We guest blog for: Truly Engaging!

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on August 4, 2008
in Articles and Engagements
. 17 Comments

What awesomeness! Recently we were contacted by Heidi of Truly Engaging, a fun resource blog for brides which hopes to engage their readers into conversation and to inspire ideas for weddings. We were completely taken aback when she asked us to write an article for her blog! This was the first time we’d been asked to do something like this and were jumping up and down with excitement at the opportunity. Cat and I both minored in Creative Writing when we were in college so we love any opportunity to write (which is why we write such long blog entries, in fact, Cat usually has to cut mine in half because I go on and on and on, :-D).

Aaaanyways she wanted us to write about couples getting married at famous monuments and we loved the idea. We also took it a step further and added a part about getting married at monuments to love (cheesy right? :-D). We even featured one of our favorite engagement sessions of Brandon and Meghan where I got to take pictures of the actual proposal!! Here is an excerpt:

“…Every couple wants their love story to be recorded in picturesque Hollywood romance style with recognizable locales. They want a place that carries a historic or visual significance as momentous as this moment in their life…”

To read the full article and to check out Truly Engaging’s truly engaging blog go here:

http://www.trulyengaging.com/cathy-and-david-photographers-guest-bloggers/

Thanks so much for reading!!! -David.

Amusement of the Moment.

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on August 3, 2008
in Misc.
. 5 Comments

It’s been a long time since I posted one of these, but now I’ve got a good reason to post one!! :-D Cat and I are dealing with being angry at one of our cars and it’s … bad … transmission. Thankfully our other car is running perfectly but after hitting a bump my Buick cries when gassed and then starts jumping violently when shifting… I should find out tomorrow the reason for the new issues (as it’s never given me a single problem before, I love this car, and thought it to be completely invulnerable, seriously, true story, I got rear-ended at like 30mph or so, full speed by a Honda, which it totalled and put only a little tiny crack in my bumper, no joke!). Anyways, Cat and I became hideously addicted to this stupid show called Dr. Horrible, by Joss Whedon (who wrote Buffy, Angel, Firefly, all of which I’m also hideously addicted to.) 

Long story short, if I leave Cat for like 5 minutes to … i dunno … get a pop or something … i suddenly hear her favorite song from the super-hero musical ‘laundry day’ blasting through the house. It makes her happy, and her being happy, makes me stop concerning myself with the Buick. :)

So without further ado. Here is “Laundry Day” you can see the rest of this hour and half long show at www.drhorrible.com, which I would say is PG-13 (or what I like to call, PG-13a, or PG-13 for adults, like… the movie, The Dark Knight, not really an R-rated movie but not something I’d take a 13 year old to).

 

Article: The Ceremony of the Box

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on July 30, 2008
in Articles and Misc.
. 5 Comments

Recently we got our regular newsletter from the Wine Guy. If you know Cat and I you know how much we love wine and the history behind it. Cat and I took wine appreciation class in college and have been in love with it ever sense. Anyways, every so often comes a wonderful little article. Of course most of those never apply to weddings much but we thought this one did for sure and just loved the idea of it (and it made my Mom cry on the phone when I told her about it, LOL!). 

So enjoy the read and if you’re ever in Zionsville be sure to check out the Wine Guy at Grapevine Cottage! Thanks so much to Doug Pendleton for letting us post this article from his newsletter. :)

 

A Bottle’s Highest Calling - by Paul Johnson

This past weekend I attended the wedding of a former employee from my Daddy Jack’s days (she actually still pulls an occasional hostess shift). The ceremony was held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis, a grand setting for any special event. It was pretty much the standard Protestant we-are-gathered-here-etc. ritual straight from the book until the minister injected an intriguing new twist.

After the exchange of vows and the lighting of the Unity candle, the program listed a “Ceremony of the Wooden Box.” The officiant called the attention of the guests to a wooden box, perhaps a foot or so square and six inches deep, displayed in front of the altar. He explained that he had asked the bride and groom to place in the box a bottle of wine and two glasses.

Then he asked the couple if they had followed his instructions and written their letters, also to be placed in the box. They said that they had and he explained that he had asked each of them to write a letter to the other expressing their thoughts and feelings and all the things they loved about the person they were going to marry. He asked them even to think back to the moment when each of them first realized that they had fallen in love.

They were then to place their letters in the box without letting their spouse-to-be see them. He went on to acknowledge that all unions encounter difficulties over the years and called upon the couple to do the following: If you come to a point where you feel you’re in danger of not being able to save your marriage, you are to stop, bring out the box, open it together, drink the bottle of wine, and then go off separately to read the letter written to you by your partner on the eve of your wedding.

