Blog Archive

Congratulations Travis and Denise! 
These jr high sweethearts married over the weekend. It was a elegant ceremony of gold, brown and baby blue. Absolutely appropriate for this recent Air Force Academy graduate. 

Playing with available light. We were walking thru a dirt side lot at Z mansion and I loved the spotlights, so I turned off my flash and captured this image with a beautiful breeze blowing to add an element of romance to the photo. This is definitely my favorite from this wedding's formal posed photos.

An awesome alternative to flower girl baskets. Should you find yourself with flower girls who may not a. make it down the aisle or b. forget to throw petals- these flower fairy wands are a great alternative. Decorative, inexpensive and the girls can play with them after the wedding. What a neat idea!

Congratulations Robert & Crystal!
This wedding proves guys can wear pink on their wedding day and look fantastic. This beautiful couple had guests travel all the way from Canada the one freak weekend in May it rains. And somehow, everything had cleared by Sunday morning and the warm weather was creeping back up. 

Congratulations TJ & Janii!
What a gorgeous venue, Adrianna & I ventured to Tucson to photograph this wedding at Z Mansion in the heart of downtown. This loving couple integrated various traditions and cultures- jumping over the broom, communion, orate prayer and musicians. With all the crazy weather we had in Phoenix that weekend it was absolutely gorgeous weather in Tucson.

Congratulations to Luke & Francis!
Melanie and Lori had the pleasure of photographing these two on their special day. From a grandiose church to red carpet at the getaway limo, this couple had exquisite details throughout their day.

Congratulations to Daniel, Jaimee and Abigail- these 3 graduated from local valley high schools 5/22/08. We had the pleasure of photographing these up and coming students and we wish them all the very best in their bright futures
   

Too Cool for words- we've all heard the expression, imitation is the highest form of flattery, well I found an image very similar to this while perusing other wedding photographers work. I wish I could remember where I saw it, but when I heard we were having sparklers at Justin & Brien's wedding I knew I had to try for this shot. It was the best of 3 takes and I am terribly proud of it.

Congratulations Justin & Brien
We had the opportunity to photograph this lavish and fun filled event at Troon Country Club. This couple truly put a personalized touch on every aspect of their event from all their young nieces and nephews in the wedding ceremony, to inflatable guitars at the reception and sparklers for their departure. From a beachy proposal to a beachy honeymoon these two will forever find themselves with their toes in the sand together.

Rock Star

Meet Dillon Ruggiero, he is the driving force behind the band ROAD. He also performs at weddings, which is how I met him. After checking out his website, I decided he needed photos that better reflected him. When I shared my ideas he was terribly excited to let me photograph him. And while he says he's very camera shy he had no problem allowing me to capture his inner rock star. Check out his website http://www.dillonruggiero.com
 

Class of 2009
We are now offering senior photo session for all 2009 high school and college graduates starting June of 2008. Check back to see what special things we are doing for seniors and to see some of our fun fabulous seniors in action.

John & Deana
 Deana, you are bride Barbie and everyone couldn't quit talking about how you were the image of perfection, a magazine bride. What a fun wedding, the trolley ride, the Pointe (now the Arizona Grand), the bridal party was a hoot and taking "senior pictures" with the boys. This wedding was quite a journey for their many guests who arrived from Iowa (my apologies if this is the wrong state) many amazed at the idea people would even consider getting married in May let alone July in the Arizona heat. It was beautiful weather and a beautiful wedding.

Ada & Karl
 This was Melanie's very first solo wedding- no second shooter, no having me in the background. She did a PHENOMENAL job. Once again she has surpassed my expectations and completely floored me. It's intriguing to note that this photograph was taken in a park parking lot- just proof that location doesn't always create the best photographs. It's the people and the feeling behind them.

Nick & Amanda
 This couple recently exchanged vows at sunset in a gorgeous backyard ceremony in Gilbert Arizona, this photograph however was taken 3 weeks prior to the big day. This was my first "bridal session" they had recently done casual family photos, but wanted to make certain they had plenty of great formal photos of them in their bridal attire. It was an absolute honor to photograph their wedding and see Amanda's mom doing the conga- she is my yoga teacher and it was a stretch not to put that picture here- Insert groan here for horrible pun!

TOO COOL
David recently did a google search on Moments in Film Photography and look what we found
http://darinandwendy.com/sub-wedding-goodshots.html
Thank you Darin and Wendy- I hope your married life is as beautiful as your wedding was

"My business is run with humility and gratitude" I truly believe I am one lucky individual. To be invited to share in such special occasions and use my talent to record these events- I am very humbled and very blessed. These opportunities make me so grateful for all the wonderful people I have met and each of them is responsible for helping me reach my dreams.

