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cheri+nathan.married @ JW Marriott

I can’t speak for other wedding photogs out there, but for me, a wedding day is a physically and emotionally demanding day. It’s 8 hours plus of hustling, crouching, climbing, carrying, running, dancing… all while concerning ourselves with good light, posing, waiting for the moment, the needs of our clients and their friends and family both in and out of our viewfinder… and through it all, we genuinely have a great time… after all it is still a celebration and a party and we love what we do. The day after a wedding I expect to be sore and exhausted and spent and I’ll usually take Sunday to view my photos from the day before and just chill out. The night before a wedding I won’t go out or even drink (too much…) ;)

Unfortunately, this was the first time I got hit by a cold at the same time as a wedding. I woke up with with a swollen head, fatigued and coughing and sneezing and desiring nothing but my bed and a box of tissues. Regardless, nothing would stop me from giving my all for Cheri and Nate. Ill or not, their big day motivated me to power through and prove myself worth a damn. I love these guys, consider them friends and was determined to show them something beautiful. They did not disappoint. Cheri looked as beautiful as ever. Nate… the good ol’ boy from the midwest ain’t ‘beautiful’… but Nate’s the man and makes it look good in the monkey suit. They light it up together in front of the camera and Colin (a big boy at 4) was a constant source of comic relief and helped me catch some great moments with mom.

Once the party got going I nearly forgot all about my awful cold (till I packed up and got back in the car) and a little scotch took off the itch from my throat and I had a ball. Shout outs must be made to Sebastian Anzaldo, by far the best Frank Sinatra impersonator I’ve seen these last 12 years. You can check out old blue eyes at the images below or at his show Barbara and Frank: The Show That Never Was and to Jenny and staff, always pulling off first class events at the JW Marriott and… what party is complete without the hysterical, fun and professional DJ Tony of Pure Energy.

Check out some of the day’s moments below. Cheri and Nate, congrats, love you guys and see you in San Fran for a beer real soon.

-mike

 

 

 

Mendy and David, Félicitations! – Bellagio Las Vegas Wedding

This one is going to be a bit longer then most of my blog posts. There is so much to say about Mendy and David. I had been talking to them for a few months before their wedding, and it’s always nice to get a client that absolutely loves your stuff, especially when they’re half way around the world! Mendy and David are from France! I talked to them through email for months, so when it was time to meet them I had no idea what to expect. I instantly LOVED them! The language barrier didn’t even effect us (that says a lot!). I am so happy that I was able to be a part of such an amazing and special day in your lives. I can’t wait to come do a shoot in France!
Asha ♥

We did their engagement session a few days after they flew into town, I can honestly say, they are one of the easiest couples I have ever photographed.

Now for the wedding photos! Let me tell you, these French-Portugese sure can dance!

Mendy and David - Thank you so much Asha !!! We loved working with all of you guys... You are very amazing, and we are so excited with these pictures.. We can't wait to have and see all of them, and the Jason's films too !!!! You are very especial, kindness, lovely.. Our wedding could not have be taken over by other people than you.. Thank you so much for everything.. It was so a pleasure to us working with you.. We love your work, we love you !!! We loved having our wedding with you... We hope to see you at Paris, with pleasure, we will receive you here with us... Parlez-vous français ? We recommend you to everyone with eyes closed... THANK YOU.. Kisses Mendy and David

stephanie+john.married @ TPC Summerlin

Digs Studio has been buzzing on the blog lately and I’m really proud of how our work has been developing and the images we’re posting and how prolific we’ve been. I especially love to blog a wedding from clients our blog subscribers have seen in the past. Here’s some images from Stephanie and John’s wedding.

There’s no question that the wedding train on Stephanie and John’s tracks have seen a few bumps. Changing dates and venues, big life changes, law school and a move… whew… and I thought pulling off a wedding all by itself was a challenge. These two proved to me that the love they shared could overcome any obstacle. And that feeling they have for each other comes through every time I snap them in my frame.

Stephanie is a natural in front of the camera, so pretty! John is an awesome dude that treats his girl right. I have high hopes for these two! Congrats to the newlyweds, I hope very much they love their photos as much as I enjoyed making them.

-mike

 

Andrea and Scott- Planet Hollywood Las Vegas

If you know me, you know I would much rather never touch a flash or light stand. I like to do EVERYTHING with natural light. But every now and again, you just can’t get what you want, and you just might have to challenge yourself, which, trust me, is always a good thing. Andrea and Scott had their wedding at Planet Hollywood, I got to be a little bit more creative with lighting for this one. I really enjoyed the ceremony and reception, you guys really had me laughing! I hope you love your photos.I think we got some pretty cool stuff for me flashin’ the whole thing!

