North and West Vancouver Wedding

 

What a fun fun fun!! wedding it was! I shot this wedding as a second shooter for Gina-Butter Media- and it was an aweeeeesome experience for me because it was my first time covering an all day wedding. The ceremony was held in Holy Trinity Parish for their ceremony, and the reception at the Hollyburn Country Club. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to upload any of the photos with their faces and names on because of consent issues… Anyways, here are some pics of the day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s Gina right there! She is a fantastic photographer!!:D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well I guess this is it. No more pictures without their faces

Nikki + Carl 09.06.09

On Labor Day weekend, Nikki and Carl made the trip from their home near Frederick, MD for a destination wedding of sorts – they decided to get married at The Fountains in Salisbury, and I was fortunate to be part of their wedding day! We had a great time doing their engagement portraits in Ocean City this summer, so I knew their wedding and reception would be a blast. It was one of my favorite Fountains weddings (and one of the biggest I’ve done!) so far! Here are some of my favorites – the link to the preview is at the bottom!

Here’s the full preview. Enjoy!

Countdown: (11) Where does tradition fit in? Does it?

I will be getting married in a dress that is not white and I am not changing my name.

Are we completely shunning tradition? As a family friend pointed out, I was wore a very shiny tiara at my wedding shower. Indeed, we are picking and choosing what makes sense for us while still laughing along the way. 

The tiara was fun – great fun, actually – and we feminists can all enjoy ourselves.

At the shower, I wore black – a fashion choice above all – and didn’t flinch when I was given a pizza cutter and high quality kitchen scissors. There are some traditions that don’t allow the bride to be to use scissors, cut anything with a sharp object or receive anything sharp. Frankly, the gifts are often related to the kitchen and it is hard to avoid all sharp objects. What good luck comes from missing the opportunity for a friend to share her favorite sharp kitchen tool?

Luck, as we know, is what we decide it is. We make things happen. My fiancé and I are making this wedding happen because we love each other and we want to be one, emotionally and legally. 

Do I look down on a more traditional wedding celebration, shower to honeymoon? Of course not. The true beauty of our diverse, contemporary nation is that we can all make our own choices, and those choices can all be celebrated.

What is a “traditional” marriage to me? It is one in which the gender roles are clearly defined. There is a religious aspect to the purpose of the union and the participants follow prescribed rules – clothing choice, names, roles, etc. 

Of course, there are some useful purposes to tradition. My fiancé wrote in the first part of his guest blog  on traditions that they , “help to build connections across time and place.” In the second part, he notes, “A lot of traditions help solve coordination and cooperation problems.” There are reasons to do things in a familiar way that accomplish a certain goal. We’ve thought a lot about this and I encourage you to read his musings.

We are putting a twist on the traditions that we find meaningful. We aren’t the first to do so and we certainly won’t be the last.

Ellen - South Carolina Bridal Portraits

We thought an elegant, historic location would be beautiful for Ellen’s engagement portrait session.  What better place than Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., where both her parents have worked for many years.  These first lovely images were in McBryde Hall, built in 1909. Built in the eclectic style of a medieval hall, McBryde for years was the primary dining place for Winthrop students. Upperclassmen presided at the heads of tables; students sat in assigned seats for family-style meals.

The hall’s spacious Tudor design accentuates the high hammer-beamed ceilings supported by an elaborate timber system.  We loved the soaring spaces, huge windows and gorgeous wood and flooring.

As we took photographs of Ellen at the grand staircase in Tillman Hall, university staff and faculty who work with her mom and dad gave her hugs and greetings.  She’s been coming on campus since she was a little girl, and clearly she and her family members are loved. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, Tillman Hall is an example of the Romanesque architecture popular in the 1890s.

The covered walkway to the Roddey Apartments offered lovely columns as a backdrop.  Roddey was the first Winthrop facility built in the Neo-Georgian style, setting an architectural trend in campus buildings that would last for more than 45 years.

Julie & James

Julie & James said “I Do” at the beautiful Nesselrod Bed & Breakfast in Radford, VA, also the site where James proposed.  The day started out with the giving of gifts, diamond earrings for Julie and a watch for James.  After a personal wedding ceremony performed by the bride’s brother-in-law, the party began and good times were shared by family and friends!

Weddings

I’m moving over a few of my favorite images from my old site to my new one (this being my new one ).  I moved over some favorite family shots a few days ago.  Today I’m moving wedding shots.  Here are a few of my favorites from the past:

Matt and Michelle – June 2009

I love the symmetry of this one.

 

Favorite detail shot of the day…

 

Matthew and Heather – April 2009

(Bear with me on this one, they had so many gorgeous shots, I had a lot of favorites.)

I love how this one just glows, the light was perfect!

These mints were homemade and out-of-this-world!

Is this not the cutest truck?  It is the perfect wedding accessory, every bride should have one!

Okay, I admit, I’m right proud of this one…

Beautiful shoes Hannah!

 

Brent and Misha – June 2008

(I was not the official photographer at this wedding, just a guest with a camera.)

 

Ryan and Hannah – September 2007

I like going back over pictures from a couple of years ago, I can see where I have improved, and that makes me happy.  All of these brides (and grooms) had gorgeous weddings, and it was up to me to capture that in pictures.  I have another wedding coming up next weekend and I am so excited (and nervous)!  I know it will be beautiful, also!

New Shiloh Events Promo Video!!!

We are SO excited to share our NEW Shiloh Events Promo Video with you! Shiloh Events is the PERFECT place to have your Wedding, Reception, or Event!! Nestled among 65 acres of live oaks and open meadows, you and your guests will delight in the country elegance of a chapel wedding, or an old-fashioned hoedown in the 7000+ sq. ft. barn. Newly restored 1830’s historic chapel seats approximately 125+ guests in air-conditioned comfort. In the event a large wedding is planned, the beautiful grounds and parking areas can accommodate an outdoor wedding and reception on a truly grand scale.

Also Shiloh Events is PERFECT for your:

-Fundraising Events
-Weddings and Receptions
-Rehearsal Dinners
-Birthday Parties
-Holiday Celebrations
-Reunions and Picnics
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-School Carnivals
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-Music Concerts
-Sorority Gatherings

Happy Planning!

www.shilohevents.com

Carnival of Genealogy Posted!

The Carnival of Genealogy was posted earlier today. You can read it here, at Susan Kitchen’s blog.

I did not submit an article this time, primarily for several reasons. I’ve been busy with school work and thus, I have not had much time to write long posts. In addition, I primarily only have the basic details for most of my ancestor’s war stories; there are still many holes in the details and facts in those stories. I still have more research to do. Plus, I’m a little hesitant to post stories in light of the recent Ancestry.com controversy. I’m still erring on the side of the caution.

Anyhow, the next Carnival of Genealogy topic is on weddings. Hopefully, I’ll be able to contribute an article.

Speaking of weddings, a book you might want to read is All Dressed in White: The Irresistible Rise of the American Wedding by Carol McD. Wallace (New York: Penguin Books, 2004). I have not yet finished the book, but this book deals with history of weddings. In short, it is book on an aspect of U. S. social history.

Originally posted on September 18, 2007.

more fun details

So I tried to get quite a bit in my last post as far as images go. I realized I forgot to include some of the pictures I was describing. D’oh! I got a little excited, but let me get a little more carried away. Come with me to Haley & Kenny’s wedding Definitely worthy of an editorial feature ala Grace Ormonde.

I would really like to know how many pedals were needed to carpet this aisle. It was so beautiful! Below that, the picture with the crystals hanging, that is a chandelier hung inside the tent with orchids hanging from each strand. So beautiful! Below that is the cocktail area, they had a martini ice luge and fabulous lounge furniture. The peacock feathers adorned everything, and accented the color theme beautifully especially the modern wrapped white chairs with the rhinestones, love how that looked. Those chair covers were stunning.

hayley + kenny montreaux

So much went into the making of this fabulous wedding, and I want to make sure to mention everyone that was involved in creating such a spectacular event. I was inspired by so many things I almost didn’t know when to stop! That’s always a good thing. I had a blast doing Hayley & Kenny’s engagement pictures last winter and I had just as much fun playing with them at their wedding day too. We went to the Stremmel Gallery for some pictures before the ceremony, oh how I love color, the red and yellow walls over there were fantastic scenes to shoot with. So lucky to have been able to shoot there beforehand. This was the 2nd time I had the chance to work with Katina Issacson of Sierra Floral Design, man, this woman is talented she created a masterful display of flowers for the church and the reception.  The wedding coordinator was Kerry from Blu Sky Events, they always do a fabulous job as well, everything went off without a hitch! Their ceremony was at the Trinity Episcopal church in downtown Reno and the reception followed at the exclusive, Montreaux Country Club. I have to say the aisle was nothing short of amazing. I have never seen an aisle decorated so exquisitely before. A carpet of roses with an s pattern interlaced throughout. The perfect combination of modern and elegance.

