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!

All images are copyright protected by Carpe Vita Photography 2007.

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?

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.

All images are copyright protected by Carpe Vita Photography 2007.

Kim Cooley from Carpe Vita Photography was invited to photograph the March Colleyville Women’s Club meeting which was themed Breakfast at Tiffany’s (hence the yummy petit fours shaped like little Tiffany boxes). The meeting was held at the Colleyville Center and was CWC’s chance to honor local Colleyville fashion sources and get everyone excited about the Lexus CWC’s Stetsons to Stilettos Fashion Show fundraiser being held at the Hilton Anatole Dallas April 13th.

Here’s a slideshow with highlights – maybe you will see some faces you know. Fashion sources included Sue Bearrie Fine Linen and Fashion Boutique, Opaj, Articles A-Z, Girli Girl, Ashlins from Grapevine, and Chelsea Lane children’s clothing. To see all of the photos from the meeting/fashion show, click here to go to Pictage our online lab (no event key is required but you will need to register an email and create a password for yourself if you haven’t done this in the past).

Kim Cooley photographed the 2006 CWC Fashion Show and for photo highlights from that amazing fundraiser click here to be linked to their site. This area will tell you how to get tickets – we can’t wait to see what they unveil this year. The silent, live and box auctions always have great finds and elaborate creations and remember, the funds raised are to take care of our neighbors in need.

All images are copyright protected by Carpe Vita Photography 2007.

Steve and Kim Cooley of Carpe Vita Photography had the pleasure of photographing Caitlin and Colton wedding in December at one of our favorite venues – Perkins Chapel at SMU.
Their reception was held at the new Mediterranean Villa in Arlington, Texas.In pre-designing the wedding album for Caitlin and Colton, we went a little overboard (10 pages) on the first draft (click here to see a slideshow of Draft 1). So before releasing to the couple to see, we went back and slimed down a bit to a design with fewer photos that have a bit more impact. Click here to see a slideshow of the Draft 2. Let us know which you prefer.

Caitlin and Colton were whicked away to a lovely holiday honeymoon in Hawaii – we are so jealous!

All images are copyright protected by Carpe Vita Photography 2007.