Modern Glamour in the 40s - by Flower Mound Photographer Lisa McNiel

Angela taught my son in fourth grade years ago. All fresh, and beautiful, and smiling, I thought to myself when I met her, "All the little boys will have a crush on their teacher this year." I did her daughter's senior photos this year, and the blog of that gorgeous girl will be out soon. The story of Angela and Parvaneh's friendship since second grade through high school, college, and adulthood was wonderful to hear. It made me miss my own girlfriends and want a girls night out. :)

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

What does beauty mean to you? 

Beauty means being confident and strong, yet humble and grateful. It's believing in yourself and having faith in God. It comes from within and shines in the form of honesty, and being a good mom, wife, daughter and friend.

When do you feel most “comfortable in your skin?” I feel most comfortable in my skin..... Every day!! I couldn't have said that 10 years ago. You will usually find me running around in my workout clothes with my hair pulled up. Being mom and being casual is my every day. I keep it simple. Less is more! I have no desire to keep up with the latest greatest designer brands. That would be exhausting! What do you like most about being a woman? I like being a mom the most! Having children is by far the greatest gift a woman can receive.

Tell me your story…  I was born in Irving Texas in 1970. I have 2 amazing kids and 2 awesome step kids! My step kids, Phillip and Courtney, both play college sports currently. My daughter, Brooklyn, will be off to OSU in the Fall and my son, Rylan is in 7th grade. I taught elementary school for 17 years. I have taught kinder, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. I love watching children learn. I am currentły a Pilates instructor at The Pilates Barre in Highland Village. I have always felt my calling was to teach others with the gifts that God gave me. It truly fulfills me every day.

What do you think was the biggest turning point in your life? The biggest turning point in my life was probably when I became a single mom around 2005. It was hard, really hard. But I learned so much about me, my faith in God and how strong I really was. I bonded so much more with my kids than I ever could have imagined. I learned that life is a blessing always , no matter the journey!

I am the person who ... Lives every day, is an open book, laughs at myself, loves to eat right and exercise, loves my family and friends, stays busy, doesn't make excuses and likes to be on time. ...Is social but love my alone time .....Doesn't need 20 friends, just 3/4 really close ones!

Angela brought in her best friend since 2nd grade,  Parvaneh

You can see her blog by clicking on the link, or scrolling to the last blog. :)

Tell me about a goal you are working on. I don't have a specific goal. I am always working on appreciating every day, staying in the moment , making memories and learning patience! In the future, I would love to take some fun dance classes!!

Modern beauty portraits

I greeted Parvaneh at the door with a thorough butchering of her name. Angela, who I know, laughed, repeating how I said it, "Par-Vahn'- uh." She was sweet and bubbly and said, "It's OK, nobody gets it right at first, it's "Par-vun-A'" like a combination of parmesan and chardonnay." But then I just got hungry. Parvaneh and Angela have been friends since 2nd grade. They grew up down the street from each other, were best friends in high school, college roommates as cheerleaders at UNT, and remain close as they raise their families even though life takes them on different paths at different times.

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

What does beauty mean to you?   Beauty is certainly not something you can dash out and buy, nor is it something that may be entertaining your closet .  It is,   to say the least,   your  essence ..

It’s how you love those whom you surround yourself with, how you delight in other peoples’ success..   it’s spending time with someone,  and then  leaving them feeling better about themselves.  

When do you feel most “comfortable in your skin?” Without a doubt,  I’m most comfortable in my skin,  running outdoors.  Some of my most spiritual moments in time have existed atop the earth and beneath the sun-  praying, releasing,  thinking…running

What do you like most about being a woman?  I love being able to empower other woman.. As we already live in a world that that seemingly feels   unjust, chaotic,   and superficial at times,  being able to re-navigate another woman’s compass is powerful, especially when the outcome leaves  her  stronger and more passionate about her  identity. 

