A Weddin' I Reckon'

My oh my. I assisted a Tempe-based photographer in shooting a wedding at MacDonald Ranch in North Scottsdale three week ago and just received the disk with my images. At this wedding, you felt like family. As I like to say, I like to work with and photograph "the folks". Truly, this was a heart-filled and hearted centered occasion for these two lovebirds who ran off to Florida right after their wedding. The cowboy themed union utilized so much creativity!

You come, You go, You change

A special day deserves a special note.

During the first year of my membership, I would notice my fitness center's motto written on one of its walls: "Come as you are, leave as you want to be" (credit to Mountainside Fitness). Hokey, I know. But this kept coming to mind after photographing the Silver/Jakobi Wedding.

It's so true that when I embark on these photography shoots--whether it's an early morning shot, an afternoon wedding or an evening event, I show up as the photographer and leave as a changed person. But this change is almost a natural evolution, a spontaneous burst. Maybe it's just my gooey nature, but I can't help but feel as if a small piece of me has been invested in the pivotal day of my clients, and a part of me falls in love with their own stories. I certainly felt that way on Sunday, October 18.

Jennie and Kyle were married at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona (another "orange tree"--what a kick, I know). I've never worked with a more lively, joyous, and celebratory group of people. Beautiful Jennie, our blushing bride, wed Kyle, a total live wire (and chef extraordinaire!) on a warm afternoon in the open air, and in tow were her gorgeous gals and his laugh-a-minute groomsmen. The ceremony was intimate and overflowing with loving support for the couple, and the parents, family and friends all made this experience unforgettable.

The setting was beautiful, the company was lively and the couple was a bright spot in everyone's eyes. I can say that I was blessed to be a small part of this amazing union by capturing the Silver/Jakobi wedding. Congrats, J & K !!

Phoenix Fashion Week: 3D Event at Hotel Valley Ho

I was given an incredible opportunity to shoot for a VIP event at the Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale where Phoenix Fashion Week was held at the beginning of October. 3D, part of Revolution Tea (Phoenix-based beverage company--sold nationally and really good! www.revolutiontea.com) hosted its own event on the rooftop of the hotel in honor of breast cancer awareness. The wife of the owner of Revolution Tea is a breast cancer survivor with an amazing story. These pictures were taken in the open air on top of the hotel, looking over the Valley of the Sun. In some shots, I've captured Camelback Mountain, an iconic mountain within the borders the city. Note that the couple pictured above is the genius behind what you see in the photos! Mark and Angela Karp of Angelic Grove (www.angelicgrove.com) do event and party decor with a style like no other. What a masterpiece for the eyes! Action photos (catwalk, runway, etc.) to follow!

Octoberfest, Coming At Ya LIVE!

Okay, so two weeks later.... but still good, right? I went with my MOM (yay, Mom!) to Octoberfest this year at Tempe Town Lake. We strolled along the beachfront park to look at the sites, watch the crazies, and try some beer. Here are a few of my favorites.

Sam I am!

This is Sam and she's a portrait photographer. Sam has taken the Graphic Design course that I just signed up for this past fall, and she's also in my portraiture class. She's beautiful and intelligent. These were just a few test shots while in the studio a few weeks back. It's a whole new world, the studio is-- and I love it!