Blog
What a weekend! John and I spent just one night camping in Joshua Tree National Park and I feel like I’ve experienced so much in that short time. Believe it or not, Joshua Tree is less than two hours from where I live and I’ve never visited. I pass by it all the time on my way to somewhere else in California, but never took the time to drive through it. I won’t be making that mistake again as I plan to visit this place as much as possible from here on out (except in the summer of course).
I understand why people flock here for hiking, mountain climbing and spiritual retreats. I also get why some of the greatest bands came here to trip on acid. It’s just that kind of place. When you’re in the presence of these prehistoric monadnock mountains there’s some need within us to have a spiritual experience. It feels otherworldly and demanding of your upmost respect. Despite the campgrounds being completely full and the hiking trails as busy as any I’ve seen, it felt tranquil. The whole park is also immaculate, shockingly so actually. I didn’t realize how accustomed to litter I’ve become until I was somewhere there was none.
We spent Friday and Saturday scrambling over the boulders and basking in the sun. I experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets ever. That’s saying a lot coming from a girl who grew up in the Mojave Desert. There’s a moment during sunset when you’re amongst the boulders that the light changes. Every sunset has this moment, but here it’s almost tangible. It’s like someone placed a pair of rose colored glasses on my face. Everything seemed to have a glow that came from within itself. The boulders felt alive. I had wondered about all the veins throughout the boulders (pictured at the end). I’m no geologist so I’ve been studying up on this area since arriving home. I know these are white quartz veins but I like to think of them as the life blood of the park. Maybe even the backbone with each vertebrae exposed.
I am a true desert dweller, a sun worshipper, and I’ve never felt it so acutely as I did here. I can’t wait to go back.
(1) We’re a thing now
Melissa and myself aren’t the only husband/wife combo out there; far from it! Some of our best photographer friends are couples, and – in our opinion – they tend to be pretty awesome. Considering you’re hiring us for your wedding day, what could be more appropriate than hiring a married couple?
(2) We have some advantages
In some ways, nothing could matter less than the marital status of your photographers. But there are a few advantages to husband/wife teams that you may not have thought of, besides the fact that we give your wedding a romantic hitched vibe. Like:
(3) There are two of us!
A 2-for-1 deal, covering one of the most important days of your life! Really, this matters. We’re able to be shooting twice as much, and in different places, meaning that you and your spouse-to-be can be sure that your moments are both being captured. Example: Melissa will often accompany the bride in her suite getting ready, while I’m off hanging out with the groom and his crew. We’ll share the photos we’re excited about with each other later!
(4) Things happen smoooothly
After 14 years together, we know each other very, very well. So instead of running around on your wedding day trying to figure it out, I already know what Melissa needs, and vice-versa. We complement and balance each other. I need a lens? She’s got it. She needs a flash? It’s already set up where she wanted it. If you see Melissa give me hand signals that looks like ground crew guiding in a 747 aircraft as the first dance is starting, you’ll know it’s our advanced, superhuman communication in action. This is high level, advanced mind reading guru stuff. You can’t replicate that kind of teamwork. (Engaged couples: start working on this now!)
(5) We can say what needs said
Sometimes our attention to detail and focus on your wedding photographs can be bad for us as humans, like when we forget to eat, or when Melissa needs caffeine. But because we’re husband and wife, we care for each other; she knows what I need before I do and vice-versa! So, “Grab me a Coke from the bar real quick!” can be life-saving in the middle of a wedding party in the 6th hour of photography.
(6) You might see sneaky affection
Yup, we’re professionals, so most of the time we’ll be acting very photo-journalistic. But we’re just like you – in love! – so you may catch us in an occasional sneaky act of PDA. Don’t judge.
(7) You may share an anniversary with us!
We spent our 14th wedding anniversary shooting a brand new wedding! People asked us if we minded working. The truth is this: there could be no better way to ring in our 14th year together than by celebrating with a couple as they tie the knot! The wedding was a ton of fun and we will forever share that date with our new clients. Okay, so the chances of you picking that exact date aren’t very high, but it’s kinda cute, right?
# # #
We’ve been shooting weddings for over 10 years! Check out some of our more recent work HERE.
My long time photographer friend Bret Thompsett visited the Phoenix area last weekend. He originally hails from Cape Town, South Africa and now has the pleasure of living in Honolulu, Oahu. Jealous yet? Yeah, me neither… ahem.
We got to check out some cool spots (visit Thirdspace for great vibe and live music) and explore Downtown Phoenix. This is my favorite part of the wider Phoenix area. Great architecture with a bit of history and some of the coolest warehouses around. We met the owner of one of the warehouses and he was kind enough to let us inside to have a look and take a few photos. If you know me, you’ll know I was like a kid in a candy store! Can’t wait to go back and shoot at this location!
He managed to snap a few of me as well, but I’ll share those another time!
I recently visited Washington for a week for training. Most of my time was spent indoors, so sadly there wasn’t a lot of time available for photography. I also ended up coming down with the flu/sinus infection from hell. Being sick away from home is possibly the worst thing you could do to me. I complained a good deal about that. I did manage to get outside briefly now and then and even managed to get a little sun while visiting Bainbridge Island. I was a little sad about not getting the photos I wanted, but I’m not too worried as I’ll be visiting again in June and then twice in August. Plenty of time right?!
I lived in Belfast, Northern Ireland for a few years after getting married and I couldn’t help but compare Washington to the Emerald Isle. Green is everywhere and stuff grows whether you want it to or not. I love visiting it. My eyes felt rested and my skin rejuvenated, but I was definitely happy to return to the sunny southwest. I’m definitely a sun worshipper and feel melancholy setting in after a few days of overcast and 4:30pm sunsets. After returning home I spent as much time outdoors as I could topping up my vitamin d intake.
So here are the few photos I’m willing to share from this trip. I’m happy to report that I’ve fully recovered from the pesky flu and am ready for my next trip to DC in just a few days!
