Posted on July 19, 2009
As I promised, I have a lot more goodies from yesterday’s wedding. It was simple and fabulous… or should I say simply fabulous… Hmmm… The site was worth a million words. The wedding took place at Carson’s grandfather’s house (at least I think it did 
), which is right by the river. It was simply breathtaking, although we were all sitting in the blazing sun. The only thing I can say is-thank God for flashes! It made my job super easy.
[Oh, and before I take off with my post, I do have to thank my wonderful, one of a kind hubby. See, I was supposed to be just a quest at the wedding, and he knew that was our deal... that is until Nina and I chatted and she wanted me to take a few images for them. If you are a photographer then you know the problem--the instinct kicks in and you, like a pup, are running after yet another beautiful couple. So, my husband, who was promised by yours truly, that I was going to take only a few shots, sat among my relatives by himself... most of the 3 hrs we were there, to my eternal shame. So, babe, please, please, forgive me 
(and Nina and Carson can chime in any moment ), and thank you for putting up with my photographer fever I love you.]
I was a teenager when Nina came into this world. She was tiny and lovely and a lady all the way. There was almost a competition going on between Nina’s dad and one of my brothers-in-law, Farid, about who was going to become a dad first and who was going to have a son [my sister and my sister-in-law were pregnant at the same time]. Farid “won”-his son was born a day before Nina, but I have never seen Leonid, my brother, happier than the day he got to hold his little girl in his arms. It was a win-win, folks.
From very early on Nina’s choice of toys, by her own admittance, was… clothes! She grew up, through the painful teenage years, becoming one of the most beautiful, and God loving women I know. Since she is the oldest child in the family, she often easily filled her Mom’s shoes, when Mom was away visiting Nina’s grandparents in Kyrgyzstan. Her younger siblings adore her and her parents are crazy about her. She and her dad (my brother) went out on dates, for a cup of coffee quiet often. Now, if that is not sweet, then I don’t know what is.
When Demetrye and I first moved here a year and a half ago, Nina was not seeing anyone, neither did she look interested. So, I don’t know how and by what miracle, but before too long we started seeing her with a young, handsome man. Once Carson came into Nina’s life, it looked like he wanted to take up a permanent residence. And it looks like he succeeded. Our entire family is very glad that he did
Without further due, here are the remaining images from yesterday (well… not all of them, but a few ).
Leonid’s smile says it all–a happy father indeed… However, it also looks like he just doesn’t want to let his little girl go.
Like I mentioned before, I am not sure if people notice little moments like these, but I thrive on them. While Pastor Jeff was reading instructions, the two love birds were trying to whisper little nothings into each other ears.
And then it came time to take the vows…
I stole away a couple of glamor shots and cannot wait until we do the “Day After” session with Nina and Carson (although it will a bit longer than a day ). [I offer "Day Offer" or "Bridal" sessions with some of my wedding packages, or separately. Let me know if you want to feel pampered and glamorous and we can set up a day for it, whether you just got married or have been married for a while. It is never too late!]
When Nina and Carson were signing their marriage certificate, I shouted: “Carson, you look like you are happy”, his head came up and he was grinning from ear to ear-no words were necessary, I knew that he was truly happy.
I don’t know how my brother does it with a house full of beautiful girls, but his wife looks as gorgeous and wonderful as she did when they first got married.
What a happy, proud Daddy! Nina and Leonid danced to “Cinderalla” song by Steven Curtis Chapman, which is always a tear jerker for me.
I am happy for you, Leonid. You and Lena have done such a wonderful job raising Nina.
Since it was a family event I even made it into a picture myself. Black was the theme of the night and we were rocking it.
Nina & Carson, we (Demetrye and I) wish you all the best. May God be your Guide! We’ll see you soon.
As I mentioned in my previous post: Nina and Carson will be checking my blog for their pictures, so make sure to leave them your one-of-a-kind special wish right underneath the blog. And, who knows, I might add a few more images in a couple of days.
Posted on July 19, 2009
Today was a super special wedding. I have all rights and reasons to say that-one of my nieces, whom I have seen grow from very infancy wed the love of her life. I divulge the entire story today-I will have to come back tomorrow for that, but I will let you see a sneak peek of how gorgeous they are. This is especially for the happy couple, who will be taking off to Mexico tonight.
I love you both, Nina and Carson! May God be your Guide. I promise that I will follow up TOMORROW (actually today ) with more images, so you have something to look at while you are so far away from us. But here is a little bit of everything for you.
Carson’s emotions were so raw and beautiful.
I love the look on my brother’s face. It does not happen but once in a lifetime that a man gets to walk down his firstborn down the isle.
I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but I watched through the viewfinder as throughout the ceremony these two lovebirds were whispering ” I love you” to each other non-stop. It set off a bunch of butterflies in my stomach every single time. Aren’t they beautiful?!
Nina was all beauty and glam. (For photogs out there wondering what I did to get this shot, here is a quick lowdown: it was getting dark outside, so I set my ISO very high–about 1000 or higher–and shot with no flash. For post processing I sharpened and resized–that’s it! Happy planned accident )
To the lovely couple, Nina and Carson, may the road of your life be filled with love and respect for each other.
I will post more later… promise… to show more of the happy couple and their parents.
If you enjoyed this post and want to wish well to Nina and Carson, go ahead and leave a comment right under this post–they will be checking on my blog while in Mexico.
Posted on July 16, 2009
Now through September 7th, 2009, while days are long and warm, I am running a few special deals! :)
Fun in the Sun
Portrait session*: $100 session fee (regular $150);
Engagement session: $100 session fee (regular $200)
Bridal/Day After session: $100 session fee (regular $200)
*baby and maternity sessions included
Call or e-mail me to check my availability and schedule your session while there is still time! Let’s get out and celebrate YOU! Let’s have Fun in the Sun.
Elena
Posted on July 14, 2009
Today I had an unusual pleasure of doing a session for another photographer–a fabulous one at that–Jenica of Lemon Drops Photography. Derrick and Jenica are celebrating their 8 year Anniversary (Happy Anniversary!!!). I was very honored when Jenica asked me to document such a landmark in their life.
I had only a few minutes to process a quick preview of today’s session. More to come soon.
Aren’t they totally hot model material? No wonder their kids are so gorgeous!
Derrick & Jenica, congratulations! It was an honor to be a part of your day!
