Mike + Lynn = 35 years

Not many people these days would be speaking the truth if they said they loved their in-laws. It is a sad to say. I for one am definately speaking the utmost truth when I say I love my inlaws to death. They are fantastic people to be around, wonderful grandparents to my children and love Jesus with all their hearts.

Comming up this Aug 26th they will be celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary!!! What an amazing place to come in your life. I truly can't wait for that day to come in my life with my wonderful bride (although I'm not in a hurry!).

We had the awesome opportunity to fly out and spend a week with my wife's parents about three weeks ago on the 4th of July. They live in the town of Cypress, Texas just outside of Houston. We had a wonderful week with them. Most of the time was spent indoors due to "Mild" humitity (I'm being sarcastic...it was like Africa there!!). You know...lazy days...we didn't get out of our PJ's until noon on most days...just sitting around visiting with one another. You really cannot replace times like that! We did take a drive one evening and saw some some beautiful country.

Well, since we knew we wouldn't be there for their anniversary, my wife and I thought it would be a great idea to pop a surprise anniversary photo session on the them! Let me tell you...as their son-in law it was such a pleasure getting to know a different side of the ones that had so much influence in my wife's life. They completely burst out and came alive in front of the camera. It really was one of the funnest photo session I've had. The were like young kids in love all over again.

Below is a slideshow we put together of their anniversary photo session! Enjoy.

Bustin' out the Guns...Canon's that is!

I absolutely forgot to post this image of Julie Weaver's photography crew from yesterdays post. Of course its minus me because I'm shooting the picture. Seems like the story of my life...always behind the camera...never in front. Probably a good thing! :)

So these are the spectacular photographers I had the privelage of working with this past Friday. From the left we have Julie Weaver (whom we all came to assist), Matthew Lim, and Marie Bunke. (You can catch links to their sites on the previous post below).

Of course the other great thing about this picture is the gear! They all shoot Canon, and how cool is it that they all have their 70-200mm lenses mounted (very noticable by the lovely off-white color)! This is a must have lens for any wedding professional.

Thanks again you all for one of the best weddings yet!

Damion.

Carrie & Chris- Mission Inn

This past Friday I had the honor of assisting the amazing Julie Weaver with a wedding at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, CA. I assisted along side the gifted Matthew Lim, and the talented Marie Bunke. This was my first time shooting with this group of photographers and let me tell you...they all are really amazing at what they do and better yet, are all really wonderful people to work along side.

Carrie and Chris were both incredibly warm and welcoming to us all and both were absolute romantics in front of the camera. I really had such a great time with the two of them and their family and friends.

Below are a few of my favorite photographs taken along side the other 3 great shooters!

A big thank you to Julie Weaver for giving me the opportunity to assist her, and another thank you to Matt & Marie for making it so much fun!! You were both so great to be around.

What would you do?

I'm curious about this idea. What would you do if you knew you wouldn't fail? Would you compete in a triathalon, try out for American Idol, make a major career switch, move to another state? There are so many things that we have in our hearts, but fear of failure sometimes keeps us from moving forward to reach those dreams. We would love to hear what's in your heart and mind if you have a minute to post a comment about your biggest dream! Also, what are some small steps you could take to start moving you towards that dream?

For me, Julie, if I knew I wouldn't fail, my dream would be start a foundation where the wealth that America has and would love to donate to a charitable cause :) would be distributed to children throughout the world who needs sheets, clothes, food, or an education. If you go to our website and click on the drum on the home page, you will see why...photos from our most recent trip to Africa. We are so lucky to belong to an organization that cares for the needy of the world. Just a couple of weeks ago, our team helped deliver over 2,000 pounds of food to the starving people of Zimbabwe. The pictures and stories from that trip were amazing and moved our hearts over and over.

Please share you dream with us. We would love to hear it!!

Ok, guess I have to post a photo too :)

Here is one of my favorite pictures from our visit with Grammy and Poppa last week in Texas...Miranda and Poppa fishin on a lazy Saturday morning :) There are more pictures to come soon!

Happy 40th to the Bruggers!

Sincerest of congratulations to Leonard and Louise for accomplishing such a beautiful feat of endurance and strength...40 years of marriage :) As you can see, this shoot, featuring five of their beautiful grandkids was quite an adventure. What else do you do with boys but let them swing, climb, and roll around in the grass? It was great fun for us and I hope they had a great time too :)

Thank you to Leonard and Louise for your example of marriage, your encouragement and prayers-always brought in the perfect moment! Many blessings to you and your family! By the way, can we shoot your 50th too? :)