Hey everybody!
Wow, 2011 was a very roller coaster-y year! One of the best moments of my entire life, and one of the worst moments, were separated by only two month. Today and tomorrow I'm spending a lot of time reflecting on the blog about 2011 (both personally and professionally). Many of you have been with me along the ride, so this might be a stroll down memory lane for you as well!
The first few months of 2011 were action packed! The first four months I spent time in four different countries on three different continents!
Ellie, Mere, and I got to head over to Italy and France for our wedding and a workshop, which is without a doubt the highlight of my year.
![]()
We got to walk throughout Florence while we were there, and this image of Ellie still makes me laugh (remember boys are gross!)
![]()
But then I really got to be Dad O' The Year when we took her to Paris and shot a portrait session of her there. BANANAS!!!
![]()
She also got to play a little when she was there.
![]()
And then we came back and had a reception all our friends and family could attend.
![]()
And then it was honeymoon time! Meredith and I fell in love with Mexico when we shot a wedding there in 2009 and were so happy to find a resort that is our perfect paradise. I didn't even do a blog post about it (surprisingly!) because I wanted it to not be work!
The most out-of-character trip for me was my journey to Ghana with non-profit friends, Art Feeds.
![]()
As much as I love traveling, I love being home. Meredith and I have been blessed with a home we love and have made our own. And apparently Meredith has some sick design skills because our house was featured in Celebrate magazine! We were truly honored!
![]()
Speaking of being featured, one of my proudest moments wasn't being featured in fancy magazines or on the best national bridal blogs, but in my hometown newspaper of Joplin, MO. I felt like I had truly MADE it. It was very special for my friends and family to see that my work was being celebrated.
![]()
On the workfront, we launched the Benny Booth, which has been a source of hilarity and good times at many a wedding this year. We have a pretty unique way of shooting these and we're constantly expanding our backdrops to match every wedding style. This hilarious shot is of two of our very favorite couples, taken at the Benny Awards.
![]()
I was also asked to speak at Photo Ignite, at WPPI (our biggest tradeshow) to more than 2000 photographers! THAT'S nerve racking! Click here for that blog post.
Lastly, in other awesome news, we were featured on Style Me Pretty, only the biggest baddest bridal blog in the biz. Twice.
![]()
Okay, I realize that was all only good news and the "best" of 2011. But stay tuned. Tomorrow, I'll be hitting the worst fast and furious.
Talk to you soon,
Dale
Wow, 2011 was a very roller coaster-y year! One of the best moments of my entire life, and one of the worst moments, were separated by only two month. Today and tomorrow I'm spending a lot of time reflecting on the blog about 2011 (both personally and professionally). Many of you have been with me along the ride, so this might be a stroll down memory lane for you as well!
The first few months of 2011 were action packed! The first four months I spent time in four different countries on three different continents!
Ellie, Mere, and I got to head over to Italy and France for our wedding and a workshop, which is without a doubt the highlight of my year.

We got to walk throughout Florence while we were there, and this image of Ellie still makes me laugh (remember boys are gross!)

But then I really got to be Dad O' The Year when we took her to Paris and shot a portrait session of her there. BANANAS!!!

She also got to play a little when she was there.

And then we came back and had a reception all our friends and family could attend.

And then it was honeymoon time! Meredith and I fell in love with Mexico when we shot a wedding there in 2009 and were so happy to find a resort that is our perfect paradise. I didn't even do a blog post about it (surprisingly!) because I wanted it to not be work!
The most out-of-character trip for me was my journey to Ghana with non-profit friends, Art Feeds.

As much as I love traveling, I love being home. Meredith and I have been blessed with a home we love and have made our own. And apparently Meredith has some sick design skills because our house was featured in Celebrate magazine! We were truly honored!

Speaking of being featured, one of my proudest moments wasn't being featured in fancy magazines or on the best national bridal blogs, but in my hometown newspaper of Joplin, MO. I felt like I had truly MADE it. It was very special for my friends and family to see that my work was being celebrated.

On the workfront, we launched the Benny Booth, which has been a source of hilarity and good times at many a wedding this year. We have a pretty unique way of shooting these and we're constantly expanding our backdrops to match every wedding style. This hilarious shot is of two of our very favorite couples, taken at the Benny Awards.

I was also asked to speak at Photo Ignite, at WPPI (our biggest tradeshow) to more than 2000 photographers! THAT'S nerve racking! Click here for that blog post.
Lastly, in other awesome news, we were featured on Style Me Pretty, only the biggest baddest bridal blog in the biz. Twice.

Okay, I realize that was all only good news and the "best" of 2011. But stay tuned. Tomorrow, I'll be hitting the worst fast and furious.
Talk to you soon,
Dale