McCall + Zach

Date: 6.7.08
Ceremony: Holy Spirit Catholic Parish
Reception: Meadow Lark Country Club
Transportation: Great Falls Historic Trolley

The day started off the old-fashioned way. All of the groomsmen got hot towel shaves by Jim at Holiday Barber Shop. He's been shaving with a straight-edge razor for more than 40 years and proved his smooth moves...with no wedding day jitters! No cuts! Here's the groom under the knife.


Then it was off to the beauty shop...



Are you kidding me with McCall's gorgeousness?


They decided to have their "First Look" hours before the evening ceremony. It was an incredibly touching and intimate moment for them...and my assistant Matt + I were so happy we were able to capture it.









McCall's brother snuck in some love too!

Can you spot the ring bearer?





I usually don't post the "formal" group shots...but I couldn't resist the "Meet the Parents" moment between Zach + McCall's dad.

After all of the pictures...we still had the ceremony to get to!


The wedding party + family took the famous Great Falls Trolley to and from the ceremony...getting the party started early.


The dance floor was vibrating. Not even exaggerating. It was hard not dancing at this wedding...I even caught myself shakin' it to Funky Cold Medina.



The garter toss crowd looked like a football team.


Perfect ending. The ring bearer got the garter.



For more pictures, click here.

Pork + Beans

Is anybody else happy/pleasantly surprised that Weezer is still rockin' it? Their Red Album was just released this month....and I've actually still got their Blue Album (circa 1994 and some of the best songs E-V-E-R) playing in my car right now. Here's the first video from their new album...it's ridiculous.

From the beach to WHAT?!?!?!?

This is what I was staring at just 14 hours ago.

Now I'm staring at snow and broken branches all over my yard. It's June. I'm confused. I'm cold. And I'm completely exhausted. Although it's nice to be home...the warm sand in San Diego was pretty amazing. So was the workshop. Amazing tips, inspiration, people. More details soon. It's 3 a.m. and I'm regretting that grande latte I had in the Seattle airport. I'm going to try to fall asleep with my Smartwool socks pulled all the way up and not think about the snow outside...

"Going Back to Cali"

I'm headed to San Diego this morning for a photography workshop!!! I've been counting down the days and can't wait to share my experience with you. This photo may seem VERY random, but there's meaning behind it. Tonight, my best bud Stephanie (who I've known since 6th grade) emailed me this photo of us on a high school band trip in California (yes, I was in band...trumpet...last chair...thank you very much). Steph is the tall one with the sweet hip sack standing next to some stranger with crazy hair. I'm the one in the middle with the fashionable Mickey Mouse T-shirt and matching hat (gotta love the early 90s). I just think it's so weird that Steph has no idea I'm taking off for Cali and she randomly sent me this old picture! I'll be back in town late Wednesday. Minus the Mickey Mouse clothing.

McCall + Zach: a quick sneak peek

Shot an amazing wedding yesterday and simply couldn't wait to post some images for the couple and their family to check out! They chose to see each other before their evening ceremony for some quiet, private time together, so we had a ton of time for pictures! We're also getting together again tonight for a "Day After" session. Here's Mr. & Mrs. Angstead! Congrats, thank you and see you soon!


The last one was taken by my assistant Matt! Nice work! More photos to come very soon...

The Carpenter Family

"Other things may change us...

...but we start and end with the family." ~ Anthony Brandt

I'm not one who's usually at a loss for words, but I'm struggling to find the best way to describe the happiness and love I felt in this home. I feel like my words aren't enough, which is why pictures are so important. They freeze time. They show emotion. They allow you to look back at how it used to be, what it's like now and sometimes, you can get a glimpse of what the future holds.

"Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future." ~ Gail Lumet Buckley

The Carpenter family reunion was more than a reunion. It was a celebration of life. Roberta is fighting breast cancer again and her family is there for her 100%. Everyone wore pink to show their support and reminded her what to do when life gets tough. (See photo below). As part of the celebration, they also threw a mass birthday party complete with games, toasts and cakes to showcase each and every person who forms this incredible family!

A touching moment...

...ending with a funny & inspirational motto!


I never knew running around grabbing shoes could be so much fun. This game was hysterical!!!



The birthday cakes were champagne cakes from Hemple's Bakery...yummmmmm.

The table was filled with laughter :)


All of the sisters had beautiful pink robes.





This is what happens when you're the only brother among 4 sisters!

Happy Birthday Carpenter Family! :)

I know, I know...

...I've been slacking. I have a really good reason though! My dad returned home from Iraq a bit early, so I got a last minute ticket to San Antonio to surprise him! I'll be posting tons of photos very, very soon. Lots of families, children...even kitties! Stay tuned...and enjoy the beginning of summer. Woo hoo! Duncan is pumped.