Dallas Wedding Photography: Amy and Jason E-Session

I had the privilege of meeting with Amy and Jason this past Saturday for their engagement session. It started off as a down right cool overcast morning in Deep Ellum before we moved to downtown. This is my last currently scheduled shoots for the year. Which kind of works out nice since Krista and I are flying out on Thanksgiving Day (Yes, I'm aware of the pat-down thing) to head to Ecuador for 10 days. We are visiting Krista's grandmother who retired back to Ecuador to the small town of Calderon just north of Quito. Apparently Krista's Great Grandfather used to own much of Calderon, and there is a, uh let's just say party, planned for the coming of the first great grandchild back to Calderon. I'm looking forward to some great times, and great pictures. I may have to wait to blog once I get back, but hopefully I can update at least with some pictures if not words. Anyways, back to Amy and Jason. They were great, and I had a great time shooting them. I always love meeting people in love!

Dallas Wedding Photography: The Other Things

I had a great time down in Houston this past weekend. I went down to help out with a workshop that was being taught by Don Giannatti from Phoenix. Don is a great guy, seasoned pro photographer, graphic designer, art director, web designer, and all around "if it needs designing he's your man". I fit in somewhere between student and assistant over the weekend. I learn from watching Don work and teach, but I also helped the other attendees out as we broke out into group sessions. Greatly talented, creative bunch of shooters that came out. I'm glad I got to meet everyone of them. If you are a shooter I highly recommend attending one of Don's workshops. If you just want a great photography blog head over to Lighting Essentials by Don.

OK, so I got to practice some non-wedding work over the weekend.

Dallas Wedding Photography: Chassity + Roger

I had a great time yesterday out at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden's Japanese Garden shooting Chassity and Roger's intimate wedding. Family centric, and just a perfect day to say "I Do!" This wedding was really out of my normal realm. I didn't have Krista because it was a bit of a last minute booking, and it was outdoors! It's interesting to not struggle with finding enough light for once. I almost had the issue of too much light! Either way it was gorgeous in the gardens. After the ceremony their family all got together at the Fort Worth Stockyards to celebrate. Great people, and lots of fun. As my usual the images say it all!

Dallas Wedding Photography: Trash The Dress

Maybe the fad is fading away after having more than a decade long run. But that doesn't mean it is gone or is any less fun! I love shooting trash the dress sessions. But I have to admit I have never actually had a bride trash her actual wedding gown. I mean for as cool as we all would like to think we are at times; it is a lot of money and it holds a real sentimental value.

So what to do? I mean you can't just buy two gowns....or can you? Oh, yes you can. And cheaply too! My source for all things which shall be trashed......Goodwill. Maybe I'm fond of the smiling G because I used to work for them back in North Carolina. So on a recent trip to the Goodwill in Dallas on Westmoreland Rd to stock up on clothing for the two little girls we will be seeing while in Ecuador I found their stash of Wedding gowns.

So how much does a used Goodwill gown cost you ask?

If you hit them on the appropriate sale day, you'll even get 50% off! Now many of these gowns have nothing wrong with them they are just a bit outdated. I even happen to know that the Goodwill in Dallas steam cleans all of their clothing (I've seen it with my own eyeballs!). Of course the your saying, "Yeah John great. But one the odds of having a gown to fit me is slim, and I don't want my picture taken in a gown made circa 1974." And I would have to agree.

But here is the thing. Photos are magic! We can cut the gown, pin the gown, butcher the gown, etc. I've done it before. This dress used to have long sleeves!

So if you've always wanted to just let loose, have fun, and trash a wedding gown.....well we can make that happen!

Alright on to other things in this double header tonight. I'll be shooting a very small intimate wedding on Friday afternoon at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens in the Japanese Garden. Since I have never been out there before I took some time today to scout around. It was wonderful! I love weekdays when the weather is slightly drizzly like today. Folks just don't go out to parks and zoos. No screaming kids (Very nice at the zoo that way)! Let me just say if you are searching for a venue the Japanese gardens are very affordable and just drop dead gorgeous. I'm super excited to work some portraits there.

I love the Fall colors peaking through. I do miss that about NC. Right now back East is peak leaf color. If you love Fall I suggest you drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway which winds it's way through the Appalachian Mountains in NC.

I put this up on Facebook earlier, but I'll repeat myself here. If you're holding out on calling about your wedding photography I suggest you hurry and call. I'm already booking for Fall of next year and even summer of 2012. It's never too early; besides you'll get now prices not two years from now prices!

Dallas Wedding Photography: Kelsi + Boyce

I've been slow on the blog front, but busy on the camera usage! I had the privilege of shooting Kelsi and Boyce's wedding day yesterday. Just a great couple, great family, and I really enjoyed being part of their day. Thank you to both of them for the honor. I really loved how they incorporated their love of baseball into their wedding. They both are huge Rangers fans, and you really can't get better than getting married the day after the Rangers win the ALCS! How huge of a fan are they you ask? Check out Kelsi's bridal photos.

These are awesome, and completely her idea!. I love it when brides know what kind of creative pictures they want. But for as sunny and happy as these photos are, and the fact that it has rain hard only once since I moved to Texas, wouldn't you know her wedding day started like this.

Seriously not good for someone who is going to be getting married outside! But there is a lesson for all brides here. Just have a little faith and patience. Because by the time it is said and done your wedding ceremony could be just gorgeous!

Beautiful sunset with great color in the sky that you only get with some clouds and a bit of rain. It always works out. Alright enough jabbering by me. Here are some more images from yesterday. Congratulations to Kelsi and Boyce!

Ok just one more comment. I love this ring shot. This pillow is being and held, and was made by Kelsi's grandmother. You can just see the love in her hands, I swear!

Dallas Wedding Photography: Lina + Ebby

Yesterday Krista and I had the honor of shooting Lina and Ebby's wedding day. I think it is significant to say that they trusted us in a very unique way. Krista and I have never shot an Indian wedding before. So in reflection, and after having experienced the getting ready traditions, ceremonial traditions, and reception traditions I can see why choosing a photographer experienced in a particular culture is desirable. However, I do believe Krista and I were very successful in achieving the traditional images as well as incorporating our unique editorial style. So without further ado I will let the images speak for themselves.