Nashville Wedding Photographer, Nashville Portrait Photographer | Mark Denman Photography » Live, Laugh, Love

Everybody knows somebody named Joe. Its just one of those names. I know Joe from my time in Atlanta. We used to sing together in a group called Dedication. Contemporary Christian Jazz group. We were the STUFF!! Yep. You heard me right. I sing and I use to write songs too. Music was my introduction into the creative world.

Anyway, I called Joe on a whim just to keep in touch and he told me he was engaged. So we talked a little I told him about my work and he booked me for his wedding. I’m looking forward to Joe and Margo’s wedding in January because I know Joe likes to be silly and that makes it easy for any photographer wanting to capture candid and funny moments. What I discovered is that Margo likes to laugh too so I know we’ll get some great shots at their wedding. Anyway, they came to Nashville for their engagement session and we got some great shots before security asked us to leave. Take a look…

Thanks to Sionnie LaFollette for assisting.

She said she was going to wear a silver dress and red shoes. I had no idea what to expect. I’d never seen a bride in silver and red. Oh well. She did tell me that this would be a bit non-traditional. But when Michelle stepped out of the car at Sevier Park in Nashville, TN, I immediately thought to myself, “Why don’t all brides wear silver and red?” She was as lovely and elegant as I have ever seen.

My camera smiled…because it was going to be a good day!

We had an absolute blast photographing their wedding. I kinda wish they were getting married again so we could do it all over. (Hey! A photographer can wish!!!) Ooooor! maybe one of her lovely sisters or sister in law? Hmmmm!. Anyway, The Franceson and Brown family are wonderful people and its such a privilege to be forever a part of their lives.

Thanks Michelle, Keegan and Judy for trusting me with this awesome responsibility.

Big thanks to Sionnie LaFollette for capturing some great shots also!

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We are close to launching a new venture in the Nashville area. POWERHEADSHOTS.com.
Be on the lookout.

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Sometimes all you want to do is get on your swing and have fun.

IT’S MY HONOR

It’s such an honor when another photographer asks you to photograph their wedding. The story with Chelsey and me as that we went to the same school. That’s it. We were never in the same section (aka Class for all you traditional students.) We never ran in the same circles and we probably said two words to each other in passing but yet I find an email in my inbox from her saying she wants to talk to me about photographing her wedding. WOW! Someone who knows the craft, has the same education you have, could have pick any number of talented photographers in her area or other photographer friends and she wants to talk to me? Ummm ok.

ALL BY DESIGN

We talked and she booked me for her wedding. The sweat glands began heating up. There are no do-overs with weddings, you understand. You get ONE SHOT!! Just one! God places us around certain people by design. Why Chelsey and I never crossed paths at school is not for me to know but I’ve learned a great lesson from the time preparing for her wedding and meeting her fiance/husband Kurt) and family. There are wonderful people everywhere…far away and right under your nose. Chelsey is a wonderful person. Kurt is a wonderful guy. (Okay, cowboys might not like being called wonderful so I’ll say a “Cool” guy.) Her family are some of the kindest people I’ve met. Her parents, siblings and friends all are absolutely a joy to be around. These are the kind of people you thank God for bringing your way because you leave them being a little better than you were before. It makes me wonder how many other wonderful people I never met at school. Perhaps that’s not for me to know either. I can only hope that I provide that same experience to others I meet.

LESSONS LEARNED

Like weddings, there are no do-overs in life.
You get ONE SHOT!!! Just one.
People come your way by design.
There are no accidents.
So be kind to everyone you meet.
Generously give of yourself without respect to race, political views or religious beliefs.
Be the kind of person where when someone leaves your presence they can say that they are better for having met you.
Giggle a lot. (Chelsey understands this one)

I’M BETTER OFF

Thanks Chelsey and Kurt so much for inviting me into your lives. The love between you is apparent and I hope that the images we captured reminds you everyday of how special you are to each other and to those around you.
I’m a better person for being apart of your lives.

All this from photographing a wedding? Yep! That’s why I do what I do.

Love these shots of Kurt by Peter Odegaard

“When I wake up in the morning and I feel the gentle breeze.
And there’s apple blossoms blooming everywhere
I hear the birds singing to each other in the trees
And I smell the pretty fragrance in the air

When it’s apple blossom time in Iowa,
And the grass is sprinkled with morning dew,
When it’s apple blossom time in Iowa
I’ll know the sweetest blossom, dear, is you.”
– from Apple Blossom Time In Iowa

I loved my stay in Davenport, Iowa. It was not near long enough. It’s charm, its beauty, the people and its promise draws you in. I could get use to it. I hope to be able to return someday but in the meantime I have the memories.

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