Leftover Thanksgiving Musings

It's the middle of the night on your once in a lifetime vacation. You awaken to the most horrendous noise, the loud clanging of the lifeboat alarm. Crew are pounding on doors, evacuating the ship. Adrenaline surges through your veins at an incredible rate. You have mere seconds to grab & go. What do you take? Do you even know where it is? Passport, wallet, a few more layers of clothing as a shield against the incredible cold?

Two weeks ago, I was talking with a coworker about his upcoming vacation plans. A year ago, he booked a trip he'd wanted to go on for years, a cruise to Antarctica. As someone lucky enough to document life-changing events for others, of course the first thing I'm thinking of is photography, so we talked cameras...including backup plans for images when the cold kills your point & shoot. We talked about trying to pack for such a trip, how difficult it is to have enough layers and still pack light. And about trips like these, a once in a lifetime event, so unusual & sought after that you have to book them a year or more in advance.

Then the news yesterday. The boat that my coworker was on is now underwater off the Antarctic coast. Thankfully, everyone on board is safe & sound. I'm sure he'll have one hell of a story to share when he returns. And I have to wonder what he managed to save when the lifeboat alarm rang. I have to admit, I know I'd be thinking, Where are my memory cards???? Where's my camera????

I'm grateful this holiday for my coworker's safety, and hope for his sake he was able to bring more than just memories back from his adventure. And tempting though it is, I promise we won't decorate his office with a Titanic theme for his return. I'm thinking something tropical might be a bit more tasteful. :)



Postscript: if you have the chance to visit the Titanic exhibit, by all means go. I went when it was here in Seattle a few years ago. It's an incredibly powerful, emotionally wrenching display, and it's well worth attending.

Business update--new lab, proofing options, and packaging!

Just a couple of recent changes I wanted to let you know about:

First off, as some of you know, we've moved our gallery hosting and lab work to Pictage in the last month. This will make it MUCH easier for you & your event guests to order pictures quickly and efficiently, without having to contact me first! When your event is posted, Pictage will send you mail letting you know that your gallery is ready. Be sure to release your gallery to your family & friends so they can enjoy your pictures too!

Using Pictage will not change our guarantee in any way, shape, or form. All prints ordered through our site or included as part of your print credit are 100% guaranteed for quality--please contact me IMMEDIATELY if there are any issues, and I will get them resolved.

Second, we've changed our CD/DVD packaging! I'm very excited to show you our lovely new cases. Each case will be customized for your portrait session or wedding--designs may vary, but each will feature 3 or more pictures from your event: One each for the cover & back, and 1 or more inside.

The case below is shown both closed and open, and is lying on our new sloppy bordered proof prints--those of you who have proofs included in your packages are getting a sneak peek at how those look as well! Click on the images below to get a closer look.




We're pleased with these improvements to how we do business--but as always, your feedback is welcome!

11/5/2007 - John & Amy's Wedding, Seymour Conservatory

Most people would wonder about the idea of a Monday wedding, but when a particular day is special to you, you'll do whatever it takes to hold your wedding on that day.

For John & Amy, who met online while gaming seven years ago, being married on this special Monday was so important, they even put up with having to make special arrangments for their venue on a day it was normally closed, wrestling with finding vendors who usually take Monday off, having the restaurant for their planned brunch suddenly close its doors....I'm sure they thought at times this would never come together. Instead, everything went perfectly, and Seattle produced a gloriously sunny day--something very very rare in November!



This was a wonderful joining of two souls who fell in love before they ever met "in person"--and that love showed through in every interaction they shared. Their families are some of the sweetest I've met this year, and both sides were clearly very happy to help make this day even more special for the bride & groom.








Make sure you check out their slideshow here to get a feel for their day! It takes a bit to load (don't try it on dialup!), but it's worth it. :)

The wonderful Salon Maison provided hair & makeup to the women of Amy's family. I've said it before & I'll say it again, they are hands down my favorite vendor! I've never seen a bride of theirs who wasn't absolutely stunning when they were done.




Amy's mother actually made her dress and matching cape. As someone who cannot sew, I was completely in awe!







The Seymour Conservatory is a gorgeous venue....I'm sorry to say I've lived here thirteen years & had no idea it existed. I love the things I learn in this business!

John's aunt was their celebrant, and conducted a beautiful ceremony. It's always great to have someone close to the couple officiate, I think it makes the event even more meaningful!












Amy's cousin is an incredible singer. Let me tell you, I was grateful at this point for autofocus, as I teared up along with everyone else. Oh, and she took credit for bringing the amazing weather with her (and her family) all the way from Tucson. So I'm grateful to her for that too. ;)


The toasts were some of the most touching I've witnessed, and the cake was simply beautiful. But you'll have to check out the slideshow to see those!






John & Amy--thanks again for letting me share in your day, and enjoy your time in Vegas!!!!

11/5 -- John & Amy's Preview....

I promised a sneak peek to John & Amy, but there are so many to choose from that I'm having trouble making up my mind!

So here's just one, and y'all will have to come back and visit before the end of the week. I promise I'll have the full post & slideshow ready to go! :)

I think this shot really sums up just how in love these two are.....