos of our programs in the classroom were taken by Dale, he captured a moment I will never forget when one of our autistic students lost inhibitions and danced freely. I was so floored to have this world class photographer in our classroom, documenting our work with the kids when I know how valuable his time is. That is the thing about the Benfields: although their time is crazy valuable, they are generous in giving it in away that doesn’t make you feel like you’re a burden. They don’t draw attention to what they are giving. They are always making time; I’m always wondering where it comes from.

Now fast forward a little to January 2011. I decided to take a leap of faith and expand our programs to Ghana to children rescued from slavery. Dale and Mere made a considerable donation to Art Feeds in the interim, I was gushing thank yous upon thank yous in an email and said something along the lines of “I would love to have you go to Ghana with us to take photos some day! I’ll call you when our budget grows about a 1000 times bigger!” Although I was joking, this was the truth. All children are beautiful, but these specific Ghanaian children who have overcome such tragedy with grace and redemption have a special kind of vibrancy and beauty I hoped could be captured by someone like Dale.

If you’ve followed the blog for a few years, you’ve probably seen those beautiful Ghanaian children. Let me tell you this: our budget did not grow x 1000.

Here’s how it happened: Dale emailed me back and said basically (I’m paraphrasing here) that he’d love to go to Ghana, that in fact, his birthday was coming up and he thought going to Africa would be the perfect Birthday present to himself. He said it so unassuming, like he was actually giving something to himself rather than to me, Art Feeds and the children we work with. He did come, paid his own plane ticket and stay, brought his equipment and gave us the most amazing pictures of the children we love so much.



The rest is really history with a whole bunch of adventures in Ghana strung together in-between. To be honest, that is only a portion of the generosity the Benfields have shown me. I could guest blog until Cece turns 5 on the gifts of time and talents they’ve given. That’s just the generosity I know of to me personally. I don’t know what they have done for the myriad of clients and friends they have. This is because they aren’t boastful. They give with humility- quietly in the true spirit of generosity. Expecting nothing in return. When I think I’m being kind to them, they are actually being kind to me (However, Art Feeds did send a girl dressed in a large pink Africa costume to his front porch singing “Africa” by Toto, but that’s another story, and Dale certainly didn’t travel to Ghana in exchange for that).

I felt compelled to tell you this story so you know the people behind the lens and on the other side of these beautiful photos. When you share your business, family, special moments, events, engagements and more with Benfield Photography, there are not only treasured memories captured, but wonderful, generous and kind people sharing your big moment with you.

Thanks for hanging on as I gush a little about some of my favorite people.
Love you Dale, Mere, Ellie and Cece!

Oh, and to all of you readers, you should definitely book Dale, Mere and Lauren for your Wedding, Engagement and Secret Session (duh).

Xo
Meg

Announcing Baby Cece! Sunday Superthoughts: Adventure...

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Hey everybody!

We aren't quite ready for Cece to make her blog debut, but in the meantime I want to say that she's born, she's healthy, and we are all so happy!

There are so many people I want to thank, but my eyes are tired and I'm emotionally drained. Instead, I'm going to post the Sunday Superthought, again from Winne the Pooh, which we're adopting as Cece's little slogan:

"As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen."  This kiddo has been ALL adventure! Mere's pregnancy was super rough (and it was tough standing at her side, just watching!), through multiple hospital stays and a kajillion tests, and one of the toughest birthing stories I've ever heard of (more on that in a later post)... it was definitely a ride we did not anticipate. 

But that's the thing about adventures... they're not all fun and games, and sometimes it doesn't turn out like you plan.  They are unusual.  They are often hazardous.  But... they are exciting!  And I'm excited to see where this adventure leads.




Actual pics coming soon (and hopefully more rest for Momma Mere and me!)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

Guest Blogger Signe: On Planning {YOU}R Wedding

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Hey y’all.  Since Mere and Dale are welcoming a new little bundle of joy into their family, he has asked me to do a guest blog post while they are busy oohing and ahhing over their new addition.

And how in the world could I say no to that?!

So before I get into any wedding advice, I should probably tell you my name and a little bit about myself. My name is Signe, (nice to meet you) and I am no stranger to the blogging world.  I have just started one of my own, so hop on over and give it a little look sometime! (www.signeroo.com)

Anyway, I am an Arkansas native, who recently married and moved to the great state of Texas! My husband, a Texan native, LA transplant, and once again Texan (did I make that confusing enough for you?) and I were married this past July down in Austin, Texas.  We currently reside in a Norman Rockwell-esque small town right outside of Dallas in a little 1900s bungalow, and we love the married life.  But before our wedded bliss began, (about 8 or 9 months ago to be exact) our lives were one giant wedding to-do list.  If you are amidst the wedding planning, then you know exactly what I am talking about.



Here is my sage (note my sarcasm) advice.
Be you. Completely, totally, 100% you.  Embrace the craziness.  Embrace your eclectic-ness.  Embrace your simplicity.  Embrace who you are as a couple (and as individuals) and what you want. Whatever you may be. Whoever you may be. Just let your wedding be uniquely “you”.
I know. I know. When you walk into a venue and the thoughts of flowers and cakes and dresses and rings dance through your head….what you know you want can quickly become a distant thought. It’s easy to listen to other people’s opinions, and feel as though you need to please them.  But you listen here, ladies and gentleman.  This is YOUR wedding.