In short, drink a bottle together before you pack your bags or call your lawyer.

There was a palpable energy that passed through the audience as we realized the subtle genius of this idea. A young woman behind me whose wedding is to take place in October said gleefully, “Oh, I am SO stealing this!”

It was only after the couple had agreed to this instruction that he pronounced them husband and wife, and invited them to drink the bottle — if they were lucky enough to still have it — on their tenth anniversary.

Sometimes one encounters ideas that deserve to become traditions….

Thanks for reading -David.

Weekend Trip: Chicago

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on July 29, 2008
in Weekends
. 9 Comments

Last weekend Cathy had to go to Chicago and so, more than happily, I tagged along to enjoy myself in the windy city while she tended to some business. When I was younger I lived in Joliet for a while, and a lot of my family is native to Chicago, so this was like a much needed homecoming. It is by far my favorite city. Unfortunately my Brother and Sister-in-law were out of town for the weekend, we had hoped to maybe catch them, but either way Cat and I had a great time. We went to Michigan Ave, I went to Shedd Aquarium, and we both headed over to Chinatown for some much needed ethnic and cultural stimulation. Being paranoid that some crazy person was going to snatch our D-SLR’s, we didn’t take that many photos while we were there and took a much needed vacation from being behind the lens. Regardless, we still look a lot of photos, lol, so here are some of our favorites. :

I just plain love this photo. :)

While in Chicago we stayed at the Hilton, O’Hare. Quite honestly, we will probably never stay at this hotel again. Don’t get me wrong the service was wonderful and all but everything was outrageously expensive. We’re talking $3.75 for pop from the vending machine, $25/day for wifi (that should be free), $4.85 for OJ in the morning with your $21.99 buffet breakfast, $45/day for parking. I hold true to the idea that Rosemont is by far the best deal and best place to stay in Chicago (especially if you’re flying). Free parking, close to the metro, free wifi, and free breakfast. I’ll never stay anywhere else again. Despite all that we did have a killer view overlooking the airport every morning. :)

If you know Cat and I, we practically live on 4th street (metaphorically, actually we live across town), here in Bloomington which is ethnic food central. We go there for Ethiopian, Burmese, Thai, Moroccan, and anything else available. Chinatown was like Disneyland for us. The smells, the people, the questionably inexpensive Gucci wallets and Coach purses, the numerous shops filled with nothing but ginseng, odd sweets, and baby turtles. 

We went to the smallest hole in the wall restaurant we could find with the least amount of touristy people and got some of the best food EVER. Fried squid tentacles (best I have ever had! MMMM!!!!!!), something like General Chicken with mayo on it (gross sounding I know but it was good, trust me), an enormous bowl of Hot and Sour. AWESOMENESS. I can’t remember nor pronounce the restaurant’s name though! :-D

How cool is Chinatown with the Sears Tower in the background?

The ‘Original’ Tin Man, dancing on Michigan Ave.

The Komodo Dragon exhibit at Shedd Aquarium. He was all by himself. :(

I missed the sound of the Metro. :)

Lake Michigan made me feel like I was at the ocean. Ahhh… I sat on the rock wall by Shedd for an hour, just listening and remembered what my Dad said when we were in Quebec, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Anyways, Cat and I had a fabulous time while we were up there and hope to go back again. If you are up there be sure to check out the restaurant Chez Colette, in Rosemont and to get their Raspberry Soufflé, it’s TO DIE FOR. As well I checked out Elephant and Castle for the first time and it was seriously good food!

On the day before we had to go, I walked up to Rush and Oak where currently sits a piano bar called Jili’s (if I recall), and stared at it for a long time. You see, back in the 20’s my great grandfather owned a french restaurant there called Julien’s. I’ve never walked up there to look at it before. After getting some directions from my Dad on the phone, I finally found it and sat and thought about what it meant to me, and tried to imagine what it might have looked like.

Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart, no matter what other places I find myself traveling to. The crazy traffic relaxes me somehow, the sound of the water takes me to another place, the wind smells of all kinds of wonderful and glorious food from all kinds of people from around the world, the shops excite me, the museums inspire me, and throughout the bustling chaos and noise, there’s a little piece, that my family used to call home.

Thanks for reading. :) -David.

Featured!: Jane and Levi

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on July 28, 2008
in Misc.
. 2 Comments

We put a little update on the blog post for Jane and Levi’s wedding but wanted to show some much deserved blog love to one of our fav bloggers, the Fairmount Bride! She was nice enough to feature our wedding of Jane and Levi and we couldn’t be happier!! Here’s to many more features in the future!

