Ryan and Miranda...An Out of the Box Engagement Shoot

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When Miranda contacted us about shooting her engagement pictures with a request that the shots be "out of the ordinary, unique, etc." I was pretty thrilled.  But "out of the ordinary" can mean a lot of different things to different people.  One person might want pictures knee deep in mud while another might simply want a stunning background in a park.  After I went through out a few slightly unique options without attracting Miranda's attention I thought I would bring up a place I have been dying to shoot at for ages...The County Fair.  Now, one would think that the fair would be an unappealing place to shoot, but Miranda (and Ryan as well after she relayed the news) thought the idea was delightful.  I think it takes a vision, or trust in a vision, to create photos that capture the attention.  After shooting Ryan and Miranda, I am certain that we achieved our goal.

If this first shot was the only one we walked away with - I would have counted it a good day.

This truck was calling out every time I walked past it, "Shoot pictures in front of me!".  So I had to oblige.

The "infra-red" version is catching also.

Nothing like a little Demolition Derby action.

I would be lying if I said shooting on the ferris wheel was easy on the stomach, but the blurry lights make for a great background.

Overlooking the fair at night from a nearby hill..

A Wedding Entrance to Remember

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James and Brandi...Married!

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What a great day with James and Brandi!  The forecast was rain, but you could tell as soon as we saw James and Brandi in the morning for the prep shots that this was going to be a happy day no matter what the weather said.  So as soon as the ceremony ends and we're ready to go outside and do some fantastic photography; it starts to pour.  That didn't keep them or the guests back from a great bubble exit.

So we ended up shooting the photos in the church and figured we might as well try to head to Cleveland for the cityscape and lakefront shots they originally wanted.  While driving I said to my second-shooter Shaun, "This may be the toughest weather I've ever shot in."  The visibility was bad and it was pouring.  But as soon as we crossed into Cleveland, the clouds opened like the Red Sea and provided us with a wonder photo window.  Here's a preview.

Shaun shoots his own weddings for us and is an incredible photographer.  I was happy to be able to team up with him, so he could just relax and be creative with the camera.  Here are a few of his shots from the day.  This one was an attempt to create an image that shows the serenity and excitement of the day:

This one is pretty much just excitement

And one more candid from the reception that shows how much these two were meant for each other

Haley and Ryan Married!!! at Homestake Lodge in Montana

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When Haley and Ryan hired us on over the phone to photograph their wedding in Montana I was really excited.  Meeting them and photographing their wedding this weekend was awesome.  It had a little bit of everything.  Beautiful Scenic Outdoor Ceremony, Awesome Grunge photos in Uptown Butte and a wonderful Reception in Front Street Station.

Here are a few of my favorites.  There were a lot to choose from, but I selected a few that would show you the setting...

and how happy everyone was...  The photo shoot was full of laughsOK, this one up here might be my fave of the day, what do you think?

Michelle and Jeff

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When it is storming and calling for hail on your wedding day - the day many girls dream of from youth - it would be perfectly natural to be more than a little stressed.  Yet Michelle was cool as a cucumber when we arrived amidst a downpour.  Michelle's laid back attitude and joyful demeaner matched by Jeff with equal proportions made what could have been a lacklustre day into something extrodinary.  Below is just a sample of the great day we had.

I picked a few dramatic shots to show below.  It is slightly ironic since they were both smiling with excitement the whole day.  Nonetheless, I thinks these pics turned out quite well.