Marissa

Marissa is a beautiful young woman, and when she expressed her desire to recapture some of her wedding day images, I was thrilled. The wedding had been wonderful and all the images taken were fine. It was just that she wanted some special portraits of herself, for her memory of being a bride, and what that means.

Her Mother and Father were married at The Bishops Lodge in Santa Fe, many years before, and at the end of December, her wedding took place in the same rooms that her parents celebrated in. Marissa told me that her Grandmother tells a story of how special portraits of the bride used to be made in advance of the wedding day. It was the thing to do back then, honoring the bride in such a way. Now, most brides get their images taken just prior to the ceremony when things can be rushed and focus on the bride can be compromised.

So this lovely young bride dressed again in her gown, veil, and silver slippers met me at The Bishops Lodge on a cold and snowy "April"day. It was as if magically the grounds had been reversed to December, just for her. We went about selecting the right place and the right light, an interesting pose here and a whimsical pose there. All in all, Marissa's experience as a bride came into full circle, one moment at a time.

To view more of Marissa's wedding portrait shoot, please visit www.patricialeigh.smugmug.com and click on "Marissa".

Brian & Jessi

They met in Prague. Brian was from Boise and Jessi grew up in Albuquerque. Now they are planning their wedding day here in Santa Fe. They both want a casual, fun celebration and after we talked about it, I'm sure that's what it will be.

Can you imagine seven bridesmaids and seven grooms? I mean, the pictures are going to be incredible! And guess who plays the roles of flower girl and ring bearer? Burcak and Bogus...their two little Beagles!

My job? To candidly capture this wonderful day for Brian and Jessi, one moment at a time.

Keegan's Birthday

Keegan is six years old. He is my only grandchild. It was his birthday and I visited for the occasion. The first thing he said to me when I walked in the door was, "I'm six!" He's full of life and every moment is filled with something, some action, some reaction. When I visit, I watch him all the time, as it's an endless discovery of unfolding life.

On this visit, I thought a tent would be a great gift. Everyone could participate, even if it was just backyard camping. So after my little family put it all together, it stood there in all it's glory, just waiting for someone to enjoy it. Keegan was the first!

After dinner and darkness had settled in, we all brought blankets and more blankets to the tent and went about spending the night. I was fortunate enough to have an air mattress and fell asleep looking up at the stars, loving every minute. The usual giggling and threats of foul air filled the tent and I thought this is the best!

About 1:00 am my son, Brian, woke me up as he carried Keegan in the house. While I was sleeping the sleep of the extremely happy, they were freezing to death. Uh-Oh. So much for all those blankets!!

Anyway, it was a great visit. As I flew home, I thought about how much these three people mean to me. Their lives unfold; mine unfolds in a different place. But these little moments, one at a time, are stored up until me meet again.

In the Stillness

David & Sonya

David emailed me after he read my ad. He and Sonya are getting married in July. WOW! I was excited because he and Sonya would be my first wedding clients, brave souls that they are. So I invited them to my studio to discuss their vision of their special day.

The wedding will be held at the Santa Cruz Church and reception follows at Hyde State Park. Both David and Sonya seem to have it completely under control. David is a Computer Scientist and Sonya is a Teacher, so they are probably used to being well-organized.

Knowing each others strengths, they take turn-about talking of plans and ideas, colors and images, catering and flowers. Sonya smiles with satisfaction as she talks of her wedding gown, how she found it, what it means to her and David follows with positive comments and a description of what he will wear. They laugh together often and give each other space to speak. They are easy with one another...

July is still a few months away and there are plans to complete and details to attend to. For David and Sonya, these months will be something of a dream to remember fondly. And on July 26th, I will be there to tell their story in images, one moment at a time.

To see more of David & Sonya, please visit www.patricialeigh.smugmug.com and click on the David and Sonya gallery.