haley kruse photography

Dane & Kristen are engaged!

2012-01-28T13:05:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to get the opportunity to capture this time for Dane & Kristen...they are so sweet and awesome! I'm definitely looking forward to their wedding day in June....they're gonna make a beautiful Bride & Groom! Check out their engagement pics! ...more lovely horses!!

Jacob & Natalie say "I do"

2012-01-23T11:28:00.000-06:00

This day started out with a beautiful sunrise! It also started out really chilly but the sun came out and the skies were blue. Before the ceremony Natalie and Jacob held hands and couldn't see each other...this shot was pretty exciting since they weren't able to actually see each other before the ceremony...they just held hands around the door. I always wanted to do a shot like this and the first time I met with Natalie about her wedding day she said she'd love to do this. It was a thrill. =)
The reception was a winter wonderland. There were quite a few people showing off their dance moves.
The day was beautiful start to finish. Congratulations Natalie and Jacob!!

Natalie. Bridals

2012-01-16T11:17:00.001-06:00

Jacob and Natalie tied the knot Saturday! Here is a peek at Natalie's Bridal portraits!

Mark. Sweet New baby Boy

2012-01-08T10:38:00.001-06:00

Newborns.
Thier little tiny baby features make beautiful art.
I really miss having babies...it's nice to have subjects like this little guy.

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.

Estraca Family

2012-01-03T09:43:00.001-06:00

I met this beautiful family at their home to get some pictures while they are all together during the holidays. We were afraid there would be some bad weather but the sky was beautiful and it wasn't cold....I love love love their reflection in the pond....just lovely. =)

Marsh. Senior.

2011-12-22T18:14:00.002-06:00

New places and capturing what people are all about is right up my alley.

I met up with Marsh at the Fine Arts building for his senior pictures.
Being a star actor in drama has been a big part of his high school career.
When Marsh said he wanted some shots on the stage I was excited.

He received District 29 AAA best actor for his character Henry Fielding
....that's where this feather and book come into "play"

We also climbed great heights up into the catwalk in the Auditorium...I guess you could say I was a little scared...but it was worth it.
Marsh best of luck to you...Can't wait to see your name in Lights in the near future.

Marsh's favorite quote By William Shakespeare

Amber & Bradley say "I do"

2011-12-18T21:46:00.001-06:00

It was a real honor to shoot thier big day. Bradley contacted me a few days before he proposed....he wanted to surprise Amber with the news that I would capture this day....that to me was the biggest compliment ever. I felt very moved by this adulation and completely excited. These two are the most calm cool people. Getting to knowAmber and Bradley in the process leading up to this day has been a real treat. They are Awesome. A beautiful day for a beautiful couple.
Best Wishes for your life together.

I Love that Amber bought all her bridesmaids "hk" tank tops....Love.

The ring bearer came down the aisle soooo excited!

Sanchez Family Christmas

2011-12-15T03:20:00.001-06:00

I met up with this family for a Christmas family shoot.
I seriously have been blessed with meeting some of the most awesome people.
The random kindness my clients show me warms my heart daily.
I saw a bunch of beautful butterflies while we were out shooting and I expressed how much I love butterflies....what do you know.....Yvette surprized me with an awesome butterfly ring from Charming Charlies when she came by to pick up her pictures...such a sweet surprise.
It was such a pleasure to meet you all!!!
Thank you all so much!!
=)

Amber & Bradley sneak peek

2011-12-12T12:00:00.002-06:00

Amber & Bradley said "I do" Saturday.... a light drizzle on that night was perfect. These two can weather anything. Dancing in the rain on thier wedding night = a lovely beginning to a life together.

Amber's Bridals

2011-12-12T11:31:00.000-06:00

This girl is beautiful inside and out. It's been my pleasure to photograph her during this most exciting time.
Amber and Bradley said "I do" this Saturday so I can finally share her Bridals!
Just Beautiful.

Ryan, Amy and Kacey! Kacey is almost ONE!

2011-12-07T14:47:00.001-06:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this cute family.
Kasey is such a sweet little girl!
WHat a joy she was to photograph.
She has model potential....totally....smiling and happy the whole time!
She's almost one!

Alysia is graduating from college!

2011-12-02T17:18:00.000-06:00

I met up with Alysia in San Antonio Thanksgiving weekend at the Japanese Tea Gardens.
Wow, this place is gorgeous....and so is Alysia.
She will be graduating from The University of Texas San Antonio in just a few days.
She is going to be an awesome teacher.
I just know Alysia is gonna make a big impact on some little lives with her contagious smile and her sweet heart.
Congratulations to you Alysia!!!!!!!!!

