expressive: Mr. and Mrs. Oldham

I am so behind on blogging weddings, I hardly know what to say. So bare with me while I ramble on.
Lance and Vanessa were an unusual booking for me because, as you might be able to tell as you look through my documentation, they are Jewish. I really did do my homework for this wedding, and it was my 2nd Jewish ceremony...but still, it was full of so many traditions and busy with activity and circumstance!

Well, I showed up and Vanessa was dressed so I just sort of shot while observing the last minute nerves. The wedding couldn't begin till sundown, and of course who tells the sun when to set? Not even a Rabi, and so there was quite a bit of pacing and 'when?, what's going on'?





The ceremony had two parts, really. The meeting, the veil thing in honor of Abraham and Rachel, then the signing of the marriage contract, presentation.



Someone petted my head during this first ceremony. Have you heard of that game where you get points...never mind.
Then on to the other half..similar to the ceremonies I have witnessed or photographed before.





Afterward, the bride and groom had some alone time. Portraits. On to the reception! Bread, dances, more dancing, dinner.









I also remember that the other wedding couple at the O'Henry that night was surprise! friends of the Oldham's. What a strange coincidence. I also was allergic to something at the hotel...which kept me running for the restroom every few minutes.

That's the extent of what I remember most. Isn't that terrible? I love that I am blessed with these unique experience, witnessing so many precious family moments, being surrounded, in a way, and included in special times. I so appreciate these blessings-- each wedding, it's uniqueness, the tender moments, the lessons I learn by observing you and yours. I wish I could write better, because each and every wedding is worthy of it's own story, it's own book.

WOW, I am waxing poetic. Must be bedtime! Congrats to you both!

darkroom dreams

For some crazy reason, I dreamt about the darkroom last night. It was so vivid, in it I told John b&w only because color printing is a pain in the booty (and you have to work in a pitch-dark room, worrying only about the color, getting the color right, testing for gray...oh, this makes me upset just considering it). Besides, I am all about the black and white.

I was so psyched, as soon as I remembered it, I really did have the conversation with John! And he said he would make me one, anything I wanted. Yes, I really am so spoiled... Hurrah!

Which is wicked cool because that means we'll make the basement into a darkroom instead of a studio/office like he's been pushing. I really hate the thought of meeting people under the house, like some kind of troll, haha! But working on prints! I'm so excited I can't stand it!

There's something about the process... the effort of putting light to film, of exposing a roll, even winding it back up. The little container that you 'agitate' for so many seconds (60? been too long!) and then hang to dry the film... careful, don't want any dust! And then the amber glow of the print room, trays of chemicals, the scent, the magic of image appearing on blank paper, burning just so, dodging here and there! Oh, so much fun! I love it.

On a nearly unrelated note, I need a White Stripes Diana, to match my Holga.
That is all. :)

Give Rice

I've always liked rice.
Test your vocabulary, play a game and GIVE RICE. I like it so much, I may click a link soon just to be nice to the page sponsors.

Go: feed the hungry.

..now to look for a 'free butter or soy' site.

Christmas Booking Sale!

John and I want to give you a present...book us for your 2008 wedding between now and December 31st and receive 10% off our regular rates and a 4x5 album!
Many blessings,

Vikki+Michael: fun!

When I did their engagement pictures, I couldn't help noticing they were addicted to fun. What I didn't realize was how amazing their wedding would be! And as they aren't into posing for portraits, I couldn't have been happier. I had so. much. creative. freedom. Thank you so much!!!






name that venue....










inspired by the brides' dress...



at Tosca Restaurant..I love the moving people contrasted against those who don't dance. :)


Be blessed!

new blog

So...hope you like the new look to our blog! I really wanted to show my images larger, and de-clutter a bit. See post above! Stay on the lookout for a header
^^ way up top ^^, and some new features to get you blog stockers to speak up. Glad to have you, but comment already!
We're also expecting a new website soon...well, OK, after Christmas sometime. But I'm excited! My current one is definitely beautiful, but completely unreliable for some reason. Some days it's up, sometimes the email works, sometimes that contact form goes into oblivion. With the new site I won't have to depend on the current hosting site. FREEDOM! yay!

So..if I don't answer your emails... call me! 919.601.0105 :)

years of friendship: Jennifer+Matt

Jennifer and Matt have known each other since high school days, met on the job... I am so happy for them! I really got the sense they want the same things out of life.















Best Wishes, newlyweds!

Elnaz+Will: epics

Wedding pictures coming very soon!