Family Vacation | Seattle, WA | Day 1

Time to reflect on our summer family vaca in the Northwest! I have asked my mom to help out making this a family collaboration by narrating our story, while of course, I supply the photos. (Shes the author of the family anyways). So at that, take it away mama!

Everyone got up early for their respective flights to Seattle, WA. Our flights reflected that fact that this would be a busy vacation! Brittany had to get up around 4 AM to catch a 6:00 flight, and we were not far behind her. We met at the airport in Seattle ready to start our vacation. As beginnings often go, this one was also fraught with delays and obstacles. Just off the plane, I forgot my new novel in the terminal. Just getting away from the airport was a struggle. The car rental’s shuttle was so small, the kids were left to wait on the next one. Then the line at the rental agency was loaded with people and the line moved at a snail’s pace. When we did get our adorable, PT Cruiser Convertible, our luggage wouldn’t fit! Things were getting off to a slow start on this trip. However, my cousin who I hadn’t seen in 18 years lived in the Seattle area, and we were reunited to reminisce and make new memories! What a wonderful plus to our trip! She met us at the rental agency with cold water (wouldn’t you know, we arrived during a heat wave) and saved the day by putting our surplus luggage in her car.

Well, finally we got away and headed out with my cousin and her husband leading the way! Our first stop was the Museum of Flight. The Blue Angels were in town for Seattle’s annual Seafair Festival! We had hoped to see them practice and land, but delays at the car rental agency took care of that plan. We did see the Blue Angels' jets and others and took a few minutes to pose in the cardboard plane for some fun pics.

Next, we went to the nearby Kubota Gardens. These lovely gardens, which were free to the public, had numerous trails, ponds, waterfalls, and bridges throughout the park. We enjoyed walking around and looking at the lovely flowers, taking more pictures and exploring the winding, and thankfully, shaded trails.

The infamous shot of the car that happens on EVERY trip even if we do take our own car and it has been photographed a million times before! The location is always different! :)

Late afternoon, we drove into downtown Seattle, parking in the Waterfront area near Pike Market. Since the market was closed, we used the time to become oriented and walk around without the crowds. We had a great time and saw the first Starbucks, Post Alley – where most of us added our own creations to the Gum Wall, and Pioneer Square. By the way, for those of you who have not been to Seattle, beware. The streets are very steep and walking can be quite strenuous!

Worn out and finally ready to end our lovely day, we headed to our hotel across the bridge in Bellevue, a very nice area. Time to rest and get ready for Day 2!

Stephanie & Stephen | SMU Dallas | Proposal Photographer

Friday, August 14th, began as a normal Friday for me. However, things changed quickly when I got an early morning phone call from an excited mother. Her daughter was about to receive a very special proposal. I was invited to take part in that proposal as the surreptitious and stealthy photographer. The plan definitely appealed to my adventurous and romantic side! Needless to say, I was hooked and jumped into gear preparing for my part in this special family’s day. This wonderful mother connected me with the groom-to-be who patiently took the time to tell me the couple’s story and how he planned to bring his proposal to life. Just wait until you hear this story. What an awesome, sweet guy!

Stephen Sandbo and Stephanie Hancock first laid eyes on each other in the Gerald J. Ford Stadium during an SMU football game (Go Mustangs!). She was a member of the SMU Dance Team, and he was there to catch all the action. What Steve found was a very special lady! To save time, I won’t recount the entire story, but it follows the classic boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy falls for girl - then on to the PROPOSAL!!!

Steve spent a great deal of time planning this special proposal. Several months before the big day, he told Stephanie that SMU was dedicating a plaque to him for contributions made as a member of the SMU Soccer Team. This plaque was to be placed on one of the seats in the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Now he had a reason to take Stephanie to the stadium. Of course, the plaque she saw was a little different than the one she was expecting. Guess where this plaque was located within the stadium? Row 14, Seat 14! Way to go, Steve! In case you are wondering, Stephanie said YES!

Yusra & Fahad Qureshi | Carrollton, TX | Wedding Photographer

Wow...it seems like FOREVER since my last blog post. Sorry to all of my faithful followers. Great news though, August has been a fun-filled, extremely busy, and successful month for Brittany Nicole Photography. Plus, I finally took a much-needed break and went on a summer vacation with my family to Seattle, WA and Vancouver, British Columbia, CA. And speaking of my trip, be checking my blog daily, starting Thursday because I will be starting a series of posts chronicling our journey one day at a time, and sharing it with all of you! Also, there are a ton of blog posts, currently on hold, that will be going up soon now that all my clients have been taken care of.

Now back to the important matter at hand! WEDDINGS! This post features a wedding shot in July, also shown in the Wedding Sneak Peek posted about a month ago. Yusra and Fahad Qureshi! I had the pleasure of photographing my first traditional Pakistani wedding right here in the DFW area. When Yusra initially contacted me, I was incredibly excited and somewhat nervous since I knew nothing of Pakistani wedding traditions. I had no idea what to expect! However, her family welcomed me just like one of their own, including me in the celebrations, traditions and memories which will stay with me for a lifetime. My sincere thanks to the Bhams for their amazing hospitality!

If you have not seen or experienced a traditional Indian wedding, you have missed a fantastic experience. The brilliant colors, amazing food, music, dancing and laughter in the midst of a beautiful tradition make it an unforgettable and joyous event. The photos can take it from here.

Their wedding venue was an intimate Indo-Pak Restaurant, BBQ Tonite in Carrollton, TX. Here are a few shots of the venue settings.

Just before dusk (the groom arrives in time for the evening prayers with the other men before the bride arrives) Fahad, the groom, arrives with his entourage. Now that just sounds awesome! Entourage! Here they have the coolest tradition, the family lines the entrance and greets the groom with hugs and hand shakes, before he takes a seat on the stages with his...yes...entourage!

Then the lovely Yusra arrives, and as her family and friends impatiently await her entrance, a few of her ladies prep her outside, ensuring that every last stitch is in its proper place. She was gorgeous!!!

Here the ladies line up with a beautiful piece of fabric and holding it high above everyones' heads. They escort her to the stage to meet her groom.

I love this one of Fahad gazing lovingly at his bride-to-be, and her beaming underneath her veil.

This is the moment that Fahad is the first to see his bride, the mothers carry to the stage a cloth and put it over the couple and then they gently place the mirror in their laps, while Yusra lifts her veil so they may have a moment alone. Such a sweet look!

After the rings are exchanged Yusra then removes the veil and is revealed to her family and friends.

Traditionally, the family then feeds the bride and groom sweets...I hope they were hungry...it was a large family!

Just a taste of the wonderful buffet provided by BBQ Tonite!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Fahad Qureshi! It was an honor to be a part of your celebrations and to be taught Pakistani traditions by such a loving family!