Last weekend two good friends of mine were married and gave me the pleasure of photographing their wedding. I know both Jesse and April from the Element college group at the church we all attended together. I also had a blast with them last year when we did their engagement photos. What you need to know about Jesse and April is that these are two people who have continued to allow God guide them through thick and thin, forming their lives in a way that is encouraging to the people around them and glorifying to God. Their wedding was no different in that they took every opportunity to acknowledge and thank God throughout. It was amazing to hear one account after another from the people around them about how they had been influenced by the way Jesse and April choose to live.

As much as I enjoy shooting weddings, this was a special one to be a part of. It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. The ceremony was held at Scottsdale Bible Chapel and then for the reception we moved over the the main campus. Some of my favorite pictures from the day are posted below. Also, with in the next two weeks all of the images from the wedding day will be posted in Jesse and April’s gallery. You can access the gallery to view and buy prints by clicking HERE.

(above) I recently had a conversation with a photographer who I both respect as an individual and a professional. He had said that part of what he tries to do in photography is look for that powerful “redemptive moment.” To me this image was it! It is the image from the day that knocks me over. It was such a great moment as April first had her dress on and you could see both the joy of the day set in, and the culmination of so many things come together.

(above) As many groomsmen do, Jesse’s didn’t let the ceremony pass by without grabbing a few laughs. Right as Jesse was going carry out a Jewish tradition by stepping on the glass, his groomsmen yelled stop and then proceeded to put on safety goggles. Well done gentleman.

(above) This was another fun shot, and actually the grooms idea. It is mirrors one of the pictures we took during their engagement session.

(above) Some of my favorite pictures come at unplanned moments throughout the day. This pictures was caught when Jesse and April found this table to relax at between the ceremony and the reception. (below) April was stunning in her dress, I had to many great images to post them all here, but this was one of my favorites.

(above) For a brief moment Jesse decided to make a run for it…luckily his groomsmen were on top of things and quickly caught him.

(above) Jesse and April doubled up on the Best Man and Maid of Honor positions, this made for four great speeches filled with laughter, love and plenty of reminiscing. (below) The western wall of the reception area opened up to the outside and made for both a great flow to the event and beautiful venue for a reception.

Jesse and April, once again congratulations. I wish you all of the happiness in your marriage and that you will continue to blessed as your pour out so much of yourselves for others!

Some of you know that my younger brother Alex has taken to the road the past few months. With his truck, pup, tent and newly acquired banjo he is traveling the states and visiting as many national parks as possible. This past month he made it to Montana. Unfortunately, a trip like this, low key as it may be, still requires some funds. Enter Terrapin Farm. My brother met Judy Owsowitz, the sole owner of the small but well thought of organic farm, while at a market in Whitefish, Montana. He asked if he could work for her for a few months. After a little probing she apparently felt like he could manage the work and hired him on. So, he has been working on the farm for close to a month now.

What does all of that have to do with me? Well, I made it out to Whitefish last week to visit my brother and go backpacking in Glacier National Park (just a half hour away). Little did I know I’d be doing some farming as well! Judy put me to work and so the first day I was there I spent it with my brother working in the field. We picked everything from peppers to beets and lots in between. It was peaceful work in the midst of beautiful surroundings. I even managed to eat some fresh veggies right out of the ground!

I’ll post soon with some pictures from our time in Glacier, but in the mean time I hope you’ll enjoy a behind the scenes look at Terrapin Farm.