Tell me your story…  I was born in Tarrant County, and reared in Irving Texas.  I am a product of Irving, Tx  schools where I attended K-12.  As friendships began to materialize, I always felt like the true black sheep, when in the company of my girlfriends. My father is Persian, thus were/are his beliefs and customs.  Consequently, I wasn’t allowed access to the numerous affairs and events for which surface(d) in the lives of teenagers.  Ironically so,   I  often find my parenting skills  mirroring my father’s - (I think we all can identify).  After graduation, I moved to Denton  where I received a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of North Texas.  This May 2016, I will have completed my 20^th year in Education.

What do you think was the biggest turning point in your life? One day, I awoke and realized that I had lost myself.  Looking back, I realized that for some, one may lose themselves   in order to find the true reason for their existence. Everyone’s life tells a different story, but in the end, we all want to achieve the same:  happiness, peace and balance.  I firmly believe that every person is born with an expiration date, and not one hour longer, will someone be allowed to breathe... 

 To thine own self be true…    Thank you , Mother♥

Please finish the statement. I am the person who… always devours my mother’s brownies, even after saying, “I’ll have just one.”

Tell me about a goal you are working on.  So many goals canvass my inner most thoughts, but presently, I wish to continue to be a courageous mother and role model to my daughters – filling their temples with:  independence, strength, wisdom and the confidence to live in this prismatic thing we call Life.

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Below is a photo of Parvaneh and Angela now, and in high school.

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Glamour for the Modern Woman by Flower Mound Photographer Lisa McNiel

Debbie was nominated by her friend and working buddy, Beverly, and I've learned that as "sister-friends" do, helped her through difficult experiences that pound into our heads how much we need each other.

Debbie and Beverly were a study in contrast and it was fun to watch them together. Debbie lived up to her red hair quickly firing off movements and expressions every time she heard the shutter click. She later told me she'd never had photographs like this taken, which thrilled me and made me wonder, "Why not?" 

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Here's Debbie's interview and images:

What does beauty mean to you?

Confidence, when a person walks into a room and they have confidence in who they are, that is beautiful to me. A person that has compassion for others is the other thing that makes them beautiful inside and out.

When do you feel most “comfortable in your skin?”

Interesting question. I think when I am at my weekend getaway spot working outside and just enjoying nature is when I am free to just be me...

What do you like most about being a woman?

It can be a challenge to be a woman sometimes. We have so many roles that we fill. Mother, wife, companion, coworker, etc. I love being a woman and all of the things I have accomplished in life but the balance of work and home life can be tough. I work in the Oil and Gas business and it is a blast when you work with mostly men, and you earn their respect that you know the business, and they know they can trust you.

Tell me your story… 

I was married for 30 wonderful years before I lost my husband to cancer. I have 3 beautiful children and one most amazing grandson. Isaac spent the first two years of his life in the hospital. This little guy is my true hero and has my heart. I am starting a new chapter in my life and I have the strength and joy to do that. I have met one amazing man that fills my heart with joy and I am thankful that we have found each other. I am smiling...

What do you think was the biggest turning point in your life?

My parents passed away very young in their life and I still had a little sister that was only 13. I had to grow up fast and be there for her. It was hard losing them and we missed so many things that they were not a part of, but it made us both very strong women. I know that we can handle just about anything. I am so very close to my little sister and could not be any more proud to be her big sister.

Please finish the statement. I am the person who…

you can come to, to get things accomplished.

 

Tell me about a goal you are working on.

I am starting a new chapter in my life. So I do not have just one goal. I just want to live, be happy and smile a lot.

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Beautiful at any age by Flower Mound Photographer Lisa McNiel

If my glamour models for this project were not using my makeup artist, I asked them to send in their own "before" shots without makeup. I received an email from Beverly asking that I don't crop hers in too much, and of course, I said I wouldn't, and I then download her far-away photo including the ceiling and floor of a two-story room. My husband could hear me laughing from the other end of the house. You have to love a gal who wears beautiful clothing and jewelry and has a "model" pose for her before shot. I know you can't see the difference. I don't care. It's not about that. Just laugh and go along. ;)

Bev's daughter nominated her saying, "She's always looks fantastic and timeless, like a modern-day Lucille Ball." I couldn't agree more. Bev's style is polished and elegant, and my favorites of her are in the "white on white."

