Seeing as so many couples plan weddings from out of state, it just seems like a good idea to have as much information as possible on the internet.  That includes photos of the products I offer.  I posted some photos of my Designer Series Album earlier this year, and now here are some photos of my Parent Album.  Parent Albums make excellent gifts.  The pages lay flat with a small center seam, and there are a variety of cover options to choose from.  For more information about album pricing, visit the album page of my website.

Happy Thursday!

“It was like watching a couple of high school kids falling in love,” the best man teased in his toast.  Clearly beyond the years of high school romance, Jim and Lois looked at one another, laughed and rolled their eyes a little.  But I’d assert that the best man was onto something.

Jim made cracks throughout the day about miscellaneous well-wishers assuming he was the father of the groom, rather than the groom himself.  Lois laughed with friends about the 8 grandchildren she was inheriting.  But despite the jokes about their ages, the energy running between Jim and Lois was similar to that of young love – giddy, happy to be married, and excited for what’s to come next.

I photographed this wedding at the Brown Palace with Frances Marron.  I thoroughly enjoyed the evening spent with these two and their families.  Now that they’re both living in Colorado, Lois and Jim plan to fly around the world together – literally.  They’re both pilots, and share a passion for aviation.  I wish them many safe travels together in their future as a married couple :)

The light in Denver is just different.  It’s not like the light in St. Louis, or most other places I’ve shot.  There’s just a different quality and intensity to it.  Non-photographers will probably think I’m crazy for saying that, but you pros out there know what I’m talking about.  The light here is unique – which can make shooting in afternoon sun a challenge.  I’m so glad to be able to second shoot so much this year so I can get used to Colorado light.

That said, I was thrilled to second shoot this wedding with Frances Marron last Saturday.  After some quick portraits at Red Rocks, we made our way to Rockland Community Church for the ceremony.   Even the light in the church was a challenge, with the giant picture window facing west and a ceremony just before sunset.  Can you say backlit?  Regardless, the ceremony was beautiful – congrats Kayla and Bobby!

Perched in white folding chairs at the back row of their ceremony site, they sat and watched the sunset.  The ceremony was over, the portraits had been taken, and guests were settling into cocktail hour.  Having spent the last few hours tending to details, greeting every guest, and crying through their vows, Cathy and Jason were now taking a moment to themselves.  A moment to be together, to let it all sink in.  A moment to watch the sunset on their wedding day.

I had the pleasure of second shooting Cathy and Jason’s wedding at the Colorado National Golf Club with Krista of Artessa Photography.  Despite the pouring rain, and fantastically threatening thunder clouds (which made spectacular photos), the sun did emerge for their evening ceremony.  And as the last arc of the sun crossed the horizon that night, Cathy and Jason stood up, kissed one more time, and entered their reception to the cheers of friends and family – ready to celebrate as husband and wife.

Think of your guests a little like sheep.  Wedding guests will do whatever the bride and groom do.  You lead, they follow.  If you spend your reception rockin’ out on the dance floor, they’ll follow.  If you spend your reception smoking outside, sitting at a table chatting, or hiding out in the bathroom, your guests will do the same.

Most people want their guests to have a great time at the reception, and focus on getting everything perfect to make that happen.  But the key is not how awesome the band is, how many people are there, or how much booze you serve.  I’ve seen all kinds of receptions – parties without alcohol and those with open bars, receptions where an iPod is the only music source and some with amazing 8 piece bands, weddings with fewer than 50 people and those with more than 500 people.  None of those factors impact how much fun everyone is having.

The key to an awesome reception is a bride and groom setting the example of having a great time.  That will make or break your party.  So plan the party so you will have fun.  Then allow yourself to enjoy it, rather than worrying about how much fun your guests are having.  I guarantee your guests will follow.