Old Fashioned Charm & Style at Hyde Chapel & Mill

While I enjoy shooting weddings in general sometimes I get one that really makes me realize just why I enjoy them so much. Yesterday I had the honor of capturing the union of Kathryn Murphy and Neil Mrkvicka. They had a very intimate, old fashioned feeling ceremony in a tiny country chapel located in a beautiful, rural valley.



Hyde Chapel happens to be one of the first places I discovered after moving to the area. It's a very charming structure nestled in a rather scenic, hilly area. When you see it, you can feel the history surrounding it. Also, just around the bend there's a landmark old mill. When this couple told me they were going to use the Chapel for their nuptials, and the mill for their photos I was so thrilled.



Even though we had to rush through doing the portraits due to a rain storm that was fast approaching, the day simply went perfectly. We were able to adjust all our plans, and remained flexible in order to beat the rain. As I closed the trunk of my car after doing the portraits a steady drizzle began. The ceremony followed, with the rain actually adding to the romantic feel of the afternoon.



Anyway, I just wanted to post a few of the photos from the day. I can't wait to process the entire gallery! This is indeed why I love shooting weddings.

Feathered Grace

Working my way through my archives I've finally made it to March of 2008. I just completed processing images I took of the first Hideous Kinky Vaudeville Show. While I enjoyed capturing all the acts that night, I also shot my favorite dancer set. That night performer Crystal Dunlap did an amazingly beautiful feathered fan-dancer piece.

I shot the set using my "nifty-fifty," Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens. As the years have passed I've turned to the EF 135mm f/2.0L, and my 70-200mm f/2.8L IS to shoot performances. I believe this is the only one where I used the 50mm. After reprocessing images from the shoot I may just use it once more for this type of photography.



Another thing that came to mind is how few performances I've shot recently. Since moving to Wisconsin I've not done any, except for my daughter's little number for the local Spring Show. I think I'll look into local dance troops to see if any want to work with me.

Happy Birthday Kyla!!

We all miss you! Freja made you a card. It's something to do with a Berenstain Bears PBS Kids online game. She says you should play the games and then when you visit you can play with her. Also, there's a temporary robot tattoo taped to it for you to put on when you get your card. Freja's also really loving kindergarten and is looking forward to telling you all about it someday. We'd all like you to come visit with us. We love you!!!!

First Day of Kindergarten!

When my daughter was born I resigned from my old job and became a stay at home dad. Five years, 9 months, and six days later my wife & I put her on the bus to school for the first time! I now have exactly 8 hours/day, 5 days/week sans kid. The horizon is wide open!



I can work on processing my archives, and try to complete 2008 - 2011. Going to the store by myself is going to be a big relief. They put in those little kid shopping carts, and they're the ban of my existence. If you ever take a 5yo to a store with them, you'll understand. I'm going to be able to work on the house without having to stop every 10 minutes. No more making sure she's eating/drinking throughout the day. No more checking to see what she's doing. Hell, I can go meet my wife for lunch in the city!



Then I think about all the playgrounds, games, and fun we had. She only went to school 3 days/week for 2.5 hours. I dropped her off & picked her up. We'd go on adventures, and had a lot of fun. It's the end of the best time in my life.



Then again, I can work again! Already this morning I've processed an uploaded a ton of images. Plus I can do... anything. Wow. Such mixed feelings today. I think I'll go get breakfast, and then paint the house or something.