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

What does beauty mean to you?  Beauty is different to each person.  For me it is always looking my best no matter what I am doing.  It is watching my older granddaughters pray and worship, watching them lift their hands up in reverence to God.  It is watching my two small granddaughters have a tea party and do “pretend” games.  Those are just some small things that to me are beautiful.

When do you feel most “comfortable in your skin?”  I am most comfortable when I am around family, spending time with them cooking, eating, shopping or vacationing.

What do you like most about being a woman?  I love the challenge women face being a mom, wife, grandmother and working full time but being able to do it all.  Women have the unique ability to multi-task, think down the road and help keep everyone on task.  My husband calls that being bossy but I like to think I am keeping everyone on task. 

Tell me your story…   I grew up in rural Oklahoma, middle class working family, not much unique.  My story changed when I was 16 and my only sibling was killed in Vietnam and two years later on the exact same day my parents were both killed.  This pretty much threw me into adulthood at age 18 regardless of whether or not I was ready. You grow up very fast when forced to by life events.

Please finish the statement. I am the person who... wanted nothing more than to have a family after my family was killed and I am proud to say I have a great one.  I have two daughters, two sons and 8 wonderful grandkids.  

Tell me about a goal you are working on.  
My life has always been consumed by work, so my goal is to find a hobby that I can enjoy on the weekends or vacation time. 

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Fabulous at 50 - Modern Glamour by Flower Mound Photographer Lisa McNiel

Remember when you were little and you pictured what an "old" woman looked like? She would have  a little white bun on top of her head, spectacles, false teeth, a cane, and be at least 50. You grow up and realize you were picturing someone in their 80s or 90s, and it's a relief when you feel great at 50. Val just celebrated her big day with a trip to California, a weekend away from her many responsibilities as wife and mother of two, and stylist at Sola Salons in Highland Village. She came in with friend, Lisa, from yesterday's blog and they giggled like school girls. :)  Here's her interview:

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

What does beauty mean to you?

Society tells us that it’s a person’s outward appearance that makes a person pretty but now that I’m older and wiser I know it’s a person’s inner beauty that makes them beautiful. 

When do you feel most “comfortable in your skin?”

When my hair is up in a ponytail, tank top and shorts on, ear buds in my ears listening to some good music and playing in the yard while I spend some time with Jesus. 

What do you like most about being a woman?

The POWER!!!! All the different hats that we wear. Who can say that they are a CEO of a household, a Nurse, an Accountant, a Chef, a Maid & can drive a carpool while they are multitasking on the phone making appointments. We have super powers that guys will never comprehend.

Tell me your story… 

I’m part yankee ( born and raised in Chicago), part southern ya’ll ( lived in Nashville for 16 years) and a proud TEXAN( going on 20 years)

I’m married to the most amazing guy. (18 years)We have 2 kids. Cole (15years) Campbell (13years) and my adorable furchild Max (8years)

I have been a Hairstylist going on 30 years. I have a studio in Solas Salons, Highland Village. I work with some amazing people but I have MY girls that I work with that surround me everyday. We do LIFE together. We couldn’t do what we do with out each other.

What do you think was the biggest turning point in your life?

I recently lost both of my parents to cancers that took their lives very quickly. It made me realize that our time here on Earth is so very short. We need to live our lives with passion and a purpose, and to never stop thanking God for each day that He gives us. The old cliché “don’t take things for granted” have a whole new meaning for me.

Please finish the statement. I am the person who…

Is dependable, trustworthy, hard working, honest, compassionate, moody, starbucks loving, shopaholic, sometimes has a potty mouth, sugar addict, God loving woman and a friend that you can always count on.

