I know Gabriel and Brittany, their families and friends are all impatient to see the wedding pictures. It was a beautiful day, perfect for the celebration of a lifetime commitment between this loving couple. They wanted to savor the moment, enjoy their guests, the reception, and chose to meet prior to the ceremony, which allowed us for plenty of time to photograph them and the wedding party. My good friends, Dorene and Tim were there with me, so it was a team of 3 photographers for a full coverage of their special day.
The day began at the in style hair salon downtown, for Brittany and her bridesmaid. Their make up and hair looked stunning.

The beautiful flower arrangements and bouquets came from the amazing crew at Celebrations.

When Brittany speaks or thinks of Gabriel her face lights up to this radiant smile,

I’ll just say what the rest of the world thinks, Brittany, you are simply gorgeous!

Meanwhile, Tim was hanging with the guys and got some awesome shots of Gabriel,

Brittany’s mom, Brenda, wanted to be sure I would capture Gabriels’ expression when he first saw his bride in her gown, walking down the aisle. But as the doors opened, with her groom waiting down the aisle, the reality of the day took hold of Brittany, the butterflies in her belly stirring around, she walked to Gabriel, living the moment.

I think Gabriel is thanking his lucky stars, he knows the women that make his heart thump, is coming towards him. Anticipation is building up…

First look,

They had us all chocked up, this moment in this very special day is just so emotional.

Fabulous Brittany,

The ceremony was held in the chapel of the first Baptist church,

The wedding cast,

It was so hot that day, I didn’t want the wedding party to get uncomfortable outside. I was hoping to give them some cool air between pictures. We went downtown and were so graciously refreshed with fuzzy lemonades by the staff of Jackson’s.

Brittany’s dad couldn’t wait to see his daughter in her dress,

When the church was filled by their friends and family, when the doors opened and Brittany escorted by her father walked down the aisle, the reality of the day took hold of Gabriel,

Everyone danced the night away,

Brittany’s grand father caught the garter,

Madly in love, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor,

It was the last week end of May, a beautiful day on Perdido Beach. Leigh and Brian exchanged their vows, surrounded by their family and friends. They are both smitten with each other and it was a pleasure for Dorene and I to photograph their wedding, record their love. Nancy’s Hautes Affairs was in charge of the catering, and it was as usual beautiful and delicious.

My father would definitely tell me: “tu mets la charue avant les boeufs” (=”puting the cart before the horse”) by having this picture on my blog. This is a serious-in-love couple I just photographed this weekend. Before going to their wedding I had already decided I would get this picture, and I can see it as the perfect book cover for their album. Now, I haven’t even blogged their engagement session, and here I am posting a wedding picture… la charue avant les boeufs..
I just couldn’t resist sharing, as I was having fun editing this picture to get it just where I had envision it. Leigh and Brian, it was a beautiful day and ceremony, a wonderful party, Dorene and I felt part of the family. Thank you for trusting us to capture your very special day. I wish you the best time on your honey moon, Jamaica (houlala!), please be careful with the cliff diving..

Long awaited preview of the sweetest most in love couple ever! Thank you so much for being patient with me. Michelle and her bridesmaid decided to leave the house for the boys, and they chose to get ready in the residence Inn. The make up ladies were fabulous.

Andre, modern man, send a happy little text to his bride.

The guys, very laid back…

The Groom’s party,

Michelle with her mother, and some of the bridesmaids,

Michelle just radiates, she’s so happy and in love. She carried all day this beautiful glow, and I suspect she’s always like that around Andre.

The ceremony was held in the First Baptist Church of Warrington,

Our handsome groom, just a few minutes before the wedding,

The very efficient wedding planner, Angela Mc Millan, was also in charge of the flowers and all the decorations,

This was such a fun group to photograph,

On their way to the reception, married…

THe reception was held in the Mustin Beach Officer’s Club.

There was lots of dancing and partying!

Michelle belongs to the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and all her sisters sang a traditional song around her. It was very moving.

Michelle and Andre I wish you the best life, many babies. You make a beautiful loving couple and I’m sure will be wonderful parents. Thank you so much for having me be part of your special day.

On their way to a fun honey moon to Disney World,

The most awesome couple was in charge of the Videography from Diva Productions (Panama city). They are so talented and easy to work with. As usual, with me, my very extraordinaire friend, Dorene Nash.

A little sneak peak at what’s to come… Just a few pictures that tell the story of this beautiful day, how Jimmy and Anne are now husband and wife. They are so much in love and have a bright future ahead of them, both physicians about to start their carriers.
There had been rumors of possible storms, but the skies cleared up and it was a perfect day.
The ceremony was held in the sanctuary of Christ Church, and the reception was on the grounds of Bay Moorrings, property of DeeDee Reilly, a dear friend of the family’s.
The talented Debbie Turner from Celebrations, dressed up the majestic oaks, lights were strategically placed on the trees to create a feerique (sorry I had to use the french word, the english translation is magical, but it doesn’t describe it as well) ambiance.

