I love it.

I went home for Thanksgiving and thought I would (to some degree) document in pictures my hometown. I want to share with my daughter a little something about me. I wish cameras were more available when my parents were growing up. I would love to see how things were in their time. This was a very fun and sad venture. Some of the places I visited I could see myself there again so many years ago. I could smell my kindergarten classroom and feel the cool air inside of Winbush’s corner store across from my elementary school. I could see myself, a little kid, running across the school grounds at recess. It brought back some really wonderful memories. Some I wish I could relive for just a day. Oh well. I have some great stories to tell her when she’s older.

This is just the beginning. I hope to add to this collection of images each time I go back. I’ll also continue documenting Gloucester, UK, my wife’s hometown. Stay tuned for some of those images.

I was born in a hospital across this lake

Louisiana State Capitol - Richard Pryor did a scene in this very spot in ''The Toy''

State Capitol Building

The Kingfish - The first US senator to be assassinated.

Visual depiction of Huey P Long's Assassination.

Senator Huey Pierce Long

Louisiana State House of Representatives

Louisiana State Senate Chambers

View of downtown Baton Rouge from the steps of the State Capitol

Another view of downtown Baton Rouge from the Mississippi river

Such a Louisiana name!!! Pronounced Boo'-dro and Ti'-bah-doe

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!

Tale of the bridesmaids - Nashville Wedding Photographer

Groomsmen - Nashville Wedding Photographer

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 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.

A view of downtown Davenport, IA from within the Skywalk.

Baby was going to eat this food!!!!

Can’t wait for this wedding!

I’m tired of blogging and disappearing for what seems to be “blog years” What’s with that!?!?. I get emails from people who say they came across my blog and they just love my work and I’m thinking “What, that old stuff?”

It’s embarrassing.

It makes me look like I just don’t care. Well, I do care. Quite a lot, actually. Truthfully have quite a bit of work I’ve not blogged yet and a few new things coming up. So, my apologies to all who view my blog. I’ve committed myself to blogging more often. I actually have some great ideas for a new motivational blog as well. You’ll have to check back to see what the fuss is about.

Mark

Sharron hasn’t stop marveling since.

Someone once told me that I should marry someone who I would want to raise my child. I cannot think of anyone better than Sharron. Rachel absolutely loves her and I love seeing them together. They have so much fun. Every now and again I get some face time with Rachel but for the most part, its Mommy! Each time they go to playgroup or storyhour at the library or when she’s chasing Rachel around the house and reading to her or singing to her, their relationship gets stronger. Rachel has the perfect example of what it means to be a lady, a mother and a christian.

I love Sharron and I don’t know how I would be without her. I’m still trying to figure out how I made it all those years without her without killing myself, but I’m glad she’s in my life now. My plans for a mother’s day gift didn’t materialize like I had hoped but at least I can publicly proclaim that I’M MARRIED TO THE MOST WONDERFUL WOMAN ON EARTH.

She’s a wonderful mother to Rachel, a beautiful wife to me and gift to both of us. Happy mother’s day Sharron Yvonne Denman (aka Baby Boo) We love you!

Here are some images of Sharron from a time before “us”, as a mother and as the beautiful woman she is.