Check back often, as we will post regular updates on what we've been up to and share with you the stories of each of the weddings we are honored to photograph. And if something moves you, or you'd like to chat, be sure to leave us comments- we love comments!
For a spirited, adventurous couple like Lindsay and Brad, we could do nothing less than an adventurous engagement session. So, we headed out on a beautiful, crisp late January day to hike the icy, snowy trails of Starved Rock State Park. And oooh was it cold- but so pretty there! It really is an entirely different world in the winter. The snow covered canyons and ice waterfalls were especially spectacular. We had a blast! Poor Lindsay was waaaay under the weather, but she impressively toughed it out. After all of us had lost feeling in our extremities, we headed inside the lodge to warm up and let these two cuddle by the fire.
What a special engagement session we were privileged to photograph today. Dave and Cathy knew from their very first date that they were meant for each other. And, for the first time since that night, they went back to where it all happened, the C-Note Pub in Washington. What a cool place- in fact, the entire Denhart Baking Company is incredibly charming- we’ll have to go back sometime to check out the eats. Many, many thanks to the owner and manager for allowing us to use the space. Revisiting the pub proved to be an emotional experience for them, and I know their wedding day will be even more powerful.
As the sun finally decided to show itself today, we had to take advantage of it, and bravely ventured outside to create a few wintery images. Dave and Cathy were troopers! A 14 degree day in January is not typically ideal engagement session weather, but for Dave and Cathy, it was perfect (if you discount the bit of frostbite we all suffered!).
Thanks to you both for a lovely (if not chilly) afternoon!
Wow, I blinked and fall was over! It’s been a great fall season (although just a tiny bit crazy- lots of weddings in lots of places, tons of engagement sessions, and throw in a week of swine flu, just to make it interesting- and you’ve got the wild ride we’ve been on!) The good news is that all of this wonderful craziness has helped us realize that we needed to make a few changes that will help us make many of the improvements we want for our studio, including keeping up with this blog! More to come about all of that, but for now, we have escaped to Hawaii for a little break (trust me, we really needed it!). We’ll be back to reality shortly, but I’ll leave you tonight with a few of our favorite images from our time here in Kauai so far:
Todd and I were thrilled to learn that we had both placed images in the second quarter AGWPJA (Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association) competition, 2 for Todd and 3 for me. Our success ranks us in the top 30 artistic photojournalists in the world (Todd is #19 and I am #22)! Todd gets much joy out of reminding me that he cracked the top 20 and I didn’t- but I’m quite happy for both of us! We’d like to send out a huge thank you to all of our wonderful couples who made these images happen- Brad and Emily, Anne and Matt, Jill and Eric, Erin and Jason, and Kristen and Tim- thank you so much!
And the winners are…
4th Place-Ceremony Image by Todd Reichman
5th Place-Reception Image by Jamie Reichman (I have to insert a big thank you to Best Man Logan here as well!)
11th Place- Getting Ready Image by Jamie Reichman
14th Place- Kids (Being Kids) Image by Jamie Reichman
October 6, 2009 - 9:41 amCathy - Awesome job Jamie and Todd!
We are so honored to have your work in our house! We know you have the best talent we have ever seen. In our eyes you both tie for #1!!!
We can't wait to see what you guys have in store for your future, and we hope you won't forget us little people! :)
Although I didn’t really know what to expect from Melissa and Derek’s wedding day, I knew I was going to thoroughly enjoy myself. And I did- Melissa and Derek are the type of people that you instantly feel comfortable being around. Todd and I felt like we were old friends- I just love when our couples “let us in” like that. What I love about weddings, is discovering all of the things I don’t expect. And Melissa and Derek’s wedding was full of those unpredictable, unplanned moments.
The first thing that struck me was Melissa’s relationship with her dad. I also have a close relationship with my dad, and I can really relate to all of the daddy’s girls out there. I could just tell that, although I’m sure Jim doesn’t fancy himself an emotional guy, there was something going on for him as he watched his daughter get her makeup done for her wedding day. And even though, when I asked him, “Are you ready for this?”, he replied with a confident, “Oh yeah, we’ve been waiting 34 years for this day!” (sorry Melissa, don’t kill me for revealing your age!!!), you could see what an intense experience it was for both of them as they got ready to walk down the aisle together, he comforting her as she broke down in tears as they stood in the doorway, and her being strong for him as they started to take the walk where he would give her away.
Then there was Derek. His best friend described him as an incredible talker. I would have to agree with that. Not at all in a bad way- he has an uncanny ability to make conversation about any topic, which makes you instantly comfortable around him. When I asked him at the rehearsal if he was nervous, he denied it, but said how much the enormity of the day was impacting him. He definitely didn’t take the whole marriage thing lightly. Melissa loves him to death, but describes him as perpetually late. Derek does things in his own time. He took six years (much to Melissa’s dismay) to propose to her. But when he did, she was really ready. He was late for his wedding rehearsal. But he was on time for his wedding day.
We have witnessed many couples have a First Meeting- the moment where they see each other for the first time on their wedding day. I have never seen the kind of reaction that Derek had. I think the moment he saw her, he saw his future, and was overcome with emotion. I realized as the day went on, that Derek deals with emotion by looking towards the sky (see also the image in the slideshow where Melissa’s dad gives her away). But the look on Melissa’s face was one of total understanding. She knew what was happening for him. I’m positive they’re perfect for one another.
