Kate in the Window

Here's a pic of Kate from last week, shot on b & w film, at the house in the morning.

Violeta & Daniel | May 26, 2007

This past weekend I documented Violeta and Daniel's wedding in the Chicago suburbs with my friend Don Carter, who was the primary photographer.

They were married in a traditional Serbian Orthodox ceremony held at the Granacia Monastery in Third Lake, IL.

Violeta got ready for the wedding at Daniel's family home in the western suburb Burbank, IL and the couple greeted family in friends who came for the pre wedding gathering/meal that featured authentic Serbian singers.

The Monastery is located about 50 miles from Daniel's home and is a replica of a 14th century monastery in Kosovo.

It was an awe-inspiring location for a wedding, and I felt so privileged to have been allowed to witness their day!

Stefanie Makes it to the State Track Meet!

My niece Stefanie, shown here hurdling during the 300m event at Kewaskum, WI finished third and thus advances to the state track meet next weekend in LaCrosse, WI.

Stefanie, who just finished her sophomore year today, was defeated by two young women who are both seniors.

The weather was rainy and windy and despite the difficult conditions Stef did herself (and her family) proud.

Back in the midwest...

I've been back in Wisconsin for the past couple of days.

I have a wedding this weekend down in Chicago and the north suburbs, so I thought it would be a good time to take a couple extra days to visit my sisters and family.

This afternoon, my niece Stefanie will compete in a sectional track meet in several events...looking forward to seeing her compete and photographing her as well.

She's in the midst of her finals during her sophomore year at school...so it's been pretty intense for her this week.

Nicki is back home in CA with Kate and we're just loving waking the munchkin up in the mornings.

Her hair is getting really long and she almost looks like The Donald with a combover in the morning before her hair gets brushed.

Plus, she's telling us her name when we ask her: "Tatie"

On the flight to Chicago, I reread a book I hadn't read in a few years. It's called "On Being a Photographer" by David Hurn and Bill Jay. Hurn is a Magnum photographer, Jay a retired professor and the two have been friends for about 40 years -- the book is a q & a of their conversations about all things photographic and just what that means for someone like Hurn who has been actively shooting for nearly 50 years. The book is such a mirror of my own philosphy that it's going on my recommended book list.

It was first written in the mid 90s, and updated in 2001 and now, despite the years, it's still incredibly relevant and prescient.

It's great to be with family, though I wish Nicki and Kate were here...

Mika & Mike's Wedding | May 19, 2007

Mika and Mike were married this past Saturday at their friends Sheldon & Nancy's home in La Habra.

The marine layer hanging over the area broke just in time for a sunny and warm service in the backyard, officiated by Sheldon (he's holding his cell phone just before the ceremony started -- he was called by Mike to remind him to...turn off his cell phone!).

Surrounded by family and friends the couple were married in a service that included several Jewish ceremony traditions such as the signing of a kutabah, the breaking of the glass and even and impromptu chair dance.

Have a great honeymoon you two, and I can't wait for you to see more of the photos!

Nicole & Greg | May 5, 2007

Nicole & Greg were married last Saturday at American Martyrs Church in Manhattan Beach.

Nicole got ready for the wedding at the Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach, not far from the church. Greg & the guys got ready at their home, also very close to church.

It was a beautiful service and my first in our old parish. The ceremony was especially meaningful to the couple because Nicole just converted to the faith this past Easter.

After the Mass, we had some time to wander down to the beach, and then the reception at a very funky and cool space in LA called the Marvimon. The Food Network and three videographers were also present to document the event -- they're doing a profile on the caterers.

Thank you both (and your families) for allowing me to share in your day -- it was a great time!

In Aurora, IL this week

Greetings from beautiful, downtown Aurora, IL!

I'll be here all week at Shootsmarter University for the Documentary Wedding Class.

There are 14 students in the class from all over, including a student from Mexico! It should be a great time.

The weather is getting nice here, the trees are in bloom and I think we'll have a nice bit of spring weather all week...quite a contrast to the weather here back in March (yikes!)


Here's a photo of Kate made this past Friday in the living room.

Kristi & Grant Engagement Portraits | Newport Beach

Sunday was a day at the beach as I photographed Kristi & Grant. Even though there was a chilly marine layer hovering over the crowded beach, it actually made for some beautiful and flattering light. I really enjoyed the session and it was fun getting to hang out a bit with Kristi & Grant before the big day...this is actually the bonus of doing engagment portraits.

I'm looking forward to their early June wedding down in the San Diego area.

(I love the photo of Grant holding a tiger shark that someone had just caught off the pier -- the fisherman who caught it was loving having the couple hold the shark for the photo). ;)