A Wedding at the Rez!

I have one of those odd-day weddings this week, with an event slated for Friday at the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Ridgeland, Miss.

The couple is just finishing up their Associates Degree requirements from Hinds Community College, and tying the knot before jumping into a four-year school.

JJ and Shea are hoping for lots of candid shots, but have voiced that they would like to have shots that no one else could have ... I think JJ described it as 'frame filler' like the shots you see in magazines or in photo frames bought from stores.

Outdoor events always offer fun scenes, and there will surely be plenty of opportunities for great photographs.

Will post a few of the shots once the photos are imaged.

b.

New Website ... What do you think?

After much time, effort and frustrations ... we have finally moved forward on a new Website design. I would really like to know what you guys feel about it, and welcome any and all critiques!

Much thanks to BEP in Hotlanta! Thanks, dude ... it's awesome!

I'm offering more and more each year to my clients. In 2008, we're offering more designs on memory books, more time at events and 100 percent control given to the client.

It's getting warmer outside, so I'm eager to get out and shoot ...

2008 Gearing to be Hot Year

There is much to be said about New Year's wisdom in this industry. From all signs, it looks to be a fantastic year.

From metallic papers to custom-made coffee-table books, the new technology is outstanding.

I'll get started in March with my first event of the season ... and I can't wait to hit the streets of Vicksburg again for what is sure to be a lovely event.

A few images from weddings past ...

Beautiful Bride ... do you want your photos? ;)

Happy ... Ummm ... Happy

These were the words to describe this beautiful bride in Brookhaven, Mississippi earlier this year. The wedding was beautifully set at a bed and breakfast in the downtown area of Brookhaven. Everyone had a lovely time, and she made my shoot very easy. She's gorgeous! Even her fiance had a little swagger going, and he was dapper and a true gentleman.

Bad Moon Rising?

A funny thing happened this year ... four brides (or grooms) backed out of their weddings thus far.

This is a scary trend. Why so many 'call-it-quits' relationships? Could it be a financial thing, or did the bachelor or bachelorette party turn out to be more than a gathering of good friends?

Funny thing is, there were more brides to book on the dates that were canceled, although my mind was on the couple that originally booked von Images! ;)

I hope all is well in Cupidville!

Stay tuned for photos from a wedding in Brookhaven, Miss. Very nice!

Vicksburg continues to come through ...

We all knew the heat was coming, but, boy, did it come heavy this past weekend in Vicksburg!

I was honored to shoot the Cammie Stillwell wedding at Cedar Grove Mansion right off the Mississippi River on Saturday. The bride was beautiful and the groom was calm and collected -- despite the 100 percent humidity and near-90 degree temperatures.

The grounds were great and provided just the right backdrop for that great Southern wedding!


I wish Cammie and Graham the best of luck!

Cash has eye on the Money

I wrapped up a shoot in Jackson, Miss. last week for a model from Hattiesburg.

She wanted new headshots and comp cards for an upcoming trade show with a number of different agencies.

We used the state capitol building and the surrounding grounds as a backdrop for the shoot.

It was 73 degrees in mid-January, so we did a few street shots, as well. It's nice to have no traffic in a downtown metropolis.

I'm excited to find out if her new additions to her portfolio will help her land a gig.

She said she had a reading (monologue) to prepare for, and was contemplating using excerpts from The Notebook or The Color Purple.

Older, but wiser?

On a day where most people recollect on their past, I can't help but think about what lies ahead for JBvF!

Yeah, I'm a year older than you have to be to run for president of the Ol' USofA, but, I have so much to look forward to.

I have a great family -- a loving wife, a beautiful new son, two great stepkids, great parents and an extended family that always seems to have my back.

I heard a guy say, "If you live in the past, you die in the past."

I like that.

For too long, I would dwell on "what could I have done differently" or "What if ..."

Well, I'm tired of asking "What if ..." and I'm ready to put a foot in front of me instead of behind me.

So, I'm hoping by this time next year, I can report that I have done nothing but positive things in my life, and have found success and happiness in everything I do.

Hell, I've always got brand new days with the ones I love!

Isn't that worth living for?

First time is always the best!

The following is an excerpt from Allison B. Mazurak's blog detailing her first solo wedding as a professional photographer. I think she did a great job!

This wedding was a blast. Both the bride and groom were completely laid back which made it a totally comfortable environment for shooting.

Stephanie and Lawson seem totally in love and their families seemed so excited for them.

The ceremony was nice and short with candles lit behind them. Candlelight shots are often tough, but this worked out well because they kept some lights on in the Richland church.

The couple exited to a fanfare of sparklers, which caused a bit of smoke as they came out.

And as Stephanie said: “This idea might have been better on paper!” Her dress even got singed a bit from one of the sparklers, but nothing ruined their day.

Guests headed over to the reception hall for food, cake and even a dance.

Looking back through the photos, they’ll have lots of nice candids of the bride getting ready, the groom with his groomsmen and family enjoying the day. I love that they let me document their big day!