Every year, when I get together all of my favorite photographs, I am amazed at the things I get to see and learn with each couple and image I make. The intimate moments that include some of their closest family and friends. The cultural interpretations of how each person shows their love and gratitude towards each other. And the moments that will be looked back on with people that are not even in this world yet, but still so much apart of the story.
Photography has the power to create and bring memories to life for other to cherish, even if not there. So to have over 45 weddings, 35 portraits, and 68 photo booth’s booked in 2016 all with little ‘ol KiKi, makes me feel very special and very grateful to all of the wonderful people who trusted me to capture these moments.
8 out of 10 months were on the road from The Keys, Georgia, North Eleuthera, Bahamas, Colorado, Washington, South Dakota, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, Maine, North Carolina, and of course Sunny Florida. I am just blown away sometimes at how magical each year is. And am super excited for all the new things happening in 2017.
Enjoy!
I love a couple that drinks Champagne straight from the bottle, and one who makes you feel like family. I love a couple who kisses before you even ask them to because they just can’t help themselves. I love a couple that smiles all day even if it rained out there beach wedding.
Who is this magical couple? Sam and Phil!
I cannot express the happiness I had photographing and editing this day. You would think there would be a couple downers because this beach wedding was completely rained out, but oh no! So many, many smiles and laughs, and forehead kisses (my favorite). I just loved all the love these two had and am so excited I was apart of there day. Check out all the laughter and love below. Enjoy!
KiKi
With a Hurricane warning flashing on the TV screen in Florida as I type this, I’ve decided to post a wedding that encompasses the exact opposite of the weather outside. Sun, Blue Skies, and a gorgeous beach. Elizabeth and David’s sunny Abacos Wedding was filled with tons of amazing surprises and moments. Including an underwater session, an emotional Chinese tea ceremony right before the traditional Chinese wedding games, two tiny doggie escorts, an absolutely stunning sunset, and to top it off, a private firework show on their own beach they grew up on.
It was a stunning way to get married and I feel so happy to be able to capture all of these loving moments. Check out this fun and colorful wedding below.
KiKi
I think that one of the most rewarding intangible things in our lives is the random amazing connections we make with complete strangers. And what is more amazing than that is when you become friends with these strangers. My stranger is Tanner Deprin. A man of little words, unless you get a few drinks in him. He was almost on his way to becoming a pro surfer, although he would never brag about it. He also would never admit how great of a photographer he is. He is very humble and very funny when you get to know him. He is always 5 minutes early and is always thinking of a new idea on where and how to shoot differently. He is not only my right hand man in business, but he has become a good friend. And today is our 2 year workaversary.
I felt like doing something special for this day. Especially because we have accomplished some amazing thing in the past two years. Things that I never would have thought could have happened that day I met him. He has put up with some craziness when working with me. Over 40 weddings, I don’t even know how many photo booths. Working 11 weekends in a row. Transporting myself and married couples in my little Jeep. Holding my light. Blinding him momentarily during a light test. Drunk people in photo booths. So many drunk people in photo booths. Camera malfunctions, printer malfunctions, car malfunctions. Countless phone calls, texts, emails, tweets (I don’t event have twitter!) about god knows what. And every time, every time. He’s there. With a smile. And some new, awesome idea that will further my company. And then he goes and gets these close up, intimate moments at weddings that I see when I am selecting photographs later. I tell him sometimes I have nightmares that he will leave. Because there is no one else like him. He is the first “employee” I ever had. He is an inspiration, and he anticipates everything right as I think of it, and he truly seems to care. He’s a great guy and I am happy he walked into my life and the lives of all my clients.
I am happy to call you my second, my assistant, my right hand man. But you are really a friend and a great photographer. I just can’t tell clients they are getting a wedding photographer and a friend for their wedding day. But we both know. Happy workaversary. Hope there are many more Tan Man.
Photographing at Monument Rock at Sunrise in Kansas
Testing Light at a Wedding.
Joe Cool.
Abandoned Ford Factory
Carrying 60 mason Jars, light, 50 lb camera bag and a bouquet of flowers for an engagement session.
Barn in Kansas. Road Trip January 2014
Road Trip Polaroids.
Photographing in -10 degree weather.
Our first site of snow in over 4 years.
Pretty excited that in less than 3 weeks we will be photographing weddings and landscapes in Ireland and Scotland. Another great moment to add to the collection. Yhew!
2016 in Review
