Sometimes Luke gets on Sara’s nerves. Sometimes Sara can be a bit over dramatic about the whole thing.

I have been looking forward to Randall’s bridal session since way back in October when I did her super fun engagement session. She had mentioned that they might have their wedding at her uncle’s house and even though it was not finished then I kept hoping that’s what would happen because it looked like it was going to be amazing. Well, here we are 9 months later and everything has fallen into place. We did her session there and I can’t wait to get back there in a few months for the wedding.

I am totally digging the combination of this house and her dress.

I LOVED this red room.

So I typically don’t post “tradition” poses on the blog, but this one was too fun to pass up. I just love the colors and how relaxed and beautiful Randall looks in this shot.

Makeup Artist: Jennifer Sauceda (903-424-5540)

Super great Fourth of July wedding at Castle on the Lake in Jacksonville. No chit chat from me, just straight to the images.

Super cute flower girl. Ready and willing to be photographed.

This was Lindsey’s checklist for the day.

They wanted lots of photos of the two of them and that always starts off with a super fun First Look.

Lindsey had EVERYBODY rocking the white and they all totally pulled it off.

I love me a good ring shot.

It’s funny, no matter how hot it is, once the ceremony rolls around, it’s all kinda just fades away to pretty.

Right after the ceremony they decided to take me up on one of my “tips” and have a meal alone. Just the two of them.

Is it OK to admit that i teared up a bit during Butterfly Kisses?

My ring shot prop and his lady friend. :)

First sparkler getaway where I literally feared for my life. (I think some people snuck in some fireworks or something. There was a lot of flameage happening.



Venue: Castle on the Lake

So for those of you who follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that a couple of weeks ago we re-enacted our wedding. Jo was way too cool to be “in” the wedding so he opted to be the photographer and Sara was able to fulfill her dreams of being a flower girl.

2 side notes:
1.  The kids have always liked taking pictures with our iPhones and my camera, but we finally broke down and bought them a camera of their own and they have gone nuts with it. I have not really told them what to do other than how to turn it on and off and the results have been pretty fun to watch. I’ll do a post soon of the random stuff they shoot.
2.  Give it up for my wife.  7 year and 4 kids later she still fit into that dress.  I on the other hand walked around with my pants half way zipped and only inhaling.

The garden hose made a lovely wedding walk and Sara had the time of her life.

Luke did great as the Father of the Bride. No tears, just a man knowing his daughter will be in good hands.

Eli was the PERFECT minister. He kept it short and to the point.

Jo got up close for the ring exchange.

We did have to hold the kiss. I think he missed the first one.



No one told him to shoot the grooms cakes, he just figured it was worth documenting.

This is the only photo I and my timer can take credit for. Not a bad looking group.

Anyway, all you brides who are thinking of adding a second shooter to your package, don’t be surprise if Jo shows up. :)

Continuing my little list of Vendor Interviews I thought I’d let everyone hear from Casey Brown. I have been working events with him anywhere from 5-10 years now. He is by far my favorite DJ in the area and super professional.

Brides listen closely while I let you in on a little secret. No other wedding vendor has the ability to “ruin” your day quite like a bad DJ can. They can be rude, awkward, clumsy, and totally kill any mood that your ceremony and or reception has. And they can do all of that while holding a microphone and pumping the sound out to your 300 guests. :) Seriously, this is one area you what to know what you are getting. This person is the “voice” of your wedding. From announcing you when you come in, letting everyone know about the cake cutting, telling everyone where to go line up for your get-away, they are who people will be hearing through out the night.

I have attached a little video at the end of the interview to show you what could happen. Watch the whole thing. It’s painful. (It’s also not CMB)

Here are a few shots of Casey in action and then it’s on to the questions…

How did you guys get started, how long have you been doing this?
I began DJing in 1993 at KLIS 96.7, a top 40 station running Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 on Sunday afternoons. I was a junior in High School at the time. From there, myself and the other DJs at the station started mobile DJing teen birthday parties. In 1995 I formed CMB Music Productions, and have been loving it ever since.

What is your favorite part about your job?
The favorite part of my job, is seeing the faces of the bride and groom and their guests having fun on the dance floor. Whether it’s fast dancing, slow dancing, doing a line dance or group activity. Because I know, that I’m doing my part to create those memories with them, on their wedding day.

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened at a wedding you DJ-ed (this of course does not mean that you were responsible for the crazy.)

It’s a 3 way tie!

1, multiple fights broke out after the reception while we were packing up.

2, The most absurd and inappropriate speech by a best man ever!

3, a bridesmaid fainting during the ceremony….twice. And yes, I caught her both times. (don’t wear heels for outdoor ceremonies, and don’t lock your knees!)

I have an iPod, why should i spend money on a DJ?
With an ipod, you lose so much control. Someone is constantly having to go and change the song, and the playlist you create in advance, may not be appropriate in the order you chose before the wedding. You lose the control of music programming in real time to suit the events happening at that moment. Imagine this, it’s time for the father daughter dance, and the person you pick to operate the ipod mis-cues and starts the YMCA instead. That steals from the moment. And an ipod doesn’t make your announcements, and keep your reception on track. This YouTube video best shows you what you get with an ipod wedding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLBWFlmuo-Y

What are some things brides should look for when looking for a DJ?
Brides should look for a DJ that is professional, competent, and one whose personality and music style meets that of the bride and groom. The important thing to remember is to ask questions when interviewing. What music do you have? How many years have you been in business? How many weddings have you done? If we want songs that you don’t have, will you get them? Don’t be afraid to ask the DJ questions. It will help you make the right decision on your wedding entertainment.

What is something unique to your set-up/services that you are extra proud of?
I really could quote my top 5 reason to choose CMB here. But you can see that on our website. Our main feature is…..BACKUP. Between 4 staff DJs, and networking with other qualified DJs in the Tyler and Dallas areas, if there is an emergency it will likely be a short one. We also have backup equipment. Each CMB DJ that does a wedding takes 2 computers, and 2 hard drives. So if one or the other fails, all we have to do is swap a few cables, and the music continues.

Anything else you wanna say?
Wedding music entertainment is important. Be sure to ask questions beyond how much they charge. And go with the DJ company you are comfortable with to take the wheel on one of the biggest days of your life. With weddings, there are no do-overs.

Here is that video as promised, but 2 quick things before you watch it.
1. As awkward as it is to watch, it was way worse for those who were there.
2. This is NOT Casey. :)

CMB Music Productions |http://cmbdjs.com/|Phone: 903.724.3192