It was pretty chilly but I think she looked so beautiful in her coat =)

Marcos & Chi say "I do"

2011-11-18T18:09:00.001-06:00

These two are the answer to each others prayers.

It's been such an honor getting to peek into their lives along the way leading up to this day.

I have been blessed with a job of capturing moments.

Moments they will look back on in years to come.

Moments that will remind them of the love celebrated on this day...

November 12th 2011.

Flowers by: Melissa Vargas
Event Decorator/ Coordinator: Shawn Mayfield
DJ: Rudy C
Dress/Dresses: Misora Bridal
Hair & MUA: Blush & Co.
Photographer: Haley Kruse
Videographer: Steve Lee Weddings
Photobooth: MyPicABooth
Chef: Jared Rocha & Crew
Cakes by: Lenora Reyna
Canvas by: Marisol Gonzales
First dance: Cecilia Choir

NYC Bridals New York City Times Square Central Park Times Square Photographer

2011-11-13T13:20:00.002-06:00

Marcos Aparicio & Chi Tran were married yesterday here's a look inside Chi's New York City Bridals. Stay tuned for Wedding Photos!

Chi's Bridals NYC Rooftop at Sunset, Times Square, Central Park, & Brooklyn Bridge

2011-11-13T12:56:00.000-06:00

I've waited for many months to post this occasion.
The time has finally come...
I must say that for me shooting in New York City is a dream come true and
it's safe to say a dream come true for Chi as well.
We shot on a rooftop at sunset where we felt like we could reach
out and touch the Empire state building.
We also shot at Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, in Central Park at Bethesda Terrace, Literary Walk and Strawberry fields where even "the mayor"
of Strawberry fields gave Chi a rose.
The whole time we were in Central Park we heard "congratulations" coming from every direction...people were yelling "you're Beautiful!"
The trip was full of many synchronicities for us and many times I could feel Chi's late father smiling down on his beautiful daughter in her wedding dress.

There are no words that can fully express or convey the "sparkles" in the air when you're in NYC.

11-11-11 whoa this little boy is turning 1

2011-11-10T13:06:00.000-06:00

How neat-o to have the birthday of 11-11 and to top it off he turns 1 on 11-11-11.
Sounds like a lucky little fella to me!
Dominic was so happy to be in this little car out at my land.
He was just thrilled. WHat a precious guy!
Check him out. =)

Olivia. Senior Oklahoma City

2011-10-27T17:40:00.002-05:00

Olivia traveled here from Oklahoma City.
Her family is remodeling a beautiful house here in town.
She found me on the internet and contacted me to do her senior portraits.
Pretty Awesome!
Congratulations to you Olivia!

Lauren:: senior in the rain =)

2011-10-09T17:44:00.001-05:00

Lauren wants to be a weather girl....so getting a few shots in the rain was perfect.
This was my first "on call" situation being a photog.....
I was on the lookout for rain and today was the day!
I got in the bay up to my neck too....pretty crazy.
I wanted to post a couple from today to hold us over until her "dry" shoot in January.

I used my car headlights for "flash"
It's fun to try new things.

Ashtin :: Palacios Texas High School Senior Photographer

2011-10-08T19:26:00.001-05:00

We had fun.
We met up in the morning sun and shot for
a couple of hours here and there around town...
I wish I had some behind the scenes shots from my golf cart driving...
maybe next time. lol
Here are a few of my faves from Ashtin's senior shoot!

Isaiah Turns ONE. Palacios Texas Children Photographer

2011-10-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe it's already been a year.
What a little handsome fella this guy is.
I'm so happy I have had the opportunity to capture his first year...
seems like just yesterday I was out in a field with his mom and dad taking maternity pics.
He was sooo good at smiling...clapping...blowing kisses....and he had some cake...then he was done...
the last couple of pics really crack me up......
He crawled right over the cake...and glanced back at it, leaving a trail.
so so precious.
Happy first birthday Isaiah!!!!!!!!

Karen & Jack Get married. Chapel Dulcinea Austin Texas

2011-09-28T19:54:00.001-05:00

My dad married Karen this past weekend.

I gained a step-mom and a brother.

The day was gorgeous.

Not a cloud in the sky....

The outdoor Chapel overlooks the hills and

directly after the I-do's they rang the bell together.

