Weblog Entry 8.30.06

Vegas was a hit!

Here are a couple of photos from our trip. We stayed at the Mirage.

In the lobby of the Mirage they had these beautiful centerpieces ...

They also had some really cool restaurants ...

Just a shot from the front of our hotel looking across the street...

Inside the Venetian ...

The Wynn was incredible. It was one of two favorite casinos on the strip...

We went over to the Bellagio (of course) to see the fountain at night. I've seen it before on TV, but there is absolutely NOTHING like seeing it live. It was breathtaking.

Inside the Bellagio (my OTHER favorite casino), they had these trees with these huge balls covered in live flowers hanging from them. They were so colorful and so fun to photograph...

I'll try and post some more tomorrow. Blogger only lets me upload 10 pics at a time ... so this is it for now.

Vegas, Baby!

(I just love saying that)

Weblog Entry 8.26.06

Two words ....

VEGAS, Baby!

Weblog Entry 8.25.06

An artist ...

I love working with other artists. In this case, the artist is a musician. Greg Weyman is an amazing guitar player who is truly talented. I had the honor of working with him on some shots for his portfolio. As always, here are a few of my favorites...

We went out to a more industrial part of town for the shoot. We set him up and I photographed him while he played. I love it when I get live music performed during my shoots :) It's a perk.

If you have read any of my previous posts, you SHOULD be able to guess when this photograph was taken.

Anyone?

Yes, an hour or so before sunset. I love the way the light creates a beautiful outline of him. You just can't PAY for light like this.

A couple more shots of him 'getting his groove on'.

Thus far ... this is my favorite place to shoot. Shockingly enough ... it isn't in the best part of town. My husband knows this is normal for me. I tend to always navigate to the parts of town that are in a general state of decay (which he is never amused by). However, the colors at this location are truly amazing. No 'studio' shot could even come close (good thing, since my studio is not done yet).

I never seem to remember to pull out my new lens when I shoot weddings. On this shoot, not only did it seem appropriate to use it, but the effect is exactly what I had pictured in my head.

Greg ... thank you so much for trusting me with your photos. I'll give you a call when they are ready for pick up.

Weblog Entry 8.20.06

My last August wedding of '06

Tori and Todd were married this past weekend. It was a beautiful OUTDOOR ceremony. My favorite! They are a wonderful couple and I wish them all the best! I am still not done with all of their photos, but here are few of my favorites so far...

First and foremost ... the SHOES!!!

The bride's bouquet was a gorgeous bunch of ivory roses...

The color theme for the weekend was one of my favorite colors - barely pink..

I don't know if it is possible to take a bad photo of Tori, she is stunning.

A few close-ups.

Here is our handsome groom ...

During the ring exchange, I loved the way Tori was holding Todd's hand. The light washing over their hands made for a beautiful photograph.

The moment before the kiss can be so much more powerful than the actual kiss. In this case, it is. And the emotion in it speaks volumes.

The new couple ...

Congratulations to Tori and Todd!

I wish you all of the happiness in the world!!

Thanks again to Karen Minzner for being so wonderful to work with! I couldn't have done it without you!!

(I'll let you know when your pics are ready)

Weblog Entry 8.19.06

I shot a wedding last weekend as a 'second' with a wonderful photographer, Rick Barge, of Barge Photography. The wedding was at Spring Grove, an absolutely gorgeous setting. Everywhere you looked was another perfect backdrop for a photograph! As always, here are a few of my favorites from the day.

The bride's beautiful bouquet...

Gentlemen ...

The bride getting photographed by Rick, while I got this shot ...

A fashionistic photo ...

During the ceremony, this little girl kept poking her head out to watch what was going on in the front of the church. So, I had to photograph her ...

I know a lot of churches nowadays don't want people to 'throw' anything at the end of the ceremony. Mostly because they don't like to clean up, but I am still a sucker for throwing rose petals. They are always appropriate, and they add such a splash of color at the end. Love it! So, glad that Spring Grove hasn't stopped people from doing this wonderful celebration.

A stolen kiss in the limo before heading off to get post-ceremony photos taken.

Beautiful...

The lighting about an hour before sunset is the most flattering. It adds a nice warm tone to everything without the harsh shadows that afternoon sun casts. This is every photographer's favorite time to do photos. Unfortunately it only lasts for about a half hour or so depending on the day and weather.

Rick took full advantage of this amazing warm light and got them out on a bridge for photographs before leaving Spring Grove for the reception.

I always get a handful of couples who are always in such a hurry to get to the reception (for obvious reasons), but if you look at the last two photographs, you'll see that if you can hold out for some 'alone' time after everyone else is gone to be photographed, you really get some amazing stuff.

Remember: after the day is gone, photographs are one of the only things you have to remember your special day. Take advantage of it.

A HUGE thank-you to Rick Barge for allowing me to accompany him to this wedding. I really enjoyed working with him and what an amazing wedding!!

Congratulations to Stephanie and Brian Beck (the new couple)!

Weblog Entry 8.14.06

Jamie and Ryan Part II

The happy couple exiting the church ...

They did something unique for their exit celebration. They had a butterfly release! It was so neat. I've never seen it before. Very cool.

A couple of portraits before we headed off to the big after-party!

Aren't they perfect together?

Jamie is quite the model. If only all my brides were this comfortable in front of a camera!

Love it, love it, love it!

Their first dance as a married couple.

It was definitely a party crowd. Need I say more?

* If you are a first timer to my blog - WELCOME. Please leave a comment and remember that you can see a larger version of any picture by clicking on it.

Weblog Entry 8.13.06

Jamie and Ryan

I am finally getting around to working on one of my favorite couple's wedding day pics. It was a beautiful ceremony. Here are just a couple from their day. I haven't gotten to the pics of them as a couple yet, so, bear with me. I'll post more as I get further along with my proofing. August is been one of the busiest months for me.

The inside of the church

The beautiful dress ...

Of course, some dress details ....

And Ryan is already starting things off on the right foot. He got her some earrings as a wedding day present! They were just the perfect thing to bring out one of Jamie's award winning smiles!

A different ring shot ... I always try and do something different with the rings. I loved the way they looked with the pen for the guest book. So, I thought, why not? I take a handful of 'headless shots' at each wedding. I don't know why I love them so much. I think I am attracted to the anonymity of them.

Here is Jamie waiting to go outside for pictures.
The bride looking absolutely amazing ...
Dashing, isn't he?
Jamie and Ryan, I will let you know when you two can come over and look at all of your pics! Thank you so much for letting me take on such an important role in your big day. And another thank you to Karen for being my right hand.

Congratulations!