Destination Wedding Aruba Bucuti Resort – Ryan & Leanne
Bucuti Beach resort in Aruba was the backdrop for Ryan & Leanne’s wedding last week in Aruba. A sunset on Eagle Beach is God’s little idea of perfection and they grabbed a little piece of it for themselves. All the way from the UK they winged it over to the tiny Caribbean island of Aruba for a simple but classy wedding. We spent the afternoon with them and watched the sunset dip into the Caribbean Sea. Of course some photography was on tap and Ryan & Leanne were stunning as they strolled Manchebo Beach toward a dinner on the grounds of the Bucuti Beach Resort. There are days (a whole bunch of them!) when I love being a photographer and this was one for sure! A little bit ‘o heaven in Aruba courtesy of our fav resort – Bucuti Beach! Cheers Ryan & Leanne!
Kaiya
We found the most amazing baby the other day at Botanical Gardens….bizarre how that happens! Actually it was all planned and Kaiya put on a show for us with all her cuteness. While baby photography is quite a departure from my normal stuff – I sure don’t mind doing it, especially with such a incredibly cute and well-behaved little one like Kaiya. I do too many of these and Adina starts getting the “bug”. Just say no! For now I just take pictures of babies….that’s it. Really. Here’s Kaiya!
Aruba Wedding Pre-Shoot (Jeff & Jing) – Destination Wedding
“One Happy Island”, that’s what they call Aruba. I can see why with so many things to see it is just a phenomenal place to photograph. Aruba really is unique as a Caribbean island with cactus, ruins, Divi trees and white sandy beaches – a combination you will find nowhere else! I would go to Aruba just to photograph the ruins, the crashing waves on the windward side and the white beaches of Eagle Beach. Now, give me a couple of beautiful people and that is just the cherry on top! We joined Jeff & Jing in Aruba for their wedding at the Westin where their wedding was going to be right on Palm Beach. Before their wedding though we headed out to photograph all around the tiny 19 mile island of Aruba. Our first stop was at the Alto Vista Chapel that sits high on a mountain top that gives a tremendous view of the entire island. After photographing there for a bit we headed down the dirt roads toward the rough side of Aruba where the waves constantly pound the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Jeff & Jing were willing to do about anything as we perched them on the edge of cliffs with waves crashing all around them. The Natural Bridge provided a quiet place for a few shots as we continued our 4-wheel drive trek through the outback of Aruba. The Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins gave us a great view of the Atlantic and the crumbling rocks of the ruins provided a very unique backdrop. Before we left we made sure to build a wishing rock tower in island tradition. While there was much to see on the windward side of Aruba we raced the sun back to the other side for some shots with the white sand beaches that Aruba is known for. Jeff & Jing were up for a roll in the surf so we kicked off our shoes for an Aruban “trash the dress” shoot! Before we dove in though we made sure to find the famous Divi trees on Eagle Beach for a couple of photographs. Destination wedding photography can be a real challenge with the travel and logistical issues but people like Jeff & Jing and locations like Aruba make it so worth while. All in all the day of photography was a boatload of fun as we explored Aruba with our good friends and got to know them and the island a whole lot better! Stay tuned for wedding pics!
Natalie’s Modeling Portfolio
It’s always awesome to see old friends come back for their photos. In this case it was a senior from 2008 – Natalie! We shot her senior pics a few years ago and now she is an aspiring model. We did a few shots in our studio for her model portfolio and I don’t think the world knows what they’re in for! Natalie has a bright future ahead of her and we can’t wait to see where this road takes her. Hang on Natalie!
Michelle – Senior Model 2010
An adventure was in store when we met Michelle. We toured the countryside with her and took a few pictures along the way. Michelle is such a free spirit and we had a great time photographing her! Biplanes, beaches, fashion shoot in the studio – you name it and she was up for it! Michelle is another one of our 2011 Senior Models so keep an eye out for her in your school next year! Here’s Michelle:
Jennifer and Cameron Got Married
A couple of cool people got married the other day in Yorktown. I like cool people so I took a few shots….then a few more. Gee, I guess we ended up staying all night at the Freight Shed in Yorktown for their wedding! A great location right on the York river with a couple of fabulous people – what more could you ask for? Congratulations, Jennifer and Cameron – you rock!
