My time with lovely little Ila made me go back to a quote I scribbled down in my journal and that I've made a "theme" of sorts for this trip:
"We step on more than we look at. We do not see as a child. A child, who hasn't been told what is pretty and what isn't, just looks at everything and its a new experience. And because it's a new experience, the child sees differently. It behooves one to try not to lose vision, objectivity and interest in seeing things anew.
We tend to get bored with what we've seen before. We don't see with a fresh eye and me miss so much that is right in front of us. It's a challenge to keep your eye and your mind responsive - in a child-like way. We become so sophisticated that we become dull in our own thinking. " - BIll Bulter
This is a story I want to keep reading.
It all started with a brunch on the morning of the party. Their "wedding party" and family gathered to enjoy a lovely time together, and a lovely time it was. Especially after they confessed to their inner circle that they were in fact getting married THAT very evening.
There was a fun energy in the room while excitement swirled. Aren't they a gorgeous couple?
Philip has really great guy friends in his life. They are all quite dapper, as you can see.
Let's not forget Philip's sister too, well, and then everyone all together....
Hillary's girls are quite a gorgeous bunch too. But I do believe that the bride had that extra special, beautiful glow....
So then, the party began as planned @ the Green Rice Gallery in NoDa... as an engagement party. Philip and HIllary mingled with their unsuspecting guests for a bit, until they slipped away to transform themselves into the BRIDE + GROOM.
And once the guests were informed what was going on, they stood and watched them tie the KNOT right then and there!
They had decided to slip away and walk around in NoDa for a bit right after the ceremony. SO that is what we did. Got a cup of coffee at the Smelly Cat. It's not every day you see a bride in a coffee shop, but it was FABULOUS. Everyone was honking, yelling congratulations... Philip and Hillary were giddy and totally smitten with each other.
And they lived happily ever after. The end.LOVE IT!!! They are such a gorgeous couple and you did a great job of capturing their love for each other! Great job once again Pookie! (man, coffee sounds like a great idea after saying "i do")
(03.25.10 @ 02:16 PM)I am not crying at work. I am not crying at work. I am not crying at work.
(03.25.10 @ 02:33 PM)wow wow wow this is so simply amazing!
(03.25.10 @ 02:55 PM)wow amy. wow. AMAZING photos and what a great story! sooo fun! i think the coffee shop shots are incredibly adorable.
(03.25.10 @ 03:00 PM)Wow these are awesome, it was such a great night!
(03.25.10 @ 03:07 PM)These are fabulous!!! I love it!
(03.25.10 @ 03:55 PM)Not only is this wedding one of the COOLEST ideas I've heard about, but your pictures literally took my breath away. Amy you are SO talented! I'm trying to think of an excuse for you to come take pictures!!!
(03.25.10 @ 05:10 PM)Gorgeous pictures, and a beautiful couple!!
(03.26.10 @ 09:17 AM)
This is a man whose single-minded passion and vision to provide an "unforgettable guest ranch experience" has impacted countless lives (guests and staff alike) over the last 50 years. His dedication to creating a place that exudes true hospitality, has made a Valley in the middle of the Pike National Forest feel like home.
This is a man who still has eyes that dance with a certain joy and vitality that are unexpected at his age, and just sitting... listening to him recount stories from his adventures surrounding the beginnings of Lost Valley I can confidently say that he has lead an extraordinary life.
Of course there have been countless others who have supported the growth, progress and leadership of Lost Valley, I most certainly do not want to discount the cumulative effort it has been, but it started with a dream and a huge risk from Bob Sr., his wife and his family... and there is something in that truth that is certainly worth honoring.
Amazing picture. Love it.
(03.24.10 @ 05:11 PM)Love this. Thank you. You are really growing in your portraiture (did I spell that right?).
(03.25.10 @ 05:38 PM)So why? Why am I driving thousands of miles, stopping in 7 states, and spending weeks away from my dear little home (and routine) that I love so much? For the sake of combining two of my greatest passions in life - photography and Lost Valley Ranch. Both have drastically altered the course of my life, and this is my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unite the two.
In my journey to learn and grow as a photographer, I have listened to many industry leaders emphasize the importance of shooting what you are passionate about and staying true to who you are as a person in order to develop and evolve as an artist. So this trip is my venture away from "comfortability" and away from anything I've seen anyone else do... this project is a reflection of me and my heart. And that makes it scary and exhilarating all at the same time. I'll do my best to document some of the details of the ride here, so stay tuned.
First stop: Nashville, TN.
that photo of the horses is amazing!! best of luck and have a great time! can't wait to see! xo
(03.23.10 @ 02:18 AM)you are going to nashville!?!?! jealous. so fun. and you are being too hard on yourself. i thought these pics were scanned in from a magazine. you are so good you don't even know how good you are! be safe.
(03.23.10 @ 09:40 AM)Have the most amazing adventure... can't wait to see images! =)
(03.23.10 @ 11:07 AM)oh my gosh....this makes me sooo happy! can't wait to see and hear about all the adventures you'll have and people you'll meet! so excited for you!
(03.23.10 @ 01:20 PM)that horse image is absolutely breathtaking. i can't wait to see what is to come, with this journey of yours. so very, very inspiring. have fun!!
deb
you are so lucky to have this opportunity! i can't wait to see your images. you are muy talented girl!
(03.23.10 @ 02:06 PM)Get it girl!!!! What a beautiful opportunity!! Are you traveling with the Great Dane or is he kicking it back in NC?
(03.23.10 @ 06:17 PM)Feel really, really proud to be your friend right now. Can't wait to go on this adventure with you via your images that you share! xo
(03.25.10 @ 11:03 AM)
OH! I did YL with Ila's mom in college. I LOVE small worlds. And how CUTE is SHE?
(03.29.10 @ 07:30 PM)Amy-noon-free - you are amazing! What beautiful pictures - ila must love you very much to look
(03.29.10 @ 08:17 PM)that pretty for your camera:-) Thanks for taking these and thanks for posting them. I can't wait
to keep up with you as you travel. Drive safely and have fun.
Love you lots, Regina
look at those eyes! gorgeous images!
(03.30.10 @ 07:46 AM)xx
she is simply precious!!!
(03.30.10 @ 03:00 PM)Thanks again Amy for grabbing a few shots after lunch! It was so good to spend time with you. Love to you and safe travels!
(03.30.10 @ 06:43 PM)