Alicia & Jakob E-session
Another cool Sunday, but it was spent with a hot, young couple! Can you see the sparks? It didn't take any time at all for Alicia & Jakob to warm up to the camera. We are SO glad that we get to claim them as part of our family of brides and grooms. Here is only a taste of our favorites.

This is one way to stop traffic!

Oh, and here is my Sweetie, giving them a little peek in the viewfinder.

Alicia and Jakob, we couldn't have asked for a more fun Sunday afternoon. You two were great! I will give you a call when we have the rest ready to view. Other's can find the full selection posted at the EVENT LINK in a few weeks.

Renee :)

TAMPA- Saturday, January 5th

We had the distinct pleasure of meeting one on one with Andrew and Rachel of LaCour Photography. They are such great photographers and great people. It is always energizing to meet with other photographers who have been in the business for some time and they were no exception. Full of encouragement they offered us many things to ponder as we move forward in our own business. Thank you, Andrew and Rachel for your input!


After lunch, it was time for...

Did I get your attention? Are you familiar with Murphy's Law, that says if something can go wrong, it will? Well, that is the idea behind this session. Talk about some laughs and great fun, this was it. It was a bit of a spoof with characters played by fellow photographers.

Here are a few images of what took place.

The bride at a height of approximately 6'1".

Father of the bride with his "tux-T-shirt"

The interesting bridal party.

The flashy Mother of the Bride.

The ring bearer.

The groom...at just over 5'...

The groomsmen...and the rings were "missing"

It ended with a "trash the dress" session in the swimming pool!

We finished the evening with the "Traveling Shovel" making an appearance! It began several years ago at the first DWF and created quite a stir!

Saturday finished with a surprise birthday party for our own Jeff Caplan! Sunday dawned to another beautiful day and the anticipation of much more learning and the Florida Aquarium...more on that next time!

TAMPA-FRIDAY, January 4th

We've decided that we like beginning the New Year in warm, sunny Florida! We left Arkansas on Thursday afternoon, with the night time lows being in the teens (unusual even for AR, but none the less, COLD)! We brought the plants that we could, into the house and covered the rest hoping that they would survive the freeze. Our flight left Little Rock a bit after 2 in the afternoon and landed in Houston on time. Our flight out was delayed, so it ended up being nearly midnight before we landed in Tampa. It had been a long day, but we were excited about what the week would bring. We got checked into our hotel (I'll edit and put the link later...I'm running out of internet time....) and crashed for the night. We awakened to this lovely view from our bay view window!


Friday brought registration for DWF (Digital Wedding Forum) convention/seminar and lots of new friends! It did not take long to connect with a number of people. When there are so many in one place that share the same passion (photography), A LOT of energy is generated! Our seminars began with LaCour, Susan Stripling and Tony Hewitt. Each have their own distinct style and perspective which certainly helps to broaden ones perspective. Thank you to each of them for taking the time to invest in the lives of others!



Sunset came and went and the first day of DWF came to a close...well, officially, but not completely...there were more friendships to develop and perspectives to share! Again, the day was long, but VERY rewarding.



There is much more to share and that will come in the next few days! Just a little preview of what is to come...

...when anything can go wrong, it does....to the max!!! And much, much more!!!!
Renee :)

Taryn & Rodney Engagement Session
It seems that almost every week, we add to our list of favorite people and Taryn and Rodney have been added to that list! We had a blast today (no pun intended with the wind at 40 knots and the wind chill sub zero...well...it felt like it anyway) at the River Market in Little Rock. We knew that January in Arkansas can go either way with weather, so are just thankful to have had sunshine! It made for a terrific time.



Both are so easy with a smile that we could not help but laugh with them!



Rodney, you've got some GREAT attitude! We love it!

One would think that these two had done some modeling...

Taryn, I love that sassy little dress on you!!! You look gorgeous!

We had been corresponding with Taryn since mid summer in preparation for their wedding this August. With having waited so long for this session and today being a bit nippy, you two were superb!!! We couldn't have asked for anything better and hope that you had as much fun as we did! Here is your sneak peak--the rest turned out awesome, also. We will have the remainder up for viewing at the EVENT LINK as soon as possible.

March and spring break will be here before we know it and we are looking forward to the bridal session!

Renee :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
As we consider 2007 and all that it held, we count the many blessings that came our way. It was a year of challenges and adventures that helped us grow and expand our vision.

Normally at this time of the season, we are in MO but things were a bit different this year. The last several years, with our girls being older, we would have a few gifts under the tree to open on Christmas morning, then have a treasure hunt for shopping money! I would write "an adventure" with clues to finding the hidden treasure. It would always begin at the tree and the girls would work together to figure out where the clues would lead. Whatever they found they had to split equally. On Christmas afternoon, we would pack up and head to Kansas City, taking our dinner with us. The morning of the 26th, we would hit the stores at the opening bell, to get the best after Christmas deals, using the "bounty" found in the treasure hunt. You talk about some fun shopping!!! After a day of great deals (well, some years had better deals than others) it was on to the Christmas celebration with Ron's family. After a couple of days in KC, it was on to Jefferson City for the celebration with my family.

Last year was the first Christmas without Ron's mom and this year, we could not make the normal trip. We had to delay a few days, but we are making the trip this evening. No shopping this time, but certainly looking forward to the celebration!

Looking ahead to 2008 (that sounds far away...but it is here!) we anticipate a wonderful year. We begin the new year with Taryn and Rodney's e-session, then off to Tampa for DWF! We are so excited about meeting friends from the forum! Then back home to an e-session with Alicia and Jakob and Lindsay and Stephen's wedding. The month finishes at the AR Democrat Gazette Bridal Fair on Sunday, January 27 at the State House Convention Center in Little Rock. It is always so much fun being with new brides and grooms as they plan for that big day! They generate so much excitement that the energy is contagious.

As the New Year dawns, it is a time of new beginnings. I'm so thankful for new beginnings! We pray God's richest blessings on each of you and wish you health and prosperity through out the year!

GRADUATION!
Last night we attended Natalie's graduation from Touching America School of Massage. She has a gift in her hands that is quite amazing. Whether you need therapeutic massage or relaxation, she can accommodate quite well! For those of you that are looking for that last minute stocking stuffer, consider a gift of massage for that special someone! You will be the best "Santa" ever.

Her hands work well for talking, too. :)

The entire class. Quite an intimate group.

Congratulations Natalie and girls on a job well done! We wish you all the best as you gift others with your skills.

GO FISH
Now many of you have played the card game, but how many of you have heard of the singing group? NO? You are missing out! If you like fun music with a message, you will like these guys! They were in Conway tonight (minus some luggage) putting on their best.

The first time we knew of the GO FISH guys, was about 3 years ago when we started using their music in our children's worship. Then they agreed to come to the Toad Suck Daze celebration and what a celebration they made it! Jamie, Jason and Andy have a love for kids and families that shines through everything that they do. Someone has even put a video of them on YouTube with their new Christmas song called Christmas With a Capital "C".

If you did not get to attend, this evening, make it a point to check them out. I don't believe that you will be disappointed.


Natalie did not get to see them the first time they were in town, so we had to get a picture of her with the guys! Amber was one of their "Superstars" the first time.

Jason

Andy
Jamie
Thanks guys for giving so much and making the evening a wonderful time for all of us! We do hope that your jerseys turn up!
Renee :)