GREAT times were had by all at the Austin Specialty Beer Festival. Thank you to Julie at the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area for inviting me to capture the fun at Fiesta Gardens.
For the rest of the gallery, click here.
Archive for the ‘Current Events’ Category
Austin Specialty Beer Festival
Posted in 2013, Businesses You Should Know About, Current Events, Documented Events, Events, Music, Scenery, Volunteering, tagged Alaskan Amber, Austin, Austin Specialty Beer Festival, beer, Boys and Girls Club, brewing company, event, festival, Fiesta Gardens, public, Real Ale on February 28, 2013 | 2 Comments »
Team Kate
Posted in 2013, Current Events, Documented Events, Events, Katie Was Here, Personal, Volunteering, tagged Austin, cancer, half marathon, Her Side Project, LIVESTRONG, marathon, Team Kate, Texas, Texas State Capitol on February 18, 2013 | 2 Comments »
February 17, 2013 will go down in history as one of the best days of my life. I realize days that begin at 4:00AM are not usually described this way – BUT – this was for Team Kate. So it was worth it.
Running 13.1 miles was easily the hardest thing I have ever done. With my fabulous trainer Moe by my side, we conquered hills and long stretches of urban blocks (alongside 18,000 other athletes) for three hours and twenty five minutes. I’m usually a treadmill/trail runner, so long distance city running was definitely a new experience. I’m glad I can blog from a seated position… I’m just a little sore today (ow).
This was the biggest physical challenge I’ve ever taken on, but maintaining focus on Kate and her cancer fight (as well as the cheering from thousands of spectators) was more than enough to help me push past any discomfort. Thank you to all of my family and friends who supported me before, during and after the race. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Now to share pictures from this amazing day, and of this incredibly strong woman and her supportive family and friends. I love you, Kate.
Co-captains with Kate!:
Team Kate on the steps of the Capitol before the marathon began:
Team Kate had 120 runners and collectively raised $60,000 for LIVESTRONG. So proud that our team was featured on KVUE!
Bask in the Glow
Posted in 2012, Clientele, Current Events, Documented Events, Events, Family, Food Photography, Kids, tagged Birthday, bowling, cupcakes, fun, glow in the dark, kids, party, Union Underground, University of Texas at Austin, UT on December 27, 2012 | 1 Comment »
Happy, happy 5th birthday to one of the coolest kids around: Liam!
Liam and his parents threw an unforgettable glow bowl part-ay at the Union Underground. From bowling ball cupcakes, to glow stick necklaces, to mini bowling alley decorations on the table — Jennifer had every detail down to a T. The kids seemed to enjoy every minute – and so did the parents!
The room was evenly divided between bowlers and air hockey fanatics. A good time was had by all!
Again – happy birthday, Liam. Hope it was the best one yet and there are many more wonderful ones to come!
Now, go forth and be as pumped about today as this kid is about bowling:
ConGRADulations, Graduate!
Posted in 2012, Current Events, Documented Events, Events, Family, Katie Was Here, Personal, Professional, tagged college, education, electrical engineering, Family, graduation, masters degree, milestone, professional, proud, school, sister, University of Texas at Dallas, UTD on December 11, 2012 | 5 Comments »
I can’t recall why, but when Laura (my little sister/partner-in-crime/lifelong friend) graduated from high school in 2007, I missed it.
I was in college, so perhaps I was in the middle of final exams? Or traveling? Or sick? For whatever reason, I wasn’t there… and I swore I’d make it up to her four years later.
Fast forward to her undergraduate ceremony in 2011 when I came down with mononucleosis. MONO! As an adult! It was terribly odd, and I once again – I missed the graduation festivities. Not cool.
Fast forward to present day, December 2012. Laura has completed her Masters degree in Electrical Engineering! I couldn’t be prouder! On Monday night, the week of graduation, I developed a sore throat. Chalking it up to allergies, I ignored it. However, by Tuesday morning I knew something was wrong. Several packets of Emergen-c, countless cups of scalding tea and trip to the doctor all confirmed: I had a viral infection. G-r-e-a-t.
By Thursday evening, my fever had been broken for 24 hours and while I felt bad, I was clear to spend time around people. So, not to miss my THIRD opportunity to be by my smart sista’s side, I hopped in the car with my folks and made a day trip to Dallas.
