Party at the Spa!

Last Friday I was invited to a "Girl's night at the Spa" party. What a fabulous concept! The nail salon near my house will close their business 2 hours early to hold your party (provided you have enough friends). I don't know, this might be a normal thing, but being one who rarely pampers myself, it was news to me and very cool. My friend, Melanie, hosted and put out a great spread for us girls. (I need that spinach/artichoke dip recipe Mel!) I got to chat with some ladies I haven't seen in a long time and meet some new ones as well. My toes and I had a great time and can't wait to do it again. Thanks Melanie :)

Stacey

Here are some pix


This is Melanie, our lovely hostess.


Pick a color?? Are you kidding me? It took me at least 20 minutes to decide. Thankfully the polish drawers were just below all the food!

Wedding Preview

Hey Everyone,

We just got back from today's wedding and I wanted to put up an awesome image that Stacey had taken. Mark and Rebecca had their reception at Sponsel's Apple Orchard and we stole the couple for a couple minutes to get out in the actual orchard. While we were there, Stacey got this.


I love the light and feeling of it.

You will have to check back later this week for more from the day. We had a blast.

- Jason

Have A Happy Day!

Happy Anniversary Bird

I wanted to take a moment out of the day and thank my lovely wife for a wonderful first five years of marriage. It was 5 years ago today that we got married in her parent’s yard. The weather was a little suspect, but it was such a fun day, that fit our personalities perfectly. I still remember watching her come down and her Dad getting slower and slower as they got closer. It was the start of a new life that has included it’s own changes of pace. Now we have Lauren, an unbelievable 2.5 year old, and another one on the way. Stacey truly has been my better half and has been there beside me for many ups and downs. Above all else, I want to thank her for standing by me when times have been tough, supporting my dreams, and being a fantastic wife and mother.

With that in mind, I love you birdy!

- Jason

Tabitha

Okay, so I know it's been about 100 years since anyone has heard from me, but I am still alive and kickin'. As with all wedding photographers (and people in general I guess), summer is a crazy busy time. That is, of course, no excuse and I will try my best to be a better blogger.

Anyway, here is a senior shoot I did recently in Minneapolis. Tabi is a gorgeous girl and what a model she turned into the minute she walked in front of my camera! It makes my job that much easier. Of course it didn't hurt that she is a family member on Jason's side, so we already knew each other. We had an awesome time on our walk and found some cool new places along the river. Thanks Tabi. I had a blast :)

Stacey

Poker and lunch with [b]!

So, I am finally getting around to this post. As you may have read in one of the earlier posts, I had the opportunity to go to Mike Colon's 4 day intensive workshop (Which I highly suggest to any photographers out there). On the last day of the workshop, Mike hosted a poker party which was a lot of fun. While at the party, in addition to all of the great people I had already met through the workshop, we were joined by some more remarkable and creative people in the industry: Photographers [b]ecker, Dane Sanders, and Jessica Claire, and branding specialist Gary Sikes .

I was amazed at how many "big players" (for lack of a better word) in the photography industry were there. I can honestly say that besides being great at what they do, they were all very nice people.

As the party started, the host himself (Mike) knocked me out first.



From this point on, I had to pull out the camera and take some shots.

Turning little stacks into big stacks


Going all in


The bitter end

As we had all guessed, [b]ecker won the poker game. I should know that's what you get for playing with a guy who won a seat at the WSOP.

Towards the end of the party, I asked if anyone wanted to have lunch and [b]ecker took me up on the offer. We had lunch at a great Mexican place called Javier's. While at lunch, it was a lot of fun to sit down and talk about how he runs his business, etc. Plus, he is a huge Angels fan so we had to talk a little baseball. Unfortunately he got the upper hand as they knocked the Twins out of the ALCS a few years back. For anyone, photographers especially, who enjoys reading blogs, you should check out [b]eckers blog, and his new project called the [b] school.

Here we are in one of his infamous self portrait style shots.


I would like to thank everyone I met in California for all of their comments, suggestions, and the beginning of many new friendships!

Later everyone!

- Jason

Our Prayers Go Out To You

Something in Minneapolis happened today, the likes of which we have never seen before locally. The Interstate 35 bridge over the Mississippi River completely collapsed during rush hour this evening. The entire structure pretty much fell into the river. I don't think I have been this stunned over seeing a sight since 9/11.

To see some of the images, view this slideshow from the Star Tribune.

Needless to say, it is just a tragedy. Stacey and I used to live less than a mile from the bridge and it just gives me the chills thinking about it. To anyone who was touched by this event, our hearts and prayers go out to you.

- Jason & Stacey