When Kevin and I walked into the bride's room, everyone's smile ran from ear to ear.  And the laughter was infectious.  The bride sat casually on the bed; her hair full of rollers.  One of her bridesmaids sat in a chair near the window getting her makeup done.  Others mingled with champagne and cheese in their hands.  It was clear that these women shared a bond that ran deep; the compassion they had for one another was palpable.

Patrick's energy was a perfect balance to Elaina's.  He was calm, steady, and cool, like 007.  The other men in the room sat casually around the living room with beers in their hands.  As he slid into his suit jacket, checking in the mirror, a humble confidence washed over his face.  Patrick was ready.

And when these two are together, it's clear they understand each other.  It's obvious that their love and friendship run deep.  They enjoy ever second of each other's company, and are excited about their future together.

Elaina and Patrick, you two share a special bond.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your wedding, and wish you the very best in your future.

Cheers!

Elaina and Patrick were married at Boettcher Mansion in Golden, Colorado.
A big thank you to Kevin Von Qualen for assisting me at this wedding!

Public service announcement.

This is a great idea pulled together by fellow photog Jeremy Cowart, someone I've been following on Twitter for a little over a year.  His message is simple: on December 12, 2009 we all grab our cameras, find people in need, and take their pictures.  And when the prints are ready, we deliver them to those people.  It's about helping people who never dreamed of having their portrait made.

So, what is this all about?  It's not about you.  It's about them.  It's about helping people see the beauty of who they are, and exposing their greatness.

For more information, visit Help Portrait.

If you're planning on helping, please say so here.  It may inspire others to get out there.

Cody might be a little upset about me posting some of his senior pictures.  But, he's my nephew, and he'll just have to deal.  Earlier this week Cody and I wondered around some local abandoned buildings, running into some very interesting people during our shoot.  But, we had some good fun.  Cody is a good kid, has great sense of humor, and is an upstanding dude--gonna turn out to be some good peeps. 

Cody, congrats on your senior year.  Don't let it go by too fast--it's a great time in your life!

Today, I had a little free time, and went out for a little photo safari.  Longmont has a lot more abandoned, old, funky buildings than I really knew about.  They're cool, and erie, and odd, and creepy, and with the dark clouds rolling in over the mountains, I felt like I was about to hear (in a echo-y, quiet voice) "jay-jay-jay-son-son-son."  Freaked me out.  Good news: I survived.  Here are a couple of my favorite pics from my outing.

Another wedding favorite from a few weeks ago.  Lindsay and Jason got married at Taharaa lodge in Estes Park, Colorado.  The venue is a amazing.  Beautiful views, gorgeous reception hall--all around wonderful.  Enjoy!