February 6th 2011

For those of you not loving the superbowl, I've posted Mary and Bjorn's album Here

 

February 1st, 2011

The passing of an awesome man, who lived life to the fullest...Judge Albertson. His farm and gardens are one of my more memorable MN wedding locations in beautiful Stillwater, MN. Tucked up on a hill overlooking the river, it was wonderful in the fall. Judge Albertson kept beautiful gardens, and married over 6,000 people, including Renee O'Groman. We shot her engagement and wedding photos there, and it was so beautiful. There was a big red barn, apple trees, an antique truck, gardens galore and even a chicken coop with prize winning chickens. His ceremony with Renee and John was short and sweet, but was a very touching way to blend two loving people and their families. He was kind and patient, and even took the time to tell me what his best angle was ;) RIP Judge Albertson, it was an honor working with you. I am going to go back through my archives, and put a few images up of the beautiful venue! Stay tuned! Click Here for the link to the news article.

No doubt he'll be marrying people in heaven!

 

 

January 8th, 2011

A big shout out to all who protect our freedom! Thank you for your service!

Jeremy (who got married December 30th on his two week leave from Afghanistan) heads back today. Be safe and come home soon!

Wanting to get the best deals, and see the latest stuff from us first? Join our FACEBOOK page!

January 4th, 2011

Did you get engaged over the holidays? HERE is a good article with tips from Get Married

December 31st, 2010

Here are a few sneak peeks for Jodi and Jeremy. I loved getting to know this family, I was able to cover two portrait sessions before Jeremy came home for the wedding on his 2 week leave. It was so cool seeing them all together, it was like the missing puzzle piece that made everything perfect. They are all so lucky to have one another! Dreamy is the word I would use to describe them, the way they gazed into each others eyes with these little smiles on their faces was so cute. They are madly in love, and it was an honor to be able to capture their memories. Their 5 kids were the bridal party, and everyone helped out with the little details from tying the chair sashes, to making the M&M favors. The boys got ready in the train car, and the girls got ready in the guest house. The kids had such a fun time exploring all the Tavern and Chapel in the Garden had to offer. I love working here but it was so cool to see it though the kids eyes who gave me the grand tour when I arrived...the spiral staircase, the indoor POOL and hot tub, and the goldfish in the ponds were the highlights of that tour ;) It was a beautiful sunny December afternoon and the weather was perfect. I'll do a second blog, but here are my first favorites from the day!

 
   

 

December 6th, 2010

This was a super fun and laid back couple! They won the giveaway at the bridal show, which was for an engagement shoot. We shot at Ponce Inlet, and it was VERY windy. I had a reflector which I ususally can handle by myself, but I'm sure I looked like I was going to blow away! I loved the photos at the end- the light was perfect and the wind was working with us most of the time. She looked like a windswept model in love ;)

They both are finishing up school, so are focused on studies a little more than wedding planning, but it was neat to hear about their plans so far! Graduation, then a wedding! Phew, its going to be busy there soon!!

November 30th, 2010

I am working on an album, and I absolutely love this picture! It is (the bride and groom) and the brides parents!! You see...that same look of love is on both couples. LOVE it :) Can you guess where this was taken? Hint- there is a train car, and a resident duck.

 

November 25th, 2010

 

 

November 23, 2010- Big Red chair

So I've been obsessing over this red velvet chair that I saw in another photographers album. So much so, that I asked to borrow the chair :) Luke from luke bhothipiti photography kindly let me kidnap his chair for a week. My original vision didn't happen, but before surrendering the chair I was able to squeeze in a quick shoot. It was so nice to do a fun shoot just for me :) Even the "fun stuff" is wedding themed! Big thanks to Deebo for recommending Shawn, Luke for the chair, Shawn for the last minute modeling, and Angela at Pink Flamingo at Petals for the awesome bouquets that I borrowed after the Tavern and Chapel open house. It was so fun to shoot- I may be planning some more "concept" shoots. If any of you have any leads on fun locations and super cool furniture- let me know! We can make an afternoon of it!

 

November 22, 2010

Yesterday I had a super hot budoir shoot with my December bride- I can't wait to finish the images and design her "grooms gift"- he's going to LOVE it. Here are two teasers- the rest are for his eyes only!

