Happy Love

To meet Kawana and John is to meet what I call "Happy Love". Not only are they in love, but the joy of their relationship spills over into a kind of happiness that is very refreshing. This couple has stolen my heart and it was a pleasure to photograph them and capture what will be a prelude to a super wedding date. Look for their upcoming wedding images in a few weeks.

I consider this one of my favorite images.

I can only image how cute Kawana and John's future
kids are going to look like. You're a gorgeous couple.

Show me the money!Kawana has left her mark on John in many ways.

Mugging on the beach courtesy Kawana.

40 Years Celebration

On Friday, July 18^th my wife (Eddie Mae) and I celebrated 40 years in our relationship as husband and wife. (Yeah, I know I've kept this secret from my readership for a few months now). What an event it was for her because I secretly planned a surprise vow renewal and private reception for us at the Holiday Inn on Sheridan Street and I-95. The guest list included our pastor as officiant, family members, work friends, and acquaintances.

The significance of the event was special to us because we initially got married on our lunch breaks while I was serving in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in Little Rock, Arkansas. At that original ceremony there were only five of us in attendance at the base chapel and not one photograph was taken during that special day. Often when I’m consulting with prospective brides I inform them that their wedding portraits are NOT for them. Their photographs are for their children and family and will become future keepsake memories. I truly wanted to have similar memories preserved for my children and family. After all, it is about family.

To wrap this up, I’m not certain about anyone else, but I had a great time and look forward to our 50^th Anniversary! Woo-hoo!!

Accompanying this blog are all the page layouts from our album. It was unique selecting the images that I liked and then designing the pages for myself and Eddie Mae.

Family, friends, and work acquaintances.Willie and his girls. Everyone putting on their best dance moves.

Officiant: Mark Haumschilt (www.sheridanhills.org)

Wedding Coordinator: Dana Hill (aka Wedding Coordinator-zilla!)

Photographer: Fred Brinson (www.brinsonbfp.com)

Cake: Maria (www.cakeabilities.com)

Florist: Debbie Malaga (www.flowersnthings.com)

Hotel: Holiday Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport (www.holidayinn.com)

A special thanks goes out to all our family and friends who help make the night a wonderful event that Eddie Mae and I will treasure forever. Finally, although I forgot to extend my gratitude and appreciate during the toast, I want to thank Dana for all the hard work she spent planning EVERYTHING for the occasion. (Can’t wait to see my credit card bill). And, a big “thank you” goes to Fred for the awesome framed canvas portrait that you gave us as a gift the following day. It’s the BEST portrait we’ve ever had created, and now I can say: “I have a “Brinson””.

Christopher Griffins

Christopher made his debut several blogs ago when he was 3 months old and was destined for a personal session when he turned 9 months. I had so much fun photographing him with his parents because he is such an adorable baby. Cindy picked out several outfits for Chris' session, and we created some great shots of him all dressed up. However, when we stripped him down to his "birthday suit", the antics and the laughter filled the studio. He was having a ball playing with the lace up against his skin.

I've discovered during my children sessions that they love to play without clothing restricting their movement and they become more animated. Check out Chris' "fun time", especially the new "Children Collection" layout at the end of this blog. It's one of our newest products that we're offering in our children photography.

Check out the dental work.

I love capturing the impromptu antics of children.

Yummy tasting flower.

Bare bottom shots are always adorable.

We thought Christopher was checking out his plumbing,

but he was observing how water seeks its own level.

This is one of our new "Children Collection" layout.

Inspirational Thought #2

God pledges to help those who stop trying to help themselves.

Max Lucado

Stephani Gibbs

Stephani is the type girl that every dad wished he had as a fifteen year old daughter. She is an accomplished scholar, athlete, and all-round teenager with loads of talent and ambition. When her mom brought her into the studio to book her sweet 16 party in '09, she seemed a bit shy and reserved, but I could tell that we were going to be the best of friends.

2009 is some distance away and her mom thought it would be a great idea if we created some images of her in her gown. I jumped at the opportunity and suggested that we allow her to also wear some other fashion outfits of her choice. Well...a star is born!

I challenged Stephani's posing abilities at several different locations and she gave me every opportunity to create some unique images of her. Thanks, Stephani, and I bet your friends are going to LOVE your images.

Stephani is a track star, so this was an easy lap.

One thing Stephani doesn't lack...legs and attitude.Great portrait of Stephani.

Look out, Tyra!