4/30/2009

Emmalee and Matthew's e-session in Chattanooga

We're looking forward to Emmalee and Matthew's wedding coming up this weekend. We finally had the opportunity last week to get together for their engagement session.








Thanks, Emmalee and Matthew. You did great. We're looking forward to your wedding!

Valerie and Brian's Washington DC e-session

I had a spectacular visit with Valerie and Brian a couple weeks ago in Washington DC for their engagement session. We started in charming Old Town, Alexandria.








This is the spot where Brian proposed to Valerie.


Gotta love cherry blossom season in Washington DC.






Thanks Val and Brian for a wonderful afternoon. We're really looking forward to your wedding in October!

4/22/2009

An exciting time to be a "creative"

Don't you think it is an exciting time to be a "creative?"

A couple years ago I saw a TED presentation online where Sir Ken Robinson talked about how after years of stifling creativity and art, society is slowly coming around to embrace it. In education, we push reading, writing and arithmetic, while the arts receives significantly less emphasis. And those who excel in art, but struggle with the Three Rs, are often labeled as challenged.

Robinson's presentation was three years ago, and it's pretty obvious that even in that short time period, things have changed. Today, all across America we see urban renewal as people are moving back to the cities to embrace a life of social and cultural awareness. Creative individuals are starting businesses left and right that yesterday would have never been possible. Now more than ever, the axiom holds true: If you can dream it, you can do it.

As I've spent the past couple months working with my alma mater on a long-term project, it has been exciting to see the changes that have taken place in the 13 years since I graduated from high school (wow, that hardly seems possible!). They have totally embraced the arts and added additional music programs to what was already a really strong music program. They have added an outstanding fine-arts lab and a really cool digital media lab. They have an amazing wood-working shop and a great life-skills lab. When I was a student much of the above seemed only an afterthought. I was excited to find the positive changes.

As business owners ourselves, Joy and I are passionate about watching others start and grow their businesses. There are few things as exciting as pouring your heart into a craft that you love and watching it grow into a flourishing business.

Another creative business that we're excited about is Chaviano Bridal Couture. When Annette Thurmon hired us three years ago to photograph her wedding in Atlanta, we were excited. We're always excited when a bride hires us. But what was especially exciting about Annette was that she was designing her own dress. She showed us a sketch and we thought, "okay, this girl is serious!"

Annette and Jared had a beautiful September wedding and we had a blast photographing them. Fast-forward a couple years and Annette was working as a registered nurse (remember when Joy used to do that?). On the side and in her spare time, she was working on a series of gowns so that she could launch her own label, Chaviano Bridal Couture.

In January, we were thrilled to be the first photographers to photograph Annette and her gowns. For the past few months these pics have been burning a hole in my computer screen, but we didn't want to share them until her website was live. All I can say is "wow!"


















Now you couldn't tell by these images, but it was one of the coldest winter days I remember. The high was around 20 and the low around 10. The building we photographed in didn't have electricity, so no heat. Annette wore a thick jacket and every time I would set up a shot, she'd wait until the last minute before removing the jacket so we could shoot. Meanwhile, the rest of us stayed bundled. And I'm happy to report that everything went well and none of us went home sick.

Here are a couple behind the scenes pics.




Honestly, I can only remember two times in my life when I've ever been so cold. Once was one night in Chicago when Joy and I were walking along Michigan Ave in a snow storm and I was wearing penny loafers and super-thin gold toe socks...don't laugh...we were young and just married and I didn't know any better! And the second time was when I was in high school and we were snowed in and without electricity for five days, so I took a cold shower because I couldn't stand myself any longer. Anyhow, I digress...

Congratulations, Annette! We couldn't be more excited for you. We're thrilled that you're chasing your dream and we wish you all the success in the world. The timing is right and it's there for the taking.

I'll end with a quote from Annette's site: "There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those."

4/21/2009

Super-exciting! Check out the speaker line-up from Burrell!

Over the next couple months, Burrell Colour Imaging, our lab of choice, is offering some amazing educational opportunities in a variety of cities. Check out the schedule below. And for more information, visit Burrell's website.

I'll be speaking in Indianapolis on June 15. I'd love to see you there! Call the lab to register or feel free to email me for more information. Can't wait to see you there!

4/16/2009

"The Knot Best of Weddings 2008/2009 Pick"



We are proud to announce that Garrett Nudd Photography has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2008/2009 Pick. Please pick up a copy of The Knot Best of Weddings 2009 magazine and check out our listing.

We had no idea we were nominated and made it on the list, so thank you to all those who voted for us! And congratulations to all!

From the The Knot website:

"We've rounded up all of the best wedding professionals across the country (as rated by real brides!) and put them in one place. You'll find top vendors in your area -- from florists and reception sites to cake bakers, photographers, event planners, and more! Loaded with over 280 pages of vendor reviews, insider planning tips, and unique style ideas, it's a must-have for any bride-to-be. Published by The Knot Inc."

4/08/2009

Kim and Nick, married in Lake Mary, Florida

I remember sitting with Kim and her mother at Lisa's house one evening, talking about her wedding and truly sharing in their excitement. I knew immediately that it was sure to be an extraordinary event, and I've got to tell you, they didn't disappoint.

Kim and Nick were married in a small country church and their reception took place at the Lake Mary Events Center. Everything from the weather to the smallest detail was absolutely perfect.

Kim and her mother getting ready


Simply stunning!


Trolleys transported the bridal party to the ceremony.


A detail


The ladies


Before the ceremony, the bridesmaids circled in prayer for Kim and Nick.


The church


Nick's anticipation


Undoubtedly one of the biggest moments of the day. Kim's father is disabled and worked for months to build up the physical strength to walk his daughter down the aisle. This was truly an extraordinary and emotional moment.




The vows


The kiss


I love portraits!




Bag piper


What a party!


More portraits






Extraordinary!




The bride and groom enjoy their first dance, flanked by their parents.






Kim and her father again for the father-daughter dance




The Leonard Brothers performed at the reception and they kept the party rocking all night long!




Tricia and Chris


Anyone care for some flaming smores? YUM!


And they're off!


Congratulations Kim and Nick! Thanks so much for letting us be a part of your special day. We hope you're not having too much fun in Mexico. ;-)


Finally, a pic of the "A-team." Videographer Jeffrey Stoner, Jessy Rivers, Cristy Nielsen (thanks so much for shooting with me, you're a God-send!), yours truly (Garrett), and event coordinator extraordinaire Lisa Konecny.