 

November 20th, 2010

Here are a few more favorites of Michelle and Caleb's wedding. Just because :)

November 19th, 2010

Are you having a "wedding planning" weekend? I will be at the Tavern and Chapel in the Garden this Saturday for the open house 11-2. Check out the beautiful location, meet some awesome wedding vendors, stroll the beautiful grounds, and say hi to me :) Great way to spend a laid back and relaxed wedding planning day! We'll have some open house specials too!

PS: Happy Birthday MOM- thank you for passing on your creative eye and strong work ethic, I wouldn't be here with out either :)

November 15th, 2010

 

 

November 9th, 2010

 

October 29th, 2010

Exciting news! I have joined forces with Images For a Cure (www.imagesforacure.com) and will be donating 100% of all session fees (on Nov 12th, and 13th in Jax, and Nov 21st in Daytona) to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. What that means is your portrait session will be 100% donated DIRECTLY to a great cause, how neat is that?! Not only would you be getting great images, you'd be supporting a great cause at the same time. I'd love to make more of an impact- how about you?! I need your help! Contact me if you'd like to set up a session, or if you want to make a donation, please go to: the IFAC page

If you aren't available on those days, I also am offering gift certificates- so you can pay your session fee (since the cut off is Nov. 30 to collect donations) but set up your session later. Plus it is great for gifts! I'll post more details soon!

October 26th, 2010

Continuing Education- it does a (camera)body good :) I always like to stay on top of my game, and in this fast paced wedding industry it's a must! Last week I went to an event where I was able to work with new models, sharpen my lighting skills and learn new techniques. Below are a few of my favorites! I'll post more when I get a chance, but it will be a while as I am currently editing several events, which I can't wait to show my clients!

October 22nd, 2010

(mini rant, and giving back)

I just wanted to make a quick comment about something I overheard the other day. I was in the check out line, and someone made a comment like "man I'm tired of seeing all this pink, I can't wait till this month is over". My mini response below...

With this month being Breast Cancer Awareness month I know it seemed like you couldn't go anywhere with out seeing some "pink" thing, and I know you may have gotten a little tired of it, but just think of the people who wear their suvivor scars no matter what color shirt they have on. It's not just one "month" to them, and awareness leads to prevention...and fundraising leads to research....which leads to a cure. Cancer isn't a walk in the park, and I hope you never have to deal with it, but if you do, I hope you find better friends because the guy you were talking to that made another rude pink comment, wont be helping you through your chemo treatments.

Alright, back....to giving back. When I get the chance I try to share my talents with others, whether it be a mentoring session, or donating my services to fundraisers. This month was a record for me, as my schedule was packed (October is a VERY busy wedding month)- but I was able to cover fun events for Breast Cancer Awareness month. It was neat to see the different ways people could raise money and they weren't limited to 5k's. Below are a few teasers from the Jacksonville Elite Salon's Hair Fashion Show- "Untamed". The stylists and artists did an amazing job putting the event on. I even got a little "pink" flair myself (pink hair extension)! It was held at the Brasserie in Jacksonville, and it was a blast! I'll put the teaser video on the FACEBOOK page- so check it out!

 

October 20th, 2010

Just a quick note...to say thank you..

I am very fortunate to have what I have. I have my health, my family is healthy, I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and I have a way to support myself. We all have days that we complain, but in the grand scheme of things I try to put things into perspective and think "is it really all that bad". I am fortunate to say...no it isn't, and I stop my personal pity party about whatever had put me in that mood to complain. People deal with extreme poverty, illness, emotional pain on a daily basis, and I am very thankful I get to document the happier times in people's lives. The love and the happiness of weddings, births, and family portraits and events let me focus on the joy people have in their lives. I hope to capture those memories that they'll look back with a smile, or even with a happy tear years down the road. I realize life isn't full of pink cupcakes and sparkly unicorns, and sometimes I document the not-so-happy moments of private pain when saying good bye to a loved one. I have only documented a few memorial services, but I still strived to capture the beauty in the moments that unfolded before me. I just wanted thank all that have allowed me into your lives to document your memories. I love what I do, so thank you :)

October 18th, 2010

Busy weekend! Phew! Photos from both great events ( Julie's Waterfront Opening day ski show, and the Central Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure 2010 Race for the cure are posted on our facebook page (here)! Now on to a great week- and will be switching gears to promote the 2010 Images for a Cure! If you'd like to help, stay tuned to this page for more info! Here are the highlight videos for Jamie's shoot (click here), and the Race For the Cure (click here).

October 16th, 2010

Sneak Peeks for Jamie- long story short- she's beautiful ;) Will write more later!

