Love Life Images :: Stephen's Blog bio picture

Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. My family would often forget to develop our film after vacations, but months later we were always excited and surprised to see what came back when we finally got our pictures developed. With the advent of digital cameras, the images come much quicker, but the excitement is still there.

I'm often awed by the power of story-telling images in various genres of photography. To me, the most powerful images make you feel what it's like to "be there." I strive to capture this in my wedding images. I feel so honored to document people's memories, knowing that pictures are such an important part of familial history and storytelling. It is a hefty responsibility, and one I do not take lightly. In fact, I know this is what I am meant to do.

When I'm not shooting weddings, portraits or corporate events, you can usually still find me with a camera in my hand - taking pictures of my beautiful family - my wife Carolyn, our son Ryan, and three dogs Jingles, Cooley and Cooper. I'm a photographer and I can't imagine doing anything else.

Jul 19 2011

Jessica & Michael :: A Wedding at the 1840s Ballroom

I’ve seen hundreds of weddings over the last six years, so sometimes it surprises me when I’m blown away by a wedding. Each wedding I photograph is special and unique in its own ways, but sometimes everything just comes together so perfectly. Jessica’s and Michael’s wedding was one of those really memorable ones for me. The light was great at the right times, the guests were really enjoying themselves, the venue looked beautiful, the band was amazing, the toasts were funny and emotional, and there was just an incredible love that filled the room. Of course, most importantly, Jessica and Michael were having a great time and their smiles were infectious.

I loved how they worked with coordinator Lorin Kotz Kline to transform the reception area of the 1840s Ballroom. They opted to cover a mirrored wall with drapes and create a gallery-like atmosphere with various framed art and mirrors, as well as actual silhouettes of the couples’ faces, which they also used as elements for other details (the candy bar, etc.). It was such a creative way to achieve the look they wanted!

Jessica and Michael, thank you for trusting us with your special day. It was truly an honor!

And behind every great wedding is a team of vendors who help pull it all together:

Coordinator: Lorin Kotz Kline – Celebrations Unlimited
Bridal Shop: Designer Loft
Dress Designer: Pronovias
Shoes: Martinez Valero
Hair: Studio 1612
Makeup: Misha Renee’s Makeup Artistry
Suit/Tux: Tom James
Florist: Simply Beautiful Flowers
Caterer: Linwoods
Cake: Linwoods
Reception music: Onyx – Washington Talent Agency
Lighting: Blondell’s Accent on Events
Invitations: Papers Plus
Honeymoon location: Hawaii