This cute couple (my sister & her boyfriend) caught the garter and bouquet....Yay!

Karen's son Dustin (my new brother) gave a super sweet speech.....

Ayden...with his mom and dad. Palacios Texas Photographer.

2011-09-22T12:46:00.001-05:00

This little fella was super shy.
He would hide his face.
Here is a sweet face I caught when I asked him where his friend Logan is...
when he wasn't hiding his face he was running and man, this guy is Fast!

Ayden's such a busy guy he's kind of a blurrrr........

9-11-11

2011-09-11T13:41:00.000-05:00

September 11, 2001

I was a substitute teacher for Coach Olguin at Palacios High School.

I was in the Library all day.

Classes came in and out.

I stood next to teachers and students while we watched footage of the planes hitting the towers..

For days and days and weeks and weeks after that I can remember watching the news with my dad and family.

This past May 2011....

I stood at ground zero for the first time.

I remembered that day.....

and I sat and looked at the ground and realized I was where

many people had died, and many had ran for thier life.

and many people had risked thier life helping others.

This is what the rebuilding looked like as I sat there that afternoon in May nearly a decade later.

Steffen's 14 today

2011-09-04T09:33:00.001-05:00

My son turns 14 today.
I woke him up and asked if he wanted to come watch his birthday sunrise.
He brought his guitar and played a little Jack Johnson, ACDC, and Beatles..."here comes the sun".
I hope I can get a shot of all my kids in the light of thier birthday sunrise this year.
I have been working on lots of stuff lately that I can't show on the blog just yet....but don't worry I'm still around. and if you check out my new sunrise blog I post sunrise every morning.

Here's steffen's birthday sunrise....

more shots on the sunrise blog. http://www.hksunrise.blogspot.com/

Garcia Family Love for ya!

2011-08-24T02:54:00.000-05:00

I met up with this goodlooking bunch one morning last week (not too far after sunrise) I am kind of falling in love with morning light here and these 4 are like models so I was having a great time.
We did some funny martial artsy stuff not really planned it just turned out that way...
I always love when you see those genuine glipses of real love for each other...like real stuff. It's also pretty neat that I took thier pictures the day before Hilary left for college last year and this just so happened to be the day before she left for college this year too.

Keep your Eyeballs ready... Christian is a senior this year and you'll be seeing him again in a couple of months!

Here I asked Elisha to show us some karate moves and it was funny!!

Hilary had the brilliant idea to arm wrestle Christian....just brilliant!

Tran's Restaurant Palacios Texas Vietnamese-Asian Cuisine Restaurant.

2011-08-23T11:21:00.002-05:00

This is the place to eat in Palacios Texas!
Family owned and operated they are the nicest, coolest people.
If you haven't been there you are sooo missing out!
Seriously it's a real treat!
Oh and Thier Jasmine tea is delicious it keeps me energized for hours!!
Like them on facebook here Tran's Facebook

Last Post here of Palacios Texas Sunrise August 20th 2011

2011-08-21T09:44:00.000-05:00

SO yesterday I made it out for sunrise but I felt really bad so I came back home and went to sleep!
Then I had to drag myself to do last minute school supply shopping on Tax free weekend =(

I do not regret getting out there for this sunrise. I decided that since I plan to be taking the time out to capture this special couple of minutes each morning I would make a separate sunrise blog as per suggestion on facebook.
The response to this project has been overwhelming...everyone seems to enjoy seeing the sunrise each morning and so do I. I do realize it's going to take dedication and a little extra time but I think this is exactly what I needed to get in a routine of breathing in nature and a bit of my own personal time to stop and be still in gratitude. Check out this morning's here... www.hksunrise.blogspot.com

I have beautiful portraits to post soon so you'll want to check here for those =) I'm hoping to post some pretty faces Tuesday. I'm starting to feel better and kids start back to school. Yesterday my good friend Donna Lynn Brune and an up and coming groom Bradley Steffek celebrated their birthdays.
This is what their birthday sunrise looked like.

Palacios Texas sunrise August 19th 2011

2011-08-19T08:07:00.001-05:00

Today I feel really sick I have a fever and can hardly stand up but the whole night all I could think is I can't miss the sunrise.
I made it even though I was shaky.
Today might be the day this little fella is born that brought this project to me =)
Here's what it looked like!

