30 Years of Marriage

This past Saturday I photographed the vow renewal of Teresa and David.   Married 30 years I can only imagine the challenges they have faced.  Married only two years I can attest to the difficulties of marriage.  For any new brides or brides to be reading this I will share my actual experience not the everything is great illusion that I felt necessary to put on our first year of marriage.  Everyone (ok maybe not everyone but it seemed like it) was asking me how I enjoyed being married.  The expectation being the response I love it, it’s great waking up each day to the man of my dreams.   While I did wake up in awe often that I was married there were many mornings where I woke up still angry from the day before.  The old adage never go to sleep angry was great in theory however we found the practical application of this not so easy.   I think maybe I got “cold feet” after the wedding with the “this is for the rest of my life” thinking.  For the rest of my life is great when things are going well and we are laughing and enjoying each others company; for the rest of my life is not so appealing when in the midst of an argument.    Perhaps when dating one is more likely to let the little things slide.  I am learning today to as my mother says “pick your battles” and focus on the positive things my husband does, enjoying the time we spend together and “chilling out” about the little things.   Today I recognize that the little things are not worth the heart ache that fighting causes, we are slowly learning together how to avert huge fights and be able to have disagreements and even arguments with love.   Attending many weddings I often hear advice on how to have a good marriage, build a strong marriage etc…  My experience (little that it may be) has shown that all that knowledge didn’t help when I found us struggling as a couple; what has helped is time and experience.  A lot of what not to do, and little by little what to do.   After only two years of marriage I have nothing but great respect for couples wishing to renew their vows and show the world that after years of marriage their love and comitment is strong.    The one thing that came across this past Saturday was that Teresa and David loved to laugh with each other and made it a point to smile and enjoy life.  I look forward to laughing and smiling through life.

Enjoy the pictures from Teresa and David’s 30th Anniversary

Teresa and David even found time to laugh during their ceremony.

Still in love after 30 years

Teresa & David renewed their vows in the same place they got married 30 years ago. Here is a recreation of their bridal party picture with the same bridesmaids and groomsmen. The flower girls in white are now "flower ladies".

Teresa shared another dance with dad.

Always smiling and having fun Teresa and David enjoyed their PARTY!!!

Today

I was recently rereading my welcome to my blog entry and realized I had been slacking in my entries recently.  I am supposed to be telling you about not only Lux Photography and my experiences with work but also about my life.  Hence the title “Life in a Photographers World”  it may be telling that all my recent entries involve wedding photography as peak wedding season draws to an end my thoughts have been all about the weddings lately.   My life in the past has consisted of work, work, and more work.  I did my time in corporate America waking up early in hotels and not remembering which city I was in that day until I had my requisite diet coke – equivalent to a coffee drinker not having their coffee.   I have come out of my hotel before dawn and tried to open the door to the wrong rental car.  They all look the same!  I and other road warriors could be seen standing on the sidewalk using the key “clicker” to flash the lights and honk the horn of our rental cars.  When I transitioned to running my own business I thought my life being about work would change; it didn’t with one exception I love what I do (for the most part) and each day is filled with tasks that I enjoy (exception being figuring out which taxes to pay, how much and when.)   I recently learned I missed a local county tax and owe for the past 2 years.  Arg I thought I had them all.  I wonder if I am missing anybody else?

Now is when I tell you about all my hobbies and what I do in my down time.  My husband is quick to point out that I have very few “hobbies”.  The two I have I am passionate about, reading and planing vacations.  The ultimate for me is being on one of my vacations (which I get  great deals on) reading a book.  I recently scored round trip non-stop tickets to Cancun Mexico for $99.00 each way and 5 nights free at the JW Marriott (thank you swine flu and rewards points).   August 2nd my mother and I leave for 11 nights in Cancun Mexico.  She and I are perfect travel companions as we share the same hobby reading.  I’m working on addicting my stepson to reading as well, so far he is hooked on our Sunday (when I don’t have a wedding) trips to Borders Books.  I’m not sure if it is the lure of the bookstore or breakfast at McDonald’s before the bookstore.  Either way I enjoy “our” time together and smile when he sinks into the chair next to mine with his own pile of books to look over.

I can’t sign off without showing a few pictures.  Here are some from a wedding I photographed on July 3, 2009 at Oxon Hill Manor (incredibly beautiful) the reception following was at the Colony South Hotel.