Check it out: http://thefairmountbride.typepad.com/the_fairmount_bride/2008/07/aloha.html

On a side note… we just want to say thanks again so much for the support and sweet comments we get from Elizabeth Anne, The Fairmount Bride, Truly Engaging and Southern Weddings, as well as all of the other vendors and photographers we’ve had the joy to make friends with. We just get so overwhelmed that we don’t have time to give all the thanks you guys deserve! So thanks again! We love you guys!!! :-D

 

Posts coming soon:

-Weekend: Chicago Trip

-Our Anniversary: May 26, 2008 (lol. A bit behind aren’t we? :-D)

-Three weddings in August!! :-D

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on July 28, 2008
in Misc.
. 1 Comment

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Our friends over at Elizabeth Anne Designs, one of our favorite blogs, just updated their Library! Of course we had to post about it! :-D They’ve got this awesome resource for people to go and look for some of their favorite vendors. We’re so excited to be included on the list!!! So be sure to check it out! Elizabeth Anne Designs does not take payment of any kind for the people they list in their library. They’re on there because they love them! Which makes us feel even more special!!! :-D

Also, you can submit reviews about your favorite vendors too!! So if we’ve shot your wedding or engagement session we’d love it if you dropped them a little note about us! :) Be sure to look for other vendors you’ve worked with and submit reviews about them too! 

Also! We’re trying to build up our list of local vendors, so we’d love it if you know of some great people you’ve worked with, to leave a comment and let us know about them and if we like what they do we’ll try and do a post about local vendors! :)

Either way be sure to check out their blog too! It’s got some great ideas in it!!!! We love EAD!!! :)

We’d love your vote! :)

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on July 24, 2008
in Misc.
. 4 Comments

Recently we got nominated for Best Photographer! :) We’ve already had a lot of votes and some super-dooper sweet comments left about us! Some were even by other photographers we know. That’s so awesome! Anyways, we’d love it if you went and voted for us for best photographer. If you already have, THANKS! :-D Also while you’re on there be sure to go and vote in the other categories! Our friend, Debi, at Cater-it-simple is up for the vote too! :-D Congrats!

Anyways, here’s the link to vote for us! Just click the A-List icon! :)

Best of TheIndyChannel.com A-List Nominated: Best Photographer in Indianapolis
   

 

Out of the office + PUG + Charlie.

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on July 20, 2008
in Misc.
. 10 Comments

First things first. We’ll be in Chicago today until Wednesday night so if you’re one of our amazing couples and need to get ahold of us for any reason just dial us on my cell at 812-361-9900. You can also call me there if you are interested in booking us for your date. :) I will also be receiving emails but it might just take a little longer than usual for me to get back to you! :) Thanks for your patience!

Next! I (David) will write the first half of this entry and Cat will be writing the second half! :)

Entry Part 1: PUG (Pictage User Group) Meeting in Indianapolis!-

I headed up to Indy to meet with some photofriends of ours, to hang out, talk shop, goof off, and all around have a good time. Our normal fearless leader Mr. Swan, was unavailable, so the amazing Chad Franz of Eclipse Photography took the reins! We found out about some cool new things Pictage has to offer and more importantly got to see photographer friends in Indiana. :) I love going to these things. I also got to meet our new friend Nicole who drove from Evansville as well as Amanda and Brenda who we love emailing with! :) A fun time was had by all so here are some pictures of the fun..ness… yes… funness… :)

Chad explaining how the world began…least that’s what this looks like. :-D

Amanda! :-D

Nicole! :-D

I love watching other people chimp (checking their pictures).

Chad talking Lightroom with Kiera. :)

What do you mean photographers like iPhones?? Never new that…

I love my new baby. :-D Eat your heart out Mark and Candice. LOL!

Anyways, we love hanging out and talking shop with other photographers. I think I’d go crazy if I didn’t have other peers to chat it up with on something I love. We love getting to know new ones so leave a comment and let us know about you!!! :-D   -D.

Entry Part 2: Charlotte-Anne and David get snapped

When we first moved here to B-town, we made the huge mistake of letting Charlie Anne wander outside a little (she’s a strictly inside cat), and now she’s obsessed. Every day she spends a good portion of her time sitting at the front door meowing or batting the keys on the key-hanger above the couch. So, occasionally we must give in to her endless begging and take her outside for kitty-sized adventure :) 

 

Time for a kitty piggy backed ride :)

Charlie’s idea of a “thank you”  :)

 

Had to post this one—-is my baby HOT or what?!