Bridal Portraits

Last Saturday was a blast!  I was able to get out and help a bride with her Bridal Portraits…Long story short, another photographer was supposed to do the session but backed out, and get this, by texting the bride the day before.  No real explanation, just canceled.  I cannot believe a photographer has the nerve … things happen and that is why you explain, but when you are scheduled weeks in advance … well you get the point.

But Tracy Autem of Tracy Autem Photography refered her over to me and I was actually available for a few hours on Saturday!

The couple hours we spent together were a blast! She had a great attitude, was great to work with, and her family kept us all laughing.

Of course I cannot post any pics till after the wedding…don’t want the husband to be see…so in a few weeks I will post some for you all to see!

Etiquette #1 - Family Ties

A wedding is about tying the knot - not getting into a tug of war with your in-laws to be.

In a day and age where there seem to be no rules, it is worth asking whether there is still role for etiquette.

I would argue that it is and that the desire for formality and grace is still very much in evidence when a bride plans her wedding day. Even the most laidback woman who generally has no time for finishing school-style manners will want to have some custom observed on her day.

This will be the first of an occasional series looking at traditional wedding customs that still have relevance today.

So why not begin at the beginning with the engagement?

While it might be argued that an engagement and the subsequent wedding and marriage is a private affair, it should be pointed out that the bride and groom-to-be are each to be members of a new family and it is important for future domestic harmony that families get to know one another before the wedding day.

American author and wedding etiquette doyenne, Marguerite Bentley in her 1947 book Wedding Etiquette Complete observes:

“Although the formalities between you two families may seem foolish and unnecessary, think about them quite seriously, for they really are important. On those occasion when your families are not well acquainted and if distance permits, the parents of your fiance should pay a call on your parents shortly after the engagement has been accepted by your parents. Strictly speaking, it should be made within twenty-four hours, though some latitude may be given this allotment of time. If your fiance’s parents are not living, some other member of his family should make this call, and it should be returned by your mother or father and yourself. Strictly speaking again, the return call should be within three days, but actually a more comfortable allowance of time may elapse.

If the families live at a great distance from each other and the above procedure is not practical, an arrangements should be made for them to meet each other as soon as possible, well in advance of the date when the marriage is to take place. This is not a mere formality but a matter of great importance. Some marriages would never have taken place if this custom had been carefully observed. In fact, if possible, it is highly desireable for the families to become acquainted with each other.

Marriage is a social matter, It is a junction between two families and totally different backgrounds are not usually conducive to its success. Romantic attraction for various reasons may draw two persons together, but the steady flame of love must be nurtured by fundamental conceptions of life. Meet the members of your fiance’s family and get to know them; I offer the same advice to him. The happiness of your future may depend upon this.

Etiquette is usually founded upon wisdom and has the most practical aspects.”

I couldn’t agree more.

My Top Ten Wedding Photos

When you are hired to do a wedding you always try and prepare to the fullest. You make sure all your equipment is in working order, you batteries are charged and you have your creative cap on. You always get your must have photos. You know, the kiss, the bridal party, and the parents. After you get all of the “must have” pictures then you can have some fun! You can try new things or be on the lookout for that special moment when the couple doesn’t think that anyone is watching. This is when I usually manage to get “the one”. That one picture that says it all.  These are my top ten wedding photos that I think say…everything!

tulsa birthday parties

If you are looking for innovative ways to make someone’s birthday party epic this year, then you have come to the right place because DJ Connection is your connection to fun and entertainment. With our team of elite planners on staff we will help make this year’s birthday a memorable one.
For more information on how you can connect with the area’s best businesses call DJ Connection today at:
972-408-6580 – www.djconnectiondallas.com
405-201-5380 – www.djconnectionokc.com
918-481-2010 – www.djconnectiontulsa.com

For additional pricing information call 918-481-2010.

At DJ Connection we believe that all Americans (& non-Americans) have the fundamental right to boogie and “jam out” to YOUR favorite tunes at YOUR next party (regardless of size). Which is why all of our packages do include to following (and complimentary high-fives per request):

1) Customized Playlists – Any music you want, we will get it (as long as it is purchaseable.)

2) Customizeable Light Show - We will glady customize our light show to create the great danceable ambiance, aura & atmosphere that YOUR party needs to get to the “Next Level.”

3) Interactive, Professional & Personable DJs – All of our DJ Connection DJs are more flexible than gymnasts when it comes to accomodating your party’s unique needs…as we drink heavy and consistent amounts of fish oil to maintain our supreme flexibility.

4) Professional Sound – At DJ Connection we believe that quality leads to quantity, and that is why all our DJs use industry-standard audio gear including: JBL, Cerwin Vega & Yamaha Audio powered by Crowne amplifiers.

5) Party Planning – At DJ Connection we believe that pre-imptive planning is the best way to eliminate margin for error and to insure the greatness, pageantry and wonderment of your next event.

*For pricing & additional Information and to be connected to the “number-one DJs in the Tulsa area” (Modern Bride Magazine 2005) call (918) 481-2010…

Listed below are some fabulous articles about Tulsa DJs:
*http://www.tulsazoo.org/general.cfm?id=192
*http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?subjectID=93&articleID=20080812_93_B5_ULNSOU387538
*http://articles.directorym.com/Throw_a_Grown_Up_Birthday_Bash_Tulsa_OK-r902953-Tulsa_OK.html
*http://miltownnews.blogspot.com/2008/04/tulsa-birthday.html
*http://imikimi.com/main/view_kimi/111460483
*http://blogs.reuters.com/from-reuterscom/2007/05/22/birthday-milestone-tulsa-style/
*http://www.djconnectiontulsa.com/index.cfm?id=2
*http://tulsa.craigslist.org/evs/
*http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=24310
*http://www.djconnectiondallas.com/index.cfm?id=6
*http://www.djconnectiontulsa.com/index.cfm?id=3
*http://www.tulsacelebrations.com/cakes.html
*http://djclay1.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/tulsa-birthday-party-djs-a-dj-connection-service/

http://www.djconnectiontulsa.com/index.cfm?id=52
http://www.tulsacelebrations.com/tulsa_dj.html
http://www.myaffair.com/b/Oklahoma-DJ-Equipment~PA_System-Birthday_Party.htm
http://www.djconnectiontulsa.com/index.cfm?id=154
http://www.djconnectiontulsa.com/index.cfm?id=134
http://en.wordpress.com/tag/tulsa-djs/
http://djconnectionstulsa.com/index.cfm?id=1
http://www.djconnectionokc.com/index.cfm?id=6

http://motivationalspeakertulsa.com/2009/08/25/birthday-party-dj/

“CLAY CLARK AND DJ CONNECTION TAKES YOU TO THE NEXT LEVEL”
The MTV show “My Super Sweet 16″ takes you on a wild ride behind the scenes for all the drama, surprises and over-the-top fun as teens prepare for their most important coming-of-age celebrations. Meet the kids who are determined to go all out to mark this major turning point in their lives, the parents who lavish every wish, and find out first hand what it’s really like to turn 16 these days. From the first phone call to set up an appointment, and throughout your EVENT, our event planners will personally assist you with your affair. With all of the services we offer under one roof, and owned by one company, you will have the feeling of security that your affair will be a huge success. With all of the services we offer under one roof, and owned by one company, you will have the feeling of security that your affair will be a huge success. Since 1980 Clay Clark and DJ Connection have been serving the tri-state area and beyond, traveling throughout the US. With over 15 years of experience with Weddings, Sweet 16s, Mitzvahs and Corporate Events as well as being fully insured, simply puts our clients minds at ease, that DJ Connection will handle their event in a personable and professional manner. Whether a Sweet 16, Quinceaneara or Mitzvah, these kids expect and will only accept the absolute best. Now, it’s up to them to make sure jealous siblings, stressed out parents and school rivals don’t get in the way. This series gives you an up close and very personal look at the extravagant and sometimes extreme measures teens take to ensure that this milestone in their lives is commemorated by the ultimate celebration.

