April 24th, 2010
How can you go wrong with a beautiful bride and a handsome groom in uniform!? Jamie and I shot Kelly and Joe in St. Augustine last weekend. It was a beautiful day, a little windy but that kept them from getting too hot in their formal attire. We gave them an extra session because a during their ceremony the pastor wouldn't allow any photos at all. No guest photos, and no professional photos. That was tough. It was the first wedding I worked where I didn't watch them get married through a lens. It was a nice change in perspective though! I love shooting in St. Augustine, the historic district has so many options and the water and the Fort are walking distance! And who can pass up Kilwins Ice Cream, or fudge, or waffle cones, or carmel covered apples...etc! I digress, back to the shoot! Here is a sneak peek-
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April 13th, 2010
Here is a sneak peek for the Family shoot yesterday. Switch to high res if you'd like (bottom right "HQ" button).
April 12th, 2010
What a great weekend! We shot Kelly and Joe's wedding on Saturday, then had a great family shoot yesterday. Phew! The family shoot consisted of three couples and their kids. It was pretty windy so we didn't get to use the bubbles I brought. Those are always fun. Below is a sneak peek for Kelly and Joe, will tell more later! They had so many neat things at their wedding. Hint* Going to Disney made it into their vows!
March 30th, 2010
Arizona has been treating me reeeeal good :) The weather is awesome (except rain forecasted for April 1st! Bad April fools joke) and I've been able to take in the diverse culture of the area. I've checked out the hustle and bustle of the thriving arts scene, enjoyed the finer side of things in Scottsdale, and have visited a few area parks. My favorite being the Grand Canyon! It has been a nice way to recharge and slow down. I even got in front of the camera (which never happens!) and pretended I know how to do yoga! The Grand Canyon is absolutely beautiful! Things have been going a mile a minute, so it is nice to be able to take time to enjoy the view!
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March, 15th 2010
Spring is just around the corner! We've got several family shoots set up for spring break vacationing families, and easter portraits. I love everything about this season, it is so nice to shoot outside!
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February, 13th 2010
Here is my meet and greet schedule for the next few weeks, I'd love to meet you. Email me to select your time!
2/13 Minneapolis MN, 2/20 Albany NY, 2/22 Daytona Beach FL, 2/24 Jacksonville FL, 2/25 Kissimmee FL, 2/28 Phoenix AZ, 3/8 Las Vegas NV. As you can see, I have no problem traveling and I'd love to cover your destination wedding! (remember I have no extra travel fees!)
February, 12th 2010
Happy (early) Valenties day! Hopefully you shouldn't need a designated day to tell the one you love, that you love them....but don't forget to tell them today! (and tomorrow...and the day after!)
January 30th, 2010
Why do an engagement session? Well for starters you'll get awesome photos for save the dates, announcements, signature matts, guest books, and table settings- But it is also a great way to get to know your photographer before your wedding.
January 25th, 2010
We had a great time at the Jacksonville Bridal show! I had Brian and Jamie (Oct 25th 2008) help me out at the booth. Nothing better than an actual in person client testimonial! I was once again next to the chocolate fountain, so you can only imagine what is on my mind! Chocolate Trash the dress session!! Now to find a willing bride, there has to be a chocolate loving bride out there. You could strike a promo deal with a dress dry cleaner- if they can get chocolate out, they can get anything out!
January 1st, 2010
Happy New Year! WOW Twenty-Ten sounds a little futuristic, but I guess "the future" is here :)
December 2nd, 2009
Here are some album pages from Suzi and Aaron's wedding. As I was going through the images I remembered what a neat "cake" they had! They did cupcakes, stacked to look like a cake. They were frosted in the wedding colors, and looked pretty cool!
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November 16th, 2009
Here is a sneek peek for Shelly and Eric! Jose (assistant shooter) and I shot in Ponce Inlet, and it was a perfect setting. I am shooting their wedding at the Tavern and Chapel in the Garden in May, and I'm so excited. The gardens are beautiful, and the staff takes great care of the bride and groom and the guests. I can't wait :)
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November 8, 2009
Matt and Andrea's album is finished- tell me what you think! I've seen many people put the engagement session album near the guest book, its a great way to share with your family. See earlier posts for more pics from this shoot, which was photographed by Jose and me.
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November 1, 2009
Family is important, and the end of the year provides a few holidays to get the whole family together and celebrate! If you are planning a vacation to FL or just getting the family together, give us a call for your family portraits. Here are a few new edits of shoots from our portrait team.
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October 31, 2009
Matt and Andrea won an engagement shoot at the Daytona PWG bridal show in August, and we were able to shoot yesterday. They are from NSB and the lighthouse has a special meaning to them so I picked a place that would work a few backgrounds in- including the lighthouse. They came to the "daytona side" to shoot, and we were able to do a variety of shots on the beach, near the jetty and also with the lighthouse in the background. Matt and Andrea were tons of fun to work with and were very easy going! We were able to have a little fun and get creative with a few of the shots! I'll have a link to view all the images in a few days, but here is a shot that showed their playfulness- Matt gave Andrea piggy-backs down the beach, and then Andrea told secrets :)
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October 24, 2009
I love the fall! Especially in a state that has seasons! Trust me, I love FL, but it is nice to see the leaves change, and have a crisp fall night in front of a bonfire. I also like being able to waterski in warm water in December- so its nice travel for weddings. Today I shot a family portrait and was even able to fit in a quick hot rod shoot as we took "dad's racecar" to the park! Here are a few images from today.
