Amy and Derek are Married
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008It’s hard to believe Amy and Derek were married just over a month ago because so much has happened in that time. Obviously a lot has happened as I am just now getting around to posting images from this fantastic wedding for two truly amazing people (But that’s different matter altogether).
We met Amy and Derek back in the winter when they booked us to shoot their wedding. It immediately felt like we had known them for years. Turns out we know many of the same people, so I guess we did know them better than we would have originally thought.
From their engagement shoot, to Amy’s bridal portraits, these two have been nothing short of amazing.
These two got married at the new Thomas Road Baptist Church, which is connect to Liberty University. I make this point because I was going to take the guys down to the indoor track to get some fun pictures, but it was in use by a bunch of military guys. Not interested in interrupting soldiers eating, we went looking for other suitable fun locations.
As we were walking around the campus, Amy’s dad came across this staircase and proceeded to make some comment about how he would be going up the stairs and we could all wait for him. Cue the Sad Trombone.
I was able to talk the guys into taking a few shots at the indoor playground called Kid’s Cove. Gotta love using your surroundings to your advantage. If you could smell this scene, you would probably stop reading right now. (lots of little kids running around with smelly feet!)
Okay, you came for pictures. Enjoy some from the day…
This is all I could get out of this guy all day. I have a ton of photos of him and every one he is giving this expression. He’s like “Blue Steel”!
The ceremony was officiated by Ergun Caner.
I have no idea what I said to him, but he looks like he’s about to take my camera from me.
…And some details
Amy’s brother wrote a song and performed it for everyone at the reception. Funny stuff.
Amy and Bonnie getting ready for…
WHITE MAN OVERBITE!
From their private session…
This is a very “Derek” expression.
And literally, my last shot from the evening.
Amy and Derek, I had a great time getting to know the two of you and we hope we have the opportunity to spend more time with you guys in the future. Congratulations!
View the rest on Flickr!
Melanie & Ken…love for a lifetime
Saturday, June 21st, 2008It’s funny how small this world is sometimes. Maybe it’s just Lynchburg, but it seems like everyone we meet to do photography for is somehow connected to someone else in our lives. It’s one of the coolest things about doing what we do. For instance, Melanie and Ken walked through our door and immediately Kelly recognized Ken as a former coworker when she used to teach at a local middle school. Then Melanie and Ken let us know that we were photographing a second cousin of theirs this weekend. Small world!
It’s obvious these two have had an impact on many people in our community judging by how many people came out to see their lives come together. The rows were packed with family and friends alike. The ceremony and reception both took place at the beautiful Heritage United Methodist church. I think the lighting was just about perfect in the sanctuary.
Melanie and Ken, we wish you all the best in your marriage. Congratulations! Enjoy some images from the days festivities…
The getaway car was a Hudson Hornet. Just like “Doc Hudson” from “Cars”. RAD! Anyway, I highly recommend getting a hold of a classic car for your wedding. It makes for great images and you’ll never forget it. It’s totally worth it!
Natalie and Trace
Friday, June 20th, 2008I got a call from a former co-worker (a lifetime ago I was a teacher). Her son was in town for a few days with his fiance and they wanted engagement pictures. Kellan Studios to the rescue. Both Natalie and Trace are in the military are were getting ready to ship off in separate directions on different continents. You can only imagine the urgency to get a session on the calendar stat!
They decided they wanted to head downtown for a more rustic setting. It was a beautiful day out and both Natalie and Trace brought a lot of energy and love to the shoot. Ryan found some great colorful backgrounds that always make a picture pop!
Congratulations guys! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of capturing your wonderful relationship and romance.
Natalie has some amazing white teeth!
Our turn to shine…SUPERSTAR!!!
Thursday, June 12th, 2008The good and bad thing about being a photographer is that you have tons of pictures. We have more pictures than we know what to do with both personally and professionally.
We have actually started to leave the camera home more because we NEVER get around to printing for ourselves. So although life’s greatest events are fully documented, they just never seem to make it into frames or albums. They sit on one of hardrives taking up space and making us feel guilty. He we have two kids under 18 months…we have a slightly busy schedule right now.
The other bummer is you tend to only be on one side of the lens. In order for us to have an opportunity for family pictures we have to beg, borrow and trade with some of our talented photog friends.
The lovely and very talented, Amy Martin, out of Charlotte, NC was breezing through our town a few weeks ago and squeezed us in. We couldn’t be happier. It is no easy task to get an 18 month old to cooperate let alone give good faces.
The pictures came out better than I hoped because they really did just capture our family being completely candid. Our daughter, Chloe, pretty much did her own thing in every photo and gets a solid C- on cooperation. Amy took it all in stride and with a laugh. You are a patient woman Amy. We look forward to snapping some snazzy pics of you and Jarod next time you are in town…..you are one hot couple.
Enjoy some of our favorite moments hanging around our house.
The one shot where we are all looking at the camera and Chloe is smiling.
Somebody started to be a camera hog. I swear Chloe is one of the funniest people I know.
Chloe is showing off her “little hippo teeth”. They are so round and cute and that gap cracks me up.
Four sets of dirty piggies. I love Bennett’s little tiny feet off to the left. Ryan looks like his head was sprinkled with the magic dust in Beetle Juice that shrinks heads.
We then moved the party outside.
Our sugary sweet little Bennett. I love this baby…he is the coolest.
Chloe’s favorite yard activity…blowing dandelions.
another attempt at a family picture.
Now it is time for Ryan and I to ham it up for the camera. In case you didn’t know, we have a minor height discrepancy between us….just a mere 16 inches. It is great in a crowd, I always know what is going on ahead!
and one more serious one.
Wendy’s a Good Thief!
Sunday, June 1st, 2008Back when I worked at Best Buy in college, we had some Nintendo Gameboys stolen. In the retail world this is not necessarily an odd thing. What is odd is the way we got them back: Dustin Ward.
As I enter the building for work one day, one of my managers says, “I came into work this morning and there was a shoe box at the front door with a Gameboy and games in it with a note that says that the person was sorry!”.
Come to find out, Dustin (who worked for me) had overheard a guy in his high school bragging how he had stolen this Gameboy and games from Best Buy. Dustin, being a man of action, approached the culprit and told him that he had better take the Gameboy back or he’d have to deal with Dustin.
Jump ahead what seems like an eternity and Dustin’s theft deterrent skills have worn off. Wendy has gone and stolen his heart and he’s perfectly happy with it. I worked with him for four years and never saw him as happy and content as he is with Wendy. They just fit.
Dustin and Wendy, we wish you guys nothing but the best for your future! Joe and I had a blast spending the day with you and all your rowdy friends!
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About Kellan Studios
Kellan Studios is the husband and wife team of Ryan and Kelly Portnoy. We are located in Lynchburg, Virginia and are available for weddings, family & senior portraits, as well as being available for travel.
Check out our portfolio at kellanstudios.net