Dan Dalstra's Blog

Bridget + Jack, New Orleans Destination Wedding

Dan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:05:25 +0000

It’s amazing how one phone call can change your life. When Bridget called and asked me to shoot her wedding, I was honored, just as I am when any bride blesses me with that opportunity, but Bridget knows A LOT of people/photographers so it was especially meaningful when she called. Then I found out she was having a destination wedding to New Orleans and I just knew this was going to be something special.

Bridget and Jack tied the knot exactly one year to the day of their engagement. They chose The Big Easy because it’s a city they have always loved, it’s where they got engaged, and it’s also halfway in between Texas and Florida( Florida is where Jack’s family is from). The ceremony was gorgeous, but not nearly as beautiful as the bride, who looked completely stunning on her wedding day.

Enjoy the pics.

Dan — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:53:27 +0000

I spent Friday morning with Monica and Javier playing with their dogs and hanging out at El Paso’s Memorial Park. It was quite clear from the moment they stepped out of the car that this couple is in love. They were so easy to photograph I just can’t wait for their wedding next month!

Here’s some pics!

They both look fierce!

Luckily they brought in a special dog handler to wrangle the pets while we took some shots!

Thanks for a great shoot! Can’t wait for your wedding!!!

Erin + JB, an el paso wedding

Dan — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:22:46 +0000

This is the second back yard wedding in a row and I just adore them. To me, back yard weddings are a lot like destination weddings. I know it sounds weird but they are both usually small and intimate affairs attend by only the very closest friends and family. Erin and JB were supposed to have a destination wedding to Florida, but the recent oil spill in the Gulf changed their plans and they ended up in Erin’s back yard in El Paso for their wedding.

Here are a few shots from the day:

Now the happy couple is enjoying their time together as Cabo. Congrats, you two, and next time I’m in Houston we’re going for ice cream!

Dora + Cassidy, an El Paso wedding

Dan — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:47:00 +0000

Dora and Cassidy had an amazing wedding followed by the best back-yard reception I have ever been to. Everything was perfect, especially the weather! The ceremony was performed by the very talented and super beautiful Leslie Dalstra (yes, she is my wife!) and after the wedding, the couple jetted off to Maine for another wedding ceremony for the groom’s friends and family in Maine.

Harry at Sunset

Dan — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:38:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, Harry was out playing on the playground and I went out to check on him and saw this amazing sunset! So I grabbed my trusty camera and made this picture. This is my new favorite Harry pic!

Birthday Cake

Dan — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 04:42:04 +0000

Is there anything better than watching a little dude tear into his first birthday cake?? We were invited to a friend’s party today and had so much fun watching the kids play. Here was the guest of honor after enjoying his birthday cupcake. Look at those lips!!!!

Hope you had a good one, little guy.

Stephanie + David

Dan — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:30:21 +0000

Say hello to Stephanie and David. They flew in from Hong Kong to El Paso to have a very intimate wedding for friends and family. After the ceremony, we all drove out to Cattleman’s Steakhouse for a fabulous dinner and and incredible party.

And I was helped out at this wedding by the uber talented Theresa McConnell from Creative Flair Photography.

One of the bride’s best friends used to sing with this group of Mariachi’s before heading off to Stanford and MIT! Wow! This is her on the left singing with her sister.

Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your day. We had so much fun. Best of luck to you guys and safe travels back to Hong Kong!

Santana + Daniel

Dan — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:49:58 +0000

I spent last Saturday with Santana and her fiance Daniel. They had a very intimate wedding full of family and close friends at the International Museum of Art. It’s clear this couple is very much in love and their joy can be felt by everyone around them.

The staircase at the International Museum of Art made for a dramatic entrance for Santana and her father.

I want to wish you guys an incredible future together. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your amazing day!

Michelle + Brandon

Dan — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:53:35 +0000

I spent last weekend in San Antonio with Steve from Studio979 shooting the incredibly fun wedding of Michelle and Brandon. We met Michelle when she was a guest at a previous wedding and she stopped us in the parking lot after the reception and told us that she wasn’t sure when she was getting married, but when ever it was, she was going to hire us. And she did!!! I think it was my Bad A&& moves on the dance floor that did the trick. Michelle has the most amazing family, full of life and energy and a love for God.

I love how Michelle’s sister is PhotoBombing the background.

My favorite:

Michelle and Brandon got each other really nice bikes for wedding presents. I mean REALLY nice. Here are the rings on the sprocket.

So after their kickin’ wedding, the couple dashed off to St. Lucia where they are no doubt having an incredible time! Best wishes for you guys in the future and it was an honor to be a part of your special day.

Red Sands Engagement – El Paso

Dan — Wed, 26 May 2010 05:37:43 +0000

I had an incredible engagement session this weekend with Veronica and Freddie. They took me to one of their favorite spots, The Red Sands in East El Paso, where they ride their four-wheeler and dirt bike. They were so much fun to be with and we were there just in time for the beautiful desert sunset.

At times I completely fell in love with the sky and the light. It was amazing!

Thanks so much for hanging out with me. Have fun in Vegas at your wedding! I wish I could be there with you.