Since this blog thing is new, I wanted to introduce two little huge parts of my life, as I am sure they will get a lot of attention later and often on here.

Ashlyn Grace, the eldest at 4 years old, is a perfectionist and is graceful. She likes to try on shoes and clothes and her long straight hair is always clean and shiny. She loves ballet and the stage. She love princesses and likes to be goofy like her daddy. Ashlyn talks with ceaseless abundance and is tender-hearted.

Jillian Joy is 2 and full of energy. Her smile is full of quirky little dimples and her laugh is hearty and full. Jillian clumsily walks into doors and walls, plays in the dirt and her curly hair is always squirrelly. She likes to build with her blocks, play with her Dora the Explorer™ toys, and watch Max & Ruby.

Here is a great photo of them from one of my favorite sets when we were apple pickin’ last September…

I had the opportunity this past weekend to secondish-shoot a wedding with the ever-so-talented Heather Cole. I say “secondish” because I was really a third shooter, as she already had a second shooter, Aaron.

Here’s a pic of Aaron & Heather…

Ironically, we all shoot Nikons, so it was kinda fun trying out everyone else’s gear. I really need to buy some more quality glass before shooting my next wedding. I am still paying off the Seattle trip to the Anti-Workshop, though.

Okay – about the wedding – This is the second wedding I have ever photographed. The experience was fun, exciting and grueling. I have had a lot of all-day model shoots and such, but this was a lot of running around on top of shooting, not stationary in a studio environment. I had forgotten the intensity…and on top of that, I am out of shape!

As the third shooter, I was tasked with grabbing moments (photo-journalist style) throughout the day, covering the balcony during the ceremony at Colonial Presbyterian, and then I was the second shooter during the reception at the ritzy Carriage Club in Kansas City, in charge of details and fish-eye fun. I have just got to say, the fish-eye was a lot of fun! I had never used one extensively and since we had multiple cams getting the “normal” shots, I loved using it for giggles.

Here is Bradley (groom) getting ready…

He was a riot to be around. Genuinely a happy guy (who isn’t on their wedding day?!)…

The ceremony was very traditional and beautiful. From the bird’s eye view I had, it was really nice. One thing they had (in addition to a string quartet, grand piano and a full pipe organ!) was a fantastic trumpet soloist who really had a lot of emphasis during the ceremony. He was loud up there!

Bradley & Cynthia were really a beautiful couple. It had rained all morning and afternoon and let up during the ceremony so we had a little bit to get some Bride/Groom shots before traversing to the reception. Heather & Aaron had priority here, as I was kind of along for the ride, but I was able to get a few good ones I liked. Hopefully they will, too.

On to the reception! Wow, it was really very nice. The couple had been together for a long time and traveled and lived all over the place, building many memories from many destinations. Their guest came from all over as well, so to continue in the tradition, each group of guests was assigned to different tables according to where they were from or knew the bride & groom from. Everywhere from Napa Valley to Gulf Shores to Kansas City to Boston. Each table was decorated according to the destination and each seat at that table had a small, but nice favor that explained the significance and 2-3 framed photos to match. It was awesome.

The extensive gourmet menu was also representative of each location. The cake, by local legend Phyllis, was extraordinary and yummy.

The party was fantastic through the 10.5mm fish-eye lens.

I look forward to the next wedding I have the opportunity to shoot. Coming up next is more Anti-Workshop!

Hmmm…I will have to post about the first wedding I shot (my sister’s wedding) later on. I think it needs to be documented and I’d love to get some feedback on the photos.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile…thief? Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer … car thief? Arizona officer stops the Wienermobile and suspects it was stolen!