 

October 13th, 2010

Oh my gosh- these two were so effortless to shoot :) Stacy (Ciara's mom) won the engagement shoot door prize at the Daytona Bridal show and she gave it to her daughter instead. They are both getting married next year- wow!! That's a ton of wedding planning! I loved shooting these two, they were very easy going, and were sooo cute together :) They are getting married in March- happy planning!

 

 

October 12th, 2010

Last weekend I had the honor of spending the morning with Jodi and her family (minus Jeremy) to take some family photos. You see, Jeremy and and Jodi are getting married in December, but he is currently deployed. They all miss him terribly (and he misses them!!) so Jodi thought he would appreciate some fun portraits to look at while he is in Afghanistan. First of all, the sacrifices made by military families are huge and both sides have heavy responsibilities on their shoulders. (So thank you for your service!) But I was so impressed with how the children from both sides got along, and the love that they all expressed for each other and Jodi. Plus, Jodi is one heck of a Mom to handle 5 kids at the beach with a photographer that at times had crazy ideas...yes I do want you to run at me ;) Anyway- here are a few sneak peeks and I can't wait to capture their wedding memories in December at the Tavern and Chapel in the Garden.

PS-Sorry Jodi! I did get your kids a bit wet- it was all for a good cause though ;)

 

 

 

October 3rd and 3/4 2010

OK- I realize three blog posts in a day is a little excessive, but it was a busy weekend :) Yesterday Ren and I shot Michelle and Caleb's wedding at the Glen Kernan Golf and Country Club. Michelle, her family and friends were an absolute blast! They had an outside "sunset"wedding. I say "sunset", well, because since it was pretty cloudy there wasn't much of a "sunset" but- we had a ton of fun playing around on the greens taking photos. More to come soon, but here are a few sneak peeks!

 

 

 

October 3rd and 1/2, 2010

Ren, Wally, and I covered Bands Against Breast Cancer's event "Boobsapalooza" yesterday! I am still going through all the images, but are a few of my favorites. It was sponsored by Bands Against Breast Cancer- "Bands Against Breast Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating women in the battle against breast cancer, financially assisting those going through treatment for breast cancer and supporting innovative breast cancer research. Our mission is to harness the power of music to enable us to raise funds to provide education, awareness and support in the fight against breast cancer."

 

October 3rd, 2010

WOW! I've had a great weekend! I am so thankful that I get to do what I love!! I met some awesome people and heard some great bands at Boobsapalooza (check out www.bandsagainstbreastcancer.org) and I had an absolute blast shooting Michelle and Caleb's wedding at Glen Kernan Country Club in Jacksonville. Check next posts for some sneak peeks! We've also got a ton more photos on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/clearlyinfocus)

September 6th, 2010

Wow can you belive it is September already! Yikes :) Well, I hope you all had a great weekend. I used the beautiful weather this weekend to catch up with some old friends, and used the rainy weather today to edit. Here are a few special edits for Sarah and Ryan. Enjoy!

 
 

 

 

 

August 29th, 2010

Sneek Peek!!

Barbara and Roger got married yesterday at the Tavern and Chapel in the Garden, and had their reception at the Shores Resort. Barbara was referred to me by Shelly and Eric (see May 6th wedding) who also got married at the Tavern and Chapel. I loved getting to know Barbara and Roger- they were so laid back and their wedding really reflected that. They got married in the chapel by a pastor that did a fabulous job incorporating little personal touches in their short and sweet ceremony. Barbara's daughter was her bridesmaid, and her son was Roger's groomsman. Her brother walked her down the isle, and he did a great job calming her nerves. It was a special day for the whole family to be together, but bittersweet since her father recently passed. He was there in sprit though!

I loved their colors, and the reception hall at the Shores looked so cool with all the pink decorations. The cupcakes were my favorite though, I had to try to not drool on them while I did the detail shots (they smelled SOOOO good!). Their wedding favors were the pink wrist bands, and were dual purpose. They had their name and date on them, but also got them into the bar downstairs to continue the party! It was a fun group and I'm so glad I got to share it with them!

 

August 24th, 2010

Want another chance to win?!

For those of you who are bummed they didn't win the bridal show giveaway, you have a second chance :) For this one, I'm giving away an engagement shoot OR Trash the dress shoot in Daytona, Jacksonville or Orlando. All you have to do is "like" our facebook page HERE and leave a comment for which shoot you would like. We'll randomly pick one on Sept. 18th. Tell your friends!

