Music to my Eyes

In the winter of 2006, The GooGoo Dolls rocked Halifax. The show was amazing, leaving my heart pounding, my ears ringing, and my shutter finger itchy. The variable lighting, the air of excitement, and the insatiable need to get just a little bit closer all combined to give me the challenge of capturing that perfect moment, without the stress that comes with knowing someone is waiting on the other end to see what I was able to come up with.

No, indeed, my concert pics are all for me.

Daughtry opened for Nickelback on Citadel Hill on the Canada Day weekend in 2007. I had seen Nickelback a few times already, so Chris was the lead act for me!

Three weeks later, we took a road trip that culminated in Charlottetown, PEI, in the middle of a muddy field, surrounded by thousands of rain-soaked rock fans, and about 100 feet from Steve Tyler and Aerosmith.

Labour Day weekend of the same year saw me satisfying my inner country girl with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on Magnetic Hill in Moncton.

But my personal favorite thus far came just this year, back on Magnetic Hill on June 27, when Bon Jovi blew us all out of the water with two straight hours celebrating his 27 years in the music business.

There are all kinds of crazy concerts going on this summer in Atlantic Canada. This very weekend will see Sir Paul McCartney performing his only North American tour date right here in our beautiful city. Seven days later, Gene Simmons and the legendary Kiss take their spot on our stage. August will see Our Lady Peace, Chickenfoot, Finger 11, and others in front of my lens. Daughtry has been to PEI, and ACDC will touch base in Moncton. I unfortunately won't get to see most of them. My Saturdays are filled with weddings and vacation visits. But you can rest assured, I'll be sharpening my elbows and fighting my way into viewing distance for at least one more this year, and anyone reading will get to share my front row seat!

Amanda: Graduation

June 25 found me back in Cape Breton to witness a moment of family triumph. My sister, the youngest of the three of us, graduated high school. I was absolutely in love with her prom dress, and her date, D.J., whom I had not previously met, was Prince Charming through and through.

 

The poor girl's cheeks must have been sore from smiling for so many cameras. But we did get this priceless number out of her when she was reminded that she'd never EVER have to step foot in a classroom if she didn't choose to again.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Congratulations, Amanda! And to all of the graduating class of 2009, the world is in YOUR hands. Change it.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Karen and James met online.
There were no online dating services, no impersonal chat rooms.
There was no need.

Karen and James are gamers, and their game of choice runs parallel with my own: World of Warcraft. Their first face to face meeting, in fact, was in the line up at FutureShop to purchase the lastest expansion pack in November of 2008.
Less than a year later, on June 20, 2009, Karen and James became Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Look at the look on her face!!!

He's not exactly upset about the whole thing either I don't think. :P

I love love LOVE this...

And this one gets a few votes too.

All the best to Karen and James for many MANY years of happiness together.

In the meantime, it's raid time: I'm out

Tattoo

During my adventures with Lamar and Ashley, it came up that Lamar is a tattoo artist on the side. In a well-timed coincidence, my husband was on the market for a new tattoo. We got together on Wednesday night and hubby surrendered his forearm for the advancement of art. :)

Poor Jazzy the dog thought the whole process was just a little exhausting.

But the final product was well worth it!!!

Ashley & Lamar: Reception

Ashley and Lamar got married in April in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I was unable to join them, however, they invited me to shoot their wedding reception once they were back home, and of course, have a little fun beforehand.

Allow me this brief moment of unprofessionalism to say...

um... HOTTIES MUCH?!!!!

and sooooo in love!

Then we got to the reception where I found out just where they get their super-hottieness.

and that their friends and family are just as much fun as they are!

We have also unofficially determined that we will be starting every wedding season with a shoot with these two lovelies. I have it in writing... if a Facebook wall message counts. Either way, I think this last one about sums up how I feel about that!