Scattered on the lawn were the buffet tables adorned with magnificent bouquets, and the most delicious food, a fusion of low country and Southern cuisine, from Nancy Silivos
And I had with me Dorene Nash, a super creative Mobile based photographer, without whom I wouldn’t even consider covering a wedding.
On with the images, first some details in the parish hall, getting ready.

Anne was so elegant and classy. Look at the delicate earrings, they designed them.

Anne,

Jimmy,

They opted to meet before the ceremony,

Anne has many friends and wouldn’t leave anyone out, so there were 7 bridesmaids in the pretty grey dresses and 9 honorary bridesmaids in the cute black dresses.

Jimmy, too has many friends…

A few minutes before walking down the aisle, the girls are just chatting and having a good time, they would make a nice spread inside a bridal magazine.

The guys are just as relaxed,

I can’t believe I forgot to mention this funny little detail: while photographing the cutting of the cake scene, Dorene’s pants caught on fire! The steps leading to the covered porch, where the beautiful and out-of-this-world delicious cakes throned, were lit by many little candles. Dorene, eyes glued to her view finder, busy recording the moment, didn’t notice how close she was to the edge and the flame… and next thing her pants are on fire… that is dedication to your job!

The day was extra special as it was also Anne’s parents’ anniversary, and this happy group was their wedding party,

The band, Power House (in Mobile, AL) had everyone on the dance floor, and then on stage,

Leaving under a rain of flower petals,

Finally, I committed to putting together a slideshow from my trip to Venice, under Yervant’s mentoring.
I will keep some fond memories from the romantic city, the new friends and the lessons from world wide renown photographer.

Hi there,
Well, I’m back home and it always takes a few days to get my feet back on the ground. It’s wonderful to be back with the kiddos and Henry, I missed everyone, but I must say that aside from the HUGE leap in improving my skills each workshops gives me, they’re also quite a treat for me. I get a chance to be just me, for a short time nobody is depending on me (no children to take to school, no grocery shopping, no laundry, no mail to deal with.. you get it), but I get to do something that I LOVE, I get a chance to improve, I meet a new community of photography fanatics, and it’s so enriching. I come back each time a happier person, so full of energy to promote my business, a boost of confidence in my talent, and plenty of new tips to better my skills.
Today, I’m only posting pictures from the first day of the workshop in Venice. We were really supposed to just observe Yervant, but you can’t hold back photographers when they see the picture, the light, when all the elements are just there for a good image. And here, of course, with Yervant directing the couple, orchestrating the pose, the use of light… it was just too tempting, this is what we looked like:

By standers really wondered what was happening, was this a famous couple surrounded by an army of paparazzi?, shouldn’t they also take a few snapshots even if they didn’t recognize the famous couple? Maybe a movie?
Thanks to our models: Esther and Erico

I am in Venice, learning with worldwide renown , Yervant from Australia. He is simply put a master photographer, a pioneer in digital wedding photography, setter of all the trends.
The location, the most romantic city ever, is unlike anyplace I’ve ever visited. It’s a photographer’s dream, not only the light is magical everywhere, but you are surrounded by perfect architecture, textures, colors… The models provided for us are gorgeous, wearing some amazing gowns from australians fashion designers. The weather couldn’t be better, I’m in photographer’s heaven! The group attending is fantastic, and Yervant with his wife Anie are wonderful hosts. Words can not describe how ecstatic I am. I feel truly blessed to have a husband so encouraging, allowing me to fallow my dream, he’s back home taking care of our children, and I’m pursuing my passion, always in quest of new inspiration and to better my skills.
A teaser picture, taken on her first day, set up by Yervant:

I’m a little behind on blogging and this morning I woke up determined to not allow myself to let the day go by without catching up some. I may not write too much, because now that I’ve spend so much time on selecting and editing the pictures, there is little time left to prepare dinner, help with homework, give baths…
I’ve been a very lucky girl lately, traveling a lot, committed to improve my skills in photography. I went to Scott Robert’s workshop in London in August, and just 3 weeks later attended his next class in Paris (I just can’t resist a trip back home). Scott never ceases to impress me, he gives his students his best. He goes beyond professional and everyone who has participated in one of his workshops leaves with a “life-changing” kind of experience. There is some sort of magic, some bond that forms between all the members of the group, that I believe is the result of Scott’s “innerlight”.  Just about everyone returns, we call it to “join the Scott Robert wagon”, and he becomes our mentor.

