The St. Antoine Family

I recently got to catch up again with the beautiful St. Antoine family in their very own backyard. It's always fun to run around with their two little girls (who aren't so little anymore!) and watch these two sisters make each other laugh, vie for Daddy's attention, and share treats. It's a true reminder of why I love what I do.

I Like It Like That

In honor of the American Music Awards, which aired last night, I wanted to put the spotlight on the AMA's BEST NEW ARTIST, Hot Chelle Rae.

I had the pleasure of seeing HCR open for The Script recently. If you're like me, when the opening act takes the stage you're thinking, "Who are these clowns? Please hurry through your obligatory 45 minute set so I can see the main act." On the contrary with these clowns. Sure, I had heard their catchy tune "Tonight, Tonight" on the radio and sung along, but I had no idea they were more than just a one-hit wonder. They took the stage with such energy that I wanted more and felt like I got two concerts for the price of one that night. I was giddy as I left the venue as a Hot Chelle Rae fan.

Congratulations to Ryan and the boys on this very much deserved win.

You Don't Know Nothin' About This

Anyone who knows me knows that I love music. Is it any wonder I'm dating a musician? When my Mom learned my new boyfriend was a singer/songwriter/guitarist, her exact words were, "He's a musician? Of course he is." Although I don't think it would have made a difference what he did for a living, as I believe my Mom would have preferred I only dated doctors and lawyers.

I love going to concerts, I love being front row, and I love meeting the artist or band.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not lifting my top for the drummer or going and getting high with the roadies or anything.  I just genuinely love to meet the people who make the music I love.  Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to personally thank the folks, continuously looping on my iPod, for singing my favorite songs.  Shaking hands with Otis Williams of The Temptations was probably the highlight...although I'm not sure he heard me when I thanked him for "being the glue" that held the band together.  I got a puzzled look as he shook my hand and left the stage. He certainly won't remember me, but I'll always remember him and that moment.

Recently I was given the opportunity to photograph Marc Broussard for Official Fan Club.net at The Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale. Marc has been one of my favorite artists for several years now and, having never seen him live, my knees were literally about to buckle as I planted myself against the stage. The show was electric, there's no other way to describe it. Well, I think I also called it "Louisiana Swamp Sexy". If you're not familiar with Marc's music, I suggest you check him out. Personally, 'Carencro' is my favorite album. If you listen to nothing else, wrap your ears around "Home".

I got to meet Marc after the show and thank him for being one of my favorite music makers. Sadly, I think my nerves caught up with me on this one, as I nervously asked him if he thought the Saints would be in the Super Bowl this year. Was that the best I had?!? I'm reminded of the scene in Dirty Dancing where Jennifer Grey's character meets Patrick Swayze's "Johnny" for the first time and remarks, "I carried a watermelon." She later kicks herself for the vapid introduction. Thankfully, as I mentioned earlier about Otis Williams, he won't remember me...but I'll forever be haunted by my awkward introduction to someone I admire dearly.

And, so, bucket list item #24 (Be "in the pit" as a photographer for a national act) has been crossed off the list:

A very special thanks to Sally Rosen of Official Fan Club.net for the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite artists.  You can read her review of the show at OfficialFanClub.net

Brayden Cerwin | Connecticut

Going to Connecticut this summer, I wanted to do things a little differently.  Rather than just be a tourist, I wanted to be a local and orchestrate several photoshoots while I was out of my South Florida comfort zone.  I've shot on all the local beaches here in Palm Beach County, parks, museums, churches - so Connecticut really offered me a beautiful and fresh new backdrop.

Brayden and his Mom met me at the Old Brick in Clinton, bright and early in the morning.  It was a hazy and foggy morning, but we managed to dodge the rain.  Brayden was all smiles and really enjoyed tasting all that nature has to offer...grass, twigs, sand...a very happy and typical little boy.  Just look at that smile!!  He was as cute as a button and I so enjoyed spending time with him and his Mom.

Josh & Sarah's Wedding - Bahamas

We recently had the pleasure of photographing Josh & Sarah's Wedding in the Bahamas on Man-O-War Cay.  We were so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to experience this place and are so grateful to Josh, Sarah, and all the parties involved that made us feel so welcomed. 

The weeklong celebration in the Abacos provided one of the most picturesque backdrops; but what really made this wedding unique was the banding together of family and friends who helped organize, and flawlessly execute, the event of a lifetime for these two.  The week offered many unique moments for Josh & Sarah; the night before the wedding, Josh's uncle presented a beautiful video that chronicled their love story and their journey along the way. It's safe to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house!! Another surprise was Josh's thoughtful wedding band that he had designed especially for Sarah. She was so surprised, in fact, that she dropped his in the sand during the ring exchange. *wink* Although, the most awe-inspiring moment of the ceremony was when the entire wedding party was almost taken out by a rogue wave that swiftly swept up the shore. Cat-like reflexes by Sarah's sister, Sam, saved the bride's dress from sudden soakage. Wow, that's a lot of "S"'s and a very unintentional tongue twister.

But I'm sure everyone would agree that the most exciting moment came when the JUNKANOO surprised everyone and rocked the reception!! The energy level was incredible and we were exhausted just watching Sarah and her bridesmaids keep up with the parade of activity!! 

Here's a sneak peek at some of our favorite images from the celebration.  More to come soon!