I’m so glad I was there! I found myself holding back the tears as my sweet little baby sister marched to Pomp & Circumstance, attentively listened to the speaker, and crossed the stage (where the Dean of Students actually hugged her!) — all with pure joy written across her face.
I don’t know this kid, but he’s awesome and pretty much epitomizes graduation.
While this intelligent chica may pursue her PHD in the future (she’s qualified!), I’m glad I didn’t take any chances on missing this graduation. Can you imagine missing all three? That would be the worst.
Congrats to one of the coolest grads around.
Yours in hot beverages & soup,
Katie
Get Smart(er)
Posted in 2012, Businesses You Should Know About, Clientele, Current Events, Current Work, Documented Events, Events, Food Photography, tagged Apogee Results Inc, Association of Women in Communications, Austin, AWC Austin, conferencew, CORE Media Enterprises, Creative Suitcase, event, Get Smart, Hilltoppers, panels, Pierpont Communications, professional, speakers, St. Edward's University, TX, women, WriteAustin.com on September 13, 2012 | 2 Comments »
As a communications professional, I’m always looking for ways to keep my strategic approach fresh and stay up-to-date on all the tools at my disposal. That’s one of many reasons why I think AWC Austin’s annual event, Get Smart, is awesome. Show up ready to learn from the best and brightest; leave with new skills and info to use in your daily life. Check and check.
The speakers at this year’s event are spectacular. Here’s a quick rundown of who will be there, and what you can look forward to:
- Gain industry insights from Elizabeth Christian of Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations during her exclusive keynote address.
- Become a stronger writer by learning from one of Austin’s best: Sandra Kleinsasser of WriteAustin.com.
- Don’t be intimidated by a single person in the board room by mastering the art of The Pitch with Stacy Armijo of Pierpont Communications.
- Maximize your marketing strategy and budget while Bill Leake of Apogee Results Inc. shares the latest in SEO, online ads, and suggestions for cleaning up your PR toolbox.
- Consider your target audience and come prepared to think outside the box with Rachel Clemens of Creative Suitcase, Ruben Cantu of CORE Media Enterprises, Mary Anne Connolly of M.A. Communications, and Kerri Quenell of St. Edward’s University (go Hilltoppers! My alma matter
).
Last week, I attended a great reception at Carmelo’s for the Get Smart speakers and organizers. Here’s a preview of the wonderful people who will be in attendance on September 21st, many of whom are your esteemed speakers.
We can all benefit from learning something new, and Get Smart is a great place to do just that. Final registration ends tomorrow, so don’t delay!
I’ll be photographing the event and sincerely hope to see you there! Special thanks to co-chairs Cristen James and Julie Lara for including me in this fabulous event!
One Man, One Woman, One Birthday?
Posted in 2012, Current Events, Events, Katie Was Here, Personal, Scenery, tagged anecdotal, august 31st, beaver creek, Birthday, boyfriend, Colorado, Couple, dating, first dates, flashback, girlfriend, love, memories, photos, travel, Vacation on August 31, 2012 | 3 Comments »
Today I bring you a flashback.
Let me set the scene: We sat across from each other at a small circular table. Each with a glass of wine in hand, slowly sipping while making friendly conversation. Slyly glancing at one another while getting used to each other.
First dates. Most are awkward. This one was not. But, we were a little shy (give us a break).
Conversation was flowing well, until:
Him: “Well for my birthday, at the end of August…”
Me: (interrupting) “What day?”
Him: “August 31st.”
Me: (very inappropriately) “SHUT. UP!“
After that ridiculous outburst and dragging out my wallet, I shoved my drivers license in his face and said “OMIGOD. WE HAVE THE SAME BIRTHDAY.”
Almost a year later, here we are (miraculously, after that stunt I pulled). Sharing a birthday, two years apart. I’ve never shared my birthday with anyone I know (except for a former boss). I wasn’t sure how I’d like that… sharing MY day… but it turns out it’s not so bad. Actually, it’s better. I love sharing my birthday with my favorite, my best friend.
Looking forward to celebrating this weekend with our families. For fun, check out this cute little invitation I made for the event. Yep, those are pics of us when we were small.