Moments in Film at WPPI
Every year WPPI holds a week long conference and tradeshow in Las Vegas- I snuck away from the office on Monday to fly out and visit the trade show to get new tips, ideas and equipment to make us even better. It also didn't hurt to get a break from editing/housework/baby. Here's me goofing off and celebrating some ME time- not half bad for 6:30 in the morning!

It's our 2nd birthday!
Moments in Film Photography is gearing up to celebrate its second birthday and to say "thank you" for helping us make MIFP what it is today we're having a picture party. Free 30 minute photo sessions the weekend of April 4-6. Check it out www.momentsinfilm.com/pictureparty.html sign up today and share the gift with those you know

We're Expecting!!!
To clarify- we're expecting some of our recent brides to have babies any day now. I'm done having babies- 1 is PLENTY :) 
To meet the needs of our growing and multiplying clients we are now offering the "Moments Collection" a series of 5 photo session starting at birht and occurring every 3 months to chronicle the newest additions as they progress thru their first year. For more information visit www.momentsinfilm.com/moments_collection.html

"The Frog Prince" Now playing until 3/2 @ the Mesa Arts Center- Main & Center in downtown Mesa. This is the current play produced by EVCT. As their photographer I have the opportunity to advertise at the venue & take Roman to see the show. Roman enjoyed all the costumes, even if he wasn't certain what to think of the frogs. Here we are with "Madame" and "Lola Frog" and the MIFP advertisement after the show
 

WE'RE EXPANDING- within only 2 years Moments in Film has become a popular force in wedding photography in Arizona. Demand has become such that we are expanding. We are adding 2 additional photographers, new equipment and tons more great weddings & images.

Thank you for helping us become so successful.

Playing with wedding rings:

It's not always easy to find flowers strong enough to support wedding rings. However, this sunset calla lily did a great job for my most recent wedding. The other important factor in these type of shots is avoiding pollen, many flowers' pollen has toxins that are easily transmitted through the skin.

Where else have I seen your work...
       I am the event photographer for the Center for Progressive Leadership's Arizona chapter

Who do I work for ...
This is my son Roman, he is almost 5 months old (06/07). I live and breath for this kid. He also happens to be one of my favorite subjects to photograph.
I know it sounds like the corny monster.com commercial, but I work, not only because I love what I do, but I want to give him the world.
I consider myself to be one lucky mommy, and I appreciate all of my clients who understand when Roman joins me on my meetings.

I would like to take a moment to congratulate some of my recent brides who are now mommies-to-be! Being a mom is the best job of all!

We made it into print. I photographed the groundbreaking ceremony for Childsplay Theater in Tempe, AZ. My photograph was featured in the June 20th Tempe Republic.- Special Thanks to Carrie Siegel for getting me this gig.

Commonly Asked Question...
To feed or not to feed, do we include the photographer in our catering count?

I get asked this question a lot so I thought I would address it here in the blog. The answer depends totally on the couple. In all fairness it is a congenial thing to feed your photographer since they are one of the few vendors that spends the entire day with you. A good catering company will always be prepared for extra mouths to feed so this shouldn't be an issue to them- but as a courtesy it's always good to inform them that you plan on feeding x number of vendors.
When will the photographers eat??? Since people aren't fond of having their photo taken with food in their mouth we usually sneak off to a mostly empty table or hang out in the back and eat quickly. Although there are plenty of times are cameras are still on incase something happens.

TRASH THE DRESS
I am always trying to keep up with wedding photography trends and will now be offering trash the dress sessions for brides and bridesmaids. If you're not familiar with this latest trend check out www.trashthedress.com

Small world...
Turns out my next door neighbor is a videographer.
I learned this because I gave him a few pictures of my little man Roman as a nice gesture. Roger has taken quite a liking to my kid & I thought it would be nice to give him a couple pics. Two days later he arrives on my doorstep with a couple of DVD's. Turns out he does legal and wedding videography. I checked out his work and I wish I had know this when I was getting married-we had our 1st dance professionally choreographed and to this day we are kicking ourselves for not having someone tape it.. He's really good, if you are thinking of a videographer or just want to know more about what he does his phone no is 480-620-1332, Roger Gibbs, gibbsvideo@cox.net

      We joined the WPPI- wedding and portrait photographers international. This is a great opportunity for us and we are so fortunate to be able to take part in this group of photographers.

Adventures in Wedding Photography
      A groom once asked me the craziest thing I've done at a wedding- until 8/25 it was shoot from inside the Grand Canyon. Now- my adventure getting to Allison and Jim's wedding. Melanie & I found ourselves stuck on the San Tan 202W, traffic was at an absolute standstill and the minutes were ticking by. In desperation I ran up the on-ramp we had just passed where there were 2 highway patrol officers. I pleaded for a motorcade and nothing. The officer claimed "ADOT screwed up". Panicking I raced back to Melanie's truck and prayed for a break in traffic. There's wasn't a break, but there were two guys on motorcycles. Jumping back out of the truck, I ran over to them. "I will give you all of the money in my wallet if you get me to this wedding." He said hop on and we were on our way to the wedding. Within 15 minutes we were at the wedding. It was an adventure but I got there, he refused my money, he got a kiss and has a great story to tell his friends.

