There’s a time when a man needs to fight and a time when he needs to accept that his destiny is lost, the ship has sailed, and that only a fool will continue. The truth is, I’ve always been a fool.
Do you remember the movie Big Fish? It’s a Tim Burton film that came out in 2003 starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Matthew McGrory, Danny DeVito, and (oddly?) Miley Cyrus, to name a few. Dad is a wonderful storyteller and has very tall tales for his estranged son. Reconciliation and southern gothic fantasy are heavily featured. I’m pretty certain this film partially explains my love of daffodils.
The movie is filmed in Alabama, lots of small town spots. Some of my favorite scenes happen in the town of Spectre. They couldn’t find the right space so they built it. And parts of it are still standing. I’d never visited a film set before and jumped at the chance when I learned it was just outside of Montgomery. And it’s truly an experience I will always cherish.
If you were ever curious about what the inside looks like, not as glamorous as one would like. Served their purpose well for the movie, but not what you’d call move in ready. 🙂
Don’t go inside the buildings. Wouldn’t call them safe. The Mayor’s House is more fleshed out than the facades, but you’re better off on stable ground.
It’s a lovely little island in a lake that’s peaceful and relaxing. You can fish, camp, and walk around to your heart’s content. Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter are two of my favorite Hollywood talents. It was delightful wondering about the same spaces they worked in.
I adore how many people have brought their own shoes to leave in Spectre. The messages on the bottoms are wonderful. Lovely way to leave your mark on the space, just like the one it left on our hearts.
Want to visit yourself? Learn more at the Jackson Lake Island FB. But keep in mind, it’s over 15 years old and decaying. The downtown shops burned down a few years back. And Jenny’s house was lost in a flood. Make that trip sooner rather than later. It’s well worth the drive.
A man tells his stories so many times that he becomes the stories.
I love these two and their whole family. We hugged, we laughed, we cried. It’s true. And they’ve remained great online friends since the wedding. Their wedding was bursting with love and joy. It’s what you hope for with every wedding.
We started off with a summer engagement shoot in Maclay Gardens. We met very early in the morning and stuck to the shade as much as possible. Even with that, these two a smiling and looking fabulous while we were slowly being drenched in sweat.
I know – they’re the cutest. All dapper and in love. There’s more of this ahead as we look at their wedding. They styled it with rich peacock colors.
Know what’s extra special? When the groom designs the engagement ring. Good job, Mike! Bonus: the center stone is Alexandrite and shifts from green to pink depending on the light. It’s stunning!
Kirsten’s dress was covered in lace and looked like a pale pale green or grey depending on the light. I adore the deep pink ribbon with and sweet floral Manolo Blahnik shoes.
I just adore photos of the bride as she gets ready.
That is one happy momma!
Just a reminder of how stunning those shoes are…
Mike & Kirsten opted for a First Look. If you’ve been wondering what they are, it’s when a couple decides to see each other alone before the ceremony. They’re always beautiful, intimate, and filled with loads of emotions. As a bonus, you can go ahead and shoot many of your formal portraits so it’s easier (and faster) to move into the reception.
This little dude just wasn’t having it. No children were harmed in the making of this wedding photo.
Guys, it’s favor time – please make a large print of this and pull it out for her wedding one day. It’s a precious moment! And it will make future me cry.
My favorite parts of the ceremony? The couple each being walked down the aisle by their family and Kirsten’s minister father conducting the ceremony. Pssst…my dad is also a reverend and I hope one day he’ll do the same for me and my sister.
Pssst – their wedding food was so wonderful it was featured in an article in the Tallahassee Democrat!
Thanks to you and your family for inviting me along for your lovely wedding day! Best wishes for a happy future!
Venue: Lieto Fine Farm, Monticello, Florida
Bridal Gown: Theia Bridal
Bridal Heels: Manolo Blahnik
Bridal Boots: Ariat
Catering & Bartending: Truly Scrumptious, Thomasville, Georgia
Flowers: purchased from Costco and arranged by the bride and groom
Cake: Tupelo’s Bakery, Monticello, Florida
Engagement Ring: designed & created by Paul Vermylen III
Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel and within walking distance of Notre Dame. It was begun in 1238 and a stunning example Gothic architecture. My favorite part is the vast collection of 13th century stained glass. I stood in awe in this space for well over an hour. I cannot suggest it enough if you get the change to visit Paris!
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Once I finished my doctorate I decided to revisit Paris. I studied abroad there in 2000 when I was a wee lass and just beginning my college education. It was a wonderful time and Notre Dame was one of my favorite places to visit.
Big bada boom! I spent the 4th of July in Minneapolis. We went down to the river area (near the old Pillsbury factory/plant) to watch the fireworks and eat fried cheese curds. Can we please import fried cheese curds from the Midwest? I don’t know how the South hasn’t started frying these little white gold nuggets (we fry everything else though!).
I used this as a chance to break out my camera and play with some long exposures using a Neutral Density filter. Props to my Joby GorillaPod tripod! Thanks to it I was able to secure my camera to a very sturdy and stable iron fence.
The fireworks this year were also a tribute to Prince and included segments from 15 of his songs. For a special bonus, it was also very windy and a cool 76.
Hope you enjoyed your celebration! Happy birthday, America!