Monday, December 24, 2007

HAPPY HOLIDAYS


This has got to be one of the most creative and humorous light displays we have ever come across, therefore we thought it a befitting image to post for our holiday wishes. Take a good look ... yes, that is an alligator with a deer clutched between its jaws :-). Hilarious!!!

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!!!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

ALISON AND DEREK WEDDING


How's that for a view?




























Alison and Derek approached us a couple of months ago about photographing their wedding. They had decided on an intimate affair at a private residence in Sedona with only their closest family and friends in attendance. Of course we agreed ... we love small weddings! They are so much fun!

The house was simply amazing! Known as the "Lighthouse" due to its myriad large windows, it sits atop a bluff overlooking Cathedral Rock. It's architecture is truly unique, blending harmoniously with the surrounding red rock environment. It even sports a giant, solid slab of crystal which is set into a hole situated just in front of the family room's fireplace - how very Sedona-like :-). The surrounding grounds are exquisitely landscaped. Originally we had planned on taking a side trip to take photographs at Red Rock Crossing, but after laying eyes on the grounds we quickly realized there was no need to travel anywhere ... which Alison and Derek had already tried to tell us :-).

Because the wedding was so small, our services were only required for a few hours, but it was unbelievable how many opportunities this house presented in that short time frame. Alison and Derek implemented many creative aspects into their ceremony which we just loved! From having a sunset ceremony in front of a crackling fire, to presenting the rings on two slabs of red rock covered in sand, to using sand gathered from sentimental California beaches for their sand ceremony, their ideas proved to blend perfectly with the spiritual and natural aspects that make Sedona so famous.

Alison and Derek, thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to take part in your wedding day! Both of you were amazing to work with and to get to know. We also loved your german shepard, Desha (sorry ... we probably mutilated the spelling of her name.) She kept things interesting :-). We hope you enjoy the photos and have a wonderful holiday!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

WHY WE LIVE IN FLAGSTAFF








Our client's - and friends - often ask us why we choose to live in Flagstaff when over half of our yearly weddings are located in the Phoenix area. The reason is simple ... just look at the photos we have posted. These were all taken in our yard! We had our first major snow storm of the season last night and today, leaving us with over one-and-a-half feet of the white stuff. We love the seasons, especially winter and snow, so today we rushed outside to grab a few shots of our new winter wonderland. The bonus was, while I was setting up the camera and tripod, Kevin looked at me and said "Tina ... there are elk right behind you!" Oh my god, they were so beautiful!!! Need I say more?

Monday, December 3, 2007

SUPERSTITIONS AND ZOO LIGHTS









Yesterday Kevin and I went to the valley for some early meetings. With those meetings over by 2:00PM, we figured we would take the rest of the day and spend it as a day out, which we have rarely had the time to do as of late. Our first destination was on the far east side in the Superstition Range. If you read my blog a few weeks ago on conducting Cynthia's and Daniel's engagement session there, you will know that I have formed a deep love for this place over the past five years, making numerous pilgrimages through it. This time was really fun due to the heavy weekend storms that Phoenix experienced. The desert was awash with the sound of running streams. This presented a perfect opportunity to capture some reflection images of saguaro-studded mountains at sunset - simply beautiful!

Afterwards we headed back to central Phoenix. We got sidetracked by an accident and headed off onto a side road where we encountered a strange sight. In the middle of a complex of neighborhoods, on this four lane road we saw what we thought were a couple of dogs making a daring crossing. They actually turned out to be a mother javelina and her small baby. The mother was desperately trying to get her young one across the street safely. They panicked though and halfway through made an about face to head back in the direction from which they first came. They had traffic at a halt while they tried to make a clear decision. I just couldn't help myself, I had to turn around and make sure they were alright - Kevin and I just love animals and can't stand to see them hurt. Just as we drove by, we noticed they had made another beeline for the other side and this time they completed the cross, on very fast little hooves I might add. We hope the rest of their night was less eventful.

Our destination was the Phoenix Zoo to attend Zoo Lights. Neither of us have been to this annual event and I have personally wanted to go every year since I moved to Arizona. They lights were beautiful and there were even some animals still awake. I have to confess though to being a bit of a wimp. It was cold and I did not go completely prepared as far as clothing goes. I live in Flagstaff for heaven sake - what a wimp I am. It was kind of nice though as the cold temperatures helped to put us into the spirit of the season. Our favorite exhibit was the pink spider guarding her web, which is funny since we are mutually terrified of the tiny eight-legged arachnids - but it was a really cool display. It was a fun day and nice to relax a little.