Joshua Aldama, Photographer | @americano.pictures
What do you like most about this work?
I enjoy the people I meet, the places I get to explore, the experiences I accumulate, and the growth I gain not only as a photographer but also as a human being interacting with such a beautiful spectrum of unique individuals.
How do you want readers to feel when they view your photos?
I want them to feel what they are meant to feel. For some, a photo may stir a feeling of joy and ignite contemplation. For others, it may allow grief and remembrance to arise. No matter what it is, I find it beautiful that each individual can have a completely different experience of the exact same photo.
What's something about you that surprises people?
I lived in Australia for a year and became a Surf Lifesaver in Sydney. It was a dream come true to be a lifeguard at a beach.
Brian McVey, Writer | @btmvey77
What’s your favorite story you’ve worked on?
Of all the personalities and stories I’ve had the privilege of writing about, one that has stayed with me is an article about a woman who worked in hospice care. Her devotion, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others during life’s most vulnerable moments were truly unforgettable. Writing her story gave me an even deeper appreciation for how heroic, selfless, and profoundly important that profession is.
What’s a local spot that you tell people they absolutely have to visit?
Two absolute must-visit places in Boerne are Free Roam and Cibolo Creek Brewing. Both are family-oriented spots that really capture the spirit of the community, offering live music and a welcoming atmosphere where families and friends gather to enjoy time together over beer, wine, and incredible food.
What do you do when you’re not working on the magazine?
I treasure every second of being a dad to my children. I love watching them grow, supporting them in sports and church, and creating lifelong memories together here in the Boerne community. Family is at the center of everything I do, and being present for these moments is what I value most.
Rey Lopez, Writer | @reyloelboho
What's your favorite story you've worked on?
I've loved all of the stories I've written, so I can't say I have a favorite. Every person I speak with has a fascinating story to tell, and I'm honored to write about them. Of course, the very first piece I wrote about wellness coach Alison Canavan stands out. I've not previously done this kind of writing, so having the opportunity to interview someone and then translate that into something that would capture the attention of readers was a welcome challenge. It was a great learning experience for the subsequent work I've done for the magazine.
What do you do when you're not working on the magazine?
When I'm not writing for Boerne Lifestyle, I work at USAA as a Survivor Relations Representative. Most weekends, you'll find me either at a local music show in San Antonio, where I live in Southtown, most often at the Lonesome Rose, or enjoying a beer at Roadmap Brewing.
Kevin Bove, Executive Director | @kevinmbove
How do you want readers to feel when they pick up the magazine?
I want readers to sigh with happiness upon picking up the magazine and feel compelled to stop what they are doing to read it from cover to cover. I want them to develop a deeper appreciation for the people, places, businesses, and nonprofits in the greater Boerne area and to feel glad they are part of the community.
What's a local spot that you tell people they absolutely have to visit?
Other than the BHS stadium and my daughter's soccer games, hands down, it’s Tardif's American Brasserie. I love it. The service, ambiance, and food all contribute to a truly fine dining experience.
What do you love most about Boerne?
Greater Boerne has so many good qualities that it is no surprise that it is growing so quickly. The people are real, caring, and involved; that’s why there is such a strong nonprofit culture here. The magazine has helped me become more aware of the giving hearts that ultimately define the Greater Boerne residents.
Connor Mullins, Writer | @connormullinsmedia
What's your favorite story you've worked on?
My favorite story so far for Boerne Lifestyle was “A Legacy Lives On,” which was in the February issue. I loved hearing the story behind how Boerne was founded, and the impact of the families still in Boerne today. Listening to all the stories from Marilyn and Jenn was really inspiring and engaging.
What do you do when you're not working on the magazine?
Professionally, I work full-time as a videographer at Oak Hills Church and also do freelance photography and videography. I love being able to tell stories as a profession and giving people a platform. Personally, I love spending time with my girlfriend Ashlee, running, playing pickleball, hiking, watching movies or shows, visiting coffee shops in the area, and cooking.
What's something about you that surprises people?
I have run two marathons: I ran the Houston Marathon in January 2024 and the Panther City Marathon in February 2021. I don't plan to run another marathon anytime soon, but I love running and being outdoors.
Daniel Gertson, Editor | @danielgedits
What do you do when you're not working on the magazine?
Outside of Boerne Lifestyle, I work in nonprofit communications. I love just staying home with my wife and daughter (both of whom appear somewhat regularly in these pages), but I also love to travel, and I've been to 47 of the 50 states. (If any of our readers have contacts in North Dakota, Minnesota, or Vermont, reach out, because I'd love to visit!)
What do you like most about this work?
I like getting to know people and sharing their stories. It's been so much fun meeting so many different kinds of people in our part of the Hill Country—to learn about them, what they love, and how they're making their part of the world just a little bit brighter. It can sometimes feel like we only hear about the negative things happening around us, and we certainly face many difficult challenges in life. But at Boerne Lifestyle, our role is to highlight the people and organizations doing good for their neighbors, the experiences that make us smile and laugh, and the things in life that bring us joy.
“At Boerne Lifestyle, our role is to highlight the people and organizations doing good for their neighbors, the experiences that make us smile and laugh, and the things in life that bring us joy.” —Daniel Gertson