More of our photographs are available at Lux Photography

One of my favorite photographs from this Filipino wedding.

Traditional Filipino weddings include a ceremony with the veil and cord.

Half way through the ceremony the rain came down again, the bride and groom just smiled and continued with their vows as the maid of honor and best man ran to their sides with parasols.

After the ceremony all the guests gathered for a group photograph.

The grounds at the Colony South Hotel also provided great backdrops for photographs.

Rose Ceremony

On May 17, Shalisha and Justin had a beautiful courtyard wedding which included a Rose Ceremony that I had not seen before.   I’m  not sure whether this is a new ceremony or just one that I haven’t seen before but I thought it was really neat.   Understanding that their will be moments in their marriage where they disagree and fight,  it may be difficult to find words to express to their love for one another; a rose placed in a predetermined location reminds the other of this love.

Shalisha and Justin exchanging roses during the Rose Ceremony

As Shalisha and Justin exchanged roses they committed to doing this to ensure that the other always knows that love underlies all other feelings.  Weddings are full of joy,  happiness and excitement to see what the future holds;  their are bumps in the road and having a plan in place to remind each other of their love can only serve to brighten their future together.

Married two years now myself I look at my husband at times with disbelief that I am married and we are building a life together.  There have been bumps in our road but at the end of the day I look at the life we have together, smile and wonder what the future brings.

Lux Photography

The groom surprised the bride with diamond earrings and necklace which she chose to wear that day.

An tearful Shalisha sees her groom for the first time

Shalisha shows off her personality; we had fun during our photo session.

Justin was advised by his friends and family that this would be the last time he had the upper hand...

Gerbera Daisey's are my favorite flower. I loved the "POP" these daisies gave the cake.

The guests send off Shalisha and Justin to their new life as husband and wife.

Ethnic Wedding Photography

Photographing in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area has allowed me the opportunity to photograph all different types of weddings and receptions.  Close to our nations capitol this region epitomizes the “melting pot” philosophy of the United States.   As a wedding photographer I get to see how the worlds different religions and cultures are celebrated on the wedding day.  From a traditional intimate Arabic ceremony for immediate family followed by a large and lavish reception to the jumping of the broom many cultures and religions have a unique way of celebrating couples love.  I have donned a Hijab,  dodged flying plates, heard full choirs sing their praises,  celebrated for three days,  and elbowed my way through mobs of cheering guests.   Below are some images from some of my more memorable experiences.   Enjoy.

Lux Photography

Arabic reception. The bride and groom are preceded in the introductions by all their family hwo line the dance floor. The groom then escorts his bride around the floor "introducing" his new bride to family members.

Dancing to the beat

Everyone Dances

The bride and groom were presented with this "bounty" symbolizing prosperity for the couple in this Persian ceremony.

This ceremony is to bless the bride with fertility.

Armenian Ceremony

Guests and family members showered this couple with money symbolizing prosperity.

Dodging flying plates

Crazy with Weddings

This is the weekend I have known was coming for several months now.  I will be photographing four weddings (Thu-Sun) something I have not done since I was a 20 something and full of energy.  I’m not saying I’m old now however I can definitely tell the difference between 20 something and 30 something.  A whole other blog topic so I’ll stop now on that subject.  When a bride wants to work with us as their photographer I hate to say we’re not available.   I am super excited to be working with all my brides this weekend and am looking forward to some beautiful drives.  One wedding is in Richmond another in Catlett, Virginia.  My motto is have camera will travel.  Driving is no problem, flying with so much camera gear is an adventure in and of itself, I make sure we are prepared for everything.   Although busy I ensure that every bride has my undivided attention.  When I do have multiple weddings there can be some long days the following week as I work on editing and post-production to ensure that they can view their images within two weeks (I usually can hit the one week mark).    Brandy, an  associate photographer will be busy herself especially Sunday photographing special couples – fathers with their daughters at a father daughter dance.  There is that special relationship between fathers and daughters that can not be explained.  I often see a tear or two from dad when he sees his daughter in her dress about to be married.    When I was married my dad told my new groom, she’s all yours… “you get the calls when she locks herself out, locks her keys in (the car), runs out of gas, has a flat…”.  I think my dad was excited to know that he would no longer be the first call at 1 am when I need something due to an action on my part that usually can be described only as moronic.  On that note I am heading out to pick up some additional supplies for our “event tote” – I’m going with my list to make sure everything is fully stocked ahead of time.