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http://www.partypractical.com/vendors/birthday-party-supplies/oklahoma/tulsa/listings.html
http://www.tulsazoo.org/PlanAnEvent/BirthdayParties/
http://www.tauw.org/tauw/Calendar_-_85th_Birthday_Party.asp?SnID=2
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1785977&assetId=34EED3E3-0C47-4DF2-ADD9-246346848A6D
http://www.mypartyplanner.com/search/event/Birthday/Tulsa_find235.html
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=tulsa+birthday+parties&start=10&sa=N&fp=794df93583f0deba
http://www.decidio.com/local-businesses/decorations-tulsa-oklahoma-s42.html
http://tulsa.kijiji.com/c-For-sale-For-babies-kids-Joyful-Jumps-Jupiter-Jumps-Birthday-Party-Reunion-School-Church-W0QQAdIdZ126679437
http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/hotels/specials_detail_popup.jhtml?ctyhocn=TULESES&promoId=125930005
http://www.djconnectiontulsa.com/index.cfm?id=134
http://www.partypractical.com/party-vendors/birthday-party/oklahoma/tulsa.html
http://www.918moms.com/directory/index.cfm?groupid=2008042417110923
http://motivationalspeakertulsa.com/2009/09/22/tulsa-birthday-parties/
We’ve been in business for over a decade. We are a business that has been providing entertainment services to the Tulsa and surrounding areas for years. Services include but are not limited to weddings, private parties, School functions, local nightclubs, and corporate events. Our DJ and Karaoke equipment is top notch and pricing is very competitive. If you have an entertainment need and you want to make an impact with your guests, look no further. Our fun, yet professional, team will be there to make your birthday an EPIC EXTRAVAGANZA for everyone!!! As Always DJ Connection specialize in Wedding Receptions, Quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteen, Mitzvahs, Corporate Events, Baby Showers, Holiday Parties, Anniversaries, Grand Openings, Birthday Parties, School Functions, House Parties, Proms, Reunions, Pool Parties, Graduations, Morps, Back to school Bashes, Homecomings, NPO’s, non profit organizations, Child’s birthday party in tulsa, best places to have a kid’s birthday party in tulsa, kid’s birthday in tulsa, top 10 places to have a birthday in tulsa, best places for kid’s birthday party in tulsa, best places for children’s birthday party in tulsa, party in tulsa, birthday party in tulsa, ideas for kid’s birthday party in tulsa, ideas for child’s birthday party in tulsa, tulsa astros, tulsa dynamo, tulsa astros birthday party, tulsa dynamo birthday party, children’s Party tulsa, Children’s Parties tulsa, Kids Party tulsa, Children’s tulsa, Child tulsa, Child’s tulsa, Childrens Party Games tulsa, Childrens Birthday Party Supplies tulsa, Childrens Birthday Party tulsa, Childrens Party tulsa, Childrens Birthday Parties tulsa, Childrens Birthday Party Supplies tulsa, Childrens Birthday Party tulsa, Childrens Birthday Parties tulsa, Kids Party tulsa, Children Party Ideas tulsa, Kids tulsa, Kid tulsa, Child tulsa, Birthday Location tulsa, Kids Birthday Locations tulsa, Children Entertainment tulsa, Childrens Entertainment tulsa, Boys Birthday Party tulsa, Girls Birthday Party tulsa, Balloon Animals tulsa, Parties tulsa, Pirate Parties tulsa, Pirate tulsa, Princess tea parties tulsa, Teapots tulsa, Princess party supplies tulsa, Children’s jewelry tulsa, Mad Science tulsa, Princess Parties tulsa, fun, entertainment, birthday parties, birthday party, dj connection birthday party, group events, sports team party, school  field trips, corporate  teambuilding, teamwork workshop, adventure game, interactive game, dj connection membership, laser tag, laser tag membership, dj connection laser tag, dj connection game, laser tag adventure game, dj connection laser tag adventure, dj connection field trip. dj connection team building, and many more…

Queensberry Album Slideshow

I am delighted to announce that I have now incorporated Queensberry albums into my options for stunning, bespoke options.  Queensberry are a long established album manufacturer from New Zealand, offering clients a wide range of shapes and sizes and covers, layouts and styles.  Once again the bride and groom select their images for inclusion in the album and I will then design the layout which can be checked prior to final ordering.  I have two stunning albums as well as parent options, which will be on view at Buxted Park Wedding Fayre on the 4th October 2009 and at the Designer Wedding Show at Battersea Park on the 9-11th October 2009.  Here are a couple of slideshows from these albums.done var vars = {javascriptid: 'video-1', width: '400', height: '224', locksize: 'no'}; var params = {allowfullscreen: 'true', allowscriptaccess: 'always', seamlesstabbing: 'true', overstretch: 'true'}; swfobject.embedSWF('http://v.wordpress.com/hpS8Mal3', 'video-1', '400', '224', '9.0.115','http://v.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/video/expressInstall2.swf', vars, params);

[gallery columns="5"]

Amanda and Josh's Wedding Photos

Amanda and Josh’s wedding on the weekend was a beautiful event. Boulevard Gardens at Indooroopilly provided a fantastic backdrop for the ceremony and a classic feel was added to the day with the lace details of Amanda’s dress and an FJ Holden Wedding Car, a casual stroll down the road towards the Walter Taylor bridge providing the location for the bridal party photos.

I think that the key ingredient for the perfect day was the people. Amanda, Josh and the Bridal party were a delight to photograph as we took a casual stroll down the road towards the Walter Taylor bridge.

Lauren & Brian

Lauren and Brian’s wedding brought me back to where I spent my first year of marriage- Brooklyn, N.Y. While I love New England, I also love New York City and have a particular affection for Brooklyn. Lauren and Brian chose Bubby’s as their reception site. Bubby’s has incredible views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. And, as if that isn’t enough, their food is incredible!

Congratulations Lauren and Brian! I loved being part of your day. And thank you for taking me back to my roots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pink Conch and Murex Wedding Congrats Card

Beach themed wedding congratulations card with seashell photography on the front and a message inside that reads, “On your wedding day we send best wishes for a happy life together”.

Conchs and Murex by millhill

See other Seashell photography Cards This photograph contains the Pink Murex shell and two Queen (or pink) conchs. If you want to know more about seashells visit my homepage here or my Seashell Identification blog.

Tyler and Faith

Faith and Tyler were married under the beauty of Oregon trees and the bright summer sky. As Faith walked down the isle to Sigur Ros, everyone held their breath in awe, yet Tyler had a huge smile on his face. It was one of the most intimate ceremonies I have seen, yet unique in the fact that as his first act as a husband, Tyler poured Faith a cup of freshly brewed coffee Although this may seem odd to you, it’s moments like this that truly make a wedding personal.

So here’s a toast to the both of you:

May your marriage grow stronger through the years and

may you love one another more than this day.

The day you committed to becoming man and wife.

Driver of the week: Denise Gonzalez

Age: 54.

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri, native!

Why I Drive: I just love to drive. I love meeting all the new people — you don’t feel like you’re working. It’s not just the same old, same old.

What I do when I’m not driving: I enjoy life after having raised four children as a single parent.

Personal car: 2002 PT Cruiser. The gas economy is better than the Jeep I had!

First car: A 1967 Camaro convertible Supersport. It was yellow with a black top. Wish I had it now!

Favorite limo moment: The neatest one was a wedding, a trip I did to Des Moines, Iowa, for some Czech people. I got to drive the whole thing — wedding, reception, all of it. I liked all their customs. We drove in a long procession all over town — ten cars with flags on them, all honking horns!

You don’t have to live in Des Moines to book Denise as your driver. Call Pech Limousine at 816-756-3100 and request her for your next outing!

That's Amore!

Being the avid F1 enthusiasts that we are, when my boyfriend Scott told me we were going on a last minute, jet-setting weekend to the F1 Grand Prix of Monza, I was naturally super-excited. What I was not expecting was that he master-minded the entire weekend.

On Saturday evening after a beautiful day spent at the track and in Bellagio, while dining at La Piazzetta in Lago di Como and to my complete surprise, he popped the question and … I said… YES!

I said YES!

The planner has officially become the bride! Looks like I will be taking a break to walk The Wedding Show for some of my own ideas in January.

Our spot in Lago di Como

Lori and Eli preview wedding photos!

I really wanted to wait for Eli and Lori’s highlight video to be finished before posting a few of their wedding photos, but its not quite done yet (so close though!).   I didn’t want to get behind in my photo posting, so here go a few from Lori and Eli’s wedding =>

I started out the day with Lori and her bridesmaids at Lori’s parents house:

One of my favorites from the day, was a total accident.  We were leaving to go to the church, and we left the house through the garage where I spotted Dad’s classic Ford.   I love cars, so of course I got excited and decided I really needed to photograph Lori in the car.   Dad rolled the car out the garage, Lori got in, and I snapped a few quick shots:

On to the church, where I got to hang with Eli and his groomsmen.