So, here’s a little preview of some of the moments from Melissa and Derek’s wedding. Click play at the end to see a few more.
October 3, 2009 - 6:40 pmkori aldrich - Your photos are truly artful and your blog is such a sweet surprise from a photographer. Derek & Melissa are so lucky to have you and your phenomenal shots of their special day!
October 23, 2009 - 10:46 amSusie Shaw Lyons - WOW! What beautiful photography and a gorgeous wedding! Wish Alex, Taylor, and I could have been there. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures!! They are stunning. We're so happy for you both. Come visit us in Malibu anytime!
We enjoyed a lovely engagement session on a gorgeous summer night (weather like that is now, I fear, only a distant memory) with Rachael and Ben. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this dreary, rainy fall weather that’s descended upon us will take a break tomorrow, so Rachael and Ben can have the beautiful fall weather they’ve been dreaming of at Kickapoo Creek Winery. Rachael and Ben were so much fun, and we’re really looking forward to the wedding, regardless of the weather- but, if I could control the weather and give each bride a beautiful day, I would!
As I admitted in the last post, I’ve been quite delinquent in my blogging in the last couple months, and so I wanted to make sure to share a little peak at their engagement session before tomorrow. They’ll be lots more to come from their wedding very soon!
A big welcome to October and the official start of our crazy fall season! We have so many great adventures coming up this month (I think we may be out of town more days then were home this month), and so many wonderful couples to photograph. I’ve been getting a few (well deserved) threats lately for my lack of blog posting, and I sincerely apologize for neglecting it. So, even though October is, by far, our busiest month of the year, I am making a commitment to blog religiously from now on.
As I have been quite delinquent, I have tons of great sessions to share, so stay tuned! Up first, Rachael and Ben, who are getting married in 2 DAYS!!!
What a day we had with Brad and Sarah! The morning started out so dreary, and every bride’s fear came true for Sarah- rain, and lots of it. As we drove to Sarah’s First Meeting with Brad, she confessed how much she wanted to be able to do the photography outside- and I wanted that for her, really badly. However, I have learned that, no matter how hard I wish I could, I can’t control the weather. And so, since it was absolutely pouring, we headed to the church instead of to Luthy as we originally planned.
Sometimes, when an obstacle is thrown at you, it results in something amazing. We were challenged to create images in the nooks and crannies of their church that would be just as beautiful (or even more so) than what we would have created for them in the gardens. Frequently, when we are restricted by something, it forces the creativity out of us- I just love it when that happens- because it opens my eyes to the beauty that exists everywhere, and I start to really “see” and I realize that we have the capability and the know-how to make beautiful images in any given circumstances- anywhere there is light. Sarah, I really hope you agree with me- I’m actually happy it rained, or else we would not have had the opportunity to create these images. Of course, Sarah and Brad are simply stunning, so they helped us out quite a bit!
And we ended up having the best of both worlds. Sarah had planned a rose petal toss following the ceremony, but it was still raining as the ceremony ended. But, just as they finished greeting their guests, the clouds parted, and the sun came out for the rest of the day- just in time for them to make their getaway! And we even had a chance to do a fun photo session outside before they headed to their reception at the Gateway Building.
And oh- what a reception it was! These people know how to party! Their families, their friends- just wonderfully fun people- all of them! Fantastic entertainment was provided by the Ralph Wilder Orchestra, and the whole event was masterfully coordinated by Sara O’Shea of So-Chic Events.
Thanks so much, Sarah and Brad! I hope that Cabo was sunny all week long!
To see a sneak preview slideshow, just press play!
August 17, 2009 - 7:21 amSara O'Shea - Beautiful work, guys! I love the one of Sarah in the window - and the one of them in front of the brick wall with her veil flying. Stunning, as always!
August 17, 2009 - 9:17 amShelley Gullifor - Wow - who would have thought a rainy day would lend to such beautiful pictures! I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!
August 22, 2009 - 11:24 amAngie Pruitt - A beautiful event really was captured by these photos. They will enjoy these forever.
Angie
I know, I know. I’m so behind on blogging, it’s not even funny. We have been having a fantastic summer of lots of wonderful weddings- and finally I have a little break to catch up and do some posting! So, I’m going to be brief with my words and get to the images!
Meaghan and Ryan had a wonderfully laid-back, wedding here in Peoria and celebrated with a summery garden-party style reception at the Countryside tent in Washington. They were all about just being in love and having a great time!
Congrats, you guys! Can’t wait to see you again soon!
Press play at the end to see their sneak preview slideshow.
Mindy and Justin are such a beautiful couple- inside and out! They enjoyed an amazing wedding day, with a ceremony at Sacred Heart and reception at the Gateway Building. I’m a little behind on blogging, and I have lots more to come, but for now, here’s a little sneak peak. Check back soon for a proper sneak preview and slideshow!
August 6, 2009 - 10:36 amStacy - Wow! I just found your blog and I have to say, I am immediately taken with your work. You capture some great real moments.
Everything looks gorgeous. I've added you guys to my reader and I can't wait to see more. If you're ever interested in networking, please let me know. Have a good one!
x
by Jamie Reichman
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