Christine and Mark’s November Wedding

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Some people fear the idea of getting married during the winter months. This was not the case for Christine and Mark. Sure, it may have been a little brisk, but they were bathed by love and the warm sun. Their wedding had it all: gorgeous people, romantic settings, elegant details and even a puppy!

As mentioned in a previous post, 2013 was a very busy year. This is the first post in a series of weddings that we photographed. If you find yourself wanting more than what this collection can offer you, please visit http://www.amcgregorphotography.com. I hope you enjoy!

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The Magical Cookie Snatchers

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The Cookie SnatchersVery few things compare to the magic of Santa Claus. It is really beautiful to envision a miniature sleigh being pulled by a team of flying reindeer. Throw in a little moonlight off glistening snow for good measure and you are on your way to sheer fantasyland. Reading “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore to my two-year old son has awakened some of those childhood memories. The poem weaves a wonderful tale composed of rich language and wonderful metaphors. All of the elements contribute to this classical piece and inspire us even today, 190 years after it was penned.  Of course, the “fantasyland” I am referring to is only a figure of speech for the purpose of this letter. Let it be known, and rest assured, that there are a ton of examples that Santa Claus does exist and is very real. Never doubt that!!!

In keeping with a classic tradition, my wife Heather and I brainstormed ideas for a Christmas photo of our son, Emmett and mastiff, Ruben. We knew we wanted to create a timeless image so we fused a little bit of Norman Rockwell with some Clement Clark Moore. The props and set design were drawn up and the scenario of a child eating a cookie beside his loving companion was conceived. Overhead lighting and a warm glowing tree in the background was a requisite for the illumination. Now we were ready to take a photo that required the collaboration between two of the most uncooperative and unpredictable subjects – a young toddler and a hungry dog.

Heather and I really wanted something reminiscent of an innocent, yet naughty little boy sneaking a bit of Santa’s cookies. We also thought that our obedient mastiff, Ruben would try to sniff the plate of cookies that were placed right in front of him. The scenario that was inside our minds never played out since Ruben actually went for the cookie that Emmett was eating! Happy accidents are one of the joys of photography. I have included a few of the images that were from this session and a few other  images from clients. I hope you and yours have a Very Magical Holiday.

http://www.amcgregorphotography.com

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the Ageless Dog

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Sukiatten I often wished I had the life of a dog. Without a worry in the world, it amazes me how fast they go to sleep. Boredom can be held off by chewing on a piece of rawhide, a stuffy or another simple toy. The highlight of the day involves a walk around the neighborhood or a ride in the car. Naturally, this all depends on being owned by a loving human. The most admirable characteristic is the ability to age gracefully. You will never hear a dog complain about their stiff joints, graying hair or various ailments. Even though their bodies age, their minds retain a whole lot of little puppiness.

My wife and I grew up with dogs in our homes. My first dog was a black Lab and hers was a Siberian Husky. Each of these dogs was very different. Her dog was like a racecar that never ran out of fuel and mine was a potato chip that never ran. After we got married, our first co-owned dogImage was a mastiff we named Persephone’s Celestial Suki. Suki was our first show dog. We caught the show bug and I handled her in a number of dog shows in our area. Needless to say, we could never win the three majors needed to attain the coveted Champion title in front of her name. I couldn’t believe it. This dog was the ambassador of the breed and very typey. She had a level topline, a wonderful head and expression and it all continued down to her compact feet needed to support her massive frame. Every time we left the ring a loser, I felt bummed out and would look down at her and see her bright, shining eyes and wagging tail. If she could have only talked, she surely would have said, “Can we do that again!”

As we soon discovered, she was not the beauty pageant type. No, this girl was into using her mind. She excelled in the Obedience ring and cruised through a Rally title. But that is for another story.

Our wonderful mastiff puppy crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 10 1/2 on March 6, 2013. Everything that she accomplished in her life, she did not boast or brag about it. Every failure that we encountered in conformation together was seen by her as a dance in ring. Every grey hair that appeared on her face was a symbol of wisdom and not incompetence. Even on her last day when she could no longer stand, her tail continued to wag. I can only hope to live the rest of my life retaining a whole lot of little puppiness.