I can’t have a post with out pictures; here are a few from Evette and Gerald’s wedding this past weekend.  A fun loving couple they ensured that they and their guests had fun.

Yvette & Gerald chose to have a traditional Filipino ceremony which includes a veil, rope and coin ceremony.

Here the maid of honor is helping the bride put on the traditional "sleeves". These sleeves slide on and are not attached to the dress. Easy to remove when the bride is ready to party.

Yvette and Gerald just after being pronounced husband and wife.

The happy couple parties it up with friends.

Our New Addition

This past weekend we welcomed an unexpected new addition to the family.  An 8 week old yellow lab that is so cute he out to be in pictures.  My husband had wanted a dog for a while and the right opportunity presented itself.  He is your typical puppy playing until he can hardly stand and then crashes for a few hours.  Working from home during the week I can’t tell you how much I look forward to those “crashes”.  His play-fullness is wonderful however labs like to chew, the first day or so of working went well his toys kept him entertained for the most part and I thought this is no problem, this is working out so well.  Wednesday arrived and the new toys no longer kept him entertained and the entertainment came from all the things he could get into in my office.  My mother came to see the puppy and saved the day with a “new toy” an empty plastic coke bottle.  He spent the entire afternoon when not sleeping playing happily with his new toy.  Today the bottle has lost it’s newness and the carpet, sofa, coffee table, my chair, the bookshelf etc… became much more interesting.  Do they sell bitter apple spray by the gallon?  My hearing has improved tenfold and I can now identify with my back turned if he is playing with one of his toys or attempting to destroy something in the office.  Perhaps this is something like my mother always knowing when we were getting into something we shouldn’t when she wasn’t even in the room.   Back to work and keeping my sanity .

Diesel

My Wedding fun

When talking to brides I often say that your wedding day is going to be fun why should your photography be any different?  A lot of time and attention goes into the wedding and reception from the big things such as “The Dress” to the little details of escort cards and seating arrangements.  I still remember as my wedding approached my excitement increased as well as my commitment to having fun.  That day I vowed to have fun and enjoy every minute.  I planned as best I could and whatever happened would happen.  I was also fortunate to have an amazing wedding coordinator that I had confidence would handle anything that came up.   The day is a blur but I remember some things vividly…  My nervousness of walking down the aisle – I don’t think I ever held on to my dads arm that tight before; it is doubtful I would have made it down the aisle without him.  This surprised me as I have presented for work in front of hundreds of people and never imagined the nervousness down to outright fear I felt that moment as we prepared to go down the aisle.  I remember my groom talking through the ceremony; cracking jokes to try and get me to relax (it worked).  Getting one chocolate covered strawberry from the chocolate fountain  (my then husband saw I was so busy dancing and talking to our guests that he brought me one – my favorite romantic gesture the whole day).   I was so excited to have the chocolate fountain as I had seen them at so many weddings and rarely got a taste I figured this is the one time I could eat chocolate covered strawberries to my hearts desire; it didn’t happen I had one, the one my husband brought me.    There were much bigger romantic moments like the ring exchange, first kiss,  and the first time we were announced as husband and wife however it was the little things he did that stick out.  I promised myself that I would cherish and remember  every  big moment that day as I heard from countless brides the day goes by so fast and that they hardly remember a thing.  I was convinced since I knew this in advance I would be prepared and be able to will my memory into action.  No such luck, I’m ashamed to admit like many brides before me I recall very little of the “main events” first dance, toasts etc…  Overall though I remember having fun the entire day, from getting my hair done with “the ladies” to dancing and leaving in my dads’ convertible veil flying in the wind.    I’ve pasted below some of my wedding photographs.  If you’ve read earlier blog entries about my love for color then you will better understand my wedding choices.  Enjoy.

