Portrait Artist Blog

Hey all! I have to share this wonderful news with friends near and far who have been following my journey as a studio owner and lifelong romantic ❤️

This past Thursday, May 25, 2023, I married my amazing partner, Michael Martinez. You may recognize him from many of my personal posts, and if you've been a recent client, you may have had the pleasure of meeting him already as he often assists me on shoots. Well, we finally tied the knot and made it official! We are married!

We were super stealth about the whole thing, wanting something intimate (in fact, just the two of us and our church minister knew). We had been in love for quite a while, and were waiting for the perfect time to throw a huge bash, but due to the timing of huge life events (we even got married the same week - 2 days before - my daughter graduated), we decided to tie the knot now and worry about a reception until later. With 3 back-to-back high school graduates in a row (both his daughters and mine), and looking for a new home and furnishings, we just went for "done" is better than "perfect" for now.

Even so, it was PERFECT for US! I can't tell you how amazing our day and experience was. That morning, we had a calm breakfast together at the Nook in Tomball, and then went home and relaxed before getting ready for our 3pm appointment, which I thought was at the courthouse. Michael surprised me by arranging a sweet, intimate setting with our minister, David Ayres, as a loving gesture for me. The little ceremony was at my church's chapel (Bammel Church of Christ). As soon as I realized he had arranged that for me, I cried. When I saw the bouquet of flowers he ordered for me, I cried. When we said our vows, I cried. It was the most beautiful expression of love I had ever experienced, and all the small details he arranged meant so much to me. I am so glad to be with someone who is willing to go the extra mile for me, who is thinking about me, and wants to make me happy.

In case you don't already know Michael, I will tell you he is a great man with great values and is already proving to be a phenomenal husband. He owns a portrait studio in the Heights called Michael Martinez Fine Portraits, where he and Kacey hit it out of the park consistently for Houston's finest families. His studio and portrait garden are unlike anything you'll experience anywhere, and I am so proud of the work he has done to build his excellent business for the last 29 years. He is a true professional and has taught me so much about the craft, that I couldn't help but fall in love with his willingness to share his knowledge, help others in the industry through teaching and mentorship, and witness his uncompromising passion for photography. He is a loving father and a loyal friend. He is the first person who will defend the "least of these" and provide for them in ways only God has seen. I have been lucky enough to witness his generosity and love, and that is what truly draws me to him. I hope you are able to one day meet him if you schedule your session in the future with either one of us!

I know what you're thinking - did they have a professional photographer? The answer is no. We went against everything we love and hold dear, for the sake of intimacy and peace this time. I don't know about you, but Michael and I LOVE our peace and chose to protect it at all costs for this moment. We really were in tune with one another and just wanted a ceremony and vows to celebrate alone without any extra bells and whistles. If a photographer was hired, I would have gotten my hair and makeup professionally done, etc., etc., etc., and I found every new thing added was an extra layer of complication. No worries, though! We plan on getting our portraits done in the near future. You can count on that! I am ready to get something timeless and beautiful for my wall! Meanwhile, our friend Leigh Ann at the church was taking pictures with Michael's cell phone. She said, "this is so intimidating - taking two professional photographers' wedding day pictures!" Haha! I truly appreciate Leigh Ann for stepping in and grabbing the moments for us, despite how intimidating it must have felt.

Thank you to our minister David for supporting Michael in his crazy request, and for coming alongside us on this journey. We appreciate you showing up for us with bells on and a great-looking suit to boot. 

Thank you all for allowing me to share this very important and meaningful news with you. I pray you are blessed today and always!

Love,

Julizza Gómez-Martínez