We moved the blog to www.CarpeVitaBlog.com

Holy cow! We have had a crazy summer and somewhere along the line we changed blog addresses twice. But shame on us, we forgot to mention anything about that here. Please accept our apologies and visit us at www.CarpeVitaBlog.com to see what we have been up to lately.

Best wishes,
Kim & Steve Cooley
Carpe Vita Photography

Welcoming Wren

Wren is here! Don't you just love baby yawns.
Chris and Robert are always a ton of fun to photograph. For example, Wren isn't really into the session yet and is not happy. So they decide if everyone crys too Wren will look and feel right at home. Cora can't help but let a smile sneak out at her parent's mock sobs. Here Miss Cora is playing sleepy to match her little sister.

Cora is always a gem - you might remember her second birthday album. She is now 4 and the perfect big sis.
Daddy's first little girl.
Cora and her mom - gorgeous eyes on the two of them.

Wren's turn with mom.
Wren enjoys the calm quiet of mom and dad's room to the lights and background that we brought with us so we made the most of her happiness. A cozy cuddle.
I had to include this! When one of the family's tree took a turn for the worst, Robert's creative flair came out for all to see. How ideal this is to celebrate their newest addition to the family - no plastic storks for this group! And of course, we love the reference too.

Chris was actually one of the masterminds behind persuading us that Carpe Vita was the perfect name for our business. Scott (dad in previous entry welcoming Calum) was another contributing mastermind - perfect that they should both be blessed with healthy new babies within weeks of one another.
As we understand, eventually this work of art and love will find a new home in the backyard. Some of the neighbors just don't seem to get it.

Houston Session

Friday, Kim flew to Houston to photograph the newest addition to the Gensch family - Calum. We have been photographing the Gensches since they were first expecting Liam who is now two.


Last year, they moved the family to Houston for career opportunities and we got to photograph them when they were in town visiting last fall. At that point, Liam pretty much sat and crawled around and had a grand time with the fall leaves. So to get to photograph Liam now as a big brother and on the move was great fun.

We love showing the relationship of size to help us remember when. One day this air conditioning grate will come up to Liam's knees...

Here, Liam is having fun looking for Max the cat at their front window - thanks to Max for all his help.

Scott Gensch coined the tag "Life is Grand" for Carpe Vita Photography and it is so totally true as is evident by their many blessings.
In a quiet moment, Liam was still for a few moments and we were able to document some of cuddling with his dad. They grow up sooooo fast, so we have to slow down time whenever we can.

What a patient and loving cat Max is. This photo shows off Liam's curls soon to be trimmed off.
Liam sees that the family dogs have made their way into the living room and wants to join in on the fun.
The Gensches are planning a trip back to Dallas, this fall and we look forward to photographing them again.

Brook Hollow Golf Club is Blooming

Spring is here when Brook Hollow Golf Club has it's annual President's Reception to honor their board's new president and to show off to their members how this fabulous gem can throw a top notch party. They were also showing off their new club logo - don't you think it will look hip on golf shirts?Kim Cooley of Carpe Vita Photography had the distinct pleasure again this year to photograph the party. Membership is coveted and exclusive but if you know a member and they will vouch for you, this is a gorgeous location for any party or wedding celebration, as you will see. And the staff will treat you like royalty. Junior with Garden Gate Floral Design was the visionary and once again he amazed us (just four days after he had amazed us at the Zimmer-Sewell reception. He brought Spring inside and made it better - I'm sure God and Mother Nature were both very proud.

Junior utilized BBJ Linens - how can you not love this gorgeous pattern and the use of orange to compliment the mossy greens?

This above photo shows off Absolute Lighting's contribution - we love how they lit the chandelier too.
If you haven't heard about the wonders the Brook Hollow's creative kitchen artistes can do with ice, here's a little taste. Every year they amaze us.

And finally the food - talk about mouth-watering! Always a favorite, that we heard several of the past presidents raving about and making plans to indulge in, are the lambchops with their famous mint jelly.
Lobster Macaroni and Cheese - yummmmmmmmmmm.



And then there was the dessert table and I haven't mentioned the incredible acoustics provided by Carlos Guedes and his creative trio!

Spring has Sprung in Colleyville

It is definite - Spring has sprung in Colleyville! Kim Cooley with Carpe Vita Photography spent a little time this afternoon capturing some local blooming wisteria as well as some other fun sights. Click for a slideshow to get you twitterpated/in the mood for Spring. P.S. Can you see the little inch worm in the photo?

Zimmer-Sewell Reception

BBJ Linens, Garden Gate Floral Design, Le Gateau and the Renaissance Worthington all assisted Mary-Francis Hurt and her mastermind staff of DFW Events to create any girls dream come true Saturday night.

Steve and Kim Cooley of Carpe Vita Photography were retained by BBJ to document all their uses of their beautiful linens. As you will see in the following photos, no one should ever want to use a standard issued white/creme table cloth again and BBJ offers top-notch cloths and incredibly variety.

With an expected 700 plus guests, five different areas with five different linen/floral/food themes all from a complimentary color pallet were arranged to channel the guests and bridal party thru a luxurious experience sure to be remembered by all. And FYI, this was one of three wedding receptions the Renaissance Worthington was hosting that evening.

As guests arrived to white-gloved valet attendants, they were ushered up the escalators through this stunning fragrant canopy which set the scene for what was to come. As we were not involved with the wedding portion of the celebration, we can only imagine the grandeur of the church florals and decor.
At the top of the esclators, guests found themselves in an inviting cocktail area which is actually a bridge overlooking an active downtown Fort Worth on St. Patrick's Day.

Next stop was two common areas that balanced the entrance to the foyer of the Grand Ballroom. With seating and lite hors d'oeuvres, dreamy trees of iron laden with candles and orchids floating aloft (Junior from Garden Gate, please forgive me for not knowing the names of all the beautiful flowers you used).

Within these common areas, guests could find another set of bars to whet their whistles located in the Bur Oaks and Post Oaks rooms.
Bistro coversation tables lit by candlelight led the way to the formal entrance of the Grand Ballroom Foyer.
The domed entrance to the foyer was luminated to show stars over head - definitely a location for a romantic stolen kiss or two by the just married couple or any of their guests inspired by the passion of the evening.
Guests were lured into the foyer by a pianist and enticed by oysters on the half shell and the sushi bar decorated with more florals, ice sculptures and the moon and stars over head.

Entering The Grand Ballroom was a breathtaking treat to all of the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. Here's a peek - we'll save the best for last because we can...



A wall of candles was created along with a custom bandstand to make a mesmerizing backdrop for an evening of dancing, partying and celebration.

But nothing could possibly compete with the centerpiece - a grand gazebo showcasing the bride's wedding cake. This creation of confection (Magnolia Infused) was housed in a work of art and love that one could not take their eyes away.



Not to overshadowed, the groom's cake was telling and complimented the garden/outdoor theme.

We were out of there before most of the guests arrived but it would have been fun to be a fly on the wall to watch the reactions and appreciation of all the work the creative forces behind this stunning event contributed. Kudos to all involved - you should be very proud.