Palacios Sunrise August 18th 2011

2011-08-18T07:42:00.000-05:00

I seriously did not realize the daily effect watching and shooting the sunrise would have.
And not knowing if I'll be here tomorrow or not to see it,
I plan to but nothing is guaranteed.
We never know what each day brings.
It's therapeutic.
It's been revealing great epiphanies and it's only day 2.
whoa.

So excited about Sunrise in Palacios Texas August 17th 2011

2011-08-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

To say I'm excited about this is a bit of an understatement.
I recieved an email from a client who said she'd love to give the gift of a picture of the sunrise on the day her nephew will be born.
I'm kind of sentimental so lets just say I got a little tenderhearted about the idea. Thinking about how awesome it would be to have a picture of the sunrise
on the day you're born. This special little boy will be born any day now and I figured I should get started photographing it just in case he's born today!!
Then I got to thinking more on the whole thing. Wonderful things happen every single day, and even bad days, it's good to know the sun rises again and again and again...never ever looking the same always beautiful.
SOooo I think I will make it a part of my life to get atleast one shot of sunrise every day, every morning. You can stop by and check out the sunrise if you don't get to see it for yourself. If you're interested in giving the image as a gift for a special day I will have high res files available. =) I hope to make it out for sunrise every day possible.
Here's what this morning looked like.

and here's what the moon looked like at sunrise........ I love the color of the sky and the clouds.

Milo with his mom & dad! What a blessing!!

2011-08-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

This little fella is Milo!

He is a special little guy, just precious. and

his adoption should be official any day!

He's full of laughs and loves his orange ball.

This is a really special time that I'm so honored to capture.

You can just see in their eyes that Milo hung the moon.

"However parenthood comes to you, it's a miracle." ~unknown.

Emma! she's just waaay too cute. Palacios Texas Photographer

2011-08-08T20:59:00.000-05:00

I've really been having lots of shoots involving horses lately and here's another one for ya! This little girl is a hoot. She took a little bit to warm up to the camera but once she did, she was shining. =)

...behind the scenes with Emma!!

The Serna Family! - Matagorda Photographer

2011-08-05T17:49:00.000-05:00

I met this super cute family for some shots in Matagorda, Bryce is one busy little cutie pie....He loves him some gummy bears! We had a good time in the sand. My husband Jamie came along to help carry all our stuff...he was such a great help.
Check out this little guy and his mom and dad...

Marisol Figirova...shes's Nashville bound...

2011-07-25T23:17:00.000-05:00

Marisol and I met up to get her portfolio shots before she heads out for great opportunities.
She's signed a contract with Paramount as a songwriter and lyrics are her thing.
She recently went to Nashville and she's heading back there again in August.
She's got a commercial and an audition in the works, exciting things are coming up for her.
I'm honored to be a part of her preparations to follow her dreams.
Best wishes to Marisol!
***Make up Artist: Mara Martinez
(Don't forget I'm coming to Greece for a photo shoot when you hit the big time.
It's written down on the internet!)

Is it just me or does she have facial features like Victoria Beckham???

I'm on Vacation!

2011-07-13T19:17:00.000-05:00

I will be spending a week in Port A with my family for a long overdue vacation. I'm so looking forward to this!!!!

If you call or email while I'm out, I will get back to you July 25th. Thank You So much!

My Girls share a room! A personal Update post.

2011-07-10T18:19:00.000-05:00

My big girl Ashtyn has been really really sick this past week. When she was 6 weeks old she got chicken pox and since she was so young somehow when she was exposed to the chicken pox virus again it turned into shingles instead.
Man oh man was she in some bigtime pain. The shingles attacked her sciatic nerve and we didn't know what was wrong for days and days until a rash broke out that indicated it was in fact shingles. I've never seen any of my kids in so much pain, it was so very hard to witness. Much of my week was spent holding her hand and hoping the pain would stop. I had tons of editing to do so when she started feeling better and was finally getting to sleep I spend many hours here at my desk pumping out the edits. Last night she begged me to come rearrange her room so at midnight we started and didn't finish organizing, cleaning, hanging origami cranes, rearranging and laughing until 5am. So I had these origami cranes that me, mom, my sister Bon, and Ashtyn made a few months back and we have been wanting to hang them but I've been so busy I never did it.
Well, I thought I'd take pictures so I could share the cranes we made, and also share how I use pictures in my own home to give some of you an idea of what you can do too. The canvas above Ashtyn's bed is printed by Marisol Gonzales...again another great piece she has printed for me....I love it.

last summer's sisters shoot.....

