Kissing Cactus

06/18/2017

"You stop living for yourself when you have a child. You are not the center of the universe anymore. In a strange way it changes all your decisions, what you think about work and life and everything around you.” -Purab Kohli

Happy Father's Day to the men who allowed a tiny human to stop their universe for the better. (grab a tissue and follow this link!)

Dads FTW!

06/15/2017

Kudos to this dad for seeing how valuable and precious his daughters youth was in present time.
Those few minutes of recording each year now mean so much. Don't you wish you could see and hear the progression of your thoughts and growth during your youth? I for sure do.
We can't turn back time but we can get our present moments on video.

When Kevin Scruggs's daughter Mackenzie started first grade 12 years ago, he decided to pull out his camera and shoot a short interview with the 6-year-old

03/09/2017

I love when I'm approached with new challenges and that's exactly what these HS senior girls have done for me. I've never played sports, never really been the athletic type and certainly never watched a soccer game - until about two months ago.
At first I was hesitant about creating a commemorative video for a sport which I knew very little of. But once I met these 8 senior girls on the Byrd Soccer team, that all changed. They're so full of personality, determination and optimism for the new lives they're starting.
I'm so excited to send them off in their last days of high school with this bank of memories. Congrats girls, you deserve it!

02/14/2017

Even though I don't have children, my puglet Rocco has showed me again why pictures and video are so important. They help to document life, progress and growth.
From the time I first started planning this shoot with Rachel from Daylight Fading Photography all the way to shoot day, Rocco had DOUBLED in size! And in another few months, he will double again. The little ones grow so, so fast.
While you're enjoying the moments, take video and take pictures so you can enjoy them later, too.
Happy Valentines Day!

12/26/2016

Merry Christmas to the Netterville's and their extended family! Working with them was such a gift in its own. I was asked to cover Steele's Baseball signing day with LA Tech and to make a 'surprise video' that would be given to him on Christmas. After getting to know his family and hearing just how amazing he is, my heart led me to create this piece. Congratulations, Steele and Merry Christmas.

12/23/2016

Work has progressed so much since shooting this but I still love sharing it! I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season.

Digital Christmas Card

12/12/2016

"I wish I could tell my younger self, Gretchen, don't take photos of special occasions—take photos of everyday life. That's what will interest you later. I'd love to have more photos of my college dorm room and fewer of the Eiffel Tower."

This single quote sums up why I recently made the plunge and cut events out of my business. Yup. No more surprise birthday parties, anniversary get-togethers and even weddings. I've had so much time to reflect on why I started this journey and now it's time Kissing Cactus gets back to its core of storytelling.

I want to tell the amazing stories that future generations can appreciate because they were able to see what a day-in-the-life was like for mom in her 20's. I can only wish technology was this advanced when I was growing up so I could have beautifully culled video of my everyday moments as a child. Kissing Cactus represents you in this living moment.

If you're looking for a New Year Resolution, challenge yourself to not just take more photos, but more video of your everyday moments. You'll be surprised how much you love watching them one day.

Why snapping photos can make you happier

11/27/2016

Turning one is more than "just a birthday." It's a milestone, a time to celebrate and a time to reflect on how mom and dads life has changed during the past year. It's also a time to dream of all the possibilities of the future.
Now as Kennedy gets older, she'll always be able to look back on her optimism and s***k as a one-year-old. She can always hear what she sounded like as a baby. And she will always be able to know how much her parents loved her after the first 365 days flashed by.

11/02/2016

"All the best love stories have one thing in common, you have to go against the odds to get there."
That's exactly what Ben and I did on the road to marriage. Now when people ask us how we did it, we can't even give a real answer!
Here's our love story in a nutshell. This video was played for our guests on July 9th, 2016 - the day we exchanged vows. This is the first time it will be viewable by the public. Our actual wedding video will be finished soon! Charnae McDonald Ben McDonald.

Do you know someone who has an amazing love story? Tag them below!

10/29/2016

Digital Christmas Cards are back for 2016! Check out this aww-worthy family film snippet from 2015. The Washington family bonded over decorating the tree, baking sweets and story time. They even had a chance to recap their year. Does your family have a holiday tradition? This year you have the opportunity to get it on video and share with your friends and distant family. Shaina Washington, James Washington 🎁🎄

Tag someone you know that loves Christmas!

08/27/2016

Happy wedding day to Hando and Amanda!
Today they will begin a new chapter in their love story in front of the people that love them most.
People are coming in from different parts of the country just to be a witness!
Wish them luck!

07/26/2016

The sweetest little rustic wedding out of Mansfield, LA. Stephanie and Chase exchanged their I Do's on May 29th of this year!