Tell me about a goal you are working on.

Oprah is saying that this is the year of her best body,  I’m saying that “2016 is the year of my best body”. I’m getting my mind, heart, soul & body in the best shape possible. Total health. (Spiritual too) 

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Beautiful Grandmother by Flower Mound Photographer Lisa McNiel

* Hair and Makeup by Kelley Curry

Carol is my neighbor, and a constant reminder of how I could do better at cooking, entertaining, serving others and being connected. She and husband, John, do too much for me to remember or list here, but they are active in Flower Mound Methodist Church, are famous for their amazing Christmas decorations and fund-raising each Christmas, and are loved and amused by those who spend any time with them. Remarkably, Carol is 71 years old!

Her daughter, Jill, and granddaughter, Abby are featured in the past two blogs. I wish  you could hear her adorable Texas accent!

An interview with Carol: 

What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When I look at God’s wonderful creations whether they are mountains, skies, nature, animals or people, they are all beautiful. A person is beautiful from the inside out, doesn’t matter his/her outward appearance. God gives us all individual qualities to make us beautiful.

When do you feel most “comfortable in your skin?”
I am most comfortable when I am helping others.

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics 

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

What do you like most about being a woman?
Being the wife of my high school sweetheart for 50 years, being blessed to be the mother of a son and daughter and sharing life with our children and grandchildren. I love that I need all of them in my life and that they need me, too.

Tell me your story…  I’m a born and raised Texas girl growing up in Oak Cliff and graduating from Kimball HS and later NTSU (now UNT). I taught 3rd grade until John and I started our family. He began his career with IBM in 1968 and we began our moving career in 1974. We were fortunate to live in 9 different homes all across the US. We wouldn’t take for our many friends and the experiences we’ve shared through our 50 years of marriage. We came back to Texas 20 years ago to be with our parents in their final years. Since that time, we’re so glad to be “back home” and now spend our time being very involved with our church family and planning for our new church sanctuary to be opening its doors in June. I love spending my time with the elderly. They are my passion and I learn so much from them. It’s rewarding to be an Angel Care Team Sister. What do you think was the biggest turning point in your life? It was definitely the birth of our first child, Jill. I always imagined what it would be like to be a mother, but there is no way to describe the instant and forever love you share when your children are born. And then to be blessed with our son Vance was God’s ultimate grace for us.

Please finish the statement. I am the person who…
always wants to solve everyone else’s problems and try my best to be a good listener.

Tell me about a goal you are working on.
I am trying to get stronger physically and mentally so that I can be around for many years to enjoy my family’s love and all our special times together.

Carol with daughter Jill and granddaughter Abby getting in touch with their inner "Angels."

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To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Modern Glam for any Age by Flower Mound Photographer Lisa McNiel

* Hair and Makeup by Kelley Curry

Jill Welke has been working for a cause since I first met her about 19 years ago. She produced the huge Dallas area "Make A Wish" fundraiser for years until her family moved to Flower Mound.  They met someone with Cystic Fibrosis and decided they wanted to help... Here's what they accomplished in 10 years:

SUMMARY:

·         2004 - Created the North Texas Wine Opener benefiting Cystic Fibrosis
·         10 year event
·         1^st year event = $72,500 NET
·         10^th year event = $416,500 NET
·         Total raised over 10 years = 2,010,500 NET
·         Expenses were kept at 4% each year

 TOTAL amount raised = $2,427,000 NET $

To find out more about how that came to be click CF Bid for a Cure.

And the celebration of their big 10 year event where you will see not only Jill, and husband, Eric, and children, Jay and Abby, but also her parents, John and Carol: 10 Year Celebration
Here is an interview with Jill:

What does beauty mean to you?

Faith, Integrity, Perseverance and Happiness

When do you feel most “comfortable in your skin?”