There we so many faves of mine when I shot the girls on Valentines that I had 31/2 x 5's of all the pictures printed and hung them together with these clips on the wall.

We painted these walls over a decade ago....back when it was my sister's room...it's a cork wall and we wanted to make it look like a brick wall painted white. By the way this was my room when I was growing up...the cork was then Brown and painted a solid white.

These cranes were fun to make! Spending time in Austin a few months back we had a crane making party!

Brooklyn Loves Monkeys! She has a pillow that she got to match her Muntee Boots if you remember the post from last year about her favorite boots. The picture above her bed means alot to me. The NY monkeys...souvenirs from my two trips to NYC this past May for an amazing Bridal shoot! =))) can't wait to share that!

Claire & her Family Fourth of July in Port Alto!

2011-07-09T21:06:00.000-05:00

You may remember Claire from last summer here. Well her mom told me she was a "firecracker!".....and her Birthday is in July! Sooo... it was only perfect to capture them at their vacation house and the fireworks stand on fourth of July weekend.
July isn't July without some watermelon either....
Claire made this look delish!
I know I say this a lot but one day she will cherish these pictures of summertime with her family.

Bradley & Amber are Engaged! Edna Texas Photographer

2011-07-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

If I haven't ever mentioned that I have awesome clients well, I do.
When Bradley contacted me to book me to take engagement pictures before he even proposed, It really made my heart swell that he knew this would make her really happy...
It really meant alot to me that they wanted me to be a part of their whole getting married experience. that's what it is, quite an exciting experience and a great honor. We were really excited to take pictures with their horses and it was sooo hot that Amber got a little sick, but I'm telling you she's so beautiful you just couldn't tell it.

The Kurtz-Thomason-Smith Family Vacationing at the beach

2011-07-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

Family is precious.
It's nice to capture times together like this.
One day it will be such a cherished memory.

Marisol "Solart" Gonzalez Family! Austin Texas Photographer

2011-07-06T22:34:00.000-05:00

I met up with Marisol and her family in Austin last weekend for some family shots.
It was a scorcher!
Marisol does amazing work printing canvas for me and many of my clients.
You can go to her website here
She lives in Austin and she can deliver around the world!
Check her out! She's amazing!

Ryman-King Family. Austin Texas Photographer

2011-07-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

I met up with the Ryman-King Family last Saturday in Austin for some family shots. I don't usually do mornings but it was nice. WHoa is it hot out there no matter what time of day. Hope you blog readers are stayin' cool. Thanks for stoppin' by!

Sisters. Fun Memories together. Palacios TX Photographer

2011-06-29T02:12:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to share these fun sister images... I know these girls will cherish these images when they are older... sweet fun together before the oldest graduates from high school this coming school year. One things for sure..... these girls love each other.

I wanted to create a shoot of some sisters outside having a pillow fight and these four girls were the perfect fit. It was fun...the wind carried feathers everywhere.

Isaiah is 8 Months!! Palacios Texas Photographer

2011-06-29T02:06:00.000-05:00

Can't believe how big this fella is getting....
Our next session he will be ONE. Whoa.
this is his first time in the sand.
his very first summer.
sweet.
He is adorable.

Karen & Roger. 30 Years of Marriage. Blessing Texas Photographer

2011-06-29T01:58:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I met Karen and Roger in Blessing on the very day that marked 30 years of marriage. They just got back from a trip to Italy and she got a beautiful ring. We got a few shots around Blessing and some in the front and back yard where George their Big ol dog got in and was kissin' Karen's face. too funny! Happy Anniversary!! Here are a few of my favorites....

....behind the scenes...George got me too!

Flores Family. It's Summertime!

2011-06-13T11:23:00.000-05:00

This day was beautiful.
And so are these people.
Check them out.

My dad's getting Married!

2011-06-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

This September my dad will marry Karen.
Karen is a real sweetheart.
We went out to Mayfield Park in Austin where we saw beautiful peacocks, ponds and archways then we headed to Mt Bonnel where we climbed to the top and there were awesome views of the city.
Wait until you see the gorgeous venue for the wedding!
It's going to be beautiful!

Shannon. Bay City Texas Senior Photographer

2011-05-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

Palacios had graduation this past Friday and I'd like to send out a big congratulations to all of you!!!
This week Bay City will have their graduation.
What says celebration like confetti??
Confetti!
Congrats Shannon and all of you Bay City Blackcats!