At the end of the day, you want your guests to feel like they are stepping into your love story. We had many friends and family members tell us that they felt so at home at our wedding.  That it didn’t feel like it was a “normal, everyday” wedding.  And that, my friends, was a compliment to top all compliments.  That is exactly what Chad and I desired.  That everyone would be witnessing one of the most important moments in our lives, and that in some small way, they would feel a part of it.

In 20 years, when you look back, hopefully you will feel like your wedding day still embodies exactly who you both were. Dale and Mere captured our wedding exactly the way we wanted it to be captured.  How they were in a million different places at one time?  I will never know.  But, they captured the teeny tiny details. The most special moments.  The tears.  The laughter.  The moment of walking down the aisle and seeing the tears and joy in my husband’s face.  The moments you want to live over and over in your mind forever.  And when time goes on and the memories start to become a little blurrier than they were the day before, you get to relive those amazing moments in the photos.

Are you crying yet? (No? Okay, I’ll keep going)

To sum up my (almost finished) ramblings, I am leaving you with three pieces of wisdom:

1) Tell Your Story:
Really make your wedding about you and your significant other.

2) Don’t Sweat The Details:
Ladies.  I guarantee you I will not be the last to tell you this. But if any tiny thing doesn’t go right (or anything for that matter)...the only person that will notice is you.  So don’t sweat it. Don’t let it bring you down.  The day will be perfect even if it’s sprinkling. Or someone doesn’t’ t have a bouquet. Or the cake was the wrong flavor.  No one. Will. Notice. But. You.  So just take a deep breath, put a smile on, look at your (now husband) and enjoy your once in a lifetime day.

3) Be in the moment in every moment:
Confession: Chad and I blubbered like babies the second we got in our getaway car.  Totally out of character, totally hilarious.  We just felt so blessed and so happy.  Make sure you take the time to look at all of your hard work you put into the day.  Take in every. single. moment.  Every single detail.  Get caught up in the small things, swept away by the big things.  All of those people are there because they love you, have shaped you, care about you and want to witness you becoming husband and wife.  So slow down and really take in the day. And if you cry a few tears in the getaway car, don’t be embarrassed.  It happens. Trust me.

So, my friends, if you are planning for that big day, I wish you all the luck in the world.  This is such a sweet, sweet season in life.  One that might cause you major stress, but ultimately pure joy.  Remember to breathe.  Relax.  It will be here before you know it.  So take in every detail.  Every moment.  And remember to make the day about you.
Thanks for stopping by and reading.  Dale and Mere are such great friends, and we love them dearly.  So honored to have been asked to write up a little blurb while they love on baby Cece.





Best wishes to all you beautiful single ladies planning that dream wedding, engaged couples looking for advice, or married couples that are perusing the Benfield’s breathtaking photo blog!!

xoxo,
signe

Ashley and David's Fayetteville Wedding Portraits

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Hey everybody!

To know Ashley is to love her! Meredith and I instantly fell for her when we met her years ago. A fellow photographer and a super-creative, we instantly had lots in common and she is just SO easy to talk to! I'm sure these are all reasons why Dave fell for her right away too! Of course, David is quite the catch himself! Ashley will be the first to tell you he is a "manly man" but the David I know is sweet and sensitive too, can chat about any book you've ever read (he's read them all), and is... as expected... a handsome dude.

I am honored to be the one to photograph their wedding, and I hope you enjoy their portraits! Tomorrow, I'll share the details and wedding images with you, so make sure to come back!












Talk to you soon,
Dale

Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

Ashley and David's Fayetteville Wedding

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Hey everybody!

Here we are again! I of course could continue the gush-fest from yesterday about how amazing Ashley and David are (read below if you want some insight into their awesomeness). Let me just say that I am overjoyed that Ashley and David found each other, and their wedding was so so so sweet! Oh, and I can't leave out their sweet little pup, Joey - such a sweetheart! Have a peek!

Love her sweet romantic details...





An amazing place to have a first meeting on a beautiful winter afternoon...






Be still my heart! This little dude had a first meeting of his own!



Then it was wedding time! Mermaids Restaurant transformed into a dreamy location for Ashley's wedding.



A few really sweet dancing moments... with her husband...



... and her father...



Tell me this isn't the best shot to end on! Oh, how I adore this family!




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding

Ashley and David's Wedding Benny Booth {Photo Booth}

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Hey everybody!

Okay, okay... since you begged me... One more post from Ashley's wedding! :) She had a FUN Benny Booth, so I wanted to share those, as well as a couple more fun pics from the day! Enjoy!

Here Ashley and I are as we are about to head to the first meeting with David. It was earlier in the day so I wasn't in my wedding get-up just yet... don't judge. I just treasure this moment with one of my best friends!!!




Here we are in the Benny Booth together, being silly as usual. See? I changed clothes!



And some other fun pics...









Lastly, I can't leave out this priceless picture with Joey, one of the sweetest dogs I've ever loved! How about this for a first official family portrait!




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links!
Contact DaleVista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TXCouture bridals and exquisite wedding detailsOutdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine
Hollywood themed wedding by LaurenAdorable engagement videobuy photo tips ebook for photographersmarlsgate wedding
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