Ellie photo shoot!

OH...my...goodness, did we have fun with Stephanie, Zettl Photography, taking some pictures of Ellie at the Muny the other day! I think she captured every cute little "here today, gone tomorrow" expression Ellie makes these days that I just want to lock away in my heart forever. I haven't seen the shots yet, but she was clicking away at all the right moments, and she's so great with the itty-bitties! Ellie got a little fussy, but Steph and I were tag-teaming her with all our best material, and Ellie gave it up for the camera. That's my girl! :)

I'll upload some shots as soon as possible!

Dena & Quinn - 8/16/08 - VIDEO

WHY were we so excited about this wedding? WHY!!?? In a word, Shelli. That's Shelli Alred, Alred Wedding Consultants. Yes, Dena and her mom, Betty, joined the elite club of smartest brides and moms for hiring a professional planner, and I think they get some kind of extra credit for hiring Shelli. :)

Venue: Ritz-Carlton, Clayton. 'Nuf said. Well, that was where the girls got their glamour on (MAC girls - gorgeous!) and then everyone got their party on later. :)

Goodness...so many thoughts. Trying to keep up with everything I want to oush and goush about.

Can I just take some time here to verbally and internetally (ha - you like that one?) love on Jon Koch and Joanna Kleine, photographers ultimus? That's the scientific name for what they do. Ha! There are a handful of photographic artists that, when I learn I get to work with them, make me giddy and tingly and just a ball of girly excitement. These guys are in that group. I know that when I work with them, I'm in for a day of fantastic filmtistic opportunities because these guys shoot so unobtrusively! Yes, I'm making up words right and left. Let's move on. I know that, as I'm in the middle of a sexy pan up bride's body, they're not going to be shouting directions of "move a centimeter" this way or that, which ends up ruining my shot because then bride either looks up in confusion or her face is for some reason moving robotically...it's just not good. Jon and Joanna are so great about going with the flow, and they're so thoughtful about our job and even receptive to ideas I might have. It's a dance of give and take and, lemme tell ya', the dance got a little hot and steamy between Quinn, Dena, Jon, Joanna, and myself during the shoot between ceremony and reception! Part of me thought Dena might just steal Quinn away for a while and show up and hour late to the reception! The weather was great, but we were all sizzlin' by the time we headed out to the Ritz. Gettin' a little warm remembering. Can't wait to see if all that steam shows up in Jon's shots!

So, what else to report? Well, the photos and the filming were unbelievable. What else matters? Oh, GEEZ - there was a ton more, of course! Shelli was involved! Shelli and her staff of three other girls took care of every fine detail. What an event! She even took care of the late munchies for the guests with mini-burgers and other fun snacks.

I'm kinda' working backwards here, but I can't forget the ceremony! This was our first Greek Orthodox experience at Assumption Greek Orthodox church. What a special service, full of so much symbolism and tradition. The church was so unique - the walls and ceiling were completely full of ornate murals. I'm so excited I was able to experience a new culture. We are so blessed to have so many opportunities like this just because of what we do - new people, cultures, traditions; we're all part of this beautiful earth and bound with the common bond of humanity.

Alright. That's it for now. I'm gonna' go watch Oprah. :)

Congratulations to the gorgeous couple and THANK YOU, Dena and Betty, for choosing us to capture the memories!

Ang

Jen & Joe (8/2/08) - WITH VIDEO

What a gorgeous and perfect day. I sure didn't notice any glitches! We started the day in Joe's hotel room, with him in the shower (no, we didn't film that!), and his mom playing hostess. What a generous, gracious, group of people - all day! Joe's mom offering us a "pop" (haven't heard that in a while), Jen's parents making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed at their home...and Brian was just tickled pink all day because Joe's side is full of Cubs fans! :) The officiant even worked that into the ceremony. Too cute!

Wonderful group of vendors to work with, too. David & Elaine from Through A Lens photography were wonderful to work with. They were so considerate of us and really seemed to be getting some great shots! It's always nice to work with another husband and wife team. We saw the flowers at Jen's parents' house and instantly thought of Jeff at Grimm and Gorly florist and, 10 minutes later, he walked through the door to check on everything and we squealed in delight for being right again! I can't put my finger on it, but there's just something about his arrangements!

The ceremony was so nice, and the reception, well...the Renaissance is always so beautiful! Alteration Band kept the place hoppin' - as always. They are just phenomenal! Gordon knows how to keep the show rolling and even does such a great job announcing events and keeping the flow of the evening going with energy and his fun personality. You know? I don't think a lot of brides think to pay attention to how events are announced and exactly how the band will keep the energy up through all the rig-a-ma-roll...wow...don't think I've ever spelled that out. :) Anyway, Gordon is one of the best, for sure.

It was a fantastic day, and I hope it met all of Jen and Joe's expectations. Hawaii for a honeymoon?? Seriously - does it get any better? Oh, and Jen's brother was so nice to remind Joe that there are other things to do in Hawaii besides things in the hotel room. I think everyone in the room blushed! Ha! I hope they remembered they would have this fun video to watch, too, you know...in case they got bored. :)

Love to Jen and Joe and everyone who participated in their day!

Ang