Joleen and Tom

My second wedding of Memorial Day weekend was Joleen and Tom. I had never met them in person, Joleen had booked me over the internet/phone, so I was very excited to see how the day would turn out.

They were married at The Westin Kierland Resort and the day was absolutely gorgeous. Weather, lighting and colors of the wedding all worked in our favor. The Flower Studio provided gorgeous arrangements and Joleen and Tom were wonderful to work with -- incredibly kind -- and I don't think they took a bad picture the entire day.

Here are some of my favorites...

Nothing like a little Veuve Clicquot Champagne and chocolate to start the day off right!

Joleen's father is passed away, so I thought this was a beautiful way to make him a part of the day. She tied his picture around her bouquet so she could carry him with her all day.




Some bridals. Joleen has the most stunning blue eyes!

Love that sweet light right before sunset!

The last golfers of the day were coming in as we were waiting to go take some shots out on the green, so we all watched -- and critiqued -- as they played the 18 :-) Luckily the guy was very cool and didn't mind the comments from our peanut gallery!



Some ceremony moments:

They made these cute fan programs ... that the guests put to very good use

I like the architecture of this shot... one of their friends filming the ceremony from his balcony.

The back of the resort under the moonlight sky.

WJPA

I was excited to learn this morning that I was accepted into the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association), a national association of talented wedding photojournalists. It can be very tough to get in (I understand that only 5% of the nations' photographers are accepted) and it took me two applications, so I was very honored and thrilled to find out I’m now officially part of the community!

The WPJA is also a great resource for brides. They put out a monthly magazine WedPix filled with good tips and planning resources. Check out the current issue!

Paul and Nancy

Paul and Nancy were married Memorial Day weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. This was a special wedding for me because Paul is the brother of my best friend Marie and they wanted to fly me out to photograph the big event... so not only did I get a new experience in Cleveland, I also got to share the occassion with friends.

Paul is just the nicest guy in the whole world, so it was wonderful to see him find his perfect match in Nancy, who is also incredibly sweet and kind. We had a lot of fun, and I loved how GREEN it was there. I shouldn't have been so surprised as I lived in Centerville, Ohio 15+ years ago, but I think I forgot how green and lush it can get outside of Arizona golf courses.

Thanks again Paul and Nancy and hopefully I'll get to see you soon... with little babies in tow :-)

Following are some of my favorite candids from the day, or you can watch the full slideshow here.

What can I say? I just love this shot!























Nancy got ready in her childhoom home, so there were all these warm, family moments before we left for the church.






It started to rain as we waited for the limo, so Nancy's nephews were delighted to go outside and see until their Dad promptly told them to go back in and not get their shirts wet


Nancy anxiously awaiting the limo who was a little late...


Off we go to the church









I absoutely love this tree on the grounds of where they held their reception party.






Marie dancing with one of her extended family members.



Playing with the light at the reception.