Sunday, November 30, 2008

Michelle and Stephen - Hollywood Engagement Photography

I recently spent a weekend in sunny, and smoky, southern California for Michelle and Stephen's engagement session. We had a great time acting like tourists in Hollywood, although I think everyone thought they were movie stars with me and my assistant following them around Hollywood Boulevard like the paparazzi!

We started out at the beautiful Griffith Observatory high up in the hills above Hollywood. We were hoping for great views of the city, but the recent fires filled the skies with white smoke. Combine that with the smog and you've got yourself a natural yellow backdrop! No worries though, I always find a way to come away with great shots....

Think they're happy to get married?

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We tried to get some shots with the Hollywood sign in the background, but there was just too much smoke in the sky. Oh well, still a fun shot....

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Proof that even in between locations there's always a shot to be had....

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Is that Kanye West cruisin' the boulevard? Not quite....

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Like I said, because of the smoky sky, we were unable to grab some shots up at the observatory with the Hollywood sign in the background, so we had to improvise. With a little help from my assistant, we were able to get the shot. Just like the Hollywood films, you have to take advantage of props. When in Rome....

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Ummm, it's just not the same....

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This is just funny....

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I just love these street scenes....

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Once again, my lovely assistant takes one for the team to test out a shot....

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Can't wait for the wedding!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Bethanne and Darren - Smith Lake, Alabama

The first thing I want to say is THANK YOU to both families I had the pleasure of spending time with while photographing Bethanne and Darren's special day. They took the term "southern hospitality" to a whole new level. I had so much fun spending time out at the lake, that's right Janie, I even had fun helping set up for the wedding! My lighting skills and tasty caramel apples will go down in history....

Now to the photos! Bethanne looked amazing in her simple, yet very elegant wedding dress. I started out photographing the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready in the master bedroom at one of the cabins. The cabin had a very "rustic" feel to it, which tied in well with every little detail throughout the weekend.

Congrats you guys!!

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Here's big sis Brittney helping out....

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Once again, meet my "artsy" side....

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Kaylee was definitely my superstar model for the weekend!

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One final touch before photos....

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And she's ready! Beautiful....

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The ladies....

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The fellas....

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You gotta love the suspenders!

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My personal favorite, the first time they see each other before the wedding. True love can never be faked for a camera....

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A proud father....

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Time to giver her away Jim....

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Here's something you don't see at every wedding. All the guests sat on stacks of hay! No detail was missed for the theme of this wedding....

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Do you think she's excited?

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Details, details....there were a ton of them!

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Yes, those are real leaves with a pad of butter on them!

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The bluegrass band came all the way up from Auburn to play at the wedding. We were all glad they did, they were awesome!

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Yea, it was good, trust me....

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