Of love…and wall portraits

I was just looking over last years weddings and realized how truly lucky I feel.  Each one brought a different memory for me.  When it came time to select photos to display on the walls of my new studio I felt so torn.  With thousands of great photos to choose from it became clear to me.  I quickly learned why my Brides call or write soon after saying they don’t know how they are going to choose their favorites.  It became increasingly difficult to choose.  After narrowing it down to my “BEST” I looked them over and sure enough…I started all over again and again.  How did I finally narrow it down….well….

I chose images that gave me the most emotional memory.  The memory was mine and mine alone.  Perhaps it was a conversation we were having during the time the shutter snapped or an emotion that their wedding brought up in me and my own past, or an expression that made me laugh, or a situation that brought me to tears.  I figured if I was going to look these images on the wall for a while, I wanted them to remind me of what it meant for me to be at their wedding and the emotions I felt while capturing their day.  Some of the images are beautiful reminders of the journey I have been on thus far.  Some are just a reminder of what joy it was to have met these beautiful people.  Others are a reminder of what it means to love, honor, forgive, respect, share, or laugh. 

Turns out this is the best advice I can give to my Brides and Grooms when choosing the images to place on their walls or their albums.  Choose YOUR memories.  Not what you want others to see.  When you are ready to leave this world and you want to reflect on your wedding day….what do you want to see? 

When I worked in Hospice years ago, this was the most fun for all of us.  Reliving the “real” memories of their past.  Your wedding day memories should be just that.  Real…not posed….not planned. 

I will change my memory wall from time to time.  As my heart is brimming full already this year with all of these emotions.  I welcome you to stop by the studio and share in my memories and yours.

Spring is near!

The daffodils showed up just in time for the Luker’s wedding a the Thorncrown Chapel on March 12, 2009. 

After the wedding we went around town and captured a few of the yellow bell bushes that were in bloom that weekend too.

 

A guy has to do what a guy has to do!

So what do you do when your tux rental company doesn’t get your shoe size “just right”…well…..

Erin and Ben didn’t let a little discomfort get in the way of their good times!

Circle of Light

The Neel’s were united in marriage at this scenic lake overlook this past July.  The spritual center hosts many weddings for those who are drawn to their unexplainable karmic energy.  I was impressed greatly by the words spoken by Yao, who performed their ceremony.  A beautiful colorful sky lingered just long enough for the promises to be made, just before the rains came down. 

 

Just the right touch

A carriage ride is just the right touch for a beautiful wedding at the Crescent Hotel.  Call and ask for Ada, at 870-749-2665 to arrange for your romantic getaway.

Genuine Love!

Every now and then, I meet a couple who are not only are sweet beyond belief, but their family is too.  I know without one doubt Ashley and Matt are going to have a long happy life together.  This is just one of the many couples this year who I consider to be some of the finest people I’ve ever met.  It’s weddings like this one that reminds me that it is often me who walks away with the fondest memories and not just my clients.

Let’s see…you & me, me & mini me, and then those 3

You and Me!

 

 

Me & mini me

Those 3!

I think it’s safe to say we had fun at with Lena and Josh at their wedding in July.

Sometimes emotion gets to us all.

Right before Cheri and Greg were to be married….happiness came over Cheri just before she stepped into the chapel.  Almost made me cry too.

Stepping back in time

It was as if we all stepped back in time for Chelsea and Austin’s wedding.  With much thought and consideration for having your wedding at a historic hotel, Chelsea chose garments that were romantic and vintage.

Lake lovers

Married at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson, on June 21, 2008.  Cute as a bug!