Happy birthday, honey. Happy birthday to us! May this next year be the best yet.
Happy Birthday, JOR!
Posted in 2012, Businesses You Should Know About, Clientele, Current Events, Current Work, Documented Events, Events, Family, Food Photography, Music, tagged Austin, Austin Club, Austin TX, Birthday, Celebration, Dean Hart, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, Dr. Don Carleton, event photography, Julian Read, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, party, Photography, University of Texas College of Communications, UT Endowment on June 26, 2012 | 1 Comment »
Last week, I had the honor and privilege of photographing Mr. Julian Read’s 85th birthday party at the Austin Club.
This party had a GREAT theme. It was vintage press inspired (in honor of JOR’s successful career) with decor including an old fashioned typewriter, “press font” on all signage and cake with a typewriter design!
Party planners provided a press card to put in my hat to complete my old school photographer ensemble.
Every touch was authentic and evoked many memories for the attendees.
I very much look up to JOR. He is a PR and communications veteran with deep roots in Austin AND Fort Worth, TX (he clearly has a powerful network of successful individuals in the state). He is admirable and the speech he gave that night was awe-inspiring.
But most importantly, his birthday celebration was a big hit. The venue was decked out with tables of memorabilia from his career (nearly 60 years!), a slideshow projecting old photographs onto a stationary screen, good eats and drinks galore and great conversation from every corner of the room.
It was a lovely event. I’m so glad I was there. Happy birthday, JOR! Hope the 85th is your best year yet!
Batman’s 2nd Birthday
Posted in 2012, Absurdly Adorable, Animals, Baby, Clientele, Current Events, Documented Events, Events, Family, Kids, Pet Photography, Really Random, tagged 2, Austin, batman, Birthday, birthday cake, bunnies, chickens, cookie monster, cookies, ducklings, Family, Goats, horse, Japanese, kids, party, petting zoo, rooster, tattoos, Texas, Winston on April 30, 2012 | 6 Comments »
Then:
Now:
Even though the first set of pictures was only taken one year ago, Winston looks so incredibly tiny!
Let me explain something to you guys. I’ve been consistently photographing this kid since he was 3 months old! From our first shoot at Hotel San Jose, to his first birthday party (unfortunately, not blogged) to today – his 2nd – it’s astounding to look back and see how much he’s grown.
But, one thing has stayed the same: a wonderful group of friends gather together every year to celebrate this special little boy. It amazes me to see how many people love him – and each other – and remain so close!
So – onto this year’s party!
What do you get when you put a cute 2 year old + cake + a petting zoo with “widdle baby goats” + silly string together? One awesome birthday party for one cool kid!
Winston was rocking Austin chic, with a Japanese batman shirt, formal grey trousers and long, tousled locks. He even sported some pretty rad tattoos (temporary of course) and showed them off at every opportunity.
I’ve been to a few parties with petting zoos now… but nothing could prepare me for the shock that the miniature pony brought into my life. There was nothing miniature about him! Even though it caught me off guard, the kids loved riding the pony and I got some great shots of their trips around the backyard.
I can only imagine how happy and proud Ginger and Jason are of their son. Even as a spectator, it warmed my heart to see him so excited in the middle of his party. He really seemed to appreciate and enjoy every aspect: from the “widdle baby goats” (his words!) to the cookie monster cupcakes… he had a blast.
Ginger + Jason: thanks again for including me in your annual tradition and once again inviting me to capture your wonderful memories and spirits! I look forward to future par-tays!
Backyard Grillin’
Posted in Current Events, Food Photography, Katie Was Here, Personal, tagged appetizer, brie, cocktails, dinner, entree, food photography, gin & tonic, grilling, Mad Men, martini, pork chops, squash, zuchinni on March 26, 2012 | 1 Comment »
What better way to celebrate the highly-anticipated Mad Men Season 5 premiere than by grilling out at home?
On our menu:
- Brie with pepper & onion jelly
- Mad Men inspired cocktails {gin martini | gin & tonic}
- Pork chops with a dijon mustard and brown sugar glaze
- Grilled zuchinni & squash
- Brownies {unfortunately, not pictured}
Voila! Fun, easy and very tasty. Now if I only I can figure out what to make for dinner tonight…