When I’m surrounded by family and TRUE friends

What do you like most about being a woman?

Being pampered by my husband, feeling loved by Jay and Abby

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Tell me your story…

Born in Dallas, TX

Moved 7 times before college

Loved all of our homes and my childhood, especially the 70’s!

I love to Give Back and Make a Difference…after all it’s God’s money, not ours

The CF North Texas Wine Opener was a great lesson for our family how to do for others, even when it does not affect our family directly

Never thought I could love our kids so much

Thankful that my parents are close by as well as our other relatives

Most Important – God, Eric, family

What do you think was the biggest turning point in your life?
Meeting Eric, falling in love with him, trusting him, marrying him!

Please finish the statement. I am the person who…

…Is never afraid to “make the ask.”  I’m not very nurturing, but I am trustworthy & willing to help in any way that I physically & mentally able to.  I love to entertain!

Jill with mom, Carol, and daughter, Abby!

Tell me about a goal you're working on...
To be more tactful with my communications – to do God’s will every minute of everyday!


Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Southern, Girly Realtor mixes Head Shots with Glam by Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel

Rarely do I get an excuse to photograph one of my best girls in a legit session. Lisa C. is one of my absolute besties. I'm talking shared vacations, laughter, tears, secrets, memories kind of friends. 

When I started this "Real Women, Real Beauty" project, she nominated a friend to be one of the models, and her friend nominated her back.  They came in together, and it was... a party! The out-takes of them falling off their seats laughing were priceless.

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.

Here's Lisa's interview: 

What does beauty mean to you?

I think nothing is more beautiful than seeing a follower of Christ sharing the good word, caring and doing for others.  The faces of moms when they look at their babies even when they are all grown up especially my Mom’s face when she sees me after we have been apart for a while.  That look is sheer beauty!

When do you feel most “comfortable in your skin?”

When I am with the people I love the most, laughing, enjoying just being in the room or when I am sitting in the Sun with a beautiful view, praying and thanking God for His many blessings.

What do you like most about being a woman?

Most Everything!  The great shoe choices, fun nail colors, fashion options for days…etc.  Getting to be a daughter, sister, wife, mom, GiGi (what the grandchildren call her) and Christian sister.  

Actually, there are only a couple of things I don’t like…not being strong enough sometimes to get the jar lids off and …the long lines for “Women’s” public restroom vs the “Men’s” …the rest just trumps!!!

Tell me your story… 

I grew up in the South, (Tennessee) with lots of “Kinfolk” and colorful characters in my family ….so happy I got to enjoy all of that! I have one brother 10 years younger so he was like a live baby doll when he came along☺ Loving Parents that worked hard and put out a garden every year…they grew enough food to feed the whole county and gave a lot away.  Raised in a small town but couldn’t wait to get to the big city.  

Moved to Nashville and eventually met my hubby who due to his company, moved us to an even bigger place…Dallas!  Who knew I would ever leave Tennessee…that was just over 20 years ago. Texas has been so good to us, our church, our friends and our careers, (I am a Realtor and I Love it!)…we have been blessed here for sure. We travel home as much as we can as we are now grandparents to 3 wonderful kiddos.  I love being a GiGi…it’s the best!

 I do however miss being able to order Sweet Tea most anywhere.

What do you think was the biggest turning point in your life?

Moving to Texas and away from everyone except my husband and having to start life here. It made me draw closer to Christ, become stronger in my faith, more independent and more appreciative of my roots and family back home. It made me recognize what the power of prayer and faith could do.  It made me trust in the Lord that He would take care of us and He did!  

Please finish the statement. I am the person who…

Loves to love….

Loves to be in my PJ’s

Loves to snuggle with babies and fur babies

Loves to see my husband, family and friends happy but will be there in the tough times too!

Loves the Lord!

Tell me about a goal you are working on.

Balance in my life!

Follow me on pinterest here: lisalovespics

To see more photos from Flower Mound photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow a DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook.