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2010-08-19T09:22:00.002-05:00

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| New Blog |

2009-09-19T18:19:00.001-05:00

Test

2009-08-09T19:17:00.001-05:00

Ok, so if this works, this one post from the iPhone should automatically go to both my blog at www.jimmages.blogspot.com AND update my facebook status. Holding my breath...

-- Post From My iPhone

| Happy Customers |

2008-09-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

When people ask me how I gauge the success of my work, or if I have had a good wedding that day, I always ask myself 'was the client happy?' A happy client is really the only way that I can say for sure that I have done a good job.

I've received so many thank you cards recently that I thought I would post a few of them and open this up to anyone who wants to leave a comment about their experience working with me.

So feel free to leave a comment and take your best shot...fire away!

| jim |

| Nate and Shelley in Grapevine |

2008-09-01T15:49:00.001-05:00

I reckon my readers are tired, tired, tired of hearing how overworked and busy I am, and are waiting for me to come up with some more goods.

So again, completely out of order, let me show you some images from Nate and Shelley's wedding in Grapevine.

Nate's a super cool Christian man. In fact, I almost feel like he's family, since I photographed his sister Rebekah's wedding earlier this summer.

And Shelley made for a stunning, stunning bride.

The ceremony was so tasteful, elegant and spiritual.

Now let's see some details...

WOW! Check out the cake!

This is Shelley's father, who was so kind and thoughtful to the jimmages staff.

And this is Justus, who helped me to get all of the folks lined up properly for the formals. He did a great job, and had a great sense of humor, too.

It was a great wedding, guys. I felt like jumping for joy, too, just for being there!

| Back from Florida |

2008-08-11T21:12:00.001-05:00

The family and I had a great time in Florida. Now we're back and about ready to start shooting some more Texas weddings!

Yep, what they say about the sand and the water in Destin is true. Like sugar and liquid emeralds.

| Ari and Tara at Barron's on 5th Street in Waco |

2008-08-10T18:05:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. We're back from sunny Florida just in time, and I mean just in time, to get to Waco to photograph Ari and Tara's wedding.

Here at | jimmages | we have a lot of rules about blogging, including NEVER blog out of order.

Here at | jimmages | we have a lot of rules about blogging so we can break lots of rules, especially the one about blogging out of order. So I am breaking that rule now and blogging the wedding that we did last night with Ari and Tara in Waco.

Let me warn you, dear blog-reader that this wedding was pretty cool, and so there will be lots of photos in this post. So please plan to be here awhile :>)

The wedding took place at Barron's on 5th St. As a guy who owns an 86 year old house, I really appreciate the beauty of this place.

The bride's dressing room had this, well, wall of boxes...

Here's the garter. More on that later!

It was 102 degrees in the shade at wedding time.

Which made this photo really important to be able to take.

Here's our lovely bride Tara.

And the girls.

I love being 'backstage' at a wedding. Watching all of the prep work really makes you appreciate it even more.

Plus, you get to meet so many nice people. Like this young man.

Ari had the greatest idea for groomsmen gifts I have ever seen. He had a baseball bat customized for each one of them. Here's the one he gave to the best man. Brilliant idea for a gift!

And the guys loved them, too.

I loved the old fashioned veil that Tara chose.

Yeah, I have no idea.

No idea at all.

Not one.

Ari gets his first glimpse of Tara in her wedding dress.

And Tara has her own emotional moment, too.

First stroll as husband and wife.

Tara couldn't have been more stunning.

Nor Ari more dashing.

The reception was held at a place called the Hog Creek Ice House. It was a doozy of a place.

Ari and Tara drove around for a bit before getting to the reception. I think that's a great idea, to spend some time alone before the party.

And so they snuck in the back way.

Let's see some details...

Ari, don't try this yourself...

Now for some cake.

Ari and his Dad share a moment.

Let the dancing begin.

Tara had one more surprise for Ari before the night was over. Remember, I said we'd get back to the garter?

Yep, she subbed in her grandmother without Ari's knowledge.

And she even got a dance out of it later!

All's well that ends well. Thanks Tara and Ari, for letting us be part of your amazing wedding!

| Dan and Amanda get married at...huh? Razzoo's? |

2008-07-27T17:53:00.002-05:00

Yep, it's true, it's true. Dan and Amanda, two people who have become our friends as a result of meeting and working with them got married at...

It was like 104 degrees outside, but with a nice breeze coming off a pond, and some great shade trees, it was a really cool wedding!

Here's the man of the hour, Dan Goldberg. Wonder how long it took them to stack up all of these bottles?

And Amanda. Have you ever seen a happier bride?

Dan's not a guy to let his emotions come out very much. So I am pretty sure right here, there was just a speck of dust in his eye. Yeah, that's it...a speck of dust. In his eye. Yeah. That's it.

Dan's late father was a Marine, so to honor his memory, Dan had arranged for these two to escort Amanda down the aisle. Like the guards at Buckingham Palace, I think the Marines are supposed to not show any expression and be totally committed to business. Like this.

It wasn't their fault that they had to get around a wise-cracking photographer.

Mr. and Mrs. Goldberg.

No, Dan! No, Dan! Don't do it!!! Too late...

A sign of things to come...

OK, let's check out some of the cool details. Love the cake.

Notice the cake has two wedding rings on top. They are replicas of their real wedding rings.

That everyone thought were beautiful.

Amanda's bouquet was totally awesome. It fit the festive mood to a tee.

These three were horsing around for one of their friends with a camera. About that time the lady on the right sheepishly noticed that ol' Ninja here was nearby. Wonder what she was thinking? 'Well, it's not like this will show up on a blog or anything...'

No, Dan! No, Dan! Don't do it!!! Too late...

Can't believe she'd dance with him after that.

Here, Dan and his lovely Mom from Kansas share a trip down memory lane.

While I can take some credit for the cool photo, Dan gets credit for the idea. Everyone knows I do shoe shots at every wedding, right? Well, this idea almost makes up for the painted toes. Almost.

A flashlight? No, Dan! No, Dan! Don't do it!!! Too late...

Well, all's well that ends well. Thanks Dan and Amanda, for letting me be part of one of the coolest and most creative weddings I have ever shot. We'll no doubt hear more from them in future posts!

| Brent and Tamie at Castle Douglas |

2008-06-29T17:24:00.003-05:00

I have been so blessed lately by having the wonderful opportunity to photograph some amazing weddings. Last night's was no exception, as Brent and Tamie had their big evening at Castle Douglas.

Tamie was full of excitement before the ceremony.

Brent sent her a message in a book, maybe a diary of some kind. No matter, it evoked some real emotions from Tamie.

Daughter Kiera was having a big day, too!

Tamie was simply a stunning bride.

Brent was a super sophisticated looking groom. Not everyone can wear the clothes. Brent can.

And Kiera makes three.

I love photographing at Castle Douglas. It's a totally unique venue, and gives us the chance to get shots that we just can't get anywhere else.

These may be the coolest wedding shoes of all time...

The master of ceremonies was David Allen. He did a fantastic job!

Including having a light show that flashed the bride and groom's name on the wall, on the floor...everywhere.

They even had a dry ice machine for ambiance.

And we had a natural light show outside behind the Rolls.

It's so great that they have each other.

Just one more dance

And then it's time to say goodbye.

| Zach and Starla at Willowood Ranch in Bells |

2008-06-22T14:45:00.001-05:00

Man, it seems like 3 years ago when I first met Zach and Starla to discuss their wedding plans. I know it wasn't that long ago, but it sure seems like it. So yesterday, it was time for the I do's, and it was a wedding I was definitely looking forward to shooting. It was a wedding of firsts for me, starting with the first Model T that I ever saw at a wedding.

It was also the first time a bride has shown up for a wedding that I was working wearing a beauty pageant-like sash. How fun!

Man, I gotta get one of these for my hybrid!

A few pre-wedding details.

Here's Zach. Super calm, cool and collected.

With his proud parents.

The beautiful wedding dress.

I think someone must have told Starla that she just has to 'dive' into it :>)

Well, she made into the dress, and brought her Mom with her!

And Starla has some proud parents, too.

Some more pre-wedding details.

The men showing up at the chapel.

And they're being watched!

One of the really cool things about Willowood is that when shooting from the balcony, you feel like you're right on the platform with the bride and groom.

Zach and Starla with another first for me. They showed their willingness to sacrifice themselves to one another using the Biblical lesson of washing each other's feet as illustration.

One of the must do's at Willowood is the ringing of the church bells prior to running through the bubbles.

And off we go to the reception.

And the first dance.

Meanwhile, I am off to find more details.

Another first. Starla and her Dad Bill did this cool kind of a jig thing around the dance floor. The deejay said something about people not doing this anymore, but I never knew they did. Whatever it was, it was really cool.

Go Zach, go Zach.

The night ended with fireworks.

And even more fireworks! Thanks guys, for letting me be a part of your incredible wedding.

| Will and Kaitlyn at Wyldewood Chapel in Denison |

2008-06-01T21:37:00.002-05:00

Jacki and I spent the day before Memorial Day in Denison (city of my birth) at the wonderful Wyldewood Chapel.

We were there for Will and Kaitlyn, who aren't really from around here. But circumstances led them here, and we were so pleased to be there with them. Here's the beautiful dress.

Think this little cutie was enjoying getting the royal treatment?

Here's our lovely bride just before slipping into that gorgeous dress.

Life's the same, I'm moving in stereo...

Every amazing wedding requires lots of behind the scenes setup.

It was so classy. The bride and groom imported all of their family and friends from the metroplex first class all the way.

We start the ceremony with the unity candles.

Here comes Kaitlyn!

Everybody found their places. All that prepping paid off!

I dunno...do they look happy?

We don't do a ton of formals, but I really like the ones that we do.

Wyldewood is a photographer's dream.

The cake and the reception await.

Texas' newest husband and wife are introduced.

Lately, some of my favorite shots are the first dance sequences. It's such a charged moment, and I love creating a mood with light that adds some drama.

Speaking of drama, what a way to make an exit.

Bye kids...now everyone else, back on the bus!

| Russ and Randa in Antlers, OK |

2008-06-01T14:04:00.002-05:00

Whew, I am so behind in my blogging. It of course is wedding season, and I am behind on EVERYTHING! I will endeavor to get caught up at least blogging the weddings that I have shot, but in no certain order, and I don't even think I am going to get to all of the e-sessions that I have done.

But last being first, Jacki and I had the great fun of venturing into Oklahoma yesterday to shoot Russ and Randa in Antlers. We don't make it very far past the casino when we go to Oklahoma, but we dutifully forged ahead helped by the signs on the side of the road...

Once we got there, we found out it was an outdoor wedding at Randa's Mom's house. But the setup was obviously well thought out with no detail overlooked.

Jacki and I have more than our share of huge church weddings with grandiose receptions, but we also enjoy the home wedding, too. It's kind of nice for the couple to wed at a place where they already have so many memories, and will no doubt have many more to add to the collection.

Here's Randa's wedding dress. So beautiful!

Here it is on. Randa sneaks a peek out the door to see all of the activities. That other beautiful lady in the glass is my wife and fellow photographer Jacki. Sometimes at weddings, she giggles for no apparent reason. And BTW, that is not a toilet bowl in the background, it's a little device that we use on our flashes to make the light soft and pretty.

These kids must have been coached about posing for photographers :>)

As if we didn't know!!!

Happy, happy times...

Some advice for people who are soon to be getting married. First, be careful to hire a really, really good wedding photographer. And second, trust them to give good input to you. For example, R & R really wanted to photograph their formal portraits prior to the ceremony. That's how I normally do things, too. But I could see that if we did, there would be a harsh and direct sunlight staring them right in the face. And that would make them the dreaded three S's...squinty, sweaty and shadowy. YUK!

Fortunately, they did listen to me and delayed the formals until after the ceremony. And I know it was kind of a hard decision for them, as they had to weigh the aspects of time saved vs. quality of images.
But because they did trust our advice, we got really great stuff and no one got a sunburn...

One of the coolest looking cakes we've done in a while.

Russ was a college football player, and so the groom's cake paid proper tribute. Here, he's blowing up some poor running back.

Here are some of the dancing moments. Just check out all of the emotion happening on the dance floor.

Oh, yes, our ring shot...helped tremendously by a flickering candlelight.

OK, anyone have a guess as to the song they are dancing to?

The couple heads out for their h'moon, and we head through the night back south to Texas for an early call for church. We'll be blogging again soon!

| Beatles Tribute in Plano |

2008-05-17T23:21:00.003-05:00

I know, I know...I have been woefully negligent in my blogging of late. I offer my apologies and the only excuse that I really have, and that's I have been shooting too much to blog. Heck, I have been shooting too much to edit!

And so I know that some people are going to wonder how I have time to shoot, edit and blog a Beatles tribute that just happened last night. Well, the truth is, I had time to shoot it because it's a Beatles thing. I HAD to edit it, because the best editor in Texas, aka my wife Jacki, is too busy editing her weddings plus a few I slipped in on her. And I am just taking the time to blog it because it's a Beatles thing.

BTW, I don't think the City of Plano gets enough credit for putting on these concerts at Oak Point Ampitheater. They are very reasonably priced, I have photographed some KILLER bands there, and there's something really cool about throwing a blanket down, and listening to the music under the stars. Bravo, Jim Wear and the City of Plano!

I would say last night's double helping of Beatles took me back to my younger days, but truth be told, people who grew up on the Beatles seldom stop listening to the Beatles. And I think that'll be true even for today's kids who get turned on to the Beatles. There is NOTHING that my parents ever listened to that I accepted as my own, but both my kids are huge Beatle heads, and from the looks of last night, lots of kids today are still listening to the good stuff.

So let's get into last night's show. It was opened by Dallas' own Beatlegras. Old time blog stalkers of mine know that I photographed their big show at the Majestic in Dallas last year. Beatlegras plays almost exclusively Beatles songs, but with their own special arrangement in the bluegrass style. I gotta admit, when I first heard about it, nothing sounded worse than Beatles played bluegrass. But I gave their music a try, and I have to admit, I am blown away by what comes out of this three piece band. Their singing is amazing, their musicianship as good as any, but their abilities to arrange Beatles songs into new, fun music is beyond compare. They are funny, witty, and my absolute favorite music show to see in Dallas. Every show is different, but they are always great.

So let's see some Beatlegras photos...

Here they are. It was still daylight when they took the stage, so our lighting creativity is somewhat limited. Still, you can see that these guys are no average Beatles cover band.

Here's George, the standup bass player. He's fond of saying that he's the only one of the three of them with a Beatles name.

Dave is the guitar player, and I suspect the one most fascinated by the Beatles.

And Milo plays more instruments than I can count. And he makes every one sound like it's his specialty.

After Beatlegras, a band out of Chicago with a more traditional take on Beatles tributes. They're called American English, and they were introduced as being one of the top 4 Beatles tribute bands in the world. I was a little skeptical at first, and since you can't hear them on this blog, you're going to have to trust me on this one. They sounded unbelievably close to the Beatles. And as you can see, have more than a passing resemblance as well.

I mean, these guys were so spot on, that I began to pack up my camera gear. When my son Pete asked why I was packing up, I told him that I was getting out of there before Yoko showed up.

It takes more than a funny haircut and an old Hofner bass to sound and look this much like Paulie Mac.

Or a pair of Beatle boots. I used to have a pair like these. Why did I ever get rid of them? Too many goo goo babies, I suppose. (If you don't get the reference, just smile and go to the next caption!)

The lads started out of course with the early songs, which were great. Here's the Ed Sullivan era look.

Not exactly a dead ringer for Ringo, but he played just, and I mean just, like him. Sang like him, too. Sorry, mate.

The harmonica was a dead giveaway that Love Me Do was just around the corner.

Followed by some rousing She Loves You.

End of Act I.

Act II started appropriately enough with some incense.

Don't get me wrong...I love the older Beatles music, but I really became quite obsessed by it the more that they pushed the envelope. That envelope really flew off the table in the summer of 1967.

Sgt. Peppers for me was the watershed point in their career where they left every other band on the other side of the grand canyon. The Stones, the pre-Tommy Who...nobody, but nobody had ever done anything like Pepper before.

But then came the White Album, Abbey Road, and Let it Be. For me, the best three sequential records (CD's to you kids) to be recorded by anyone in history. Roll over Beethoven.

Classic Abbey Road evening wear.

I remember in high school, I wrote my senior English paper on the rumored death of Paul McCartney. Too long of a story to go into here, but there were lots of signs on albums and in lyrics that made people believe that Paul had been killed in a car crash and been replaced by a look alike. One of the supposed signs was that he appeared barefoot on Abbey Road. As I was looking at Paul last night, and saw his bare feet, I laughed at the thought that this man in front of me might not be Paul McCartney. Or that he has any kind of arch to his feet at all :>)

Doing some Hey Jude...a song Paul wrote to buoy John's son Julian during a time when John didn't pay a lot of attention to him because he was spending all of his time with the person whose name I won't mention for a second time. (Beatle grudges never seem to heal. I still haven't forgiven Eric Clapton for ending up with George's wife, Patti Boyd...)

Well, that's our trip down memory lane, with a bit of history and rock and roll photos thrown in. Quite a magical, mystery tour. Peace, out. And remember, all ya need is love. And to stay away from avant garde pseudo artists who are only after you for your money and who stand a pretty good chance of contributing to the breakup of the greatest band the world has ever known.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

| Dwight and Brooklyn |

2008-05-03T22:00:00.002-05:00

Jacki and I had the great pleasure, and fun, to hang out with Dwight and Brooklyn. We started off in Sherman, and then headed to Denison.

We got some great shots in the 'little arboretum' behind the hospital.

We loved just watching Dwight and Brook interacting with each other. They are so clearly perfect for each other, and their sense of humor was on display as they had to put up with the antics of their photographers all afternoon.

People who follow our blogs know that we aren't real fond of posed photos. Sometimes, you mine gold shooting moments that the posers never get.

We then headed to lake Texoma, Oklahoma side, looking for some water.

Then we took off for downtown Denison and some of the interesting colors and textures there.

Jacki spotted this really interesting old yellow door.

We loved the sunlight coming through this old fan that was in the door.

I asked them if they could dance in the old cobblestone street. No problem!

As a kid growing up in Denison, I always was fascinated with this giant silo.

We were laughing about this lead paint and asbestos mixture. Sure, it was dangerous, but dang, the colors and textures were worth it.

A little hayride later, and our great afternoon was over. But we sure can't wait to photograph their awesome wedding next year!

| Matt and Kalyn at Lantana Lodge |

2008-04-29T01:01:00.001-05:00

Yep, I have been spending a lot of time at Lantana Lodge in Pilot Point lately.

Kalyn's mom seems to be having as much fun as Kalyn!

And Matt always has fun.

Having fun sure wears a feller out...

Somebody help me! Let's jump into a bunch of those details, with a major floral theme this time.

But we're really here for a wedding, so let's see some people!

Kalyn was just a lovely bride on a lovely day.

And together, they make such a fun couple.

I think they worked on this routine.

I can see where Matt gets his sense of humor...

OK, this is not what it looks like. It was a broken glass. A really funny, broken glass.

All this dippin', should have used my wide angle lens.

It ain't over till the lady in white throws the flowers.

And that brings an end to another beautiful wedding at Lantana. Have a great honeymoon guys.

| Drew and Callie at Lantana Lodge |

2008-04-28T23:00:00.008-05:00

Have you heard? One of my favorite places to photograph weddings has been sold to the corporation that owns Southfork.

Yep, Lantana Lodge is now owned by Forever Resorts, and I am looking for even bigger and better things there. If you like an interesting mixture of elegance and the wild west, you owe yourself a trip to Pilot Point to check things out. And while there, let my dear friend Chef Heron Barbosa make you the best meal you've had since forever at the Bronze Buffalo Grill.

OK, let's get on with the wedding!

Here's Drew, our groom. He kind of looks like a movie star, doesn't he?

And has there been a more gorgeous bride than Callie?

What a beautiful little girl!

Some cakes make you want to cut the cake, THEN have a wedding :>)

Here's Chef Heron that I told you about. One of the nicest guys I have ever met, and like I said, his skills as a chef are unmatched.

Looks kinda like this wedding is about to start. Let's find a seat!

Yep. Here comes the, well, you know.

Here's to you, Drew and Callie.

I did set this one up. Drew, I take cash, checks, PayPal, and major credit cards.

If you don't want to have fun doing your photos, hire someone else!

Rings rings rings everywhere.

OK, this character I KNOW didn't have an invitation to be here. Yep, it's real and it's live. "I want to go to the wedding with the armadillo, good country music from Amarillo and Abilene..."

OK, back to some killer wedding shots. I love these two dance shots.

This is one of my fave bouquet shots, too.

Callie and Drew are both good Ags. I never went to school there, but I did spend 5 years there. And with my daughter planning to be a vet, I may enroll there someday :>)

And thus, we close the books on another wedding. Thanks for having | jimmages | photograph your wedding, guys!

| Shane and Jillian at Bingham House in McKinney |

2008-04-28T18:27:00.002-05:00

I had such a great experience photographing Shane and Jill at Bingham House in McKinney. It was a perfect day, about 3 days after the storms came through, and we were all glad that the wedding was able to take place. Damage was evident everywhere, but much like my own historic home, Bingham House is just made better than a lot of newer homes, so away we go...

Shane is supercool. He's also a photographer, but I didn't know him until we met at the interview. But in the interim, he's helped me with a couple of weddings, and the Rock the Runway session we did for Seventeen Magazine. He's a really great photographer, and we work really well together.

Here's Jill. After working with her three times (engagement, bridal, and now the wedding), I can honestly say she's an early nominee for bride of the year!

Jill's extremely photogenic and comfortable in front of the camera. Most people who spend a lot of time with photographers are.

Shane and his crew.

Shane's step dad is also a photographer. Man, we were all talking shop a lot this night.

And stair shots.

You guys look great together!

Getting ready for the bouquet toss. I love having a light on a stand that I can put in places where otherwise there wouldn't be a lot of light.

Ha! I knew Shane wouldn't be able to keep his hands off his new 5d...

Shane and Jill, I join your family and friends in toasting your new life together.

| Need help staying awake? Have a jimmages wedding! |

2008-04-20T18:31:00.003-05:00

Remember a week or so ago, I blogged a really moving story about a wedding that I photographed for David and Jodi at Wall-Robbins Historical House in Plano?

The situation was that I had never met the bride and groom before the wedding, and when I did, I was so saddened to hear that the groom's mother had been hospitalized and in grave health, and would be unable to attend the wedding.

That event led to a very bittersweet wedding...full of joy, yet full of sadness. For a refresher, here's the blog entry for that story...

Click here for the story

Well, I posted the photos for that wedding online, and let the couple know how to view them. Imagine my surprise, and my total happiness to receive this message on my answering machine the next morning...

Click here to listen to the message

Thanks for that message, Jodi. You not only made my year, but you also made me proud of what I do for a living, and how sometimes that can mean a little bit more than just photographing a wedding.

God bless you and David in your wonderful new lives together.

| David and Jodi at Wall - Robbins Historical House in Plano |

2008-04-14T22:19:00.000-05:00

OK, let me brace you. This is going to be kind of an emotional post...

I think the comments the couple, David and Jodi left on my blog, kind of set the tone. I am sharing this with my readers because she put it on the blog, and so it must be OK for others to see it.

So it was a bittersweet time for the couple. So much to be happy about, so much to be sad about. But they were so supportive of one another, and their families and friends were so supportive of them, it was an unbelievable touching experience for all of us. I feel so blessed to have been there.

Now let's try to get happy! The wedding itself took place in the lovely Wall - Robbins Historical House in Plano. Most readers of my blog know that I have an 87 year old home, so this was right up my alley.

Here's Jodi. I think she's just making sure everyone has the proper ID before allowing them to enter into the bride's room.

And here's David. Someone must have turned on the fan. Look at that tie go!

OK, we have the tie under control now.

And now some relaxed portraits of some of the people there...

Beautiful flowers and rings, oh my!

And now, the very emotional ceremony starts:

There were so many emotions going on at once.

Look at these two.

Thanks David and Jodi. It was a simply amazing experience, and I'll be praying for David's mom.

| Bowl Full of Blues/Anson Funderburgh/Bugs Henderson |

2008-04-13T14:20:00.002-05:00

I had the great opportunity to photograph the City of Plano sponsored Bowl Full of Blues at the fantastic Oak Point Ampitheater.

There were LOTS of blues bands on the menu, but since I had a wedding to photograph, I was only able to catch a few shots from the last two bands. Here are some photos of Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets. Anson, incidentally, was born in Plano.

And some shots of the headliner, Bugs Henderson.

| Joshua and Jenny in Plano |

2008-04-06T20:47:00.003-05:00

Joshua and Jenny tied the knot Saturday at First Christian Church in Plano. It was an awesome wedding, and you'll see why, hopefully, in the photos.

Josh was first to arrive.

Josh is a chemist by trade, so I am pretty sure he'd smoke me in Jeopardy. About my only chance would be if I could say 'Only things short, fat, bald men know for a hundred, Alex.' Not too likely, huh. Anyway, Josh was so calm and collected. He even found time, at the church, to clip his nails. I have never seen that before, but then again, I have never photographed a chemist before. It may be a ritual that only smart guys do.

I told Aaron, the best man, that he was so helpful as a best man, that I was going to offer his services to people who have a best man who isn't on the ball as much. Aaron laughingly said that would be cool. I found out later in the evening that Aaron is also a chemist.

I'm telling you, this guy was on top of it.

Jenny showed up for a wedding, and brought this dress with her.

Here she is now getting ready.

Check out the shoes!

Jenny's mom Scharlotte is a florist. In fact, I met her at another wedding that I photographed last year. Suffice it to say that when you want the most fabulous flowers possible at your wedding, it kinda helps to have a florist in the family. So the details for this wedding are all about flowers...

Almost time to start. There's Josh at the end of the sanctuary. Is it me, or does he look like he's dancing?

Here comes the bride, helped along by her dad, Ron.

First Christian Plano has the most amazing stained glass. Either that, or Aaron put some kind of chemical on them to make them seem really colorful. Wait a minute! That's actually done by the photographer...the guy with the slightly longish nails...

Another of the beautiful bride...

Now it's time to head over to the reception, at Reflections on Spring Creek in Plano. Can't drive over to an elegant place like that in anything less than cool.

But first...

And here they come.

Just in time for a first dance.

And then, we were whisked over to the gazebo where we thought we were just going to take photos. But SURPRISE and BOOM! The families had arranged a surprise fireworks show in their honor. Think they were surprised?

The show was really amazing. It was put on by Pyrotex. Cool name. And J & J sure enjoyed the light show. Once they got used to the idea, that is.

Here's Jerry Hassell of HVPro. Check out that concentration!

And a shout out to Daniel Richmond, the super cool entertainment man.

You gotta love this setting by Reflections on Spring Creek...

Not to mention the cake.

Gotta have a ring shot, yes?

Apparently most of Jenny and Josh's women friends are married...

One more dance with Dad,

And one more with Hubby.

Thanks guys, for letting me be part of such an extraordinary wedding!

| We ROCKED the runway in Frisco |

2008-03-30T13:45:00.002-05:00

Jacki and I decided a long time ago that we were only going to be wedding photographers. It's where our passions lie. But every once in a while, but not too often, we like to shoot something totally different just as a change of pace, and also to keep our skills sharp.

When Seventeen Magazine calls and wants to hire us to do a fashion shoot...well, that's a call that we have to take!

So on Saturday, we ROCKED the runway with Seventeen Magazine for a combination fashion show/search for America's next top model.

The crowd was into it...

One of the Seventeen spokespersons.

Some of the sights all around.

The fashion show was AWESOME. Thanks to Jacki for this aerial of me shooting one of the models. To clear up any confusion, I have diagrammed which one is which. I gotta admit, all of the whistling was a little flattering, but seriously! It's as if these people have never seen a photographer before :>)

OK, let's get to the some of the girls...

And here are our three winners!

After the fashion show, we were treated to a mini-concert by recording artist Kat DeLuna.

Thanks, Seventeen, for letting | jimmages | rock YOUR runway!!!

| Chuck and Jan at Willowood Chapel in Bells |

2008-03-22T23:43:00.002-05:00

Chuck and Jan tied the knot the day before Easter at the beautiful Willowood Chapel in Bells, TX. Jacki and I were blessed to have been hired to capture the big day. My regular blog stalkers know that I shoot at WWC quite often, and I challenge myself to come up with fresh shots of the exterior of the chapel. Here's this wedding's edition!

Chuck looks like he's a little anxious for Jan to show up. I could have told him that I had just left her at the bunkhouse where she was getting her do on, but hey, I like suspense as much as the next guy.

We snuck Jan in so as not to run into Chuck too early :>)

I remember taking a shot of Chuck getting his rose pinned on...

Only to find myself doing it again. Anybody got a band aid...and a xanax???

At a time like this, there's only one thing a southern man would do. Fish it out, Bubba!!!

All together now, 'Jim, did you shoot any details photos'? Why yes, yes I did.

And what did I do for the customary 'oddball ring shot'? Kind of proud of this one.

Some of this wedding's beautiful faces:

And none more beautiful than the bride and groom...

OK, I've got to say something here. Chuck and Jan are getting ready to move, and I think I heard them say they were moving to New York. You just can't leave Texas for New York without one last Green Acres moment! All we needed were Mr. Haney and Eb.

Guys, it was an amazing wedding. Thanks for letting us be part of it. No matter where you go, remember your old gang in Texas wishes you many happy trails...

| Chris and Emily at Willowood Ranch and Chapel in Bells, TX |

2008-03-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

Had the greatest fortune to photograph Chris and Emily last weekend, along with my wife Jacki, at Willowood Ranch and Chapel in Bells. It was the weekend just after our unusual March snow, and you can still see some unmelted snow on the roof and on the ground. What a gorgeous chapel!

Emily is getting ready for her lifetime rendezvous with Chris.

And Chris is already good to go.

Bet I know what she wants for Christmas!!!

Ah, yes. Some details if you please...

Willowood has the most incredible stained glass windows.

Nothing says 'wedding' like having children be a part of it.

There is always such an elegance in simplicity.

Beautiful church, beautiful people, it's a beautiful day, and we didn't let it slip away!

| jimmages on photographik.org |

2008-03-08T09:52:00.003-06:00

I am pretty jazzed about being accepted into photographik.org, an organization made by photographers for photographers. So far, only 5 photographers from the Dallas area have been accepted from no telling how many applicants. It's a huge honor to be accepted by an organization that clearly is exclusive. They call themselves the network for elite photographers.

I am not quite ready, not even close, to call myself an elite photographer. Still, it's extremely humbling to be welcome into this network of amazingly gifted photographers.

Thanks photographik! I just hope it wasn't a clerical error :>)

| jim |

| Raymond and Heather at Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose|

2008-03-02T18:45:00.001-06:00

Raymond and Heather, who I had such a great time exploring 1950's Sherman with last month, got married yesterday at Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose. I had never been to Glen Rose before, but RCL is actually about 10 miles on the other side of Glen Rose, and it's a real adventure (and a beautiful one) to get there...

Once there, the facilities are really impressive. Here's the gorgeous chapel that we're about to experience.

Raymond and Heather have a ready made family. This is just half of it!

What a beautiful bride!

Some of the formals and not so formal...

You know I love the details. Look at this rock! I have seen smaller cars.

Photographers usually hate a dark reception. I love the mood that the darkness can create.

What reception is complete without smores?

What an amazing cake.

The band was one of the best I have ever heard.

Here's that dark mood thing again.

| Kyle and Laurel in Richardson |

2008-02-16T13:26:00.001-06:00

Kyle and Laurel had a beautiful wedding on Saturday at the Trinity Bible Church in Richardson. It was cold and rainy outside...

But the warmth and sunshine that came from the couple were not to be denied!

Some details...

The bride's dad and grandmother both made a point of coming by and thanking me during the night. It's so cool when people are just flat out NICE!

Some of my favorite shots make use of mirrors.

I hope this pretty little girl remembers the funny bald photographer when she gets married someday!

Kyle looks quite dapper and calm just before the I Do's...

While Laurel says her last prayer as a single gal...

Kyle sends Laurel a sweet message that she won't even get to see until she looks at the photos.

But no good deed goes unpunished LOL. Men are such sentimentalists...

But Kyle is undaunted and impervious to the guys' kidding.

At the reception, Kyle surprises Laurel with a birthday cake. Yep, she got married on her birthday! Double the fun every February 16th.

And what birthday, er uh, I mean wedding reception, would be complete without a lovely dance in front of all of the moms?

And a spectacular getaway? Have a great honeymoon!

| Patrick and Leah at Little Chapel in the Woods in Denton |

2008-02-15T17:06:00.003-06:00

Patrick and Leah had a wonderful wedding this weekend at the Little Chapel in the Woods in Denton. Here's the beautiful bride getting ready to get ready.

No stress for our groom...

Here's an interesting before and after shot of the front of the chapel. Notice how dark the doorway is in the before photo, then after a little Photoshop magic, Voila!

Little Chapel employee Anne does a little bit of everything. I wonder how you put this type of activity on a resume?

Patrick agrees to one more media interview before tying the knot.

Leah's getting closer...

Oh yeah, let's not forget the details!

These two added distinctive musical style to the proceedings..

Just a little fresh air before we start.

Anyone who has ever photographed in the Little Chapel knows that it's quite dark in there...much like photographing in a cave. But I love shooting there, because you can really allow the light to help you create a really cool mood.

The lovely couple.

| Brian and Ambre at the Tribute Club in The Colony |

2008-02-03T15:00:00.002-06:00

I hadn't done a wedding at the Tribute Club in The Colony in a couple of years. I actually used to live in the Colony way back when, and it was kind of fun arriving there early and checking out my old stomping ground where I used to live over by Stewart Creek. Lewisville Lake was about 50 steps from my front door, and at one time, I bank-fished for like 80 straight days. Now that sounds like a lot, but when you consider that I caught only 4 fish, you gotta love the dedication :>)

Oh, and special thanks to Shane, who served as my second shooter for this wedding. I am having the privilege of photographing his and Jill's wedding coming up soon. I always love it when another photographer trusts me enough to shoot their wedding!

Anyway, here's the side view of the beautiful Tribute Club.

The Tribute has an exceptionally trained staff. They even stand at attention when on their breaks. OK, I'm lyin'.

The coolest thing about the Tribute is that they have all sorts of interesting things to see there. Lot's of little details that I love to shoot. And this time I ain't, well, you know...

Anyone who has ever read my blog knows that I love the details...

Ambre made a stunning bride. Even prettier than the one in the painting photo left.

Brian is one of those guys who when you put him in tails he knows how to wear them...

Sometimes people ask me how I photograph a service pretty much only lit by candle. My asnwer? Just like this!

These two are the perfect photographic subjects.

The minister who said grace was a really neat man. We didn't introduce ourselves, so I don't know his name, but we did get a chance to have some excellent spiritual discussions. When I do a wedding and get to meet people like this, I consider it an extra church service a week that I get to attend!

Brian's twin brother Phillip created the cake. Excellent job, no?

Remember me? I am the guy who likes to do funny things with the wedding rings...

Once Brian and Ambre began dancing, it became very apparent that they had rehearsed their number...

The best group shots are the ones where we say...'OK, everyone do something silly...'