I never got his name, but my company name was on my shirt...so if you took the time to look up who I am, I would just like to thank you for being my super hero and saving my day & I'd like to apologize for the flesh that got glued onto your tailpipe. I wasn't very graceful hopping onto your bike with all of my gear and my calf spent some time on your tailpipe.

Why I like getting to know my bride's & groom's parents.
This is Edna~ I got to know her thru one of my brides. Believe it or not, weddings have a huge impact on parents & I like to try to make them feel special on their child's wedding day too. Most of the time their kids are the same age as me, but I maintain friendships with a lot of their parents. Edna is a wonderful woman and I feel really blessed to meet such wonderful people in my line of work.

A rare glimpse of me working... I appreciate Melanie taking this photo. First of all I'd like to thank my son for giving me such enormous biceps. Secondly, I know it's hard to see with such a small photo but I'm grinning from ear to ear. When I say I LOVE my job- LOVE sort of becomes an understatement. My job is an extension of me & is my second happy place- my first being my Roman man :)

My first destination wedding... Las Vegas Nevada
Lori & Zach have been friends of mine for a couple of years now and I had the pleasure of photographing their wedding in Las Vegas at Excalibur. They entrusted me with creating fun memorable photos. No pressure :) But I think we all had a great time, here are a few of my favorites from their wedding.
  
  
  

Brides & Grooms may be very interested in this fantastic opportunity

First Glimpse
"There are so many different traditions in the wide world of weddings..... When I came to the realization that due to the restrictions on time & location, I created first glance. The first glance is the name I coined for the special moment when the bride & groom see each other for the first time. It is done privately & creates a session that is often emotional & exciting. There are so many feelings, expressions & fun moments in that session that we as photographers are able to shoot from a few steps back. It certainly puts the couple in the right frame of mind to continue more photographs with friends & family. The necessary wedding shots are now complete & the couple joins their friends right after  their vows, with the possible exception of a few minutes for the sunset....It's quite a different approach, one that avoids having the bride & groom spending the entire cocktail party rushing thru photos that tend to be posed & static."

Ken Sklute- Rangefinder Magazine September 2007

My opinion- I LOVE when my couples allow me to do this, not only does it cut the stress of trying to beat the clock, but every couple that has allowed me this opportunity always ends up with better, more varied, and more photos.

I think Channel should hire me what do you think???

Thank you Carrie & Rob for allowing us to be a part of your wedding day. I hope you love your pics as much as I do :)
 

Perry Consulting (see ladies in brown & turquoise) I had the pleasure of working with Nicole, owner of Perry Consulting back in October. Her dedication to her clients, attention to detail and professionalism absolutely wowed me. She runs her business on principles similar to mine, and puts 100% into everything she does- even if it is running thru the garden to get the groom's ring. Here is a little more about them;

"We use the word consulting because we believe as professionals we are obligated to inform our clients of how their decisions will affect their events in both positive and negative ways. We partner with our clients to help them make decisions that make sense for the budget, guest list, peace of mind and much more. Because we also do meetings and events for businesses we strive to be flexible with clients when it comes to wedding consulting. We love what we do and want to make sure having a wedding consultant is an affordable option for couples on a tight budget" (Nicole).

For more information check out www.nvpconsulting.com 

This month the East Valley Children's Theater has produced the "Snow Queen" at the Mesa Arts Center. I had the pleasure of photographing their last dress rehearsal. This is a wonderful play & I encourage everyone to see it visit www.evct.org
  
  

More of me behind the scenes- thanks Melanie for snapping these
     Jayden was a wonderful ring bearer & quite sharp in his suit!

Our work is taking over the web... here are other links where our photos have shown up:
*   http://prosounddjsinc.com/042207pix.html
*   www.beautybyerica.com
* www.evct.org

Change in price schedule- If you have taken the opportunity to check out the website recently, we just increased our prices SLIGHTLY. No this isn't due to inflation- we're en route to a recession. Instead we invested in some AMAZING equipment to make our work better than ever. Here's my shameless plug for Canon since I refuse to use anything but, we recently purchased the 580 series flash (lights even the darkest ballrooms), we upgraded our albums- same company, better product, more advanced editing software- watch out cause I'm really going to start having fun now, along with a secondary lighting set and backdrop. During the dinner break of the reception we will now be offering couples the opportunity to allow their friends and family have professional pictures done.

I'm terribly excited about what 2008 will bring for Moments in Film Photography. 2007 has been a whirlwind year with the birth of my son, my hysterectomy, 40 weddings and lots of wonderful people who have all helped make Moments in Film what it is today. 

Happy and Healthy Holidays. Here's to 2008!