A little history

For the past few years until starting Lux Photography my life was consumed by the rat race.  I worked long days, and photographed weddings on weekends.  There was a brief stint where I worked long days and weekends and did not photograph at all.  For an artist this created the absence of a creative outlet and restlessness or a sense of missing something.   Ever since I was little “art” has played a huge role in my life, growing up my parents did the dutiful trek Amanda to art class at the community center, the Smithsonian, the Corcoran anywhere that offered art classes for children.  I had bins upon bins of pens, markers, paints, colored pencils, watercolors etc…  I loved the stimulus of bright colors and created color combinations with my clothing that just should never have been.  My parents let me explore and express myself however I saw fit (as long as it was safe and did not create permanent damage – which was not always the case).  A big thank you to my parents who raised me to adulthood with few permanent scars.  As a young adult I attended Art School (Savannah College of Art and Design) and came out with a BFA in Photography and Art History.  After two weeks at college I called home and told my dad that I figured out what I wanted to do with my life.  The predictable question followed, “what’s that” my response was “be a student”.  I loved it that much, on that note my father responded “not on my dime…” and after 3 1/2 years I was out in the workplace.  While in school I was surrounded by creativity and other people who understood my desire/ need to create.  Today I get to explore my creativity when I photograph weddings or family portraits.  No wedding or family is exactly alike and personalities always differ.   I try and capture the personalities of the people as well as the atmosphere and overall mood.  It is hard to describe how I see, when I look at a ballroom decorated I not only see the big picture but I begin to dissect the pieces to create interesting compositions and color combinations.  Not every picture is a “work of art” there are the mandatory family pictures however I try and approach those in a fun and relaxed manner so that I as well as the wedding party continue to enjoy themselves during those pictures as well.  During those moments I also try and capture the “side action” when people aren’t expecting it.   After 250 weddings I still flip through my images at the end of the day with excitement and often begin downloading as soon as I get home.    This year I hope to continue to expand my portfolio with personal images and take more trips even if it is just down the road.

Wedding Photography & Art

From a young age I have always been into art, my mom was forever taking me to this art class or another.  I loved color and often showed this love of color in my clothing selections.  In an area where most little girls are wearing outfits that match down to their hair bows/ barrettes I was the one wearing orange shorts, pink top, green socks and purple “jelly shoes”.   My parents indulged my love for color allowing me to select my clothes.  Often times I was a walking rainbow of clashing colors, the colors made me happy although subjected me to constant teasing in elementary school.   I still have a love for color and art although I am better at expressing it today.  I was talking with a customer yesterday about manipulating wedding images with “digital enhancements” and was able to put into words how I felt about photography and using it as my artistic release.  There are times when I “see” an image different from what was captured I am compelled to follow that vision.  Often times this is not at the request of the bride per se but often results in images that they love.  Every wedding is different and the excitement I feel when reviewing pictures is difficult to describe; each image is an extension of me and my love for art.     More digital enhancements can be seen at Lux Photography.

Seasons Greetings

I hope everyone has taken some time off from the daily rush, go..go..go… that we fall into at times and have enjoyed this holiday season.  A professed work-a-holic this holiday season I took the time to enjoy my family and reflect back on the past year.  This past year not only has Lux Photography (my business) continued to grow so have my friendships as I branch out making new friends, reconnecting with past friends (thank you Facebook) and strengthening current friendships.  A pleasant surprise is the growing friendships I have with “my brides” as I affectionately call my wedding customers.  A bride whose wedding I recently photographed commented afterwards that she would miss our conversations that often spread outside the scope of photography.  As a recent newlywed  myself we spoke about the joys of getting married and spoke frankly about some of the difficulties of merging two households and more importantly the merging of two personalities into one house.   I looked forward to our conversations and assurred her the work was only 1/2 done, the hard part was coming.  That is the image selection and final album approval.  It is not uncommon for a bride to take months to make her selections.  I touch base along the way to see if there is anything I can do to help however more often then not the requested help is adding more hours to the days.  If someone out there has figured out how to do this please share…   Throughout a process which can span a year or two from the engagement session to the delivery of the final album often times I find myself developing friendships.  Staying in contact with “my brides” and their families can be fun as I often get to celebrate the births of the first child.   I recently photographed a wedding in which I was recomended by a bride I photographed over 7 years ago.   It was a true pleasure to catch up with her and her husband and hear about how their family has grown.  Below are picture of their daughter and a “now” photograph of the couple.  Alas this was in the days of film and I don’t have an electronic copy of their wedding pictures.  I also pasted one of my favorite images of the newly married couple themselves.  I have to credit to my associate photographer Brandy who snapped this image.