Something new...

Last summer one of Jason's very best friends asked him to take pictures at his wedding.  A New Years Eve wedding.  He said he likes Jason's pictures and thought that he'd do a great job.  Jason said, 'Sure, Cathy and I would love to do it!'  And so there it was - set in stone.  I started to hyperventilate immediately, Jason waited until December 30th.

I have to say, wedding photographers are worth every penny they charge!  It was alot of work, although I'm sure that experience makes it a little easier.  I knew that I was working with some challenges.  It was an evening wedding in the dead of winter.  We have great equipment but not professional equipement.  I was scared out of my mind.  I even e-mailed the bride who I didn't know very well to inform her that we were not professionals and were working with some limitations.  As I explained to her, the groom expectation of his wedding pictures was maybe a little different than the brides.  She set my mind at ease a little.

So, I had to figure out a way to keep it together.  My philosophy became to capture the day.  I was no longer looking for the perfect professional shot but great memories of the entire day.  I really love the photo-journalistic style that a lot of photographers use today.  I tried to use this as my model.

We finally gave Allie and Erica their pics this past week-end.  They were very gracious and oooed and awwed approriately.  They are quite a couple and I have to say it really was an honour to have played such a large part in this day with them.  Thanks guys!

Erica had immaculate attention to detail.  You'll notice the 'wedding director' in the background.  Everyone involved in the wedding had a similar t-shirt with their role on it.  Hey wait a second.  Where was my photographer t-shirt?

I love this pic.  While Jason was getting some of the more obvious shots I was sneaking around.  This is through a french door during the ceremony itself.



 OK - so we did make them pose a little.  How could we not?  Noote the shoes - they were the dancing shoes.

 Awee....



Is she gorgeous or what?  I get the feeling that she is just as beautiful on the inside. Good job Allie!

The bride and groom.

I love this shot.  Allie and his mom are in the foreground and Erica and her dad in the background.  Little moments.  I think Jason might have been standing on a chair to get this one.

The new extended family.  These kinds of pics are a challenge.

And last but not least, I captured 5 or 6 shots of New Years Eve before I put my camera to bed.  They are my favourites.  They have such an old world feel to them.  They are super grainy but beautiful just as they are.

Neglectful?

I have been accused of neglecting my blog.  Harsh words really coming from someone who doesn't have a blog!  LOL - I take it as high praise that someone care enough to state the obvious.  Thanks for being a loyal reader my friend.

So where has the time gone.  February was a blur of SAD (seasonal affective disorder - not that I've

been diagnosed but man this time of the year really is no fun at all!), all of us being under the weather but not really sick enough to take us out of commission,  and really just trying to get through the rest of the winter.  By the way, there is no end in sight....  Nanny - stay in Florida as long as you can.  Coming back here will take the wind right out of your sails!

On a happier note.  Ryan has learned to skate.  Or should I say, is learning.  I am really proud of her.  When we were informed by her daycare that they were going to take them to the preschool skate every Tuesday for 2 months I was more than a little apprehensive.   Ryan approaches things with an all or nothing attitude.  In many cases if she cannot do it perfectly she doesn't want to do it at all.  (Like colouring - to hear the words 'I want to colour' make me cringe).  So with a few bumps along the way Ryan is really finding her comfort zone on her skates.  She keeps trying to do better and I am delighted that there is a physical activity that we all enjoy.  The rinks have skating until the end of April here so I think we'll be taking advantage.

Ryan has discovered a new game.  She calls it Chapters.  We set up her cash register on the coffee table and grocery bags on the back of her rocking chair.  The we all take turns being the nurse (cashier) and shopping.  We always finish of by putting the bags in the imaginary car and driving home.  When its Ryan's turn to shop her cart is always full of hot dogs, pizza, cookies etc.  We may have to do better in the meal preparation area!

I have been crocheting and kniting like a mad person as well.  I decided to start selling my pretty little creations via an Etsy store and perhaps some local marketing.  I have already sold several items and am pretty tickled.  My thinking is that I will have newborn samples of several different styles of hats that will be 'made to order'.  I'll also have a selection of ready to ship items.   Wish me well.  I'll post some of my projects soon...

Last night Jason raised the meal-preparation-bar.  Until now he has been an awesome sous-chef and the king of cheese and toast.  Yesterday he planned and executed an excellent green curry dish with chicken and served on a bed of rice.  It was YUMMY! It was the first time I ate green curry and will definitely be having it again (if he makes it).  Then this morning he made breakfast.  Wowsers!  Maybe he's feeling neglected by all of the crocheting and knitting....

Games, games and more games!  Ryan loves a good game!  Here she is playing war or 'Ore' with Daddy.

Giving Lucy some love.

 

Painting t-shirts with her friend Ella.



Birthday party sleigh ride with her friend Juliana.  It was Ryan's first sleigh ride and she kept asking where the horsies were going.  I told her they were looking for some apples! 

Anyhoo - that is a month in review.  Stay tuned, I  intend on having some of my projects to show soon!