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!

Tie the Knot and Eat Da Cake!

The pictures say it all! We all got a bit "sticky" waiting for Clay and Tiffany to come out of the Temple from their sealing ceremony (again-- my fist time doing an LDS wedding), but at last, finally, they appeared and the cheering began! .... and LOTS of family photos, too :) The LDS families were so wonderful to work with--they knew what pictures they wanted, were totally organized, and had they knew (for the most part!) how to line themselves up--made my job so much easier out in the blazing sun!

God bless, Tiffany and Clay!

A Reception to Remember

A beautiful reception was held for the Alger's in Downtown Mesa. The lighting was so elegant and romantic... and the food was fantastic! Laughing, smiling, dancing, and cheers filled the room up to the rafters in honor of Tiffany and Clay Alger who were wedded on 9-18-09.

WOW! What a couple!

Wow! I can't say enough how great this couple is-- Clay and Tiffany. And I can't say enough how honored I feel to capture their special day. They are so great and made my experience as a photographer so much fun. An early morning shoot at the Mesa Arizona Temple was a breathtaking and all-around new experience for me--this will be my first LDS wedding to photograph, and I hope it will be the first of many!