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October 11, 2009
Sneek peak for Suzi and Aaron. It was a brisk 36, but the excitement of the day kept these two warm!
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October 1st, 2009
Love is classic, love is timeless!
It has been a very busy beginning of fall. We have Suzi and Aaron's wedding on Oct 11, and then a destination wedding in Long beach, CA on the 16th. Next year is booking fast, which is exciting, but I can't believe we are getting calls for weddings in 2012! I'm going to need to buy a new planner! Yes a paper one... I know technology is great, but I still have a paper planner :)
September 30th, 2009
BABIES!!! Think beach shoots are just for romantic couples, or family portraits- think again. CIF portrait team is at it again- and this bouncing bundle of joy made our job easy! Guest shooter Shannon Hudnell shot for us today- and she did a great job getting the family to relax and have fun!
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September 25th, 2009
You've heard of Man's best friend...but this puppy is definately a bride's best friend! Talk about puppy love! This was the most well behaved dog I have ever shot with! Didn't even get paw prints on the dress :)
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September 19th, 2009
Congratulations Nathan and Michelle! I shot this awesome wedding today in beautiful Mt. Dora. The lakeside inn was a perfect location to catch a great sunset! Here is a sneek peek while I work on the rest of the images.
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September 17th, 2009
This beautiful couple just celebrated their 1st anniversary! Congratulations! Their wedding and reception were at Amelia Island plantation and I shot this beautiful military wedding with CIF guest shooters Ren and Luke.
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September 16th, 2009
Location, Location, Location! Although I do many beach weddings in FL, in MN the "outdoor wedding" season is slightly smaller. I shot this wedding in early fall, so we were able to take advantage of the fall colors, but the indoor ceremony was very picturesque as well. I was able to take advantage of an awesome balcony! Great for a birds eye view. In between the ceremony and reception, the bridal party and I went to a park in White Bear Lake to shoot some fun pictures. If you can arrange it, make sure to have enough time in-between venues so you (and your guests) aren't rushed. You don't want to add stress to a day that is supposed to be fun!
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September 15th, 2009
We love beach weddings! These were shot by CIF guest shooters Ren and Luke, on a very early Daytona Beach morning. Enjoy!
Although I am the primary shooter, I work with a great team of photographers that you can schedule when I am booked, or they often second shoot with me.
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September 14th, 2009
These are some edits for Sarah's Thank you notes.
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September 13th, 2009
Here's baby Brock! Gooooo Goooooophers :) Can you tell Mom and Dad are fans? He was a little sleepy this afternoon, but we made it work!
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September, 12 2009
Although I specialize in Weddings, the other type of events I have fun covering are sporting events. Specifically waterski, and barefoot events. Today the Twin Cities River Rats put on a barefoot waterski endurance competition in Long Lake, MN. It was a great day to spend time on the water! Not only was there awesome skiing- we were also treated to a fly over from the planes that did the opener for the Gopher game. Nice to be in the approach path :)
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September 9, 2009
09/09/09! 9-9-9! So, did any of you play the lottery today? Anyone get married? For those into numbers today was a special day. A single digit repeat wont happen again till January 1 2101. Here are some pics from a special number wedding in 2007 that Jen and I shot. 7-7-7! Dana and her husband celebrated their second year anniversary this July- congratulations!
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September 1, 2009
WOW! Can you believe it is September already? This summer went so fast! The kids are going back to school, and its time for fall portraits! These were from a family shoot earlier this year, where this little guy was celebrating his third birthday. I am looking forward to shooting their family portrait next month!
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August 27, 2009
Family Portrait day in St. Paul. Can you spot the different generations? Hint- they wore the same color scheme!
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August 23, 2009
Butterflies!! If you thought your toddler was hard to get to sit still for a photo, try buterflies. They listen just as about as good as said toddler, and are loads faster. CIF staff shooter Donna and I took advantage of having a free Sunday afternoon after shooting Sarah and Mark's wedding and went to a Butterfly sanctuary. It poured like a monsoon, but thankfully the butterfly garden was inside! (http://www.magicwings.com/)
It is rare to get a photographer on the other side of the lens (well this one at least) but Donna and I got a few shots of ourselves so if you wonder what I look like- I am the woman with the butterfly on her face.
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August 22, 2009
Here is a sneak peek for Sarah and Mark! They had a fabulous waterski themed wedding in Northhampton, MA today. More to come soon!
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August 17th, 2009
Congratulations Andrea T. and Matt on winning the door prize from Clearly In Focus at the PWG bridal show Sunday! You won an engagment shoot! You mentioned you needed one because your wedding is only a few months away and you wanted to do a framed signature mat for your guests to sign. Lucky day!
