MICHELLE AND BRIAN

Michelle and Brian. Pine Garth Inn, Union Pier, Michigan. WOW!!! What a weekend. It was awesome. Michelle looked beautiful and she couldn't stop smiling the whole day. I've never seen a calmer bride. And Brian, he couldn't hold back his happiness when he saw his bride walking down the aisle. Family. Friends. Everybody had such a great time celebrating with this bride and groom. On a hillside. Right on the water. The sun setting. YEP!!! It was awesome!!!

It was through the bride's brother, Stephen that the bride and I connected. He's been my hair stylist as well as my friend for many years. BTW, Thank You, Stephen! 

So what happens to you when you're the brother and a hair stylist??? Well, we lost count of how many heads of hair Stephen but it started with his mother followed by his 5 (yes, 5) sisters, and a couple of friends on the side... including me. He barely had time to get ready himself before he walked Michelle down the aisle.

Wishing Michelle and Brian all the best and HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!

Also, can't wait for the babies to start arriving... I do family portraiture too!!!

Summer 08

Wow, I  can't believe that it's almost August already. Where has the summer gone. I know that I have spent practically every weekend celebrating, partying with couples in love. Yeah, sounds like a hard life as a wedding photographer, doesn't it? I initially thought my blog would only be wedding photos but there are always other things that catch your eye that aren't always the bride and groom and they just say something to you, you know. So here is one of those, the candles people light for their prayer intentions...

OMG - The Big 40

Yes, May was my birthday month and this year I turned 40. YIPPEE!!! Age of reckoning??? Perhaps. Just when you start to really get comfortable in your own skin... things start to hurt a little here and there. Thankfully, the aches are few and the gray hairs even fewer. But the good times are far better and more often.

What a wonderful birthday it was. My 2 big sisters, Jane and Lulu, came in from Baton Rouge to help me celebrate. With over 30 of my friends, we feasted on jambalaya, Mississippi mud pie, and mint juleps. Everyone earned their Mardi Gras beads while good ol' jazz played all night long. It was a great time. Everyone had loads of fun.

40? I figure I'm just beginning to enter my prime. And starting it off with my sisters and friends made it oh so special. 

Debby and Carl

Congrats to Debby and Carl!!! 

Not your traditional wedding day and that's just fine with me... the small and intimate setting of Maxim's on E. Goethe. A brief ceremony followed by cocktails and dinner with family and friends on this special occasion. Friendly crowd, having a good time, celebrating Deby and Carl tying the knot. So glad I could capture the special moments for them. 

Wishing them 'happily ever after!'

Brigid and Dan

It was a good day to get married and that's just what Brigid and Dan did. We didn't let the cool weather stop us. The ceremony took place at St. Michael's - such a great church - it certainly has a long aisle for the bride. But I swear, those bridemaids made it a quick trip. Then cocktails and dinner at The Union League - awesome venue. Ornate and high ceiling. Artwork everywhere. Great service and food. And to top it off to get everyone boogie-ing... the Ralph Wilder Orchestra. It was a long day but gosh, it was a fun one too. Congrats to Brigid and Dan!!!

2008 Weddings

Yes, weddings already and the calls keep coming. Looking towards another great year of couples in love, happiness and celebration. It's a 'tough' job, but you know the saying... being around all the love and joy, people celebrating. Really, though, it is a pleasure to do what I do. And I feel a big responsibility too - I mean after all, these people are going to remember their wedding day through my eyes, how I saw it. I take that responsibility very seriously. But when you're with the special couple, their family and friends, you can't help but be happy and celebrate with them.

San Diego Vacation

It's always good to be able to get away from Chicago in January and February. I was able to steal a few days in San Diego. It was sunny but still chilly and to top it off, I caught my friends' cold. It had me cut my vacation short but not before I got to spend a few days taking in the sites like Balboa Park, Old Town, and USS Midway. I can't believe how much there is to do and see there. It just means that the next time I'm there I'll need a lot of time to do it all. You can check out all my vacation photos at www.pictage.com and search "san diego vacation".

Holiday Season

Now that all the hoopla of the holiday season is over and we are settling in to focus on this new year, I just had to post a photo of one of my sister's family. I got to spend Christmas in Louisiana with my two sisters and their families and that was great. I love spending time with my 15-year-old niece and 10-year-old nephew... I mean, otherwise, when would I have ever watched "Transformers" or "Finding Nemo" for the 10th time or the third season of "Spongebob Squarepants" if it weren't for them. Can you believe that I had never heard of "High School Musical?"

I did get to eat lots of gumbo which is always a good thing. And on Monday, January 7, LSU will be playing Ohio for the college football national championship... GEAUX TIGERS!!! That's how we spell 'down there.'

And I'm looking forward to a fantastic 2008 beyond what will be just good... It's going to ge GREAT... for you, for me... We're going to make it AWESOME!!!... a year worth remembering...

Ready? Let's get busy!!!

Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat

Whew! A weekend without a wedding. What is that?

Something else drew me out on Friday night... Sean Wiggins and her band Lone Goat at the Dragonfly Mandarin on W. Randolph. And they rocked it all night long.

Taking some shots just for fun, Sean, friends and the action.

She is something to talk about, that's for sure. You've got to hear!!! Strong and defined. Passionate and gifted.

Check it out: http://www.seanwiggins.com/. A real talent you want to know.

Chika and Pete

Chika and Pete's wedding images are now available on Pictage.com.

They are an absolutely great couple. Friends first. Did the long distance relationship. And their wedding was such a celebration of their love.

They got married at Catalyst Ranch... unique for a wedding venue but it was awesome. Hearty Boys did the food... Mmmm, good stuff.

Gosh, it was a fun time and I smiled all day long.