Commandeering the baseball field was one of the highlights of the day.  My only regret is not getting more photos on the field, but I was feeling mad guilty for interrupting the little league game.

Props to the pastor at St. Alexander’s in Farmington.  This was the most entertaining wedding ceremony I’ve ever been to (at least in an actual real church),  he was great!   Here’s a couple from the ceremony:

The reception at the Best Western Sterling Inn was a blast!   I especially enjoyed their action-packed introductions, photo booth, and DJ Emmitt.   DJ and photo booth provided by Platinum Mix Productions. Here’s a link to check out all the photo booth fun:

http://picasaweb.google.com/platinummix/EliLoriSPhotoBooth#

So many fun dancing photos, still working on finishing up reception stuff, but here’s a couple of  my favorites from Lori and Eli’s dance:

Awesome wedding!  Congratulations Eli and Lori!

Karen & Matt

Karen and Matt – What a setting!  You had such a beautiful backyard wedding..well I guess it was actually a “front” yard wedding.   Either way it was gorgeous and I thank you guys for being so flexible with me.  It made for such an easy stress-free day, with some great photos of you guys to show for it!

 

Video Wednesday: The Wedding Singer....

A little over a year ago my daughter ‘79 got married. My son ‘88 thought and thought about what he could give her as a present. He didn’t have any money so he decided to give her something from the heart. He talked his sister ‘80 and her husband Mike, as well as their Uncle into playing her favorite song from the 1980’s at the wedding. This was a secret of course and ‘79 knew nothing about it until the introduction started. A few friends pitched in to round out the band and “voila” we are suddenly doing our own version of the Von Trappe family from “Sound of Music”. “88 is so nervous he had the lyrics on paper and his hands shook so badly you can see it on the video. He is a bass player and is always in the background, this was his first vocal performance. The song is “Take on Me” by A-ha.

This was taken by a friend and the quality is not very good so don’t judge! It only took a year for ‘73 to put it together in a format I could use, which for him is fast. He is still working on the videos of ’80’s wedding from 3 years ago, again don’t judge. So here is ‘88 on vocals, ‘80 on trombone, Mike and J. on trumpet, T. on drums, and Uncle Marty on keyboard……The Band.

When I had kids the one thing I was determined to do as a Mom more than anything else was to instill a love of music in them. I am so glad I did. Everyone in this family, except me, plays at least one instrument. It has enriched their lives beyond anything I could have hoped for. So be forewarned if you invite us to your party we may just break out in song because after all, we’re a band and I’m the roadie/manager.

Chris & Melanie's Wedding :)

Sometimes it’s painful getting those beautiful diamond earrings your fiance buys for you for your wedding day in your ear

I kind of sort of helped a bit with the flowers…so I had to get a good shot

I love the smiles of happy people just before they get married!!!!

I don’t know what happened, but I had a lot of ring shots from their wedding!! Here’s one

They had many talented friends helping with the wedding. Can you guess what this one was doing?

Kiss your bride!

Ahhhh YESSSSSSSSSS

This is about as normal as I get with my photography I like all these smiling faces. I just do

So, they had a super laid back reception. Probably the most super of the laid backs I’ve seen! They didn’t even have dancing….so I made them do their first dance for me

It was beautiful Even with out music

Toasts!!!!!

Hello July 2010 couple! I can’t wait!

Look at the surprise the groomsmen came up with….

Yep, they attached it to the getaway car. I had to get a picture. I just had to! They were all so proud of their work!

Their reaction to the “for sale” sign

And some of the last ones left at the end of the evening. I love the ones who stay to the end!!!!

Chris and Melanie had a super sweet and super intimate ceremony at the Wiedemann Hill Mansion in Newport, KY. I had never shot there before and I was pretty impressed with their service! Everyone was super nice and helpful!!! I love nice people!!!!

Their ceremoney was so very short, sweet, and simple – it just couldn’t have been better! They put their friends to work helping them with the whole thing – and let me tell you these friends were awesome help! They toasted them wonderfully, were super happy, and I don’t think anyone could have done a better job!

The whole day was beautiful and perfect! Which is exactly what they deserved

Congratulations Melanie and Chris! Your images are done and I can’t wait to show them to you!!!!!!!!!

History Inspired Invite

I think I want a history inspired invite with this in it:

My Dearest Friend,

…should I draw you the picture of my heart it would be what I hope you would still love though it contained nothing new.  The early possession you obtained there, and the absolute power you have obtained over it, leaves not the smallest space unoccupied.

I look back to the early days of our acquaintance and friendship as to the days of love and innocence, and, with an indescribable pleasure, I have seen near a score of years roll over our heads with an affection heightened and improved by time, nor have the dreary years of absence in the smallest degree effaced from my mind the image of the dear untitled man to whom I gave my heart.

Abigail Adams to John Adams, her husband.  He became the second president of the United States.  Written December 23, 1782

It would be fun to give guests a presidential love notes/or historical love notes quiz!

Sneak peek: Married on Block Island--Meghan & Gregg

I know, I know, when do you ever see two posts in one day from me?

When I’m faced with this much awesomeness, that’s when.

I just love this photo, truly showing the no-fuss,  relaxed nature of this bride and groom. They wanted a happy and fun celebration with their clan, and they definitely got it–their good karma even kept a hurricane away, that’s how much they rock!

More soon, M & G!

Jung Hyung Don's Wedding

Comedian Jung Hyung Don got married to variety show writer Han Yoo Ra on the 13th. And judging by the pictures that have been released, it was a lovely and joyful occasion for all. Jung Hyung Don looks so cute and happy. Many, many congratulations to him and his bride!

It was, of course, a star-studded wedding, with guests including Jung’s fellow Infinity Challenge members, and popular comedians like Kang Ho Dong and Hyun Young. Singers Bada and Kim Jong Kook sang the congratulatory songs, while comedian Yoo Jae Seok officiated. The happy couple are honeymooning in Hawaii.

The wedding itself:

Jung Hyung Don addressing reporters before the wedding:

(I love how Park Myung Soo’s manager is with him. Hehe.)

The guests:

Boom

Im Ha Ryong

Jo Won Seok and Kang Ho Dong

Park Myung Soo

Married couple Kim Ji Hye and Park Joon Hyung

Noh Hong Chul and Kim Na Woon

Kim Na Young, Bada and Hyun Young.

Yoo Jae Seok

…dancing. Tee hee.

Park Soo Hong and Kim Yong Man

Kim Jae Dong and Gil

Lee Yoon Seok

Park Gun Hyung

Lee Soo Geun

Jo Hye Ryun

Moon Sae Yoon

Hong Rok Gi

Seo Kyung Seok

Jung Joon Ha

…also dancing. Seriously, tee hee, but WTF?

Kim Hyo Jin

Jung Sung Ho, looking very creepy, might I add.

Jeon Hyun Moo

(Via Naver News)

wedding: jaylee and georg

beautiful bride, awesome groom and big horses, O MY!

a few days before the wedding, jaylee and georg met up with us to do an e-session which turned out great (posted below this topic)! during that session, georg and i talked about one of his groomsman, chris. i have known chris since the 2nd grade and it was crazy that our paths had crossed after so many years (we graduated from HS many years ago and lost contact).

as the day came for the wedding, i grew excited as i had a good time with the couple and knew that this wedding was going to be great. jaylee, a beautiful bride, was full of smiles and very laid back. a trait that most brides do not have =) georg was also cool and collected. their demeanors made the day go so smoothly and after the ceremony we headed out to otter lake lodge for the reception. before we got there, we pulled over and got some photos with the horses that jaylee rides during the summer months around downtown anchorage! this was my first time photographing a couple with horses and it was fun! i love those large animals, they are pretty awesome!

enough of my jibba jabba, on to the photos!

a few from the day…

cheers!

chris

A year ago today: Monica & Glenn

We’re delighted to start our September one-year anniversaries off with Monica & Glenn, whose wedding we photographed a year ago today at beautiful Keswick Hall here in Charlottesville. It was hard to imagine a more fun-loving couple that day–laid back and relaxed and just going with the flow. We had so much fun with them and it was great catching up recently to see how they’ve been doing and to ask them about their favorite images. This is what they had to say:

From Monica:

The first time I saw my Dad on my wedding day…being an only child…and only daughter…what an emotional, yet calming moment to see his face and he peered at me…and took it all it.  I could only imagine what was going through his head.  I actually gave him this photo for his birthday in July..and it still brought tears to his eyes.  I’ll always be Daddy’s little girl.

