Woohoo! Amy and William will be married Saturday! Be there are be square as they say...
Totally in love.
As we spent the day together, I began to read their eyes. Amy would watch William, looking for the next thing he might do. I'd spot William glancing at Amy when she wasn't looking. Holy Moly! Man are they in love! Passionate is the word that defines these great people. And "fun" too. We had a blast going all over town. Whenever I made a suggestion, A & W were good for it. Got to be one of the best webcasts I ever made. The pictures were so powerful and yet so crazy fun! What a blend, what a day. (I hope Amy and William don't mind the A & W thing. It's my favorite soda, and they are my favorite couple!)

I was invited to meet Chris Ryan of the Ryan Manor in Dallas this week. I was blown away by this beautiful venue. Wonderfully decorated, and of course with their professional management, they are able to do full set ups -remove furnishings -add a stage, even bring in a the largest of tents. Their lawn has a gorgeous canopy of trees, and is center-cleared for that reception tent if you choose.

Get a load of that pool table. Don't you know your groom and his boys will spend a least a few minutes racking up some points in pool while the girls get ready?!

The grounds contain at least 3 fountains, courtyard, gazebo. There is valet parking available, beautiful artwork, fantastic kitchen set to please any caterer, my goodness it's wonderful. The cutie you see is Peyton. She had stopped by in between shopping. She is beautiful.

Chris Ryan is so professional. He is not afraid to delegate event activities to the pros (so many people try to go cheap today!) Not Chris, he knows your wedding or event should always be a first class affair.

Here is a Webcast of a few images I captured that morning. It lasts a couple minutes, but will give you an idea of how beautiful the manor is. Enjoy it, then give Breana or Lara (event coordinators) a call.

I met yesterday with Cheryl Ashcraft and Chrystal from A Very Special Day Productions. Together we viewed lighting setups from various events AVSD has handled. Awesome work. They also handle video for events in a professional manor, using HD equipment with great attention to detail and editing. They also use a steadycam (a must today) with extended battery power. (Capture it all!) It was good to filled in on the rest of AVSD. (I've mostly been aware of Richard's great work.)

I've known Richard McClure for quite a while. He is an awesome master of ceremonies...dj of course. I hesitate to say "dj" as anyone seems to be hanging up a sign saying they dj. I've seen (and heard) a lot of bad ones...when you are at a wedding with a pro...you can hear the difference! Richard is one of my "recommends"!!

When you save money on a cheaper dj...lighting...cake maker...photographer...food...ANYTHING for your wedding, you are not saving money. You are really throwing it away -when only a little more could have brought you outstanding service. Risking budget on incompetence is a risk. There is always a reason there is someone cheaper.

I had a blast recently photographing Eric and Lindsey. Their wedding is in January and I can't wait! We explored Dallas and had a great time (even though the streets where torn up here and there). We even had a security guard in the design district drive up and ask us what's up. Ahhh, we're taking pictures? Funny how everything is so closely watched anymore. That didn't stop us. We kicked around up and down the streets. Whenever it was time for a kiss, Eric volunteered and Lindsey surrendered. It was a wonderful day.

Carolyn Brister of Special Moments Wedding Chapel invited me to her Halloween party and dance. Had a lot of fun with her friends, family, and some industry professionals. I captured a beautiful picture of the chapel at twilight. A double shadow revealed three crosses. I thought that was cool. They have a gorgeous tree beside the chapel. I think that would be a wonderful place for a small wedding of 10-20 people. The tree has such great charm. Inside the chapel is wonderful as it is a historic chapel over 100 years old.

We partied for several hours with games, food, and dance. I loved the Chinese Chef, who could dance the Elaine dance. Most original costume has to go to Kevin May of May Flowers, the lady with the little piggy...she is of course, dressed as "swine flu"!

Michael asked Pamela to marry, and she said "Yes!" They had a beautiful wedding at the Little Chapel in the Woods in Denton. They are a great couple, very much in love. I had a great time photographing both. Michael told me he had a Harley, and I suggested we stop by some nearby railroad tracks I know before we headed to the reception. We got some great shots. Of course, a couple in love makes those shots easy!

While traveling in west Texas, I caught up to the Super Chief haulin' ...well I don't know what, but she was moving. I set my camera to speed priority, rolled down the window and grabbed a few shots. I did a little vibrance, darkening, burning and vela' -not a bad shot. (The vibrance was before the black/white conversion...I'm convinced it can make a difference.)

Of course, as the saying goes..."Don't try this at home, or your car." I was on an empty highwaw, knew how to shoot without looking at the subject, and of course hired a professional driver while I shot (wink/wink).

Leigh Ann and Ken got married! It was a great wedding and these wonderful people inspire me with great images. Kenneth and Leigh Ann had a special ceremony that seemed magical. You could hear a pin drop while they said their vows. As they exchange rings I noticed I had the biggest smile on my face! Later everyone enjoyed great food, music and dance. We partied into the night. Their wedding book is going to be fantastic, because of such wonderful images.

Once again, I have to thank Chapelle des Fleurs for putting on a fantastic wedding. So professional. They take care of everything!