Resident Porch Portraits

Last week, our favorite photographer, Tyler of The Mill Photography Studio, came by with his fancy zoom lens to take porch portraits and find out why our residents love Kissing Tree! From a safe distance, Tyler helped us commemorate these crazy times with some short photo sessions with our residents.

Best of all, as part of the nationwide #FrontStepsProject, Brookfield Residential donated $10 from every session to All Together ATX, a community-led philanthropic fund providing flexible resources to nonprofit organizations helping those impacted by COVID-19. Here are a few of our favorite shots.

Arturo & Leticia Mata

When they’re not riding around in their golf cart visiting neighbors, Art and Lettie like playing golf, crafting (Lettie), and fishing and kayaking (Art). You can often find them enjoying their beautiful back yard!

“We were from Austin, and we wanted a great place to retire but yet not too far from Central Texas, due to its beauty.”

Dick & Mili Morris

After living on the East Coast, Dick and Mili are finally carrying out their dream of living in the Hill Country. Mili can’t wait to use the KT pool, and in the meantime they’re staying busy binging TV shows, gardening, and enjoying good food and wine.

“We chose Kissing Tree for the resort-style living and a home that met all our requirements.”

Norma Picacio-Jones & Bren Jones (& Sophie)

After losing everything in Hurricane Harvey when they lived in Baytown, Norma & Bren decided to move back to Central Texas. Bren, a former high school coach, loves their open living room where he can watch football from anywhere. Norma loves the nature around KT—especially watching the deer and seeing the moon rise above the trees.

“We chose Kissing Tree for the location, the proximity to the hill country, and the amenities!”

Rick & Celia Menchaca

San Antonio natives Rick and Celia came to KT to be closer to family, and they can’t wait for water aerobics and fitness classes in the new exercise facility. They love hiking, walking, and traveling with their kids and grandkids.

“We came to be closer to our daughters in Austin.”

Kim Abdouch (& Ella)

As a professor at Texas State, Kim shortened her commute when she and her husband Philip moved to KT. They enjoy walking, reading, and traveling, as well as spending time on their patio with their dog, Ella.

“We were the third residents in Kissing Tree.”

Jack & Debbie Pryor

Jack and Debbie Pryor aren’t from San Marcos, but they got to KT as fast as they could. During quarantine, they’ve been cooking up a storm and waving at neighbors from afar.

“We chose Kissing Tree for the pickleball and community activities.”

Larry & Pricilla Ogg

Larry and Pricilla love the social aspects of KT, but lately they’ve been spending lots of quiet time in their home office reading and doing internet research.

“We chose Kissing Tree to be closer to our daughter and son-in-law.”

Carlos & Maria Salazar

Carlos and Maria came to KT to be closer to their daughter, who lives in Austin. They fill their free time playing bridge, board games, walking, and at some point soon, swimming in the new KT pool!

“We wanted a 55 over community close to Austin and San Antonio.”

Sherril & Tim Sibley (& Ellie)

Sherril & Tim relocated to San Marcos from Dallas area to start a family business, and they couldn’t be more excited to be at KT. During quarantine, they’ve been staying connected with neighbors by phone and text, with the occasional picnic or game of cornhole.

“We loved Kissing Tree for the vision they had planned for the community.”

Sandy Baldwin

Next time you see Sandy Baldwin at Independence Hall, ask if she’ll play you a song! Lately she’s been spending a lot of time playing piano and staying connected via driveway happy hours—six feet apart of course!

“I chose Kissing Tree for the lifestyle.”

Phyllis & Pat Porter

The Porters followed their daughter to Texas, moving from Boston to Garden Ridge and finally landing in KT. They love the community’s concerts, as well as the safe-distance happy hours their street has every Sunday afternoon.

“We chose Kissing Tree because there are so many things to do and nice people to do them with!”

Scott & Gwen Burton

San Marcos natives Scott and Gwen love visiting with their neighbors. Gwen says that when you walk out the front door, there’s usually someone outside in their yard waiting for someone else to pass by to talk to! The Burtons love to cook and entertain, as well as spending time with their sweet Cavachon, Toby.

“We chose Kissing Tree to live in a connected, socially vibrant community.”

Larry & Margaret Wheeler (& Sophie)

Larry and Margaret’s son went to school in San Marcos, and when they were looking for a place away from the coast, it seemed like a great spot. Lately, Margaret has been creating art in her studio, and they’ve enjoyed walking Sophie in New Braunfels’ Landa Park.

“We needed a change to get away from hurricanes, and KT was our best option.”

Bill & Susan Ellis

When the weather’s cooler, you’ll often find Bill and Susan on their back patio, enjoying their outdoor fireplace. For now, they have to content themselves with gardening and listening to the birds. Lately, they’ve been having social distancing pizza parties in their driveway.

“We saw Kissing Tree listed as one of the best places to retire in Forbes Magazine and thought we’d check it out.”

Al & Sandy Smith

After being victims of the Onion Creek Flood, Al and Sandy are thrilled to join in the fun events at KT. They were looking for a gated community that offered golf and pickleball plus an active social life, and Kissing Tree fit the bill.

“If we MUST leave Onion Creek Country Club living, Kissing Tree looks like the best alternative.”