Happy Christmas and merry birthday!

Happy Christmas to all and Merry 1 Month Birthday to Asher!

I’ve always thought it silly when someone tells you the age of their baby in months, “Oh, she’s 14 months!” Inside I grumble, “You could have just said a year! I don’t freakin’ care that your kid is a year and two months!”

But lately I find myself doing and saying things I never thought I would. Take twitter for example; currently completely monopolized with pictures of Asher’s different faces and outfits and “Oooh… this is the best thing about fatherhood.” I’m a different person than I was a month ago. And frankly I am glad. Twitter used to showcase all of the cool stuff I did and ate and all the beautiful places I went, and the awesome people that I photographed. But now none of that seems to matter as much as this little bundle of 10-pound chub and love. I’m afraid I’ve become a mom-micro-blogger! I won’t be offended if you stop following me. No…yes I will! ;)

It’s been a great first month for Asher, for Anna and for myself! I haven’t been going into the office but for an hour or so a week to download files to my laptop or send out mail to brides. I have been taking care of the family. Holding my new baby as much as possible, gazing into his beautiful face, walking him around the block and telling him how much I love him. Allowing Anna the time and care she needs to rest and recoup. Cooking? Not so much. ;) A friend of mine recently told me, “In 10-20 years from now you will not regret not taking more pictures during this season. You would regret, however, not spending quality time with your baby before he grows up.” I know he is right.

So on Asher’s “one month” birthday Anna and I picked up the camera to document one of our most fascinating subjects; our hybrid love child. We still trip out that we made him and even more that he is ours! We are sure that he has Anna’s almond shaped eyes and my blue color. Anna’s kissable chubby cheeks and my nose. Anna’s torso, waist and my loooong chicken legs. And, unfortunately someone’s huge feet and my funky toes!

If you haven’t received our Christmas card, it’s not because we don’t love you, it’s because we didn’t make one this year. We have been doing as little as possible and loving this new person as much as possible. Consider this a mini Merry Christmas greeting and a Happy Birthday to our little man-child, and especially to Jesus Christ, who 2,000 years ago was born into this world miraculously through a virgin girl in a little town called Bethlehem.

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

Derek + Shelly {Santa Barbara}

Shelly + Derek had the most beautiful wedding on the beach of Santa Barbara at the Fess Parker Double Tree Resort. It was one of those days where I leave the wedding 8 hours and thousands of images later feeling renewed and energized. Their love was what was most inspiring. It was the kind of love that welled up into tearful sobs and occasional shouts of joy. Derek sang a song to Shelly as a surprise during the ceremony and Shelly sang a surprise song back during the reception. Let’s just say that neither of them are professional musicians, but they totally excel in the romance department! I was moved to tears a few times myself just being a witness to their heartfelt vows and love songs.

My friends over at Cana Video Productions made an amazing preview movie of the whole wedding celebration that brought everyone to tears during the reception. It was cry-fest 2009!

I also worked with a coordinator that is like a secret agent because she is so awesome that she doesn’t have a website and doesn’t even advertise. Her name was Pamela Galvin. I think you have to know someone who knows her to get a consultation. ;) What I was blown away with most by her was her professionalism mixed with flexibility; always yielding to the way the couple wanted or needed the day to go rather than according to her agenda. She made everyone feel at ease and excited to be a part of Derek + Shelly’s wedding day team.

After you check out all of their lovely photos be sure to watch Cana’s preview movie below.



















What is so incredible about Cana Video Productions is that while guests eat dinner at the reception Ben edits a wedding day preview movie from footage just hours old. And if that’s not crazy enough Drew writes music ahead of time and records it for the soundtrack. These guys are a creative fury of awesomeness!


Preview: Derek and Shelly from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

Melanie + Gavin Voted Favorite Wedding of 2009! {The Knot}

Melanie + Gavin’s wedding was voted as one of the Favorite Weddings of 2009 on theknot.com!

I’m not really sure who does the voting, but I think it’s the readers. So, thanks for loving Melanie + Gavin’s wedding as much as I do!

This stunning wedding was featured in the magazine as well as online.

To view their complete wedding and engagement session get your clicker-finger ready and click here and here.

Tara + Mitch Featured Wedding {The Knot}

Tara + Mitch’s beautiful San Luis Obispo ranch wedding was recently featured on theknot.com!

A lot about their wedding had a down-home community feel. Like we were living in the old days when the whole town came out to celebrate with a simply sweet hill-side ceremony and a wild barn dance.

To view their complete wedding and engagement session get your clicker-finger ready and click here and here.

Justin Wilczynski {The Musician}

My flight to Australia was rescheduled last night due to technical difficulties so I have found myself killing time in L.A.

I did a spontaneous photo shoot of my friend Justin. He is many things; model, actor, musician, but most of all he is a good friend. One that is like a well worn and played guitar. We have a friendship that dates back to highschool, were roommates during college for awhile and even though he lives hundreds of miles away our friendship continues. Reminds me of that trusty old guitar that played well 10 years ago and will continue to sing into the future.

Check out his amazing band Bonnie Dune.