http://palladium-stl.com/

When the pressures and the heat of the day took it’s toll on some, this couple kept their cool. It was 105 degrees at the World’s Fair Pavillion in Forest Park on June 19th. We all knew it would be a hot one for the records but I was more concerned with pop up thunder storms. Mother Nature smiled (almost too brightly) that day. I had plenty of water and SPF 90 sunblock that I shared with the bridal party–it’s the mother in me. Kevin and Erica truly chose the right location for their wedding and they couldn’t have looked more picture perfect.

Kevin and Erica worked very hard to plan their wedding while residing in two different locations and it paid off! As their wedding photographer, it was difficult to get them together in the same place at the same time, so I suggested we use Skype. Skype allowed us to use video conferencing technology on several occasions when questions arose or when we just needed to make sure we were all on the same page.  

I know it’s a great wedding when I tear up while shooting. When I find myself doing the same thing in edit mode, it only confirms that. Kevin and Erica are a perfect balance.  There’s always a certain amount of frustration that occurs during any wedding and we as photographers pick up on it almost instantly because we are trained to capture moments. Kevin and Erica never lost their perspective or manners. I know this is how they will work through what life will throw at them. It is why they will remain married. They have a strong faith based foundation and will forever live in my heart and prayers.

Typically we fly. I like flying. When you fly, you get to where you are going typically in a few hours and there’s more time to. . .ummm, ok–take pictures. This year (not that a vote was taken) the decision was made to take a road trip. I can still hear the breaks in my mind screeching to a halt at the thought. Twenty-two hours (one-way) driving with my family in our mini-van? I wasn’t even sure how to plan something like that. I will admit that the thought of taking prescription drugs did come  to mind.

With my sanity and family still intact, I am happy to report that it was one of the best vacations we’ve taken. Sure, there were a few drama filled moments, but they were short in duration and no drugs of any kind were needed by this photographer. 

We planned a side trip to the Grand Canyon toward the end of our vacation. I’d been to Arizona many times but never to the Grand Canyon. I stood on the southern rim of the canyon in amazement wondering how I could possibly capture the beauty of what I saw with my camera. Viewing the canyon from the rim did not prepare me for what was to come next. We decided to experience the canyon in all its splendor aboard a helicopter. Our helicopter took us over the Ponderosa Pines, southern and northern rim of the Grand Canyon. As we crossed the southern rim into the canyon I became overwhelmed by the spectacular scenery and began to cry at the beauty of it all. It was an unforgettable journey. One that I will never forget.

I learn a lot about young people when I photograph them. I think what’s more important is that they see the beauty of who they are. So here’s to our future jazz singer. Good luck girlfriend and remember the world is your oyster!

I received an email from Joyce last week inviting me to attend the opening of her collection of Molas at the Sheldon. They are truly beautiful and I highly recommend making the trip to the Sheldon to view this exhibit. The exhibit will be at the Sheldon until May 8, 2010.

Congratulations Joyce!

There are movies I refuse to see at a movie theater because I’m a sniffler. Yes, that’s me sitting behind you and you were probably doing just fine until you heard me. I call it the domino effect. Shelbie’s mom caught me pulling myself back together after shooting portraits. I didn’t need to explain to her, but I felt the need. I wish I could remember her exact words. I can’t. What she said was warm and understanding. . .something about my heart. Thank you Kelly.

My world is filled with regular stuff. Wife of 32 years (many ups and downs–and sill in love). Teenager in his senior year of high school and jumping through hoops in college preparation. Oldest son and his family living far away (missing my grands–all three). Daily chores of taxi mom, dishes, laundry and cleaning the bathroom, etc. All while remaining a professional photographer. Mix all of those into a tall glass and what you get is me.  I’m a bundle of love and I want my images not only to reflect your love, but also my passion for photography.

Dear Photographer:

As part of our ongoing communication with the area’s professional portrait photographers, I am attaching a copy of the revised Wedding & Portrait Photography Policy at the Missouri Botanical Garden. These guidelines apply to all wedding, engagement, bridal, school, senior class, individual or family portraits taken on Garden grounds. Please review this policy and share this information with your clients in advance of working at the Garden.

Effective January 1, 2011, a client must be a Family Level Member or above to have their wedding or portrait photography session held at the Garden. It will be an exclusive benefit of membership at the Family Level ($150) and higher. There is a limit of one portrait session per calendar year per family. Photographers and photography studios holding Garden memberships cannot extend this membership benefit to a client. A photo ID is required upon entry, along with the valid Family Level or higher membership card. Please see the attached policy for complete guidelines.

As we transition to this new policy, from January 1 through December 31, 2010, the Garden will continue to accept either payment of a $125 photo fee OR a valid Sustaining Level Membership for permission to shoot wedding or other portrait photography at the Garden. All other guidelines as outlined in the attached policy apply.

As a reminder, shoots are only permitted in the outdoor, public areas of the Garden. All individuals must arrive between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to be admitted for wedding or other portrait sessions.

Our complete Wedding & Portrait Photography Policy is available on our Web site at www.mobot.org under the “Visit” link (http://www.mobot.org/visit/photopolicy.asp) or by calling the recorded GardenLine at (314) 577-9400 or 1 (800) 642-8842 and selecting option #7. Thank you in advance for helping to share these resources with your clientele and fellow professional photographers.

(Please note: Photos and videos are not to be used for any commercial purposes without advance project review and authorization. Commercial/professional photographers, please contact the Public Relations Department in advance at (314) 577-0254 or (314) 577-5141 to obtain a complete copy of the Garden’s comprehensive Photography Policy.)

The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the area’s premiere cultural attractions, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. We thank you for your continued cooperation and courtesy, helping us to ensure the most pleasant experience possible for all of our guests.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or require clarification on our Wedding & Portrait Photography Policy. Call (314) 577-5101 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

Sincerely,

Karen Hagenow

Public Information Officer • Missouri Botanical Garden

Mail: P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299 • Street: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110

Phone: (314) 577-0254 • Fax: (314) 577-9598 • Cell: (314) 302-3433

www.mobot.org

Sleek silhouettes, mini-dresses and tiered gowns all appear to be the trend for the modern bride in 2010. Brides are also adding color to their white gowns with sashes and appliqués or going to two-toned gowns. You’ll find tea-length and mini shift dresses in almost every designer’s collection, especially nice for those brides desiring to change into a second dress for their reception. Keep an eye out for tiered skirts, fabrics that flow, that one shoulder look and gowns with pockets.

The Shoes

High heels are the trend. They are flattering and fashionable. Look for lace embellished shoes for that vintage look. For a glamorous look, find a sleek silhouette shoe with killer heels. Crystals on large silver settings, chiffon bows, feather pom poms and satin hearts are the shoe ornament trends this year.

The Jewelry

Bling is in. Diamonds, crystals and rhinestones in the shape of a starburst is the newest trend. Use it as a broach, attach it to a satin ribbon and wear it as a choker, bracelet or even a headband. Chandelier and drop earrings are still hot. Big dramatic bracelets are definitely in. Choose either one very wide bracelet or customize the look by layering and stacking two or three bracelets and you are ready to go.