The Session That Made Me Smile Until My Face Hurt

Some sessions are beautiful.
Some sessions are fun.
And then there are sessions that stop you in your tracks.

This was one of those.

Christine Criner-Smith holds a deeply special place in my life. She was my teacher back in 2006 and later played a pivotal role in helping me navigate my teaching certification when I moved to Texas. Her impact on my life reaches far beyond a classroom, and photographing her—truly photographing her—felt like a full-circle moment I didn’t even realize I needed.

Christine and her husband hadn’t taken professional portraits since their wedding. Yes—their wedding.
And yet, here they were, decades later, showing up for themselves.

We chose one of the hottest studio spaces in Houston—201 Lofthaus—and treated the session exactly how it deserved to be treated: like an experience.

They arrived with two looks:
A formal look that radiated confidence, elegance, and timeless style, and a casual look that felt intimate, relaxed, and effortlessly cool.

Christine—affectionately known to me as “CC”—wore a black velour suit for her casual look, her salt-and-pepper curls styled to absolute perfection. For her formal looks, she stunned in a sequined jacket paired once with a matching skirt and once with coordinating pants—proof that style has no age limit.

Her husband complemented her beautifully, wearing a sleek black suit with a black-and-white patterned shirt underneath for the formal look, accessorized with his favorite chain and signature shades. For the casual look, he kept it relaxed yet polished, still bringing his unmistakable presence and personality into every frame.

What stood out most wasn’t just the fashion or the studio—it was them.

They were playful. Wise. Connected. Fully present with one another.

While editing their images, I realized something unexpected: I was smiling—hard. So hard my face started to hurt. And in that moment, I paused and prayed.

I prayed for more sessions like this.
I prayed that the people I love would be blessed with work that brings them this much joy.
And I thanked God for allowing me to earn an income doing something that fills me so deeply that I sometimes forget it’s even a job.

This session reminded me that photography isn’t just about images.
It’s about legacy.
It’s about honoring seasons of life.
It’s about capturing love—not just when it’s new, but when it’s earned.

Christine and her husband are now planning to turn these images into albums and wall art—pieces that will live in their home, be passed down, and remind their children and grandchildren that love doesn’t fade. It evolves.

And that… is everything.