Not only did we finish up the artwork just last week, but he’s performing at the Images for a Cure Gala on March 1st (everyone’s invited, by the way! Go pick up your tickets here: http://www.imagesforacure.com/gala)

I’m feeling a little “better-than-you” when I share that I purposely make him bring his guitar for my own little performance (one of the perks of my job!) and got a sneak peek of the Good Day song back when we shot his album cover in October!

Now, I’m not generally a big country music fan (except that Garth Brooks is one of my all-time favorites…. but most country fans tell me he’s too mainstream, so whatever), but Josh has me hooked on his soulful lyrics and smooth voice – not to mention those killer guitar (and piano) skills! Mindy is one lucky girl to have such a sweetheart by her side!

You can download his new music on iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/good-day-ep-single/id420970676

PS – It’s a huge help to spread the word, rate and leave comments on the iTunes page! New artists need our support to help them grow! So if you pick up a copy, be sure to leave him some love!

I’m giddy! Seriously! This is a long blog post… but I have a lot to say! So fellow photographers – listen up! Because you’ll WANT to participate!

I’ve been waiting for months to finally “officially” announce the first ever Images for a Cure workshop this spring (in a month, actually!) We have been working like gangbusters to finish up our planning, and if it weren’t for the amazing support of my friends, vendors and hard-working IFAC team here in Orlando – we may never have gotten this done! (aaaand end Emmy speech, cue music, cut to commercial)

So if you’re unfamiliar with Images for a Cure or the workshop, let me shed some light!

I started Images for a Cure (IFAC) back in the fall of 2009. I worked really hard to make something out of nothing, and together with some incredible photographers, we raised slightly over $13,000 to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation! Our efforts were put to the test in the fall of 2010 when we launched in to our second year with new branding, new tier-based participation system and a brand new (fancy-schmancy) website! But I’m so proud to announce that 250 photographers joined us, raising over $15,000 – making our lifetime grand total over $28,000!

I’m seriously amazed, thankful and so appreciative of everyone’s hard work to make the event so successful!

Which is why we decided to host our first ever Spring Workshop! Just a little thank you, from the team here in Orlando to everyone across the world who helped see us through such a challenging year!

The Workshop!

Our workshop is a 2-day intensive workshop that will have one day of speaking and one day of shooting under some of the most talented, funny and business-savvy photographers in the country! Lucky for me, they’re all based relatively locally and I can abuse my friend-powers to get them to come share their secrets!

These aren’t career motivational speakers. These are true-life, successful photography studio owners who make their living by booking clients – not selling things or writing books. They won’t try to get you to buy anything, or tell you that you can’t be successful without a crazy 60 lb. camera bag and boom stand that they developed. They’re real. And they’re really entertaining!

The Speakers!

Our workshop is being headlined by the esteemed Brooke Thomas, editor of Weddings Unveiled Magazine! It’s honestly my FAVORITE industry magazine. She’ll be speaking on getting published and what editors are looking for.

And listen to this lineup:

Melanie and Brad Watson from La Dolce Vita Studio will be discussing “Finding Your Sweet Spot”.

This is what Melanie (or Brad… who can keep track?) had to say about their topic: “Our topic will focus on the keys to success and balance as a photographer and creative spirit. This often elusive place of balance is what we call the “sweet spot.” Finding your authentic voice, running a thriving business and maintaining balance in your personal and professional life is what every photographer strives for. We will be talking about how you can be true to who you are as an artist; how this will help garner the right clients for you; how to keep them and attract more clients like them all while maintaining your sanity. There are many paths to success, we intend to help you figure out which road is best for you.”

Becka and Nate Robinson from Studio 222 Photography

Abby Liga from Liga Photography – “Shooting to Get Published”

Amy Smith from Amy Smith Photography – “Confessions of a Child Photographer”

Joey Wright from Joey Wright Photography – “Lighting for Fashion Photography”

Jennifer Frances, retouch artist

Melanie Pace, personal stylist – “Directing Client Wardrobe for Shoots”

Luisa Valdes, Hair and Makeup from Lunatic Fringe Salon – “Makeup for Photography Lighting Conditions”

The Shoots!

Then we have a half day of shooting with our photographers and their models! Some of our shooters will also be hosting a critique following their shoot so that you can get some feedback on the images you took!

Kristen Weaver – Fashion Bridal

Melanie and Brad Watson – Bride and Groom

Becka and Nate Robinson – Engagement

Abby Liga – Shooting to Get Published

Melissa Diep - Trash the Dress

Amy Smith – Actions of a Child Photographer

Joey Wright – Lighting for Fashion Photography

Now let’s talk about this GALA!