Asha ♥

Yonette’s amazing birthday bash! – Bellagio Las Vegas

What can I say about this one? This had to be one the most amazing birthday parties I have ever attended. There was so much love in the room. Even though I just met Yonette that night I could tell by all of her family and friends love for her that she was an amazing person. A big thank you to Brit at Simply Weddings by Brit Bertino, once again, another fabulous event. You can always expect a day to go just as planned when Brit is behind it. The whole day was perfect. I must say, when it came to the party, the women got DOWN! Oh man they can dance. I hope you love your photos yonette and you had an amazing day.

Asha ♥

Brit - Looking good, I can't wait to see the rest!

dana+earle.engaged – NYC

I can’t lie, I have a touch of Peter Pan syndrome… I don’t wanna grow up. And it’s always a shocker and a reality check when another friend “bites the dust.” I’ve know Dana for a long time, ever since us innocent kids were camp counselors at day camp on Long Island, New York. And after a life of growing and soul searching and wandering this world, Dana has found her man. Once I met Earle I knew these two were perfect for each other, he’s passed the “Mike test” – no easy feat! It almost makes me want to grow up too!

These two will be tying the knot just upstate of New York City. I’m really looking forward to having my own little part in their big day by delivering some beautiful moments and kick-ass images… their wedding just a few months away. While I was recently visiting Long Island and photographing the babies, I met up with Dana and Earle in the city, snuck into a nice quiet, private park (I’d rather apologize later than ask for permission when doing what I need for my clients and our photos…), and they made the magic happen. There’s so little direction I gave here… they really do just kiss that often. Here’s some of our moments… enjoy!

-mike

Jackie and Lance Patonia. Las Vegas Wedding Cinema

Jackie and Lance. WOW. What an amazing couple. Their excitement & love for each other is very easy to spot anytime you are with them and their wedding day was no exception.

The entire Digs team was very excited leading up to this day, and it did not disappoint.

All of their friends, family, coaches, teammates showed up for an exciting wedding celebration. The location, beautiful Canyon Gate Country Club, was absolutely breathtaking. Shutter booth was also there, giving the guests some awesome take home gifts to help remember their day.LED unplugged set up some great lights that truly made the canyon gate ballroom look amazing.

Jackie and Lance, it was a pleasure. Enjoy the highlight of your special day.

to baby laila (and melisaaaaaa) – from uncle michael

My friends and I go back a long long time. In my childhood place of Long Island, NY, my friends are my family. When a new baby arrives it’s an addition to my family… which of course means I’m responsible for a trip back to NY to photograph the new addition. Meet pretty lady Laila, my first “neice.”

Over the years my skills as a photographer have developed a little, and even though I don’t really specialize in babies, chilling out with some time and good light, I can make it happen…. oh and Melissssaaaaa is always a wonderful assistant (and part-time baby photo backdrop ;)

It’s not easy to please the Long Island moms, I hope I pulled it off… much love to my family – proud parents Marc and Melissa and big brother Harrison. Birth announcements coming soon Melissa, no worries!

denise+david.married – Cili @ Bali Hai

Wedding season at Digs is back in full swing. It’s been a while since I’ve posted a shoot here. I’ve been spending a lot of time away lately. I’m very happy to be back and shooting and working with this season’s clients who I love. Denise and David’s wedding finally came around… David especially was passionate about their photos. They were looking to capture the candid moments of their day more than anything. Getting to know these two and how they felt about each other and their and their family and friends, I had no doubt they would make my job a breeze. I was just there ready with a camera. There was no shortage of laughter, tears, silliness and gestures of love all day into the night.

There’s so many moments I could’ve posted here but there’s only so much room here on the blog page. I can’t wait to show Denise and David all their photos and look forward to hearing about all the tears that will surely be shed (happy ones ;) when they see them.

To the newlyweds, thank you for letting me part of your day and glimpsing into the life of your family. I was honestly moved. I hope I’ve done my job and made the lasting memory of your wedding just a little more special to you. Love, happiness and all the best.

-mike

Jackie and Lance Patonia. Las Vegas Wedding Photography

You may remember Jackie and Lance from a their previous e-session blog post, they are a couple that it would be hard to forget, not only because they look so great together, but because they have personalities that match their good looks.  So to say that the entire Digs team, photo and cinema were excited about their day is an understatement.   The couple have such a wonderful love story dating back to Green Valley High School, and to see all of their friends, family, coaches, teammates all together in one room for their wedding celebration was absolutely amazing.  The couple could  not have chosen a better location, Canyon Gate Country Club, and a better day to say their I Do’s. The day was full of sun, laughter and events. Shutter booth added yet another great experience and memories for guest to enjoy, and LED unplugged did an amazing job of providing up-lighting which made Canyon Gates Ballroom look just spectacular.
Jackie and Lance, hope you enjoy a few of the images posted below, as well as the slideshow we put together.






Cheers, Derek and Rhiannon