I LOVE this picture….pic of me from the outside through the doors dancing on the dance floor.  This one always cracks me up as I truly thought I was the only one dancing all night long.  From our video that was not the case…but looking at this picture it seems to be the case

Glenn’s picks (as told through Monica):

This is Glenn’s fav pic of me…whenever he looks at this he just says aww….he notes its the perfect embodiment of how I am…this is the way he will always remember me.  You both truly brought out the beauty in me!!!  Thank you

Glenn kissing me during our first dance – what a great picture…it the perfect way to start life together…dancing amongst friends and family…and than having a moment…

Our grand entrance to our reception – don’t we look like rock stars???

From both:

Final Dance – we LOVE this pic….what a perfect pic to close the best day of our lives!!!

Us walking through the flowers – again, what a perfect pic – completely captures the beauty of the surroundings…and well…us too.  This pic is everywhere…our screensavers, phones….we love it!!

Portrait of us in the archway holding hands…a little bit of love…a little bit of pose

Wow…I didn’t think we were going to be able to do it…narrow down only a few favs…as practically every pic you both took of us and our day were our favs.  Something to continue to look at for years and reminisce on the awesome day!!!

Thanks so much, Monica and Glenn, for sharing these with us! It’s always fun seeing what our clients choose as their favorite images.

[Via http://hollandphotoarts.wordpress.com]

smooth operator.

hey guys! it was so fun hearing about your family traditions in my last post. sounds like everyone has some fun things they look forward to each year.  i know i am looking forward to the holidays for some more traditional adventures.

well, it is one of those blog-at-1-in-the-morning type of posts.. so this will be short and sweet. REAL sweet actually, because i whipped up blender upon blender upon BLENDER of fresh fruit smoothies tonight!

but before i show you all that, let’s take it from the top!

the top was not too early today. i set my alarm with good intentions to go to a spinning class at 8 AM~somehow turned the blaring alarm off and had no dogs sleeping with me to pull me out of bed.. so i rolled over until 10!  i know most of you are early risers, but i have no shame in saying i can sleep in. and i can sleep in LATE. i could have kept sleeping when i woke up at 10 but i knew i had a busy day.  i could probably be a professional sleeper, i would be real good at it!

i went straight to the gym for some HIIT!  i never get to workout first thing after i wake up because, well, it is impossible for me to make myself get up before work to go to the gym. trust me, i’ve tried.

i made some leaps and bounds, i am not sure if it was because i was running on an empty stomach or if i just had a power boost, but i set a new personal high for average heart rate and also a personal best for 20 min HIIT distance (on the treadmill).

the whole point of high intensity interval training is to get your HR to go up and down in intervals, but it is also important to have your overall average HR at a higher level, hence the term “high intensity”.  i was glad i cranked it up a notch today!

(numbers are in miles per hour)

• 2 min @ 6.0
• 1 min @ 6.5
• 1 min @ 7.0
• 1 min @ 7.5
• 1 min @ 8.0
• 1 min @ 6.5
• 1 min @ 7.0
• 1 min @ 7.5
• 1 min @ 8.0
• 1 min @ 6.5
• 1 min @ 7.0
• 1 min @ 7.5
• 1 min @ 8.0
• 1 min @ 6.5
• 1 min @ 7.0
• 1 min @ 7.5
• 1 min @ 8.0
• 1 min @ 10.0<—high point
• 1 min @ 5.0

stats: 20 minutes, max HR 183, average HR 158, calories 169

i was a sweaty mess after this, always a good feeling.  i know the amount you sweat does not determine how good of a workout you got.. but it sure feels good to sweat a lot, don’t you all agree?!

meal 1: egg scramble (mushrooms+onions+peppers+goat cheese) & 2 waffles with naturally more PB

by the time noon hit i had already downed over a half gallon of water. i was parched!

i had a lot of errands to run this afternoon:

• took 2 pair of jeans to the seamstress (i am a shortie! gotsta hem them)
• picked up a birthday gift for my mom
• went to the local fish market for tomorrow’s dinner supplies
• went to the local mexican market for tomorrow’s dinner supplies
• went to the grocery store to get stuff for tomorrow’s dinner

as you can see, lots of prepping for tomorrow! i will be cooking a delish dinner so make sure you check back tomorrow night

once i got to my mom’s i was famished and still had a lot to do so i blended up a quick little drank…

meal 2: chocolate protein shake @ 4:00 PM

do you want to know what is crazy? i hadn’t checked today’s national food holiday before i had this, then i checked and it turned out that today was national chocolate milkshake day!! oh, i am just that good.

this just had a scoop of protein powder, a cup of almond milk and ice. i didn’t throw a carb in because i knew i would be eating one of the fruit shishkebabs during the wedding reception!

i changed into my beach attire—it was a beach themed reception which was kind of fun, i liked that it was casual and not super dressy!

marshall & i set up the tiki hut with our 3 blenders and smoothie supplies!

marshall looks happy to be there, no?

the three kinds we were whipping up:

it was a whirlwind! i was blending like caaarazy.. people were taking the smoothies faster than we could make them!

finally there was a lull in the crowd and we got to take a break…

 

 

and i got to have some fruit~

my dad joined in on the lounging..

and then it was back to work, blending, business as usual! i could open a smoothie stand of my own!

whew.. enough smoothie photos, sorry if that was overkill!

when we were done we helped clean things up, i got a killer arm workout carrying bunches of chairs from the yard to the truck and then unloading them later on. my flappers—as my mom so lovingly calls them—are sore!

it is safe to say i was starving.

meal 3: grilled chicken salad @ 8:30 PM

marshall and i went to a spot called cafe rio (you SLC kids know about it, obv) but it is a real good mexican joint and their salads are to die for.. and usually around 1500-2000 calories a pop! i kept it clean though.. it was a rough order: “grilled chicken salad, no cheese on the tortilla, no beans, no rice, shredded lettuce, EXTRA pico, no.. no.. MORE pico please, extra cilantro, no tortilla strips.. yes! perfect! thanks kind sir.”

yes there was chicken hiding in there..

messy photo. sorry. but with that much pico, who needs dressing? not me!

well, that is the extent of eats in my day. i didn’t get a lot of meals in but i did wake up later than usual so i still managed to eat every 4 or so hours.. that is good.

came back to marshall’s and finished off season 4 of weeds so now we have to start watching season 5 online. dang that show is good!

oh and my girl emily notified me that the new larabar flavors have been spotted in the SLC! thanks for the tip girl! can’t wait to try that PBJ one.

serious time.. feel free to skip to the Qs at the end now and not read this, it could be long.. it could be boring.. but i gotta say a few things for myself.

i am not weighing myself these days. but i tried some pants on today.. well.. like 5 pair of jeans to be exact. let me just say i thought they would fit me by now and they still don’t.  i have been busting my ass these past 5 weeks and i am afraid i am not making the progress i am capable of, judging from my first go-around with body for life.  i have looked at everything i am doing under a microscope and picked through my workouts and meals with a fine toothed comb. everything i am doing is the same—if not better—than the first time around.  my workouts are intense and my eating is polished and i take my rest days and i drink my water.

i know, i know, i did not gain the weight in 5 weeks so i can’t expect it to be gone in 5 weeks, but i did expect to have a lot more progress than i have had. it is frustrating.  i don’t know what to do! and now i am real nervous to go to seattle on thursday.. and be on vacation for 4 days.. afraid i will screw up what little progress i have made.

it is crazy that i am typing this. i am the queen of knowing what to do in every situation.  i am the girl who people come to for advice about how to stay on track while out of town.  i know i can take my travel home gym and i know how to eat right when eating out. but i still am just kinda blah about the whole seattle thing because i haven’t made the progress i’d hoped for.

it is hard to deal with weight gain. way hard. yeah i was a fat kid before, but then i worked hard and got to where i needed to be.. and that was rad! last november i was in the very best shape of my life and i felt great.  i didn’t hate walking past a mirror in the store, cringing at the reflection, and i didn’t have to worry about grabbing one of my 20 pair of jeans and wonder if they wouldn’t fit.  it felt good.  damn good. 

and then i threw all my progress out the window and i am mad at myself.  it is true. i am not getting all depressed-mode or anything, but i think it is important for me to be honest with everyone, honest with myself, and let it be known that i am pissed off that i let all my hard work go to pot. NO, i am not in horrible shape, but i am not where i want to be. and know that i WAS there a short 9 months ago kills me! duh janetha. and then to do the motions and eat the foods i know i should eat and not see the progress i know i saw once before? well that just straight baffles me.

so like i said, i am frustrated, and i am rambling, but i believe it is probably good for me to get it off my chest. i want to be my normal, happy, food loving, fun having self when i go to seattle.. i just hope i can be.

end rant.

ha. if you read that, then thank you.. and i am not asking for any pity, i was just venting some of my feelings, part of why i blog

hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

momma b’s birthday celebration tomorrow, can’t wait to cook up a storm and have some good times with the fam!!