Seriously, you can’t get a bunch of wedding people together without throwing a huge party! So we’re celebrating our 2010 IFAC success with a grand party full of food, drinks, an amazing DJ, a super talented singer/songwriter, amazing decor, venue and showstopping florals! No pressure, right?

Forget the learning – we’re rocking from 8pm until midnight and everyone is invited to attend! You don’t need to go to the workshop – in fact, round up family and friends (must be 21 or older, sorry kids) and join us! We have a guest list working and tickets are $50 per person. So if you want to attend, make sure to email gala@imagesforacure.com to get on the guest list and pay for your tickets!

Special thanks to our venue, The MEZZ, and these amazing vendors:

Kristen Johnson from An Affair to Remember
Josh Bales, Singer/Songwriter
Al Dee Productions, DJ and Entertainment
Lee Forrest Design, Floral Designer

How you can help!

I am super excited at how quickly the workshop is selling – so make sure you register if you want to come! If you can’t attend, please help us by spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter! We have a strong community of colleagues and I hope we can fill the room with like-minded pros ready to share with each other!

Help us Spread the word by Tweeting: Are you attending the first @imagesforacure workshop?!  I’ll be there! You can register here: http://ow.ly/3Ke9p

Reposting this blog post

Sending some love to our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/imagesforacure

Register here: http://app.shootq.com/public/images_for_a_cure/pricing/current

I needed an absolutely cheesy title for one of my favorite cheesetastic couples, Steven and Cara! They got married at the Ritz Carlton Beach Club in Sarasota. Their families were an absolute blast and I loved spending the day with them!

Cara was really specific about the plans for the day: she wasn’t overly concerned with the details necessarily, she just really wanted her family and friends to have a really good time. Mission accomplished! Not only did they have beautiful details of Navy, Lime and Pink, but their beach wedding was topped off with a reception full of show tunes, Britney Spears and an amazing selection of food and desserts!

And since I’m on a little kick of sharing thank you’s, I wanted to share this email I got from Cara (before she’s even seen any of the photos!)

“Thank you again a billion times over for being our photographer, and Reema too! We had an amazing day; everything that my mom wondered if someone took a picture of, I was able to smile and say, ‘Yup! That’s why we had Kristen!’ Such a calming aspect of the day!”

Oh! And I couldn’t possibly end this blog post about their wedding without sharing quite possibly the BEST gift from a groom to his bride… ever. A Shake Weight! Way to go, Steven!

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota (Members Beach Club)
Hair and Makeup: Luisa V
Florist: Beneva Flowers
DJ: Jay Goodley Entertainment
Dress Shop: Something Blue Bridal Salon
Designer: La Sposa
Officiant: Rev. Corky Calhoun

There’s something so beautiful about a mother’s hands

Cara wore her Grandmother’s necklace pinned to the inside of her dress so it could stay close to her heart

I sort of love bridal portraits

And I realize this blog post is a bit “Cara” heavy, but don’t worry Steven, I have some awesome shots of you and your hair!

Now back to Cara!

Favorite below!

Cara and Steven didn’t want any formal family photos at all – instead, she had the entire family do a champagne toast on the beach!

Breaking from tradition, Cara and Steven had a dessert room following their reception, loaded with cookies, mousses, tarts and lots of amazing treats!
I HIGHLY recommend this!

And then we hit the trolley to head back to the Ritz for the Post-Reception-After-Party!!

Cara and Steven – it was such a joy to spend your wedding with you! I can’t wait to see your beautiful little family grow!!
And Steven, I’m really glad you didn’t punk out

Oh! And Cara, I couldn’t help but post this “blooper” because I just love YOU so stinkin’ much

If you loved the shoot, please leave a comment on Lauren’s blog to let her know! This girl does such an amazing job giving us daily inspiration, it’s always nice to know it’s appreciated

Gowns are Justin Alexander, La Sposa, Lazaro and Carmen Sutera – all from Something Blue Bridal Salon in Orlando.
Bouquet by Lee Forrest Design, Orlando
Hair by Nicole Beth, Jacksonville
Makeup by Heather Schnell, Orlando
Coordination by April Dorsey, The D-Tales, Orlando
Photography by me, Kristen Weaver Photography, Orlando
Photographer Assistant was Heather Blackwell
Model is Tyler Hill