Archive for April, 2009

SANIBEL ISLAND | FLORIDA

What we do at weddings is an interesting job. We are part artists, part business people, part psychologists, part best friends, part paparazzi, part macgyvers, and sometimes part makeup and hair emergency helpers. Each wedding requires it’s own mix of roles for us to play. And then there are those magic weddings where everything falls perfectly into place, the roles mesh into one glorious day of laughter, hugs, magic moments, and “Oh my gosh, let’s take a few over here!” camera clicks. This was one of those weddings. We were instantly welcomed and treated like part of the family when we arrived at this remarkable mansion right on the beach. We were like kids in a candy shop as we surveyed the surroundings and our minds filled with the photographic possibilities. I am so excited to work on the rest of the images but for now, here are 10 of our favorites…

My favorite detail shot of the day:

Hello gorgeous Florida Flora!

Lauren’s perfect ensemble from The Dressing Room in St. Pete, FL.

Oh Romeo, oh Romeo…

My favorite portrait…

I became a list maker because of my friend Megan. She loves lists. In middle school we would read Seventeen magazine and take all the quizes, jotting down our answers alongside doodles on scraps of notebook paper. We made lists about boys, we wrote a best-selling novela (at least we thought it could become one, one day) and made annual lists of resolutions. Megan instilled in me a love of list making (and color coding) and that has remained with me through all these years. (Seriously, look at my iCal. It’s a spectrum of color coded craziness.)

In the beginning of January I decided to make a list- a 101 in 1001 list. It’s like new year’s resolutions, except you have 2 3/4 years to finish it. And instead of resolutions, they are goals. I think the whole thing has a much more positive vibe and since positivity is something that I am trying to cultivate daily, I figured that this would be a great way to start. Since I made the list, I’ve crossed 18 items off and this week, I got to cross off one more. A big one:
#64. “Have a wedding image featured in print.”

Booyah!

We entered an image in Photo District News‘ Top Knots 2009 Contest and it was chosen as a finalist which means that it was printed in this month’s edition of the magazine. I cannot even express how excited we are to have been given this huge honor. We are so blessed and thrilled and excited and in awe and all, “Break open the bubbly babycakes!” Thank you to Lisa, the bride in the photo for being so ridiculously fun and trusting of us as we explained our idea for this shot. And lastly, to make sure that credit is given where it is deserved, Nate is the one that snapped this photo even though the magazine printed my name instead of our studio name when I submitted it. So everyone tell Nate how much he rocks. ;)

ORLANDO | FLORIDA

It was a little surreal being back at the Rosen Campus. That campus is, without a doubt, the most beautiful college campus I’ve ever seen. It looks more like a luxury resort than a college. Everything is pristine. Everything is state-of-the art. The last time I was there, I was carrying books and a laptop instead of a camera and a bag full of lenses. The last time I was there I was working toward a degree that had nothing to do with photography. The last time I was there I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. If you would have come up to me and said, “Hey, you’ll be coming back here in 2 years to shoot an engagement session for a couple who hired you to photograph their wedding. They’ll be one of many couples whom you will do this for. And you’ll be doing it for a business that you own and run.” I would have immediately laughed in your face, said, “Yeah right. I wish!” and told you that you needed to go take advantage of the free psych counseling back on main campus. So sitting by the big fountain in the courtyard with professional camera gear, a talented (and handsome) partner, and a ridiculously exciting business was a bit surreal.

Carl & Lillian’s engagement session is a record for this blog. I don’t think I’ve ever posted this many images from a single engagement session yet. But I can’t help it. I just love too many of them! Carl and Lillian are simply too cute. (Check out how well dressed they are!) And were such naturals in front of our cameras. When we first started shooting, Lillian was nervously laughing as she told us that she didn’t know what to do. It only took a few camera clicks (and forcing them to make out in front of us) for the two of them to let their true personalities and love for each other show. (Funny how publicly making out helps that happen. Be prepared people! We will make you kiss!) And from then on we got to document what makes these two so perfect for each other. We got to capture the smirks, the nose-kisses, the belly laughs, and the little glances that only two people who are destined to be together can share.

We are so excited to shoot their wedding next month! Let the official wedding countdown begin…

I’m not quite sure why, but I just LOVE these next two…

I LOVE how the soft, minty colors compliment the tender moments in this next series…

“I forgot I was being photographed” moments of laughter like this are the best!

Whatchu doin?

Check out these super hot Gianni Bini heels Lillian rocked…