Beautiful Chemistry and a Vintage Look - Tommi & Elisha

It takes a very special kind of love to shine this brightly but when it does, it is unmistakable.   Add a beautiful outdoor venue, some gorgeous lace, and a little vintage feel and you have the wedding of Tommi and Elisha. 

The ceremony took place on a warm summer evening on the campus of IPFW and had some wonderful music provided by friends and the groom himself.  Guests were able to snack on cotton candy before the reception and then sat down to a great buffet.  With several flavors of cake to choose from, dessert just rounded off a great celebration. 

As you see the photos, make sure you take a close look at the bride's wedding gown.  Tommi's "something old" was a remade version of her mother's own wedding gown.  This gorgeous creation suited the bride beautifully and there is just something about this vintage style I just absolutely love. 

The guys wore brown and taupe and I have to say this combination looked so sharp.  With such beautiful foliage around the area, these photos couldn't look anything but gorgeous. 

Many may not know but IPFW has a beautiful garden display at the edge of campus that borders Crescent Ave and these two looked stunning amongst such natural beauty.

Only a sunset photo could finish a day like this.  Seeing Tommi and Elisha together only gives me more proof that true love does exist.  Hope you guys have a great life!

Learning never ends...

Digital cameras have made photography accessible to so many people that never previously had an opportunity before.  This includes me but having such easy access doesn't necessarily make shooting good photography easier.  I have spent a lot of time online hitting every article, blog, forum, etc. to teach myself how to be a great photographer.  One of favorite ways of learning is going to seminars of those photographers that I love (and many times envy) most.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Power of Passion seminar taught by Sandy Puc' and Jerry Ghionis.  Most people who don't deal with portrait and wedding photography may never had heard these names before (even many of the photographers who attended had never heard these names before) but I have attended  three of Sandy's previous seminars and have followed Jerry's work obsessively since I discovered him.  I would recommend anyone who wants to see great photography to take a look at their work because these two are true masters at what they do. 

Going to seminars is one of the best ways I learn, especially when you have great teachers.  Not all speakers make great teachers but Sandy and Jerry can really open your eyes to what it takes to make a successful photography business and what makes a great photo.  If you ever have a chance to see either of these two photographers make sure you take advantage of it.  I know that for me to keep growing as a photographer and even as a person I have to keep learning and there is no better way than having a chance to talk to Sandy and Jerry.

For anyone looking to get some incredible education on portrait or wedding photography check out Sandy's educational site or Jerry's Ice Society.

Indianapolis Wedding: CB & Marvin

She first saw her dress over six years ago and promised herself that when she got married, that would be the dress she would wear.  Fortunately, when my cousin CB started planning her wedding, she was able to find that same dress she had fallen in love with all those years ago. 

Getting married in March in Indiana is somewhat of a challenge since you are never quite sure what kind of weather you will have.  Luckily, this year the weather decided to be warm and sunny making it a great day to get married.  As with many weddings, things don't always go as planned but those make for a great story in years to come. In the end what matters is the love and for these two it was still a wonderful celebration.

Congratulations cuz, I hope you and your husband have a great life together!

I just loved the way her hair was done, and it showcased this piece beautifully!

Frank & Nidhi - Two Cultures become One

One of my favorite things about shooting weddings is the variety of customs and cultures I get to experience.  This was my first taste of an Indian wedding and I have to admit I loved it!  The colors, the textures, the details, I just can't get over it.  Even more wonderful was the addition of a few Chinese customs from the groom's side.  Seeing such a harmonious blending of two lives and two cultures is an wonderful experience and although I wasn't able to actually shoot the wedding (which took place in Aruba) being a small part of this was worthwhile. 

This reception took place at the Fort Wayne Country Club where the food was delicious, the atmosphere and service are great and the trees looked beautiful. A warm fall evening and live band made for an great night that had everyone dancing. I can only hope to experience a complete wedding one day, especially if it happens to take place in Aruba again.

 

Chris & Alicia

This beautiful wedding had a perfect day to celebrate this wonderful event.  The bride was stunning in a Maggie Sottero gown and the groom was handsome and relaxed.  Couldn't ask for a better couple.  The reception took place at the Baker Street Train Station.  This great historic building makes an awesome location for events and parties.  I just loved it all!  We even had a chance to get some pictures at Lakeside Park Rose Gardens.  I couldn't have planned it better.  Romance, fun, joy, excitement...does it get any better?  I just love my job!