second time i've ever been to NY and it was well worth it.  i attended my first wedding in over a year and a half.  that's right, i actually didn't work.  but i did sneak a picture or two the day of.  Dan and Kristen are very lovely and kind and big-hearted friends that are the type of people that can change any kind of environment to a more joyful one.  the wedding was simply splendid, not because i got to dance the night away, but because the wedding was full of the overflowing love they had one another.  CONGRATULATIONS Dan and Kristen!!  i'm excited to see what the Lord has for you both in the coming years!

i took some amateur video of the reception...maybe i'll post that here.

i had the privilege of second shooting for Matt Lee, aka Matthew Gordon Photography.  it's always exciting and interesting to see how other fotografers operate.  what they think, what they use in their environment, how they compose, how they interact.  i love the opportunities to second shoot, because it avails me such rich experiences.  now, my art may not change, but i always walk away with an appreciation for their art -- having then seen how it's produced.  and it was no different working with Matt.  i went home with new ideas and different ways to approach fotografy.  thank you, Matt. 

mainly, these fotos are candid.  i felt kind of like a stalker -- in the shadows, lurking around, big camera.  the only thing i was missing was some aviators and a mustache.

p.s. the whole day trains went by, helicopters took off (helipad right next door), and probably some third kind of transportive vehicle did something

ooo.  this wedding was fun (well, they all are fun but this one was really fun [well, they all are really fun, but this one was really really fun]).
i met Amber and Travis the night before the wedding at the rehearsal.  nothing like meeting someone(s) for the first time and being immediately thrown into the mix of their family and friends.  it kind of felt like a blind date where i went to their house to pick them up except the date was in their living room and chaperoned by their entire family.  it was terrific; i think the date was dang successful.  Amber, Travis, your thoughts?
the wedding day was spectacular.  i didn't know you could rent out monument circle/soldier's stadium for a wedding, evidently you can!  we showed up at around 3:00pm to make fotos and during the process i think about four-five other bridal party's showed up.  ordinarily i would have felt bad taking my sweet little time fotografing, while other fotografers had to wait.  but i really didn't care because we owned rented the place.
Amber and Travis are two incredible people.  very quick witted, but that's not why they made the day spectacular.  they demonstrated true love -- but not the kind of 'true love' fatigued in Princess Bride* -- if you don't know what i'm talking about re-watch that movie, assuming of course you grew up on that movie like my family did, and notice how many times they say true love, it's quite redonkulous.  rather, it's tender people who deeply love one another that make for spectacular days.  it's not about keeping schedules, nor about making sure every flower pedal is arranged perfectly.  it's about getting married.  plain and simple.  what's your take?
all i can say is CONGRATULATIONS, Travis and Amber!!

p.s. Amber made all of her bridesmaids' hair pieces and her own.  plus! she put together her bouquet the day of (which looked fantastic).

*i love this movie. 

the only words that can describe Marcus and Bethany are fun loving.  this wedding and couple were jam packed with love and good times.  i laughed pretty dang hard at some moments that i will never ever forget -- the best man's speech, esp.  and i appreciated the thoughtfulness and care of Marcus and Bethany that they gave to each other.  everyone was so generous and terrific to be around that i walked away feeling like their friends had become my friends.  thank you for a fantastic time!  i wish you two the best.

p.s. look at the blue pumas she had on, can't get any better! 
p.p.s. notice the little league pose/foto of the boysmen.