It was a great wedding, and a great party. Be looking for my next wedding in two short weeks. Then I have like 19 weekends of weddings in a row. More later. Adios!

| Raymond and Heather in Downtown Sherman |

2008-01-27T19:46:00.001-06:00

About a month ago, I had the distinct pleasure to photograph Todd and Sara in Denton. And at that wedding, I met Heather who was the maid of honor, and her fiance, Raymond.

Then we met in earnest a little later, and lo and behold, they are trusting me to photograph THEIR wedding, too. Awesome!

We didn't know for sure what we wanted to do for an engagement session, so we opted for the downtown back alley look, which of course, as an alley cat, is one of my favorites. It was a great adventure. Check out why!

Here we are getting started at the famous cobalt window.

I really enjoy photographing people that like to be photographed. It makes my job so much easier!

Even after all of this time photographing in this alley, I still can't figure out what's up with this checkerboard looking child's tablecloth :>)

The best time to photograph outdoors is late in the day. Just look at this killer sunlight!

This brick is really awesome, too.

We found another tree...

We wanted to find something country to go with the boots and skirt...it's not the first time a pawn shop has come to my rescue :>)

So we're cruising around, and we come upon this funky little place that looks like it should have a roof. All of the walls were painted old school.

This has to be old...when's the last time a tagger used the word 'Jazz' as part of the message? Lawrence Welk was president!

I think it was Raymond who liked the looks of this little shack that used to be a police supply hut AND a jewelry repair place. Nowhere but Sherman...

Such a happy couple...

We're almost done for the day, but Raymond discovers this mysterious locked door. The only way to see what's inside is to crawl thru the little hole in the door...

Of course we did. And we found this little courtyard that made us feel like we were in a time tunnel. Check out the truck, and before there was TV, they used to paint ads on the sides of buildings.

So our adventure was over. Thanks for making the trip in, guys! We'll have more photos from their wedding real soon!

| Anthony and Lisa Got Married at St. Pius X in Dallas |

2008-01-06T15:00:00.001-06:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Anthony and Lisa at St. Pius X in East Dallas yesterday. While I have never been in the church, it was almost like a homecoming for me. I used to live over that way, and drove past St. Pius X all the time. What a gorgeous church it is, too!

And the inside...so pretty and dramatic.

Debby and Suzy, my new friends from The Flower Mart, are busy setting up the gorgeous floral arrangements.

Anthony seems so happy to be marrying Lisa. This is not the look of a worried, nervous man.

And when Lisa gets there, she is overwhelmed at seeing all of her family and friends waiting for her.

Anthony and Lisa are both graduates of St. Pius X, as was the minister. How cool is that?

Such a good lookin' couple!

And so in love...

It's all about the details for me.

The deejay was cracking me up all night. This shot just might have to go on my website. More later!
| jim |

| Todd and Sara Get Married at Wildwood Inn in Denton, TX |

2007-12-30T18:49:00.001-06:00

Todd and Sara got married today at Wildwood Inn, in Denton, TX. I always love shooting at Wildwood. They are super photographer friendly there, and how nice of them to order 60 degrees in late December for an outdoor wedding!

I photographed Todd and Sara's engagement session, and I really enjoy working with them. Actually, at the very first interview, I really related to Todd, and not just because he shaves his head, too.

Todd found out late that he had to accompany his sister's song during the service. He sounded great and it had to be a lot of pressure. Here he warms up before the ceremony. Is this a guy concentrating, or what?

Todd's dad is a minister, and he officiated the service. It was great. I always trust a guy who is never far from his Bible!

I keep saying that one day I am going to have to walk my daughter Evie down the aisle. How do these guys remain so composed? Sara seems a little nervous, but her dad is way cool.

I love the detail photos.

Almost time to cut that cake...

Lovely venue, lovely couple, lovely wedding.

| My Annual Christmas Tradition |

2007-12-29T11:12:00.001-06:00

Seven years ago, I started the annual tradition of taking the whole | jimmages | crew to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert as a Christmas bonus. The tradition has evolved over the years. TSO now sells out two shows in Dallas, so this is what a TSO day is like for me...

12:00 noon - leave Sherman and head to AAC for a 3 o'clock show. I normally go with a few friends from church, and we try to catch a lunch before the show

3:00 pm - the afternoon show starts. Usually our seats are excellent...I mean, right on the stage, because we get preferred tickets for having been groupies for so long. Plus, the harder core fans want the nigh show tickets.

6:15 pm - first show is over, so everyone in our group from the first show very quickly walks from AAC to West End to have a fast dinner with those who are going to the evening show. It's a great time.

7:30 pm - evening crew gets on the bus at West End to head back to AAC for the next show

8:00 pm - the night show begins

11:15 pm - the night show is over, and so we all head back home to Sherman

11:18 pm - we take a wrong turn

11:20 pm - we take another wrong turn

1:00 am - we arrive back in Sherman, safe and sound

2:30 am - our hearing comes back, and my family analyzes how this year's show stacks up to the others (hint - every show is better than any before them!)

10:00 am - I am up blogging about the experience, and begin to look forward to next year's show :>)

Here are some photos from the two shows. The first few were taken in the afternoon, where we sat so close (row A, seat 1) we had a chance to discuss advanced music theory with Al Pitrelli, TSO's music director and incredible guitar player.

The latter photos are further back, but you can get a better idea of the scope of the light show. It's really incomparable to anyone else touring right now. And if you ever, ever say that these guys sound like Mannheim Steamroller, please understand...you're killing me.

The photos were taken with my iPhone, while being very careful not to get caught doing it. The very first thing that I ever shot seriously 30 years ago was a Yes concert, and sneaking around shooting yesterday brought back some very funny memories.

Enjoy!

| jimmages Christmas |

2007-12-25T14:24:00.000-06:00

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. It's a time for family and friends, but most of all, it's the celebration of the birth of our Lord.

My family normally goes to my father-in-law's house for Christmas Eve, and then back to see what Santa brought the kids Christmas morning.

I am really bad about not taking enough family photos, so I thought this year I'd see how well the iPhone camera works. I think it did fine.