Qs

1. what do you want/was your wedding reception like? dressy? casual? dinner? just dessert? tiki hut with janetha and marshall blending smoothies? we are available for hire

2. do you workout better in the morning or later in the day? i think later in the day i have much more energy, but i feel like i get a better “burn” when i workout in the morning. does that even make sense?

[Via http://mealsandmoves.wordpress.com]

Movies and other things

Well this is a fairly momentous weekend – it’s Saturday night and I watched a Movie!  Normally on Saturday nights I am working, catching up on transcription which needs to be completed by Sunday night – and because I like having Sunday off with the kids – Saturday is usually head down … tap, tap, tapping away … working.

However, this weekend I don’t have any transcription to do – so I took advantage of the break in work to get out a movie to watch.  I’ve decided one of the things that really sucks about being single is watching movies on your own.  If you really love it, you’ve got no one to share it with – if you really hate it, you’ve got no one to complain to!

I watched “The Reader” which won Kate Winslet the Best Actress Oscar this year.  It was a pretty amazing film.  Whilst I didn’t agree with some of the content (like a 30+ year old woman having an affair with a 15 year old!), it was very well done and thought provoking.

I also went to a wedding today (phew, I have been busy).  It’s the second wedding I’ve been to since I’ve been separated and they don’t get any easier.  It’s hard to listen to the vows, all the while thinking “I said that and totally meant it, but somehow it didn’t work out for me”?!  Hard – but something that you have to get through.  We’ve had 2 young couples get married at our church in the last month or so, with another wedding coming up in December.  There’s nothing more special than watching a bride walk into the church and down the aisle to her beaming husband-to-be.  It does your heart good. 

I hope you are having a lovely weekend?  I’m going to have an early night and catch up on my beauty sleep while I can.

Thanks for stopping by.

Fee x

[Via http://onbeingsingle.wordpress.com]

Sept 5, 2009 Wedding: Jessica & Jason

Last weekend I photographed the wedding of Jessica and Jason, two highschool sweethearts.  The beautiful wedding was at Jessica’s parents house in Eastwood, Ky.  Fortunately, the weather played along. Below are just a few of my favorite pictures:

Something blue....a gift from Jason to Jessica.

Jason and his brother Daniel.

Congratulations guys! It was a fun party! 

 

[Via http://ninagreipel.wordpress.com]

Shower Day!

It’s shower day!! The house looks SO CUTE thanks to Mama and Lenka who came over last night to clean, hang pictures, hang the Roman shade Mama made and get everything prepped.  It looks like a real adult lives in my house! I’ve got fresh batteries in my camera and I’ll post pictures of the cuteness as soon as I wake up tomorrow (so don’t expect anything before 4 in the afternoon, haha.)

In the meantime, enjoy these lovely photos of Martha showers. Click any image to view it larger.

[Via http://sashyjane.wordpress.com]

wedding photography at the Calamigos Equestrian Center

Peter and Rebecca’s wedding at the Calamigos Equestrian Center in Burbank with their reception at the Flamingo Banquet Hall in Tujunga, CA.

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You can see the complete set of Peter and Rebecca’s preview at deremus.com/online_viewing.

To see more of my work, please visit deremus.com

Or see more of me at my primary blog which is http://blog.deremus.com.

Photography by Pasadena based photographer, DeRemus Photography.

DeRemus Photography is available for travel in all of Los Angeles, Orange County, and Southern CA and offers destination wedding photography worldwide.

[Via http://deremusblog.wordpress.com]

Corkboard #1 ~ Wedding Planner

For my first request “request #1″ you’ll see an inspirational corkboard for my friend Julie’s wedding. After thinking how I would go about requests I came to the conclusion that I want to inspire people to come up with what THEY want, so an “inspirational corkboard” idea was the way to go. So, if I was Julie’s wedding planner this would be my inspirational corkboard for her. Take a look and let me know what ideas you like the best!

J. Crew January 08 Catalog Cover {Color Scheme w/Red}

JL Designs {The Color Red in Patterns}

Martha Stewart {Red Pumps}

Oslo Press {engraved wood place cards/escort cards or favor tags}

As seen on Style Notes {Hotel Party Favors}

Martha Stewart {Bridal Bouquet}

The Knot {Bridesmaid Gifts}

{ritzy bee} Calligraphy

Martha Stewart {Invitations}

The Knot {Red Dresses & Orange Flowers}

Martha Stewart {Guest Gifts}

Frolic {Directions for Guests}

Cakework from San Fran {Bride's Cake}

The Knot {Love Stripes}

Found on In Style Weddings {Different Colors for Bridesmaids}

The Knot {Signature Drink ... Texas Sunset}

Martha Stewart {Throw Colored Pompoms}

100 Layer Cake {Photo Booth}

Frolic {Atmosphere for Reception}

Every bride asks herself, where do I start when planning a wedding? I would say to her “well let’s start at the very beginning, it’s a very good place to start.” Pick a theme. A theme could be a word like “elegant” or “simple” or “vintage” or it could be an object like a sunset {like I did for Julie}. If you’ve ever met Julie you would know in about 5 seconds she loves sunsets, so I chose to bring in the earth tones in dark greens and browns with pops of color like deep reds, oranges and of course your something blue. Julie I hope this corkboard brings out that creative side I know you have. Enjoy!

Coley!

[Via http://nicolemacaluso.wordpress.com]

Wedding Celebrant

Are you planning to get married in the near future??

Hi, 

 My name is Jillian Taylor, A Celebrant, working in the Matakana Coast,  north of Auckland, New Zealand. I have lived here for 17 years.

I am a graduate of The School of the Feminine Divine, (2006),

which is where my passion for Ceremony and Ritual began.

I have completed two celebrant papers:

Ceremony and Celebration (AUT) 2008

Weddings and Civil Unions (Celebrant School) 2009.

I recently attended the CANZ conference in Auckland.

I believe Ceremony and celebration make up an important  part of our lives.

“A life without celebration is a life half lived”.

The ceremony is without doubt the most important part of a Wedding Day.

My role as a celebrant is to guide a couple through the planning of their wedding ceremony, to offer options for the couple to choose

from, information on local resources and services, as well as delivering the ceremony on the day.

I will help a couple decide, what is right for them capturing the, essence of the uniqueness of their relationship, their cultural identity and their individual characteristics.

 I will write a ceremony that is personally written for you, creating a ceremony that is unforgettable, uplifting and special.

It is my job, as a celebrant, to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly.

You, The bride and groom do not have to worry about anything but pledging your love and getting married.

If you would like to discuss Your Wedding give me a call or an email to arrange an interview.

 Let me, be your Dream Catcher.                                                                                             

Until then…   Continue to enjoy..   

Many good things…..

From   

Jillian Taylor     Celebrant

Email:   jillian@qualitytime4u.com

[Via http://celebrant4u.wordpress.com]

Shantel & Peter

I get emotional at my friend’s weddings, and Shantels was no exception. I think it’s because I’m getting old, and the abundance of people from my graduating class getting married is a constant reminder of this. Growing up Shantel was always the one who hated all our boyfriends, who always complained because she was the one without the boyfriend, but now I know why. She was waiting for Peter to come along. I’ve known Shantel since we were little 12 year old sprouts starting Sea Cadets, we remained friends straight through high school and into our adult years, so we can say I know her pretty damn good. So take what I say with that in mind. 10 years, 10 long years.. and I have never seen that shine in her eyes before. I’ve never seen her laugh like that before, or smile like that before, like she does when Peter’s around. (I’m getting emotional now, geeze) I wish I could post every single picture of her and peter here because 99% of them she’s keeling over laughing, or smiling, with that same look on her face – a look soaked in love.

