{rodin+lenny} married: part two

{rodin+lenny} married: part one

As a photojournalist, I get asked a lot why I left journalism. Those questions generally revolve around two main topics: Was it because of the state of the industry? Or was it because you wanted/needed to make more money? 

The answer is no. No and NO.

Notice I didn't say "former photojournalist" because I don't consider myself retired. Unfortunately there is an overwhelming negative connotation within the journalism industry that when a photographer decides to do something other than journalism, they are selling out. I don't consider my decision to document weddings over working for a newspaper as "selling out" because at the end of a wedding day, I don't see the difference. A wedding is a story. A beautiful, tear-jerking, heart-warming story. And bottom line, I would much rather document the joy of a wedding than the pain of loss. Call me a weenie, but it's true.

I prefer happy things; I just don't have the stones to shoot the sad stuff. But that turning point is another story for another day.

{rodin+lenny} are a reminder as to why I believe all of the above. Their entire day was about them. Just them. It was a simple celebration with a close-knit group of {friends+family}. There was love, there were tears, there was an accordion... and there was a kazoo. 

Yes, a kazoo. 

Bottom line, it wasn't about the "stuff." It was hot and it was rocky. It was a long, long day. I was so sore the next day my couch developed a Dianne-print because I didn't move much. But as most weddings are, it was worth every minute. It was a resounding positive reminder as to why I love doing what I do... it was a reminder that at the end of a day (especially such a long one), weddings are both the beginning and the end of an amazing story. And I was blessed enough to be chosen to document it.

Without further ado, here are some excerpts from the Italian-Peruvian-Vegan-Jewish festivus that was {rodin+lenny}: married.

Click on these links if you missed {rodin+lenny} engaged or {rodin+lenny} sneak peek.

Again, huge, whopping thanks to Kimberly Creagan of Twin Satori Photography for being my rockstar second-shooter!

{rodin+lenny} sneak peek

Yesterday was a long day.

I may or may not have resembled a beached whale trying to roll out of bed this morning. My back aches, I'm a wee bit sunburnt and with each step I take, my toes are squealing.

It was hot. It was rocky. It was void of electricity. And there may or may not have been compost buckets for toilets.

It was a long, loooooong day.

But there was also love. And friends. And tears. And there may or may not have been an accordion.

Yes... an accordion.

It was worth every minute. Even my toes say so.

Sneak Peek: {rodin+lenny}

ps... huge props to Kimberly Creagan of Twin Satori Photography for rockin' it out with me the entire 13 hours. I couldn't have done it without you!

Missoula Wedding Photographer ~ Shelby & Shawn: Married

I feel like I've spent a lot of time apologizing on my blog lately, so I'm not going to do it again. Honestly, I'm not sorry! Not only did I get married two weeks ago {yay!}, but as the summer has progressed and I've booked more clientele, I'm getting a better feel for my workflow, my turn-around times, and am streamlining my editing process to have an A, B, and C. If you know me at all, creating that "A, B and C" process is extremely important to my mental well-being as I'm slightly OCD. Well, I'm Type A. 'Nuff said.

Getting down to the nitty gritty ... Shelby & Shawn were married July 10th {I know, two months ago - eek!} on a mostly gorgeous day at Linda Vista Country Club in Missoula, Montana. Yes, mostly gorgeous. The day dawned bright & blue, families were a-workin' for the B&G at the venue, the gals were getting gussied up at the local mall, and those classic Montana thunderclouds were floating above the Bitterroot Mountains like unwanted hangers-on at a party.

Mid-afternoon, the thunderclouds were no longer hangers-on, they were major party crashers. The skies opened up and they unleashed their fury, monsoon-style. Wait, we're not in Arizona! But they did. I know a lot of regions use the phrase "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes" but in Montana, nothing could be more true. Within fifteen minutes we were no longer under the pouring bucket and instead back to sunshiney skies.

To Shelby & Shawn: I hope every day of your lives together is like this day. I do not wish you raining fury, but I do hope you maintain the positive attitudes, smiles & laughter you both exuded despite the "interruption." Cheers!

PS ... I'm coining "sunshiney." Consider it copyrighted as of September 15th, 2010. :)

And because I'm a total sucker for cute babies ...

Cheers!

~ di

Montana Wedding Photographer: Rachael & Scott ... Round 1

So what happens when a girl shoots a) her good friends' wedding and b) it's located in her most favorite place in the world?

Well ... A+B = inability to narrow down favorite photos!  Thus, Rachael & Scott's June nuptials will be featured in two rounds (yes, like boxing.  One.  Two.  Punch!) so as not to overload your senses.

Rachael & Scott were married June 19th in Hamilton, Montana at the Marcus Daly Mansion.  The day dawned bright and blue, with some wispy clouds in the mountains.  The afternoon brought a quick thunderstorm, but it quickly (and I mean quickly) dissipated.  Of course, said storm decided to grace us with its presence immediately following the ceremony.  It held off!  Wahoo!

Anyway, let's get on with the pretty stuff.

Hamilton, Montana

Rach, you're stunning ... on a side note, the middle photo is one of my favorite getting ready shots ever.  The angles in the elbows I think ...

The boys.

... and for round two, the wedding and reception ... here's a sneak at the gorgeousness:

Cheers!

~di