Deja & Jordan's Wedding

Several months ago when I created Deja's and Jordan's engagement portraits I knew I wasn't going to be able to photograph their wedding day because of a prior commitment. Nonetheless, I knew my Associates who were assigned to their wedding were in for a treat. I discovered from my session with them that it's hard taking a bad shot of the two of them. So, I wasn't surprised when I started editing their images for this blog. They are two gorgeous people.

The venues for the ceremony and the reception also lent sensational elegance to their day. The staff at Signature Grand always provide a beautiful atmosphere for weddings. As one of The Grand's "Recommended Vendors" it is a treat for us to use their facility. Perhaps my biggest delight about Deja's and Jordan's wedding is that I recognized many of her guests as former friends of mine. I hadn't seen them in some time and the images rekindled those friendships. It was truly a great blend of two different age generations celebrating a special day for both the Carbee and Sessa families.

Congratulations, Deja and Jordan!

As a side note, Deja, I still remember the days when I taught you in Sunday School and you were only 4 years old. How awesome would it be several years from now if I got the chance to photograph your first child. Now that's an awesome thought!


Enjoy!

Willie

Ceremony: First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale
Reception: Signature Grand

Joanna Wedderburn's Panorama

This 180 degree panorama was shot at Joanna Wedderburn's wedding ceremony at Mizner's Country Club in Delray Beach. It is comprised of nine separate images before being merged into this photo montage.

Be on the lookout for some awesome images from Joanna and Andy's wedding.

Canon 5D w/24-105mm lens
Photoshop CS3

Enjoy!
Willie

Ashley Collins - Class of 2009

This time of year I see many of my clients' children graduating from high school or college. It's always a pleasure to engage these individuals in a portrait session because it is one of the happiest moments in their lives. Graduation from any institution of learning earmarks a milestone of achievement that can never be repeated. That's why it's so important to document these special moments in pictures.

Meet Ashley Collins. Class of 2009. South Broward High School (The Bulldogs). It was a treat creating these images of Ashley because not only is she an honor student, but she is just plain cute in person and pictures. She has an ebony look about her that is magnificent to work with and I felt a lot of black and white images really tells the story of her beauty. These images are a few of the ones I created of her hours before she dashed out the studio to go to her commencement ceremony.

Congratulations, Ashley!!!! You did it!

Ashley has great ebony features.

Chairman of the Board.

Ashley and her mom (Michelle).

Ashley with honors and a great smile.Oh, happy day!

Enjoy.

Willie

Judith & Roger's Wedding

Congratulations to Judith & Roger Smith on their recent wedding at T.Y. Park in Hollywood. Although this was a brief wedding ceremony that was shot entirely in video format by our new Cinema Wedding Service, it was a great time for the newlyweds, family and friends. I must admit that Judith and Roger celebrated this wonderful moment in their lives with style. As their videoartist, it was a pleasure working with them and I wish the newlyweds MANY years of blessed happiness!

To see several still shots from their wedding day, click on the "View Video" link below.

View Video

Enjoy!

Willie

Another Panorama

The final panorama from the images below.

One of the neat things I frequently like to do at weddings is to create panoramas. Here's the latest one from Loren Hayes' wedding at Jacaranda. This is a 180 degree look at the vow exchange from the audience's view left and right of the gazebo. Below are the actual images that make up this panorama.

Enjoy!

Willie

Dana's Last Radiation Treatment

If you have been following this blog, then you know that my daughter Dana was diagnosed with breast cancer several weeks ago. It has been a very difficult and life-changing adventure for Dana, but it has also enhanced our family's spiritual walk and faith in God. If you talk with Dana she could tell you of numerous incidences where God brought encounters with other women who were cancer survivors or people who prayed with her.

One of my favorite stories is when she went into Jared's jewelers to have a new watch band adjusted, shared with the sales person why she was wearing the pink cancer bracelet, and the saleswoman started praying aloud for her in the middle of the sales floor. It brought Dana to tears to see that a stranger would do that for her. Finally, one of our clients who lives in New Jersey, Dakeya Henry, brought her 9 months old son (Chase) by the studio to visit Dana because she knew a visit with him would lift her spirits. These experiences were priceless to her.

I could not end this blog without thanking EVERYONE for loving Dana, praying for her, and simply keeping thoughts of her on your minds. Sometimes treatment for cancer is never a done deal and we know that only time will tell if she's completely cured of cancer. However, we know that God has brought her and our family through this ordeal with the ability to praise Him for sparing her from the awful horrors of this disease. As Dana faithfully said to me last week, "After my final radiation treatment, Pops, I'll be cured of cancer". That's were we are with this test of our faith.

So, after five days of getting radiation treatments twice a day, here's a candid look at her final treatment.

Click on this link: Last Treatment
Note: Give the file enough time to stream before clicking PLAY

Enjoy!

Willie

Candice & Jeff's Love Story

The "Love Story" images you're about to see are rather unique. This is one of the few times that I have created portraits for a couple, but will not be photographing their wedding. How did this all happen?

Well, I met Candice at the April Bridal Show that was hosted by Signature Grand in Davie. Immediately, she let it be known that she wanted me to create her engagement images although she already had a wedding photographer. Candice was very specific about the type images she wanted and even warned me that her fiance was a little shy. I promised her that her concerns would not be a problem during one of my engagement sessions. All she had to do was schedule the session and I would take care of the rest.

Sure enough the following day Candice called the studio and booked her session to follow a few days later. As soon as I met her and Jeff the day of their shoot, I knew I was in for a treat. The two of them were absolutely gorgeous together. (Sometimes my job is made so easy by beautiful people). I didn't waste anytime exploring their relationship with several romantic poses and as you can see they had a great time being models for the day.

Candice & Jeff, thanks for the wonderful time we had together and I wish you a beautiful wedding day. I'm sorry I can't be there. I know the image you chose for your reception will speak volumes about your love for each other.

Enjoy!

Willie


Locations: Signature Grand (Davie)
Hollywood Beach & A1A (Hollywood)

Free $40 TV Converter Box Coupon

Months ago I converted my regular TVs over to digital in anticipation of the June deadline. If you haven't done so and plan on buying a converter box soon, then have I got a deal for you.

Be the first person to call the studio at (954)921-7959 and I'll give you a free complimentary $40 TV Converter Box Coupon. That means you'll save 50% off the purchase of a converter box. All I need is your mailing address.


Willie

Dana Battles Breast Cancer

Today is a big day in the life of my daughter/partner Dana. Approximately a week and a half ago she found out that she has early stages of breast cancer. For the past week she has undergone a battery of blood work, scans, and probing to see just how severe her case is. She has spent lots of time dealing with the news both emotionally and physically, but we have put a lot of prayer into the prognosis and a positive belief that God is going to heal her.

I'll keep our Portrait Corner family members posted with frequent updates on her progress. Thank you for all prayers and thoughts for her recovery.


Willie