I sincerely hope you and your family had a wonderful and safe Christmas season. Now, on to Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Friday.

Enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's the familiar Christmas spread

Here are Angie, Annette and Barry. Annette actually appeared on the Ed Sullivan show the same night that the Beatles were introduced to us Yanks. She was only like 5 or something!

All of the kids preparing to open their gifts. I sure hope they were all good this year...

Here's my brother-in-law Matt. Kind of reminds me of Blackbeard's famous braided beard :>)

My father-in-law Jack's Aussie cork hat. He says it keeps the flies away. But since we were inside, I think it was more of a fashion statement.

A close up of Pete, my son and director of security here at | jimmages |.

It's just not Christmas for me without a new set of Simpsons' boxers.

Sister-in-law Jami. Recognize her? She was on the hit TV show 'Fat March'.

Pete and my lovely wife Jacki performing at the hootenanny part of the night.

And Evie has to get in the act.

I always try to recoup some of my expenditures at the annual poker game. Here's my neice and nephew Chris and Crystal.

Another member of my security team. Here she's undercover, dressed as a common reindeer.

But the tryptophan even gets to trained professionals eventually.

| Shane and Dena in Sherman |

2007-12-22T10:37:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, it's really nice to be able to photograph a wedding close to home. And I especially love to photograph weddings at the beautiful Faith Church in Sherman

www.faithchurch.us

And it makes it even better to photograph a bride who I have had the pleasure of watching grow up into a beautiful young lady.

Lots of photos for a blog post, but I couldn't help it!

| jim |

| Jon and Sara's Beautiful Wedding |

2007-12-15T20:26:00.002-06:00

I had the great pleasure of photographing Jon and Sara today, all the way up in Oklahoma! It was cold, it was windy, but we all had a blast...here are some photos from their beautiful wedding.

Sara's dress was gorgeous!

One of the things I love to do is find new ways and angles to photograph the details...like on a glass table!

If I have a signature shot, it would be this one. I love the 'behind the scenes' feel of images just like this one.

OK, most of the time, when guys try to be super funny in the dressing room, it just doesn't work all that well. But I have to admit, the mock funeral the guys gave Jon made me laugh out loud. I really think the young guy in the right foreground is having trouble maintaining...

Beautiful rings!

And look at this cake...

One day I'll be dancing at my daughter's wedding, God willing. I'll be feelin' it, too!!!

Another of Sara

| Christmas List! |

2007-12-03T19:07:00.000-06:00

People are asking for my recommendations for last minute Christmas presents. Well, I do have some suggestions:

GET THEM AN iPHONE!!!

My iPhone has done wonders for saving me a bunch of time in my day. And once you have an iPhone, there are lots of cool accessories for them, too.

| Another Great Wedding at Bingham House in McKinney, TX |

2007-12-02T18:39:00.000-06:00

We had a blast at the Bingham House Bed and Breakfast in McKinney Texas last weekend. I love to shoot at Bingham House not only because it's a gorgeous place, but because Karen and Bill are so cool to work with. That's Karen adjusting Ryan's boutonniere.

| My Favorite Wedding Photograph? |

2007-12-01T14:56:00.000-06:00

I get this question all of the time, but honestly, I can't answer it. There have been too many sweet couples, too many photographs, funny or emotional moments, to just name one photo!

But I do remember a few years ago, doing a large wedding with a bunch of groomsmen who wanted to do something odd, but they couldn't decide what. So they asked me if I had any ideas.

Ideas? Me? Really?

In the words of Michael Keaton in Night Shift 'See, Chuck, I'm an idea guy...'

| My Mentor |

2007-11-20T08:37:00.000-06:00

Every successful wedding photographer that I know has one thing in common... a mentor who helped them at some point in their careers. My mentor is the great Ron St. Angelo. Ron was the official photographer for the Dallas Cowboys for 25 years. I spent many a Sunday afternoon working on the sidelines with Ron honing my photography skills. Shooting at the speed of an NFL game is great preparation for the non-stop action of a wedding! Well, Ron has caused quite a buzz with his new book 'The Greatest Team Ever'. It chronicles in pictures the rise of the early nineties Cowboys who won 3 Super Bowls in 4 years.

I was extremely humbled to be the photographer Ron chose to capture and document his release launch at Texas Stadium.

Ron signs another book

The greatest book ever?

Ron, Daryl 'Moose' Johnston, and publisher David Dunham

Ron addresses the media

| Sean and Jennifer at Lantana Lodge |

2007-11-15T13:11:00.000-06:00

One of the places where I really enjoy shooting is Lantana Lodge, in Pilot Point. It's a really neat place that overlooks Lake Ray Roberts. It has a great gazebo, and while you're actually at the gazebo, you can flip a coin into the lake, it's so close.

I had the great pleasure of photographing Sean and Jennifer there. It was a lovely sundown wedding, as many of them are at Lantana Lodge. The sun sets right across the lake, making for a beautiful setting.

Sean looks ready to enjoy some of Lantana's killer bar-b-que

| Robby and Karen |

2007-11-12T20:49:00.000-06:00

Robby and Karen got married at the very beautiful Trammel Crow Art Center in downtown Dallas. It was a gorgeous day, if a little windy. But the wind is the friend of a true photojournalist, because it makes for fun opportunities. Once the party moved inside, it was a very plush affair.

| Todd and Sara |

2007-11-10T16:02:00.000-06:00

One of the things I really enjoy is

getting to know my clients while we are out having fun shooting engagement photographs.Todd and

Sara drove up from Dallas to do some contemporary urban shots. It was a blast, and I was very happy with the way they turned out.

Links

2007-05-10T11:30:00.001-05:00

Here are some links:

Weddings on PartyPOP.com:
Wedding Photography . Wedding Disc Jockey . Videographers . Limousine Service . Wedding Bands . Wedding Planners . Wedding Rentals . Caterers . Balloons . Chair Covers . Wedding Dresses . Wedding Flowers . Wedding Invitations . Tent Rentals .

Preferred vendor listed in the Sherman, Texas Photographers section of Decidio.com