August 23rd, 2010

Have you noticed the lack of "eye candy" in this blog? Yeah...we've been super busy, and had to keep some of our awesome pics under wraps because they are being released soon on other exclusive sites. Which is exciting, but nerve-wracking since I can't share them with you. Not to worry, we'll have new stuff posted next week, and other updates coming soon. We are also switching to a "real blog" so you can follow us easier (and will make updates easier on us).

August 10th, 2010

Stop by and see me at the Daytona Beach FL Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal show! It will be at the Daytona Beach Resort! Show time is 1pm-4pm. I'd love to meet you! Don't forget to sign up for the Engagement shoot give-away!

August 5th, 2010

Congratulations to all the brides I met last week at the Jacksonville, FL Perfect Wedding Guide bridal show. It was at the beautiful Jacksonville public library- which was such a neat venue to host it in. I want to especially congratulate Frances Libreros, for winning our engagement shoot give-away!

June 27th, 2010

Happy Wedding Day Stephanie and Boyd :) Can't wait to post your pics!

June 25th, 2010

A few teasers for Sarah and Ryan! They had a beautiful wedding by the water at Bayview Event Center. Sarah had a really fun idea of having all the bridesmaids have different color bouquets, and then her bridal bouquet had each accent color! Made for a very pretty display!

 

May 20th, 2010

Phew! Mary and Bjorn kept us busy! We started shooting when the girls were getting their makeup done, and closed down the party at the end of the night! They had a great bridal party and huge family, from all over the world! Here are a few sneak peeks and will post more later. The cool thing to note, is the german toasting chalice. The best man read the story...and it was so cool! When I got to the reception I was eyeing this "statue", and was like hmmm, thats pretty- but there must be a story. Well- they flipped it over, and poured wine in both sides! COOL! Click here for the chalice story

May 8th, 2010

Mary and Bjorn are getting married on the 15th in Daytona Beach. We shot last weekend in Ft. DeSoto, which is where they got engaged. They oozed love for each other like it was nobody's business! We had such a fun time trying to get the shoot done before the sun set. We've had such a cool winter, they wanted to wait to do their e-shoot when it was warm. Well- they got their wish! It was 93 and SUNNY! Phew- don't worry we didn't melt, but we sure tested the holding power of her flat iron and anti-frizz product :)

   
       

 

May 6th, 2010

Congratulations Shelly and Eric! They got married today at the Tavern and Chapel in the Garden in Port Orange (www.tavernandchapel.com). It was an absolutely beautiful day, very hot but gorgeous. The groomsmen got ready in the train, which is such a neat place, and the girls got ready in the Guest house (which overlooks the river!). The rain storms kept everyone in suspense till the last minute, but the skies cleared and they were able to hold their wedding as planned out under the gazebo. Shelly had a exquisite dress with a beautiful train, (which at times had a mind of its own!) and her something old was her grandmothers ring which she wore on her ring finger. The Tavern and Chapel is always a beautiful place to photograph, and the event staff always handles everything with the utmost care. At their reception Shelly's dance with her father was a big hit, they did a slow dance that in the middle they broke out into a dance montage which was awesome! Her dad can do a mean jig! I've posted a video on the facebook page, it is a hoot! Ryan Grow with Ambient Picture Productions (www.ambientpicture.com) did their video and I can't wait to see what he captured! Thanks again Shelly and Eric for letting me capture your wedding memories! Have fun in St. Lucia on your honeymoon!

 
 
   
   

April 28th, 2010

Hello all you recently engaged couples! Congratulations! Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, as there are many vendors to pick from in the area. Often just the volume of offers that pack your inbox can be surprising, and hard to sort through. Bridal shows can be a one stop shop for all your bridal needs, or just a way to get some fun ideas if you are early in the planning stages. I will be participating in two bridal shows this summer, one in Jacksonville July 25th, and one in Daytona Beach, August 15th. As a special incentive for those newly engaged, or for those with a few things left to check off on their wedding list, I'm offering a drawing for free tickets to those shows. To enter, just email (info at clearlyinfocus.com) which show you are interested in going to, along with your name, address (to mail your tickets if you win), and wedding date. I'll draw 6 for the Daytona show on August 5th, and 6 for the Jacksonville show on July 8th. Winners will be notified by email, and will also be listed here on this blog.
I'd love to meet you!

 

 

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