Kathryn & Josh smiled and laughed throughout the session as we romped around the small town of Littleton and the expansive Red Rocks National Park; both of which are quintessentially Colorado. One of the first things we ask when a couple contacts us to inquire about wedding photography is, “How did you meet”? Their story begins in Addison Texas where they met walking their dogs. That in itself is a fun way to begin a courtship but we’ve only just begun. They met walking their dogs AND both of their dogs were named Jaxon AND both dogs named Jaxon were spelled with an x! It was so meant to be.
Amidst all the fun, the question of how they refer to the puppies when telling stories given that they share the same name. We were informed, with a straight face I might add, that they were “White Lighting” and “Chocolate Thunder”. I would have inquired further as to how these nick names came to be but was busy trying to catch my breath amidst all the laughter! That’s just one glimpse into just how fun this session was!
One of the many super cool things that I love about being a photographer, more specifically a wedding photographer, is the opportunity I have to meet and work with a great number of other wedding industry professionals that are exceptionally talented, kind, generous and just generally awesome!
Andrea and her team at Circle Park Bridal not only fit in this category, they practically define it! Emily and I met Andrea at her boutique on a gorgeous day in October. She had graciously invited all the fans of her Facebook Page to stop by if they were in Addison Circle for the Oktoberfest festivities and since we were, we did just that. In the few short months that we have personally known her, Andrea has embodied all that I mentioned above and more!
For brides; her boutique is the perfect place to find your gown and bridal accessories and is comfortable, contemporary and every bit the amazing experience you expect when searching for your wedding gown. For event professionals; Andrea is in the know and most certainly the person to know.
I typically like to start each blog entry with a little something that provides the story and some context around the images I am posting but one glance into the adorable blue eyes of 6 month old Evy says it all!
While attending a charity event hosted by Modern Luxury Dallas and the Dallas Hearing Foundation, we had the absolute pleasure of meeting Chris Ryan and Breana Parker. We soon learned that their venue, The Ryan Manor, which has played an integral role in the community for decades by hosting countless philanthropic events, had just recently opened its doors as a wedding and event venue.
Emily and I graciously accepted an invitation to tour The Ryan Manor and were immediately impressed with the venue but moreover were amazed by the warmth & generosity of spirit exhibited by Chris and Breana. It was then that we believed our preferred partnership would begin. We are so fortunate to have been right.
You’ve just gotten married and spent a good deal of quality time with a professional photographer while capturing all your wedding day moments. So you may be asking yourself, “Why would I want to consider an “Ever After” session? Perhaps your ceremony took place later in the day and much or all of the daylight was gone, perhaps you had to deal with nasty weather or perhaps you just want the opportunity to capture images in a very different venue and setting than your wedding ceremony and reception sites provided. In reality, the question should be, “Why wouldn’t you consider an Ever After Session?”
We captured these images of Shauna & Ryan at the historic Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas five months after their wedding. Although we returned to the site of their ceremony and reception, the “Ever After” session provided for opportunities that would not have been otherwise possible.
If you are getting married or know someone who is, you will not want to miss this casual & informational discussion regarding wedding photography. We want to ensure you find your perfect wedding photographer. Our panel of professional photographers are ready to help you ask the right questions, discuss photographic styles and assist you in better understanding services, products and investments. RSVP sooner rather than later http://weddingphotographyexposed.eventbrite.com/. Hope to see you there!
As I was editing the images from Lauren & Chase’s Engagement Session, I started to ponder specifically what it was about E-Sessions that make them so enjoyable. I was immediately struck by the oh so obvious fact that when you take two people in love, put them in a venue that they choose, tell them to have fun and be themselves with no pressure whatsoever you are destined to have a good time…and have a good time we did.
We met Lauren & Chase in a small town in South Texas where the weather was to be less than desirable. We arrived early with the necessary rainy day props and protective gear ready to scout for locations that would provide for some relief from the rain. Upon arrival we got a rather pleasant surprise; blue skies! We scouted anyway and stumbled across a farm with a few grain silos, an old tractor and a large field. We hoped to ask for permission but were prepared to trespass, when we came the owner on his way out. He was not only alright with us using his property but also gave us some ideas and reassured us that if anyone asked what we were doing, “Just tell them Bud says it’s OK”. Thanks Bud!
With the generous support of American Airlines, Kinray Inc., United Renovations and other devoted sponsors the American Fallen Soldiers Project traveled to New York City on September 11th to present the portrait of fallen soldier SSG Christian Engeldrum to his widow and three children on the USS Intrepid. It is always so hard to pick my favorite images when documenting these portrait presentations because each image really does tell an emotional story.
The FDNY started the presentation:
Artist Phil Taylor enjoyed discussing the portrait’s details with SSG Christian Engeldrum’s daughter Krissy:
SSG Christian Engeldrum’s family responded emotionally to the reveal of the portrait and a slide show coordinated by Lisa Taylor:
Gary Sinise spoke about how important it is that we never forget the sacrifice made by so many soldiers:
A fighter jet stationed on the flight deck of the Intrepid:
The Garyowen club located in the Armory of the Fighting 69th
Artist Phil Taylor shares an emotional moment with soldier & friend Dan Swift (Swifty) of the Fighting 69th
Phil and Lisa Taylor of the American Fallen Soldiers Project invited me and my wife Emily to travel with them to New York City to document an event honoring the men and women whose lives were lost eight years earlier in the terror attacks on the World Trade Center. The tribute event was taking place on Saturday, September 12th on the USS Intrepid however, we arrived at just before midnight on September 11th and knew that we needed to see the Tribute in Light first hand and close up before it concluded again for the year at 8 AM. Little did we know that this artistic installation is not something that you see, but rather something you feel.
The Tribute in Light as seen from just the other side of Ground Zero:
A banner hung at the start of the 56 foot Brass Memorial on the side of Fire House 10 across the street from Ground Zero:
Wreaths, pictures, candles & other personal tributes adorn the 6 foot tall Brass Bas-Relief Mural
A young mourner pays her respects:
Work continues in and around Ground Zero in the rain at 3 AM:
Tribute in Light installation stationed adjacent to Ground Zero
Emily captured this great image of a young man admiring the Tribute in Light
This blog post’s title may be a little misleading. You will not find images of tasty decadent chocolate desserts below. You will find portraits of the immensely talented chocolatier Zach Townsend who creates such wonderful edible masterpieces as Parisian Macaroons, Blackberry Chocolate Sabayon Mousse Cake & Milk Chocolate Almond Ganache with Amaretto. Um, seriously…YUM! Anyway, I digress.
Zach was in need of professional portraits for an article being published about him. Here are our favorites from the session. Incidentally, I now really enjoy keeping up with his frequent interesting and educational posts on Facebook. Maybe consider becoming a fan, I am sure you will enjoy them as well!