Caroline – Senior Model 2010
One of our 2011 Senior Models is now here for your viewing pleasure! The most amazing – Caroline! She brought some way cool dresses that just kept getting better as the day went on. Just when we thought she brought out her best one, she would top it with the next one! A harpist & a dancer all in one package! Be on the lookout for Caroline and our other models in a school near you! Here’s Caroline:
Olivia-Senior Model 2010
She is way smarter than you and way prettier than me. That about sums up our 2011 model, Olivia. So, just give up now and be happy with second place. She’s got first all wrapped up. Behold the awesomeness….
Alex Takes on the World! – Senior Model 2010
Meet Alex. She pulled off so many great looks that we just couldn’t get enough of her. She is one of our 2011 senior models so keep an eye out for her as she cruises the hallways! She worked out the whole ace fighter pilot look for sure. It was a joy to work with her and the day we spent with her was a highlight of our year. Take a peek at a few of my favs!
The “Big Reveal”
It was party time last week at the Senior Experience (our senior H.S. branch of the biz) and with the help of a few good friends we put on an event for our 2010 models. Our models are the advocates for us in their high schools as they show off their images, talk about their “Senior Experience”, and brag about some of the cool products that we offer! Daevid’s Bridal Flowers hosted us as we transformed a room into a swanky club for the evening complete with the services of Arch Entertainment “DJ-ing”, Blue Steel Lighting providing killer lighting, and a delicious feast from East Beach Catering, Pike Media Resource provided video services and RSVP Stationery designed the custom invitations. Antonia Christianson Events designed and coordinated the event from start to finish as well with furnishings from Daevid’s , and Distinctive Event rentals. That’s a whole lotta people coming together for one thing – make this a memorable night for our senior models! Here’s a few shots from the evening and be on the look out for our senior models in your school since they will have discount coupons for you! In upcoming posts we will be introducing you to our 2011 team so keep an eye out. For now, just a few shots of the evening – photobooth & video coming soon! The tasty treatsGoodies on display Revealing their images! Chatting with our models Blue Steel Lighting rockin’ our logo! The lounge… Photobooth & a bit ‘o excitement Lined up on the red carpet! Sweet stuff!
Jennifer’s Bridal
It’s just a real pain when we have to wait until after the wedding to post images from a bridal shoot. We’ve been sitting on these for a few weeks now but alas, Jennifer got married and now she can show off her dress for all to see! We took over Huber Court at the Chrysler Museum for about an hour and we came up with some great shots. Stay tuned for a few shots from their wedding! But, for now….it’s just Jennifer!
Courtney
Courtney is ready to hit the world running! She just graduated from Hampton University and from the sounds of it she is ready for anything. High School seniors are a big part of what we do but I could get used to shooting a few college grads! It’s a great time of their lives and it’s amazing to capture their excitement as they launch into a brave new world! Here’s Courtney:
Orlando “No Rules Workshop”
A bit of retro was in order for our Orlando Workshop which seemed to fit with the host studio (Nielsens Photography) since their studio is in a train complete with an engine and all! We had folks from all over come in for this event including, Texas, Utah, Florida, and even Trinidad. A very diverse group for sure which made for lots of questions and interaction which we love. Mike and Ann totally rocked the 30’s vibe with the fedora & birdcage veil. Thanks to our models, our fellow photographers and of course the gorgeous Florida weather we had a blast! Check out the video courtesy of Shaking Hands Productions and a few of my favorites. Next stop – Michigan!
Houston Workshop
As many of you know we bounce around the country teaching our “No Rules” philosophy to whomever will listen. Houston gathered 80 of their finest photographers for our workshop last month and we got down and dirty with everything from marketing & business strategies to off-camera lighting & posing. We always cram a ton of info in our all-day workshops and this was no different – lots of questions, shooting and a few puzzled looks (yes, we saw you….!) Check out where we are headed next here and put down your pre-conceptions and join us! Here’s a few shots from the Houston No Rules Workshop. Stay tuned for some sweetness from Orlando!
Sara & Eric
Cherry blossoms in DC! Sounds like a killer time to have your picture taken – and it was! A million other people thought so too…. We were not deterred – crowds or not Sara & Eric worked it out and we had an amazing time among the masses as we photographed them for their e-session. Their engagement shoot took place in our nations capital at the peak of the Cherry Blossom Festival. DC was alive with people, sounds and the business that makes Washington an awesome place for photographs! While we made sure we incorporated the cherry blossoms, we also made sure we hit all the spots that make Washington what it is – the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and even the WW II Memorial. Sara & Eric were up for the challenge and we all had an awesome adventure as we got lost among the history and streets of the capital. Oh yeah, we took a few pics too. Here’s a few of my favs!