The wedding was nothing short of amazing, seeing as most of the guests were people I’ve grown up with. One of the bridesmaids has been one of my close friends since we were 5 years old! Of course, being a friends wedding we all got silly once I was off the clock – and we didn’t leave the dance floor. Peter was kind of stripped of clothing, and molested a little by many girls (myself included), and everyone had to take Shantel out during “I knew the bride..”. Our demands to the DJ was anything off Now 2, and any of the dance mix 90-xx cd’s were okay. So me, my childhood best friends and the bride boogied down to 90’s classics until the wee hours of the morning.

Love you smelly, Peter take good care of her, accept the fact you’ll never win a fight, and just love her as hard and as much as you can – she’s one of a kind

And, because we all just love this picture so much..

[Via http://sandraleephotographyblog.wordpress.com]

Wichita Wedding: Leah and Michael

Relaxed. Calm. Serene. 

Not words that are usually associated with a wedding day…

Unless you’re Michael and Leah, their family, and their friends. Because relaxed, calm, and serene is exactly what they were. And exactly how their wedding day felt. And exactly why they were able to be so joyful, so happy to be getting married, and so excited about everything all day long. In other words, a photographer’s dream.

Leah and Michael got married this past weekend in Wichita, and it was an honor to be a part of their special day. I grew up with Michael (okay, okay… we call him “Mike”) at my house a lot… he’s good friends with my older brother, who was in the wedding! I got to know Leah over the past several months of their engagement… and what a sweetheart she is. It’s no wonder these two found each other. They both share a huge love for music (and were both part of the Singing Quakers at Friends University), and their wedding really reflected that.

I met up with the ladies as they were getting ready at the church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita. 

Leah and Michael opted to not see each other until after the ceremony, so we opted for photos of each of them individually beforehand, and did their couples’ portraits after!

Leah’s dad walked her down the aisle…

…to her groom, who was absolutely beaming.

I have so many favorite ceremony shots to share with you, because they were just smiling and giving each other these “I’m-so-in-love” looks throughout the whole ceremony! It was amazing! I’ll be sharing both my shots and Jeff’s with you here… the first two are mine:

And Jeff’s (I love this one so much)…

Mine again:

And Jeff’s:

Back to mine… here they were just announced as husband and wife!!

And Jeff’s of the same moment (is he good or what?!)… and isn’t Leah lovely? 

After the ceremony, we had some time for a portrait session with the bride and groom at the church (one of my favorite parts of the day!).

Jeff took these awesome shots of their rings!

And then we were off to the reception at the Homewood Suites at The Waterfront in Wichita. They incorporated such great details and colors into their reception decor — I loved the personal touches, and the details I kept finding all over the reception venue! They had a great indoor space and a beautiful outdoor patio that overlooked a lake. It was gorgeous! I’m going to share some of the details first…

They incorporated their engagement photos so nicely, blending them in with florals or placing them amongst other details.

They used old doors painted a light lavender color to display photos (attached to ribbons) of each of them, their relationship, and each of their parents’ relationships. It was really cute!

They had a “wishing tree” where guests would write notes or advice or congratulatory messages to the newlyweds, and hang it on the tree! I love this idea.

The toasts had everyone laughing. I love watching the couple during the toasts…

And their first dance was just so sweet… just like them!

The new bride and groom even let me steal them away for a few minutes for outdoor portraits in the late evening. Of course, I loved that.

Leah and Michael, congratulations on your marriage! I’m wishing and praying for you to have the most beautiful life together. Enjoy your honeymoon with no plans in the Northwest… it sounds amazing! Congratulations!

Friends and family can view all of the images online (or just sign in and you’ll be notified when they’re ready to go!).

[Via http://ericamay.wordpress.com]

Friends and Weddings

Me, Rebecca and Amanda

Saturday I got to attend the West Coast Reception for Jon and Amanda Bohlander. I was one of the few lucky people who were actually at the wedding in Pennsylvania in June and at the reception here in town on Saturday. Amanda and I didn’t get a pic together back at the wedding, but some of Amanda’s family were taking pics throughout the afternoon on Saturday and happened to come take a pic while Becka and I were chatting with Amanda. I am SO happy she got this pic so I actually have a pic with Amanda in her beautiful dress!

Thanks again Amanda for sharing your special days with me. You are one beautiful lady! Love you girl!

[Via http://thedianestory.wordpress.com]

Nick and Amber at the Berkeley Marina

It’s hard to believe that just a couple weeks ago I was listening to Amber tell their story over scrambled eggs and potato pancakes at Capitol Garage. Going through their film and seeing the tears, the joy, and the laughter, made me tear up a bit. The two of them have already been on a long journey and their wedding was definitely not a happy ending, but a happy beginning. There were so many beautiful babies and loving faces to capture.

[Via http://carolyndoxiephotography.wordpress.com]

Memory Gate website improvements

We’ve changed a few things around over the past couple of weeks on the Memory Gate website. There’s still lots more to come including new and exciting enhancements to our wedding packages and couple of new sections.

So far we’ve adding in some new shots, changed the colour scheme, added our blog feed to the homepage and also put a couple of ‘follow’ buttons on there as well. Hopefully that should make it easier to follow all of our tweets, the Gatekeepers RSS feed and pop and and see our Facebook page.

We will soon be launching our new monthly newsletter to keep everyone up to date with all of our new products, offers and best discounts. Contact us and we’ll add you to our subscriber list.

If there is anything you think we should add, or you’d like to see on the site let us know!

[Via http://memorygate.wordpress.com]

Steve & Marlena {09.04.09} Dana Point, CA ~ pt.1

Steve & Marlena met 7 years ago in Calculus class. It didn’t take Steve very long to calculate exactly how stunning the brunette in front of him or just how long it would take him to ask the lady out. Marlena made the same calculation and soon realized that she might just have to make that first move to get the ball rolling. Along came a date..or two…and 7 years later they promised the rest of their lives to each other!

Their wedding was beautiful! Marlena was stunning in her sleek, studded gown while Steve sported the classy ivory. Here are a few favorites from their ‘alone time’ on the beach in between ceremony and reception this past Friday at Dana Point!

[Via http://laurakmoore.wordpress.com]

The Grand Mayan Riviera Maya - Time Shares...Oops, excuse me, I mean "Fractional Ownerships"

We arrived unawares…ugh, The Grand Mayan is a Time Share resort.  When we’d checked in and made it to our room and finally tracked down my brother, Mike and his wife, Molly, he informed us that we were going to a Time Share presentation the following morning.  I’d never been to one before, so I was actually interested to see what the presentation was all about, but Mike already owns a couple TS’s, so he only wanted to go because it would give us 10% off our bill, a $50 US credit and a free breakfast.  Woo hoo.  Bring on the Time Share Presentation! 

Ugh, what a nightmare.

The presentation was supposed to be no more than 90 minutes, but it lasted closer to three hours.  In her defense, our “presenter”, Julie, was very pleasant and knew her job very well.  She continuously included each of us in the conversation and made a point of making a lot of eye contact and speaking to us all on an equal level.  However, after she had gone through the entire presentation and all of us had insisted that we weren’t interested in buying a TS, which she insisted was not a TS at all, but a “Fractional Ownership”, it just got worse from there.

After we’d said no, she tried again, this time repeating her explanation of how their system worked and how their prices were based on a Global Distribution System.  The difference was, this time she used hand actions to describe it.  She said, “but our pricing system is based on a Global (she made a circle with her hand as though circling a globe), Distribution (she made a motion as though she were dealing cards out of a deck), System (she spread both of her hands toward us as though she were saying “Ta Dah”).  Yes, Julie. We understood that the first time you said it without the actions.  As she did this and I looked around at the rest of our group, it was all I could do not to burst out laughing.  Molly was obviously biting her cheek and avoiding eye contact so she didn’t laugh. Mike was staring past Julie with his eyes twinkling and slight smurk. And Greg was kicking me under the table and squeezing my leg. It was probably a “you had to be there moment”, but it made us laugh hysterically later!

After her second attempt, in which she offered to consolidate Mike’s other Time Shares and knock the price down from $53,000 USD to $42,ooo USD and he gave her another, resounding “no thanks”, she told us she was just going to get her manager to come over and make sure she did a good job (typical sales tactics). The Manager came over and practically went through the entire spiel again.  Arrrrrgh. Once again, we all said we weren’t interested. Okay, we’ll just bring over our Customer Service guy and he can really make sure Julie did her job thoroughly…

The CS dude was a slimy, slippery, final sale freakazoid who was not interested in listening to the word NO.  It was ridiculous and I was pretty much done with the guy. I was ready to stand up and smack him upside the head, screeching, NO MEANS NO, YOU JERK. Mike, on the other hand, was super diplomatic about it and told Mr. Customer Service that he appreciated the time they’d taken to present the opportunity to all of us, but none of us were interested and it was high time he signed off on our presentation so we could get our 10 % off and other comps and let us go.  He told Mr. Customer Service that he was being disrespectful by not honoring our wishes and the guy STILL wouldn’t let us go. 

