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“Nothing haunts me more often than the idea of what the World has to offer.”

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While in design school, I picked up a book that introduced me to the concept of Feng Shui.

 Since then, I have focused on surrounding my life with the five elements of the World: Earth, wind, fire, water, and wood. 

Today, I share with you, the first wedding I've had the pleasure to fully be immersed in the five elements of the World. The organic design of the World I believe in presents itself fully in the tangles of firery glass; the feeling of cool mist floating in the warm summer breeze; and most importantly; the smell of fresh dirt between the trees while digging for lost wedding rings.

I've learned a few things at this particular wedding, such as:

If you are the groom; don't shave after you've buttoned your best white shirt up to the top.

Instead of tossing the garter; just hold an authentic Texan-style auction and see who actually deserves the privilege of the honor.

Live music echoing off the walls of the reception hall embodies the ones you love most. 

Also, make sure your wedding is decorated with unique, hand-crafted glass by a World-renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly, that happens to be featured at Denver Botanic Gardens.

A fairytale wedding venue anytime of the year, but especially in mid-summer, the Botanic Gardens only amplifies the feeling of love shared between two humans.

PS: Live music and Elvis Presley amplifies the love people share at your wedding. 

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Imagine doing what you love, while working with someone you love and respect. Today, I spent many hours next to a wedding photographer, Casie Zalud. Thanks for having me stand with you during this beautiful wedding. One love. 

“The details are not the details. They make the design.”

— Charles Eames

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Big thanks to Dana Romanoff for inviting me along. 

“Uh said the man to the lady
Uh said the lady to the man she adored.”

— The Pixies

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After being around these two all day, Jessica and Jarvis reminded me why I fell in love. A cloudy day at the Hotel Monaco in downtown Denver kicked it off nicely. Crazy as it was; the day continued with a carefree ceremony in the rain at the Denver Botanic Gardens followed by a romantic waltz under umbrellas. 

But wait, it got even better. The deep blue sky insisted on being a guest at the reception in the RiNo District of Denver. Somehow Jessica and Jarvis booked the most intensely raw and organic venue I have ever experienced a wedding reception at. This setting was stellar for the first dance to The Pixies song, "Hey". 

Before the first dance, I caught them practicing in the courtyard illuminated only by twinkle lights; totally alone.

That is the moment that still happily haunts me to this day. This blog post wouldn't have been possible without Audrey Michel inviting me along. Thank you.

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lingering echos of the past
held us tight under the covers
 
the steam from our souls
rattled on to the rhythm of the thin panes of glass 
that weakly separated us and the whipping blasts of snow
the cold chains yanking at our limbs as we rise up

together we sneak a kiss surrounded by brass and glass
the seclusion we endured was only broken by the intrusion of our love. 

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My campfire of passion burns intensely with the wood of my soul from the forest of which I come. 

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Before allowing myself into the forest, the trails I chose to explore led me on journeys with no intent. 

Now, I am here.

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After exploring each fantastic fracture of my bark, I stand here before you.

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Perhaps the same man to you. I now am conscious of each distinguishing characteristic of which makes me stand tall. 

My world led me to believe staying low to the ground and doubting my instincts would one day help me flourish into the trees I am surrounded by.

Before the forest, my vision was obstructed.

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Here I stand before you. Perhaps the same man to you.

The way I feel my native, unfiltered soul decisively saturate everything I do tells me I'm more intensely the same man you used to know. 

My campfire of passion burns intensely with the wood of my soul from the forest of which I come. 

Pull up a chair and join me.

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Thank you to the many photographers who have embraced me on my journey. Cheers to you Adam Houseman, Casie Zalud, Dana Romanoff, Audrey Michel, Christina Kiffney, and the countless others whom I've had the pleasure to work with. 

Be still, so still. Breathe and feel. 

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Premonition is a formula that demands craft. Foreseeing a compelling image requires a nimble yet deep understanding of just three dynamic variables (in this order): composition, light, and most importantly, the moment. 

After my hand became a sub-conscience conduit effortlessly controlling my camera, all of my struggles and effort shifted focus to elevate the power of composition and amplify the story by being fully in touch with my surroundings by exercising patience and meditation.

When I experienced  the synchronicity of my craft for the first time, it was an experience that one might call religious and out of body. 

Being fully aware allows me to pour my heart into what I truly believe which is; How something feels is more important than how it works. 

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Internalizing is the way I process highly emotional experiences. After revisiting whats left of this beautiful day of vulnerability, thats exactly what I saw. 

The vulnerability of putting each other out there in front of family and friends on the most important day of your life thus far. 

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"When the momentum of the day sweeps me up and tosses me into fates hands, all I have is you. Sneaking looks here and there, locking eye contact for seconds, just to confirm that the wind is carrying you, my lover gracefully towards me.  

When all is stripped down; when the wind dies, the momentum slows, and the color fades... there I will find you. Just where you were; right next to me."

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Thanks to Adam Houseman for having me along.

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That was the start.  I once thought the Sun was his heart. It was beating on my skin and I could feel the cool wind. 

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