Welcome to Mike's Tangents...

Hello there! Welcome to my blog. This online journal covers both professional and personal notes, thoughts, aspirations, questions, and whatever else is going on inside my head and heart, and is intended for you to get to know me just a bit more. Please enjoy, & be sure to visit my website for more info. Thanks for swinging by, & enjoy the tangents...

7.25.2008

The Beautiful Wedding of Andy & Ashley!

Okay one of my all time favorite weddings, Andy & Ashley were an absolute blast to photograph. These two have such a beautiful love for each other! Both my wife and I were deeply touched just by watching them interact and am so honored to have been a part of their special day. I met Ashley and her family last year at Spirit West Coast here in Monterey, and looked forward for almost a year to shoot their wedding. They've known each other since high school, and what a love story to behold...
The handsome groom...All of the fun was held at the beautiful and dignified Sesnon House in Aptos. Two hours before this shot there was an incredible Lightning and Thunderstorm that was simply wicked, dark, and wet...only to unveil an incredibly beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine. Note the cool white clouds to add depth. It's amazing how the Lord hears our prayers! I think more than a few people were praying for sure...

Behold the gown...simple and elegant, yet made gorgeous by Ashley. And speaking of Ashley...here she is ~ The stunning bride.

More stunningness... :)

A fun shot! The parents actually got vinyl stickers to customize the steps and grounds. Looked great!I so love shooting the "First Look" hours before the actual ceremony because it provides an environment where both the bride and groom can take time to reflect, get away from distractions and appreciate just the two of them, enjoy each other, and soak it up ! Here's Ashley coming from behind to present herself to her groom...Heart warming emotions included happiness, JOY!, excitement, fulfillment, bliss, & so much more that words just simply cannot describe. Yep, it's true...a picture is worth a thousand words! One of my ultimate favorite images of all time. This my friend, is what LOVE is about. My wife had to turn around behind me because this moment was sooo special and real, and almost made her cry. Ashley is overwhelmed with the joy of the moment, and Andy cannot believe his eyes! "Yes Andy, this is your bride." :) A special embrace...this is your moment.Coolness defined, and a moment cherished. Here she comes!!!!!!!Authentic. Genuine. Passionate. Real. CONGRATULATIONS!A quick night shot during the reception...And a glimpse into the night's events.

Andy and Ashley, thank you again so very much for the opportunity to share in your special day. It was a true honor, and you are awesome clients and friends. May God bless your marriage with a lifetime of joy and love!

9 comments:

maureen morris said...

hey mikey! what a great bedtime story, complete with gorgeous pics. You are a wonderful photographer, with such talent and literary prose to boot. Thanks for putting your heart and soul into your work. May God bless you richly, on a daily basis! Maureen Morris and family (Mama Mo)

Dawn said...

love the pictures, mike! nice job - and looks like it was a gorgeous wedding...

Shy said...

Wonderful location, beautiful bride, stunning pictures, great photographer

Elizabeth and Frank said...

Great couple, great venue, great images - you hit the trifecta. You captured the beauty and elegance of this event!

Congratulations

mike steelman said...

wow, thanks for the kind comments! You guys rock.

Deanna Quinton Larson said...

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! Absolutely stunning.

Alex Rodriguez said...

Sweet shots bro that venue looks awesome.

Jennifer said...

I want to go back in time and have you shoot our wedding. Your work is simply stunning! (and I'm totally jealous of your couples and their albums)

What kind of lens are you using on the shot of the petals on the aisle? Love the depth of field.

mike steelman said...

Funny thing is, that picture with the petals was taken at F/11 with a 17mm! Thanks for the comments everyone! Keep 'em coming...