four generations

I just took a look at the date on my last post. It was well over a month ago. sigh..... If you hop on over to there personal blog you'll see what I've been doing with my time these last few weeks. Just in the last couple of days have I felt like things were getting back to normal (whatever that is.)

Anyway, today I found myself going through a few banker boxes of old cameras that I've been collecting since college. A few are pretty special and I thought I would share.

This camera was my grandfather's. He was an amateur photographer, and I'd like to say he is the reason I was bitten by the shutter bug. I believe he was received this camera as a teenager and although I'm not sure if it was his first camera, I know it was one of his most treasured cameras. When he past away many years ago, my grandmother gave it to me, and it will always be one of my treasures.

In clearing out my grandfather's photography things, we found this little guy tucked way in the back of the cupboard. He was hidden inside a brown leather case. My grandmother had no clue what it was, but I did. Although I can't confirm this, my grandmother said that she thought it had belonged to my great-grandfather. Judging by the patent date on the front of the lens, it is quite possible. Perhaps this is the camera that sparked my grandfather's interest in photography.

My mom's first brownie camera. Note this is not a Kodak Brownie. No this is the camera she received when she was in the brownie scouts. I'm pretty sure this was her very first camera. It came with flash and a little, red plastic case. So sweet.

That only leaves this guy. My very first real camera. My parents bought it for me when I was 15 or 16. I had started taking photography classes in high school and up until then I'd been using my mom's camera. (She had the exact same model.) Nothing very fancy about this Minolta, but it has been with me half my life now. Judging by the scuffs and scratches it has seen better days however it still works great. This was the camera I used all through college. I shot my first wedding with it. I took it (along with a few others) with me to Italy. It was my constant companion.

Through out this year, I've been working on a personal project, starting a digital archive of my family's photos. Today I realized how special it is that I not only have the photos but also some of the cameras that captured those images.

Thank you for letting me share my special four generations.

part 2 | Sarah + Brandon | weddings

I know. I know. I promised more from Sarah and Brandon's wedding over a week ago.

I apologize for the delay my loyal blog readers. (Both of you!)

The simply beautiful ceremony on the Waveland Estate transitioned to equally beautiful reception held under a large tent at the Waveland Gardens.

Everything was perfect. Wonderful weather, gorgeous flowers and truly amazing food by Chef Josh Moore. Every detail, was carefully thought out and chosen with intention, including the pairs of goldfish adorning the tables. (Sarah and Brandon are both Pisces.)

Remember how I said everything was chosen with intention and purpose? This also extended to the entertainment. Instead of hiring a DJ, Brandon got together with the members of his band, "A Parliament of Owls" to entertain the guests.

Sarah told me, this is Brandon's trademark. He always takes off his shoes.

Now I'll admit that I don't know Brandon as well as I know Sarah, but he's always struck me as being very chill and easy going. That he is, but get that guy on stage and watch Brandon's personality really shine though. It was really a treat to have him share his talents, and MAN can he ROCK a harmonica!

It seems that Brandon isn't the only one in the family with music talent. His father did mean rendition of Van Morrison's, Moondance. Then Brandon's sister took the stage to sing one of his songs. She even took off her shoes in tribute to her brother.

Last, but certainly not least. One of the groomsmen took the mic and did a soulful rendition of Let's Get it On, by Marvin Gaye. Think Jack Black in High Fidelity.

It brought the house down. And that is what I love wedding receptions. All of stress, anxiety, anticipation of the day is has melted away and everyone gets to relax and celebrate.

I can honestly say that this was one of the more fun weddings I've been to. Even I got a little caught up in it and let myself be pulled out on to the dance floor.

Let me just say, I don't dance. Not in public. In my kitchen, where no one but the little dog can see me...sure. But I rarely....no...NEVER dance in public. But as you can see, that's me in the red. I fear those children behind me may be scarred for life at the sight.

But enough about me. Back to Brandon and Sarah and the many good times and memorable moments.

I just love this first photo. Check out the expression on Sarah's Mom's face.

And in and amongst the happy, fun times, you still catch beautiful moments like this.

Thank you again Sarah and Brandon for letting me capture and share so many moments of your memorable day. And, I PROMISE from now on to keep my dancing to the confines of my own kitchen.

Part 1 | Sarah + Brandon | weddings|

I've been struggling to put together this post about Sarah and Brandon's wedding. Mainly because the day was filled with so many beautiful moments, it compels me to want to share everything at once. But, then I think back to a conversation I had with Sarah just a couple of weeks prior to her wedding. I asked her to tell me what was the most important thing about her wedding day. She took a slow deep breathe and said "I just want to be very present in every moment throughout the day."

Sarah's desire to be present came back to me over the last few days as I've been scanning over the images trying to create collages of all the beautiful moments. Then I decided it would be better to be a little more present and take on more simple approach.

I hope you enjoy these present moments.

One thing Sarah and Brandon had decided, was to do most of their photographs before the actual ceremony. When a bride and groom decides to do this I try to coordinate a little time where they can have a "first look" in private. So these next few images are from their first meeting.

Sarah had told me months ago that she was going to be wearing blue shoes, but Brandon's fun footwear was a complete surprise. (Oh, I should have worn a pair of my Converse. )

Just a few moments before walking down the aisle I caught this little moment between Sarah and her father. I thought it was too sweet not to share.

When Sarah told me of her desire to be present in every moment of her day, I jokingly replied, "That's a very yogi thing to say." After all Sarah just happens to be on of my yoga instructors. But all joking aside, this was probably one of the best answers I've ever had to this question. By and large weddings tend to be beautiful and joyous, and often times hectic and emotional. It's not hard to get caught up in all of it to the point that the entire day becomes a blur. So it was refreshing to see Sarah and Brandon make such a conscious effort to be mindful of this one very special day.

I still have more to share in part 2...coming soon.

Happy Belated Birthday Pierce

My dear, sweet friends Ashleigh and George welcomed their son to this world early Tuesday morning.

Happy (belated) Birthday Pierce!

Happy Equinox.

Sept 7

One more of Brandon and Sarah