I’ve tried to write this post at least a dozen times and stopped in frustration. Cheri is one of my best friends and we were honored to be on the small guest list for (and then hired to photograph) her Jamaica wedding. We looked forward to visiting a new-to-us Caribbean island and shooting with Steve and Cheri.

The wedding day nearly went off without a hitch. The weather was perfect, everything ran on schedule, I managed not to cry as she walked down the aisle. The reception was similarly easy and fun (and we even got in on the dancing). Sadly the party came to a screeching halt when we discovered that while everyone was at the lower villa for the reception, the upper villa was being robbed.

I always say one thing goes wrong at every wedding. Unfortunately for my friends, their one thing was not a little rain or a leaning cake. I hope the pictures are a reminder for them that it was truly “one thing” and that the most important thing was celebrated throughout the rest of the day.

 

 

Did you know Green Lake is the deepest natural inland lake in the entire state of Wisconsin. I didn’t either until we stayed on the banks of this gorgeous waterway for Eddie and Christina’s wedding. It’s their favorite place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago and I can see why. The property is wrapped in huge trees and bordered by the lake. It was one of those situations where we said “We could shoot there… and there… and there, there and there.” The lake was a clear focus (and made a stunning backdrop for the ceremony) but we also played around with the soaring trees and quaint architecture. The only thing that could have made the day better is if Eddie’s shoes had made the trip… but I think we agreed not to talk about that…

 

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Seeing as we were in such a beautiful location, we had to do a day after session with Jason and Andrea. We got some sweet relaxing images and then took full advantage of the second (trashable) dress that Andrea brought along. Enjoy!

 

 

   

 

Behind the camera – an elusive shot of me using a camera!

Then – What’s creepier than a photographer mounting your bed and then pulling out a polariod? Not much…

We had the fantastic opportunity to travel with Jason and Andrea to the Azul Sensatori Resort in Mexico for their February wedding. Our usual love of shooting some place new went into hyperdrive – fueled by the fantastic weather, gorgeous views and a couple who is as welcoming and open as they are photogenic.  

 

 

 Behind the camera – Aaron channels his inner model… 

 

While getting ready to shoot on the pier (see Aaron modeling above), I noticed a guy who looked JUST like Jim Gaffigan and pointed it out to Aaron, who informed me that is WAS Jim Gaffigan. Realizing he was with his family and being the respectful fans that we are we didn’t bum rush him or yell something like “Hot Pocket”, but we did train our camera on him. Not great results… and of course, every other time we saw him (which was  A LOT) we couldn’t discreetely get a shot. Still we stayed at the same resort as Jim Gaffigan. That counts for something right?

 

The rumors are true, while in Mexico for Jason & Andrea’s wedding I was toting around an old Polaroid Alpha with SX-70 film. I have to admit that I’m slightly addicted to it, so much more fun than a point-and-shoot digital. If you want a whole wedding shot on Polaroids than you should call me now because I’m game.

 

Enjoy these samplings, the best is yet to come.