He even gave Mike the old, “What do I have to do to get you to walk out of here with a Fractional Ownership” speech.  LOL. Mike told him that he could give it to us for free and the guy laughed and said, “How about I give you a $1400 USD flight credit for the next 25 years.” Hmmm…NO THANKS. “Okay,” Mr. CS said. “How does $9000 USD for the entire deal sound?”  WHHHHAAAT? Just like that, he’d dropped $33,000 USD off the price that Julie and the manager had offered. This perked Mike’s interest.  “Let me get this straight,” he asked. “You’re going to give me two rooms in any Grupo Maya resort or anywhere else I choose, at any time of the year I want, and a $1400 USD flight credit each year for the next 25 years for $9000 USD?”

“Yes!”

And just like that, my brother had got a smokin’ deal on pretty much any Five Star Resort in the world, plus flight credits, for 25 years for only $9000 USD.  The rest of us sat there, mouths gaping in wonder at how much they had dropped the price.  My first thought was, “Geez, how many people have they hosed out of $53,000 just because they were naiive enough to pay the price that was offered?”  It made my head spin.  To make his deal sweeter, the deal included bankruptcy protection for the Grupo Mayan Fractional Ownerships so Mike wouldn’t lose his initial investment if the company folded and he kept his other two time shares and didn’t have to cash them in.  How crazy is that?

It was my first, and hopefully, my last experience with Time Share (pardon me, I mean, Fractional Ownership) sales and it made my stomach turn a bit to know how much money they were swindling people out of.  On the other side of it, though, I was ecstatic for my brother because he scored an awesome deal.

That was how we spent the first part of our second day in Mexico and I’ll remember it forever.  Global. Distribution. System. LOL.

Here’s another sneak peak of Mike & Molly’s wedding pics. They are nearly ready for posting and I’ll be throwing them up on the blog soon.

Stay thirsty my friends.

[Via http://jleflufy.wordpress.com]

Lisa & Jason in Love

Lisa & Jason tied the knot yesterday at Carmen’s Banquet Centre in Hamilton. The weather was beautiful – a great day for a wedding. We started the day off with the gentlemen. These guys were a funny bunch… very charming and may have even led me to blush a couple of times  Then off to see the ladies at Lisa’s mom’s beautiful lakefront home in Stoney Creek. WOW – loved the lakefront pictures with the ladies and Lisa’s family. Yesterday was such a perfect day and Lisa…. well, really just a perfect bride! These shots on the lake turned out to be just stunning! 

I can admit now that I had a few nerves throughout the day as I seemed to be hitting many obstacles… tons of traffic, road closures, a really short time for formal picture taking between the ceremony & reception, more traffic LOL!  At the end of the day, everything worked out perfectly and I am truly happy with the results.  I simply adore this couple! Lisa & Jason are so easy going and can barely keep their hands off of each other – LOVE IT! They constantly laugh, smile and hug, and just stare at each other…. they are so happy and just enjoyed the ride of the wedding day to the fullest. I loved working with you on Friday Lisa & Jason. Your wedding party was fantastic and you have such wonderful families. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share in your day! Lisa & Jason were referred to me by Natalie at Ontario Wedding & Event Planners. If you are looking for someone to take care of your wedding day, so you too can enjoy it to the fullest you should contact Natalie – she’s fantastic!

[Via http://splashphotography.wordpress.com]

Photographer's Contract - You won't believe this.

I was meeting with a bride yesterday and as we were signing the contract she mentioned how straight forward mine was.  I asked her how so and she told me she meet with another local photographer a few days before and wanted to read through their contract to which she found a number of strange fees, these are two that really stood out,

• Extra Charge if they have to use their flash XX number of times.
• Extra Charge if they have to hold the brides bouquet during any of the formal or group pictures.

What?  I couldn’t believe it.  The lesson here is to always read a contract before you sign it.  If you know anyone getting married be sure they watch out for something like this, so called “professional” photographers trying to hide escalators in the contract.

[Via http://edwardmendes.wordpress.com]

This weeks important tip!

Please make sure that your groom, groomsmen, and ring bearer DO NOT leave the tux shop without looking in the bag.  They need to make sure everything they ordered is in the bag.  Better yet, have them try on the contents of the bag at the store.  This will ensure that anything missing or not fitting will be taken care of 1-2 days before the wedding.  Putting on your attire for the first time 20 minutes before the ceremony is a recipe for disaster!

[Via http://vanessasexton.wordpress.com]

No Maiding For Me!

Ah weddings. I have been very good at paying attention and getting involved with my upcoming wedding. A better groom than one would expect from me. But thankfully I have the day off today. Fifi (fiancee) took the day off to go bridesmaid dress shopping with her sister Mills. And me? I get to stay home and bust some ass at the new Batman game for XBOX. Holy crap is this game good: 4.9 Poop Sticks out of 5! It misses a .1 of a stick because I know I will lose interest in this game like any other. I have serious ADD of gaming.

[Via http://brownmancity.wordpress.com]

Autograph Books!

Yesterday I tripped over the cord to my mac and broke it, what a quick realization that I’m lost without my mac! Sad, but true. I drove 2 hours today just to get to the mac store and replace it, and it was worth every penny of it’s $80 pricetag!  Anyway, I’m back online and just in time to get my albums out to the printer by my deadline.   I’ve been working on Brittney and Tyrell’s autograph album, and these are turning out to be my favorite new books!   Who wants a boring old guest book when you can have one of these fun autograph books that your guests will  fill with wishes and warm thoughts for you. Take a look at their guest book album design by clicking here!

-Melanie Jaramillo for Essence Photography

Nevada City Weddings, Boudoir photography, wedding albums, wedding guest books, autograph books.

[Via http://essencephoto.wordpress.com]

Meghan & Steven

 

Meghan and Steven met in Scotland. They now live in New York. They chose the Cape- where Meghan’s family has a summer home for their wedding day. It was a beautiful day filled with lots of  love and laughter. Congratulations Meghan and Steven! Thank you for having me document your day.

 

 

Meghan gets excited to get dressed.

 

 

 

The Pamet Harbor Yacht Club was the perfect setting for their intimate wedding.

 

 

 

 

This is Jack. He and I searched for hermit crabs.

 

 

 

We found one!

 

Jack and his dad search for other sea treasures.

 

Steven's brother brought souvenirs from Scotland to remind him of his roots.

 

 

Steven models one of the gifts from his brother.

 

 

A kiss after the toast!

 

 

 

 

Jack and his sister Hannah enjoy the beach.

Steven jokes as they eat their first piece of cake.

 

 

 

[Via http://hollyredmond.wordpress.com]

L & A Materinty shoot at Springfield Lakes

Last week, I met up with L&A for their maternity session at 35 weeks. Yes, A is 35 weeks and has the most gorgeous tiny bump. I’d have to say L&A are going to be wonderful parents, the bond between the two is gorgeous. We battled natural light, so had to get amanda to stay still. Well lets just say there is no problems once this presous little bundle is born, A has the maternal sway going already!!

Here is your sneak peak L& A. I can’t wait until I meet your little bundle in a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

[Via http://kylieeatherphotography.wordpress.com]

a child's book / a love story / engagement party invite.

{ images by Jami Saunders, via bklynbrideonline }

Please go to bklynbride and see this. It is too cute and so ingenious!

-

To hijack this post with a little update…

Good morning everyone! I had a great evening out with the New York gang, and we had awesome burgers and fries at The Hand Burger, a new burger place at Raffles City. Apparently it was the first day of operations for them, so we were early. I had the beer-battered dory burger, which was scrumptious and came with straight cut fries and lotus root crisps (but only 3 of them). The others had The Works (with bacon, egg, beef patty, onion rings and mushrooms), the Reuben burger and the Portobello burger. I didn’t have  the stomach space to try theirs, but they all seemed pleased with their food. Also, The Hand Burger serve Grinders coffee, which I like – not too intense for my weak coffee tastes.

It’s really nice to know that three years on (from our New York trip that cemented the friendship), we’re all still so close and can still talk and laugh like we don’t have to go to work the next day. It’s such fun, and helps make sure I never forget why we became close in the first place.

[Via http://zeeandthoseknees.wordpress.com]