August 16th, 2009
Here are some ad edits I've been working on. Had a blast at the Perfect wedding Guide Bridal show yesterday! Its always fun (but exhausting) for brides and vendors alike :) I hope brides were able to check some things off their list, and also get some great ideas! My favorite booth was Paradise Cheesecakes-all day brides would stop there, and then come to my booth...with a plate full of cake. That smelled wonderful. By the end of the day I had to go over and ask for a taste- and let me tell you it was worth the wait! Feel free to set up a tasting of your own, I highly recommend them! www.paradisecheesecakes.com
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July 11, 2009
Happy Anniversary Jennifer and Dallas!
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Carly and Travis, June 27, 2009 - WI
Staff shooter Joe I traveled to the land known for cheese, beer and formerly Farve...to photograph Travis and Carly's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding, and their ceremony was sooo touching. They had a family memory/memorial slideshow in the beginning, and Carly's friends played the piano and sang solos. There wasn't a dry eye in the church. It always makes it so special when you can incorporate family and friends into your special day! Here is a sneak peak!
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Kristen and Marty- May 29, 2009 Minneapolis MN
A few months after the engagement shoot, I captured Kristen and
Marty's wedding. It was great to see them again. They are beautiful
people inside and out! They also did a "reveal" and even
their dog "Bella" joined them! It was a beautiful ceremony,
and their family was so fun! Kristen loved the black and white with
color splash, so here are a few. Congratulations Marty and Kristen!
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Randi and Austin Wedding, February 2009, Sunset Harbor
Randi and Austin are such a vibrant fun couple it was a breeze to
shoot their wedding. Their formals with the family were filled with
laughter, funny faces and inside jokes. No stiff smiles here! It was
great to see a joining of two families be so seamless! CIF staff shooter
Ren shot their engagement pictures, and they had a great table display
and framed photos on each table. I shot their wedding along with CIF
staff shooter Donna (who is great at detail shots!). Austin wore black
converse, and Randi had a pink pair to change into. She was a beautiful
bride, and elegant was the only way to sum her up! Its great to see
the full length gloves making a comeback!
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Kristen and Marty E-shoot, Minnehaha falls
Kristen, Marty and I went to Minnehaha falls on a great early fall
day to shoot their engagement shots. It was a great way to get to
know them, and I look forward to shooting their wedding in May of
2009!
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Fallen soldier, Ft. Snelling
Often times I am called to shoot other events outside of weddings.
I was honored to document a good friend of mine's grandfathers burial.
Many people think of weddings as "beautiful" but this ceremony
was just as beautiful and filled with just as much love. Rest in Peace.
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Brian and Jamie 2008/2009, Jacksonville, DAB, St. Augustine
I met Brian and Jamie at the Perfect wedding Guide Jacksonville Bridal
show, and got to know them over the course of 2008-2009. I often stay
in contact with couples as they become part of the "CIF family",
and Brian and Jamie no exception! It started with a "boudoir"
shoot- Jamie gave Brian a "special moments" album as her
grooms gift. Her boudoir shoot gave her a chance to break in her wedding
day shoes (and not much else!), and reminded herself how beautiful
(and sexy) she is! We shot at a beautiful and historic bed and breakfast
in St. Augustine and it was a perfect setting!
Their wedding was in Jacksonville and it certainly will be remembered
by all. Not only for the beautiful moments, but the entertaining as
well. They did a "reveal" where they are able to see each
other for the first time in a more intimate setting than at the church.
At the church, their bridal party entrance had everyone on their feet
as everyone had a "theme" song to boogie down the isle to.
We even had a drive by from a fire truck- thankfully the call wasn't
for the church we were at. During their ceremony they had a symbolic
rose exchange, and they danced the night away at the reception. The
bride even got serenaded by the groomsmen (can't remember the name,
but the song from top gun- you've lost that loooooving feeeling).
CIF staff shooter Donna joined me again, and we both had a blast at
this 10+ hour event. After Brian and Jamie took their honeymoon, and
things calmed down a bit, we met back in Daytona for a mini shoot
with her new husband.
It wasn't exactly a "trash the dress" shoot, as it was too
cold to roll around in the water- but I hear she's up for a romp in
a fountain soon :) Creative doesn't come close to describing her (and
Brian's) ideas, and its fun to think outside the box! Can't wait for
our next shoot!
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Olivia and Carson, 2008 St. Augustine
Olivia and Carson were married in St. Augustine and the rain held
off just in time for them to get in their horse drawn carriage and
be whisked away for their family reception. CIF staff shooter Ren
shot this and said they dodged rain droplets but that its good luck
for it to rain on your wedding day!
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Carolyn and Tony E-shoot, Ponce Inlet
Carolyn and Tony came to Daytona from New York to shoot their engagement
shoot. They braved the March cold and were able to get some great
shots on the beach! I shot this with Ren, one of CIF's staff shooters.
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