Jyll and Tom tie the knot in Scotland

It’s funny how fate has a way of sometimes forcing us to reverse roles. Seven years ago when I was the magazine editor at Southern, Jyll Taylor was one of my student photographers. Along with a couple other photographers, we had a great working relationship, but there were a few times when they’d go out on assignment for the magazine and they’d bring us their images and we’d have to send them back out again. They were excellent photographers in every respect, I’m convinced that the issue was that I didn’t do a good enough job explaining my vision.

At any rate, last weekend the roles were reversed and Joy and I were on assignment for Jyll and her handsome chap Tom. And what an assignment it was, in Aberdeen, Scotland, where she is completing her PhD.

The couple had quite a wedding. Their ceremony took place in the beautiful King’s College Chapel at the University of Aberdeen. Built in 1495, I’m quite sure it was the oldest building I’ve ever been in, and it was spectacular.

Many of the men rented or borrowed kilts, but Tom wore his own, and boy did it look great. To make things even more special, Jyll wore the same dress her grandmother wore more than 60 years ago! Both Jyll and Tom are amazing people and their wedding was such an honor to photograph.

The reception took place at the Copthorn Hotel, where the majority of the out of town guests were staying. It was quite the celebration, with a traditional Scottish dinner followed by a festive session of dancing and partying. The entire weekend was such a blast!



























Joy and Jyll and Tara and Ryan all went to high school together in North Carolina.


Jyll and Tom, thanks so much for letting us be a part of your special weekend. We are truly so happy for you. May God’s blessings continue to follow you wherever you go.

Have fun next week in Rome!

Way to go, Dad!

We just got news that my father finished second for his age in the 23rd annual Sunbelt Cohutta Springs Triathlon. WOW!

He's going to kill us for posting this picture, but we're really excited and we couldn't resist. This pic is actually from last year's race...this year's pics aren't uploaded yet.

The race includes a half-mile swim, 18-mile bike and 4-mile run. As a bonus he was first out of the water for his age group. He finished top 15% of the entire race in the swim. I think this is his fifth consecutive year participating in the triathlon.

When we moved from Florida back to Tennessee last year, we spent several months living at my parents' house while we were in transition and it was amazing to see his dedication to physical fitness, even when temperatures dipped into the teens, he'd still be outside running. I guess that more than makes up for his dedication to chocolate :) Hahahaha! Oh, and for your prize, dad, we're bringing some chocolate home from Paris!!!

Okay, I guess I'd better dust off my running shoes when we get back home.

(This is Joy now): Thank you for taking me shopping for new running shoes a couple weeks ago...I promise to use them as well! ;)

A new project

As fun as Europe is, we sure are missing little Graycen. The other night I worked on some images that we shot of her just before we left. We're blessed that she's staying with wonderful Grandparents and a great group of friends and family while we're gone.

These images are part of a new project. We’re always so busy working on projects for our clients that we often let our own personal projects slide. Recently we had the opportunity to get started on a project that’s been on our radar for quite a while.

We’re not going to totally let the cat out of the bag, but here is a hint:











And for the bloopers...






Stay tuned for more later. Ciao!

More from Paris

Here are a few more from Paris that we weren't able to post before...



View from atop the Eiffel Tower




The Louvre












Gelato in Paris...We just couldn't wait until Italy




Bonpoint, one of the most amazing and exquisite children's boutiques in the world.


Rockstar wedding photographers TJ Cameron from Portland and Chris and Lynn Jaksa from Vancouver were in Paris, then to Loire Valley for a wedding, so it was great to get together for dinner with them our last night in town.

More from Scotland

Everyone has heard of speed reading. Today I'm coining the phrase "speed blogging." With haphazard internet connections we squeeze in email and blogging when we can, and we do it quickly.

More from Scotland...

Downtown Aberdeen


Stonehaven with the North Sea in the background


The rooftops of Stonehaven








Fish and chips for lunch!

Aye, Scotland

Yesterday we arrived in Aberdeen, Scotland. We spent the evening walking around town and found a great restaurant to enjoy dinner. This morning we rode the bus to the small fishing village of Stonehaven. It is beautiful here as well. A different type of beauty from Paris, more raw and natural, but amazing scenery. It's a short trip which unfortunately doesn't allow us time to visit the other side of the coast, where Joy lived for three years when she was growing up.

We met with Jyll for a few minutes this afternoon. Tomorrow we'll attend church with them in the morning and then prepare for the wedding afterwards. It promises to be a great time and it will be fun to see several friends from years gone by at the wedding.

Cheers!

Paris is beautiful

Paris is beautiful. Tomorrow we're off to Scotland for Jyll and Thomas's wedding. More later.