Kristin & Mike

Congratulations to Kristen & Mike who were married Saturday, August 18 in a small country church near Cook Forest State Park! They held their reception at the Clarion River Lodge, a rustic resort and spa overlooking the Clarion River. I had never been to this area before and it is beautiful. It must be gorgeous in the fall when the leaves change! Kristen and Mike are just a really cool, laid back couple and you could see that everyone was having a great time. And yes, I'm a bit envious of where they are going on their honeymoon. Have a wonderful time in Tahiti!

Jessica & Joel

Congratulations to Jessica and Joel who were married August 11 in State College! They held their reception at the historic Nittany Lion Inn. And what a fun reception it was! I laughed. I cried. I laughed so hard that I cried! It's obvious that Jessica & Joel are blessed with a great group of family and friends. I hope you guys have an awesome honeymoon in Bermuda!

Mark your calendars...

... for Sunday, September 23 and Woofstock 2007! We had a great time at Woofstock 2006 and this year I'm pleased to be an official sponsor for a "Groovy Day of Peace, Love, Music, Fun and DROOL!" From 11 am to 5 pm that day, come down to Kunkel Plaza, Harrisburg riverfront, say hello and support a great cause. Bring a blanket, bring your dog! Did I mention that I love dogs?

Woofstock is FREE and supports the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA) and their "De-Sex in the City" program which offers free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to those in need. Attractions include bands and acoustic performers, artists, many "pet friendly" vendors, food and rescue groups. The event kicks off with the Grateful Dog Walk at 10 am. Hope to see you there!

Exciting news from the [AG]WPJA!

First ... what is the [AG]WPJA? It is the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association. From their website:

The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association [AG]WPJA is comprised of outstanding wedding photographers (WPJA members), who are at the forefront of the wedding photography industry when it comes to enhancing images.

The chief objective of the [AG]WPJA is to provide members with a platform where the finest enhanced, manipulated and/or artistic wedding photojournalism in the world is spotlighted and promoted for the bride and groom.

The [AG]WPJA is a separate division of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). Whereas the WPJA upholds strict guidelines that forbid excessive picture manipulation, the [AG]WPJA encourages and fosters creative image enhancement, with the vision of promoting Fine Art Wedding Photojournalists.

The [AG]WPJA establishes and upholds high standards that are taken into consideration during the judging process for our wedding photography contests. Using all artistic tools at their disposal, members skillfully enliven their work in post production processing.

You might remember late last year when I was super excited to have been accepted for membership into the WPJA. Well I found out last night that I received an Honorable Mention in the [AG]WPJA's latest contest! The image above, from Shanelle & Jamie's May 12 wedding, was judged (lucky) #13 in the "Getting Ready" category. The top 20 images in each category are recognized.

I love this image of Shanelle. It was taken inside the church, in the room where she was getting ready. By this time, she was ready to go and the waiting had begun. She was minutes away from walking out of the room, down the hallway and into the sanctuary. It was not posed at all (that would be anti-WPJA!). I didn't ask her to hold still, didn't give her any instructions or say anything for that matter. This was how I saw her ... pensive and beautiful, alone with her thoughts. I have to chuckle too because one of the "rules" they often teach newer photographers is NOT to put your subject smack dab in the center of your photograph. Hmmm, I think in this case maybe it works...

Katie & Dan

Congratulations to my 07-07-07 couple, Katie and Dan, who were married in York and travelled to Maryland for their reception at the historic Maryvale Castle. Such a beautiful place. The Castle was the setting for part of the 1997 movie "Absolute Power" with Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. Katie and Dan had a gorgeous day and everyone was very warm and accommodating. Hope you guys have a wonderful, relaxing Georgia honeymoon!

Happy Birthday...

... to our "fur baby"! Ozzy is five years old today. And spoiled. He just knows when you bring a bag into the house whether or not something in it is for him. Which is why his goodies stayed in the car this time until right before we gave them to him. He liked his "Tire Biter", but the cookies were the big hit. I just love his "mommy, can I have a cookie now?" face!

Nicole & Bob

Congratulations to Nicole and Bob who were married Saturday, June 23 at Alyson Anne at Armstrong Farms in Saxonburg, Pa! What a gorgeous day and what an absolutely amazing place. Did I mention that I love farms? Hmmm, I think I did! Nicole and Bob put much effort into seeing that their guests were comfortable and having a great time. The bonfire was a great way to wrap up the evening. Have a wonderful time in Aruba!

Alison & Andrew

Congratulations to Alison and Andrew who were married June 16 at Willow Valley in Lancaster, Pa! Andrew and his buddies entertained everyone at the reception with their mean rendition of the "YMCA" song. Great job guys! Alison and Andrew are going to one of my favorite places for their honeymoon. Have a wonderful time at Walt Disney World!

Heather & Jacob

Congratulations to Heather and Jacob who were married June 14 in Chambersburg, Pa. They had a beautiful sunset ceremony on an absolutely pastoral farm. And did I mention that I love farms? Shortly after meeting Heather and Jacob for the first time, I knew they were a very special couple. So vibrant , with just a huge joy for life and a strong devotion to each other and their faith. Not to mention that Heather is an outstanding photographer in her own right. No pressure there! Thank you for inviting me to share in your special day and have a great trip out west!

Dani & Rob

Congratulations to Dani & Rob who were married Saturday, June 9 on the grounds of the beautiful Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA. Dani and Rob's vivacious personalities were contagious and their love for each other was obvious. And, as you might be able to tell, I really dug Dani's colorful tattoo and her dress was gorgeous and so unique. Have a wonderful time in Arizona! Click below for a slideshow.