Amber was there to learn, but lucky for us, she was also willing to be a model.  She could pose, than be in full photographer mode, and has made some beautiful images during this trip.  In fact everyone did, it is so inspiring to see everyone’s work (Scott, http://www.scottrobertjournal.com/, should have a link with all attendees blog addresses)

Jeanna, was an other of our photographer-models

The group. We went back to the “Chateau de Maisons-Laffitte”, and spend the day inside and in the castle’s park, a photographer’s dream backdrop. This place holds a very special place in my heart as 13 years ago I was married to Henry there, hmm, it feels like yesterday…
This is at the end of the day, enjoying some delicious sandwich, and chocolates.

One the first day, we bought tickets to the double-deck buses, to do some sight seeing. The weather couldn’t have been nicer.
The Arc de Triomphe,

Lyssa, from Canada, full of energy and enthusiasm, one of the students. This workshop moved her so, when it was over she realized she had to fallow her dream, she called her boss back home, her travel agent, and arranged to attend now (just 2 weeks later) Scott’s Next level workshop in Spain!!

The Paris town house,

I think everyone recognizes one of our landmarks..

The picture on the right (Amber with her husband) was set up by Scott.

The Sacre Coeur, has a magnificent view of Paris. There are always many entertainers on the steps leading to the church, and painters on a beautiful typical “place” further up.

This guy could do neat things with his “diabolo” (sorry I don’t know the english word, it’s 2 sticks connected by a cord, on which you throw this hour glass shape thing.., I’m afraid I’m not to good at explaining this). And he had a cool glass ball trick, he could roll it over his shoulders and arms. What I liked about it is that you could see the sacre coeur in it, almost like a fortune teller crystal ball.

We were very lucky to have “Le Grand Colbert”, a famous brasserie in Paris, to ourselves a whole afternoon to shoot our models. This is where Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson reunite in Paris, in the movie: “Something’s Gotta Give”

Thanks Janna for being so patient with me that day, I hope life in England is treating you well.

Gurm and Ray set up these next 2 shots.

Shortly after we took these pictures, a voice on the speaker system reminded us to please refrain from touching the furniture and chairs… this shot was originally set up by Amber, and once I saw it on the back of a camera, I had to get one like it,

This shot was Scott’s vision, he orchestrated it. It’s a beautiful pose.

The picture on the right, of Amber in the window is also one directed by Scott,

Vanessa in the classic Paris shot,

Although on a vacation, I’m not able to put my camera down, and when I heard my father’s best friend’s daughter was getting married near Paris and we were invited… my photo mind went in full gear. I am so happy I was able to attend this beautiful event, and so thankful for the opportunity to photograph their special day along their official photographer.
I can’t begin to describe how amazing the whole affair was, from the magnificent location, a small chateau with luxurious grounds filled with rare trees, to the marvelous table, the old church, the party lasting until early morning.. It was a sacred union celebrated in a perfect elegant style, with the famous french flair.
Olivia choose a dress with clean and simple lines. The veil is a family heirloom, worn by many other brides before her.

Both, Olivia and Alban are fond of literature, and explained to me that the great Victor Hugo sat at that desk, which definitely makes it very special.

This is Ambre, she was part of the “cortège”. In France we don’t have bridesmaid or groomsmen, but a cortège of children (usually relatives), and of course witnesses (but they’re not part of the wedding party). She is such a sweet 3 year old, with a very strong little mind, and she played her role of flower girl beautifully that day.

The children’s timing, holding the veil wasn’t always synchronized to Olivia’s step, and very often it gave her a little jolt back. I love this picture, because of the moment, the tug of the children on the train of the veil is classic. I’m sure many women will recognize it and see themselves in this image.

The church was magnificent, such work of art, conveniently located for the guests just across the street from the property.

The hats were just amazing, each more original and colorful as the next. During the service I couldn’t help photographing a few of them. Here is a little sample to give you an idea. As you can see women are very serious about their hats in France. I couldn’t quite display them all here, but there was plenty more, all fascinating.

Olivia is an accomplished carriage rider, she has developed this passion early on with her friend, Magalie. It’s on Magalie’s beautiful family home that they kept their horses and trained, and it made a perfect setting for Olivia’s wedding. They chose to leave the church on Olivia’s carriage, pulled one last time by her horse, before the new couple moves to Algeria.

In this part of the world, in this time of the year, the sun sets very late. I was lucky to have a few minutes with Olivia in his nice evening light to take a couple pictures.
The image just below, on the right side, was taken a little before 6PM, and the left one, close to 9PM!

Olivia et Alban, encore merci pour m’avoir invité et laissé participer à ce très heureux evènement
I have more to post, I hope soon. I’m leaving for a workshop in London given by Scott Robert in just 2 days, and I know he will keep us busy.