 

So, now we’re off to Chicago (yes, we’re literally leaving right after I click “PUBLISH POST”) so hopefully we’ll have some cool pics to post once we get back!  :)  -C.

Thanks for reading,
Cathy and David

[J+L] Jane and Levi: Married!

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on July 15, 2008
in Couples, Destination Weddings and Weddings
. 13 Comments

July 11th, 2008 - Dayton, Ohio.

When Jane first contacted us, she was highly impressed that I recognized her email address as a Japanese anime character (yes, yes I’m an anime-freak:) ). Suffice it to say I was happy as well that she liked our photography too! :-D Jane and Levi were planning a Hawaiian-themed wedding complete with bbq pig roast and matching attire. I knew we were totally in. Cat never lets me wear my Hawaiian T-shirts and this was my chance! We had never met with Jane before the wedding since she lived a state away but we were totally excited to go. We love the idea of going to a place we’ve never been to shoot a wedding because it will all feel new and exciting to us.

We also had no idea how good the food was going to be. No idea at all. Gilbert’s Party Barn, outside of Dayton, was set for the location and provided (I am seriously not joking at all on this) the absolute BEST bbq we’ve ever had. Better than my favorite, Sticky Fingers, in the south. Accompanied by some awesome pineapple wedding cake that was to die for! :) 

Jane was born in Hawaii and her dress was perfect for the occasion. Everyone at the wedding got on their best Jimmy Buffet shirts, shorts and sandals (perfect attire, because it was blazing hot ouside) and off we went. I could go on and on about these two but on with the pictures!!! :-D

Meet Jane (who engraved these coconut cups herself!!)

Meet Levi.

We love it when the bride helps the others prepare. :)

Calling the groom, one of Cat’s favorites.

When we got there everything was set out so beautifully! Jane and Levi did an awesome job!

The seriously awesome cake, designed to match their wedding attire. :)

Jane’s mom looked SO happy! :)

The flower girl didn’t want to throw any flowers, lol. :-D She was SO CUTE! :)

One of our absolute fav shots of the day!

Gorgeous!!!

Is he the spitting image of Mr. Howell or what??

The dancing really got Cat choked up. :)

Levi and his mom are so cute dancing together. She looks so proud. :)

While the dancing and partying was going on we snuck Jane and Levi up to the top of a HUGE hill for some awesome formals in the fading light before they got called back for cake cutting.

Ohio?? No way! :)

I love the blurry action of this photo of the bridesmaid getting cake smooshed. :) 

We loved the people and their outfits, along with the guests relaxing between dancing. :)

Jane’s parents were so cute! :)

Y M C A!!! :-D

I feel like the party never died but it eventually did and people just talked and relaxed. :)

We loved every minute of this wedding and loved the way everyone there treated us like family and let us take lots and lots of photos of them in their awesome outfits. We always hate having to pick only a few photos but it made us realize that out of all of the photos we usually find a photo that sums up the day. So in honor of that epiphany we decided that we’re going to start posting at the very end the photo that we think shows the day, or the event. Anyways, we feel this photo shows the joy, the celebration, the spirit and the crazy-awesome love that was going off like fireworks at this wedding. We loved it.

Thanks so much for reading. -David

Update!: We’re so excited to be featured on The Fairmount Bride! As well we’re on their side bar link list under ‘FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHY’. Just like Elizabeth Anne, we’re on the same list with some AMAZING photographers who we totally look up to like Anne (Indiana misses you!!), Jessica, and Marie! :) How cool!

Special Thanks from Southern Weddings Magazine!

Published
by
cathyanddavidphotography
on July 15, 2008
in Misc.
. 6 Comments

Holy cow! :) We just got a crazy-cool thank you from our absolute favorite wedding blog, Southern Weddings Magazine!! We always love reading other photographers’ blogs as we’ve mentioned before and sometimes we send really cool posts we find to the SW blog. Most recently, we sent them a link to Victor Sizemore’s latest post of a gorgeous wedding with 700+ guests (CRAAZYY!!!) and they decided to post it! 

But what blew us away was their thank you to us at the end:

“A special thank you today to {Cathy + David Photography} for being such great wedding professionals and connecting people on a daily basis.  You embody what the wedding community should be about–helping people grow and flourish.  Thank you C+D!”

If you know Cat and I then you’ll know we were totally choked up by this, so we just wanted to write a special thank you to Lara and everyone at Southern Weddings for being such wonderful beautiful leaders in the industry and absolutely making our day. Thank you guys so much for making us feel so awesome! :)

Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out the post to see the ABSOLUTELY AWESOME wedding that Victor shot!!! :)

Cathy and David