This one's for Hardy and Paige

Two colleagues/friends Hardy and Paige, both outstanding wedding and portrait photographers, gave me the proverbial kick in the butt this week: "Stop procrastinating and start blogging".

And blog I will.

Upcoming posts will detail my style of natural documentary photography, Wedding Storybook design, Engagement Sessions, how I partner with Wedding Planners and Venues to insure the success of your wedding photography, offer tips for your own personal photography (helpful as families gather for the holidays), share images from recent weddings, plus a few favorites from my personal archives.

I'll add favorite links, perhaps some favorite books, and share the incredible things I'm learning from my 8+ year yoga practice.

Stay tuned.

Amy & Todd at The Broadmoor

Please enjoy this sneak preview of Amy and Todd's fabulous wedding celebration. Their Ceremony was held on the Mountain View Terrace with a dinner reception in the Main Ballroom. The Jakarta Band rocked the house as you'll see in the dance photograph.

Award Winning Photography!

Here's some cool news: The International Network of Golf (ING) handed out a first place trophy to me for a photo essay that was commissioned by Colorado AvidGolfer magazine. The photo story captured the work being done by the Broadmoor Golf Club maintenance crew in preparation for the 2008 U.S. Senior Open Tournament.
The assignment began at 5 a.m. to document the crew's daily morning meeting where work assignments are handed out. As the sun began to rise, I followed the crew around the course as they mowed fairways, greens, and trimmed commemorative tee markers.
AvidGolfer Editor Jon Rizzi had my photograph taken with the crystal trophy and I believe he's going to publish it in the April issue.
My "storytelling with a camera" style of documentary photography was the perfect fit for this assignment. That golden glow from the early morning light really adds warmth and long shadows across the green grass. You can even see the dew on the green and parts of the fairway.
It was worth the 4 a.m. wake-up call just to be on the quiet, empty golf course that morning photographing the grounds crew. Receiving the award is icing on the cake.

Can you believe it--On Vacation!!!

I won't embarrass myself by telling you how long it's been since we've been outta town on a real life, full-blown, non-work related holiday. Finally did it this week.

Huatulco, Mexico is paradise for sure and the Hotel Villas Coral on the Pacific Ocean is quiet, quaint, and small. We've go a 90 minute yoga class every morning, wireless internet as needed, cold beer all day long, cigar smoking any old time and anywhere. A taxi ride to any one of several towns,  villages, beaches is only $25 pesos. Could life be any better? 

One taxi driver took us to his hometown  of Santa Maria where we watched a carpenter put finishing touches on the town cathedral before this Friday's festival. In the coffee plantation mountain town of Pluma Hidalgo, kids shoot hoops under an open-air but covered court. 

Jeanette trusted my judgment in choosing the frozen lime bars, too sour for me. And these large black vultures hang out in the tree near our room-reminding me of Hitchcock's film, "The Birds".

Broadmoor Bridal Show Rocks

Thanks to Nora, Denise, and Lindsey--the best catering managers anywhere--for hosting such a great bridal show this afternoon. It's an honor to be one of the Broadmoor's preferred vendors and having the chance to meet and display my storytelling photography to future clients is icing on the cake (pun intended).

Amanda, no worries, the fashion show was a success. This year's annual show featured exquisite gowns and dresses from de ma Fille boutique. As you can see, owners Gina and Amanda received a well earned round of applause after their presentation.

Cold Hands - Warm Hearts

Lisa and Zach were oblivious to the cold, wind, snow, and cloud cover during their Engagement Photography session at the Garden of the Gods.
Well, almost.
As you see in the 3 picture sequence, Lisa couldn't resist making that one snowball. You know, of course, who it was tossed at and who warmed the cold fingers afterwards.
Our Engagement sessions are always fun as couples quickly forget about the camera and enjoy their time together. Several deer came within 30' of us and the sun broke thru the clouds as we finished our session - Pikes Peak in the background.
I can't wait for their joyful and loving wedding celebration in May. Snow or no snow do you think I should be ready for more mischievous moments?

Penny's Spa Party

Penny sneaks past the big three nine with great friends and family; good food, manicures, pedicures, and chair massages. Sylvia and her staff at In Style Nails made sure everyone was properly pampered. Check out Fancy to Fantasy Catering for fabulous eats. Did I mention that the birthday girl planned her own party? Well who'd be better, since Revelry is Penny's event planning company? Happy Birthday!