He’s There For Me

30.06.11 personal

We joke about my staff meetings.  Whether they’re by myself or just me and Jesie over a cup of Starbucks.  We joke about asking my boss if I can leave early.  (She usually lets me.)  We joke about having an RTP board of directors.  Officially, we don’t, but in reality, we kind of do.

… and there’s pretty much just one person on it. (At least so far.)

You see, he’s there for me.  In every way a board member should be and then some.

Because not only does he give outstanding business advice, he supports me in whatever scheme I may have and he truly believes in me.  He trusts me.  He values me.  He sees the bigger picture and he believes in the mission of René Tate Photography.

He gets his hands dirty and helps in anyway he can to keep this dream of mine alive: he books my travel, he comes along to shoots and reflects.  He carries bouquets.  He drags my camera bag across airports.  He makes special runs to Starbucks to get a venti lightly iced vanilla latté cause that’s what my bride likes.

But he’s so much more than an assistant or a board member.

He’s there for me… in every squeeze of my hand, every kiss of my forehead. Every time I catch his eye as I glance up from behind my viewfinder.  He inspires me, and gives me yet another reason to believe…

To my dear boyfriend: while you’re living and chasing dreams of your own, I thank you for being on our board of directors.  And also, for reminding me to grab my lipgloss before a shoot. ;-)

In Maui after Lauren and Justin’s wedding:

Pueblo Wedding: Emily & Ryan – Part II

29.06.11 weddings

And now it’s time for Part II of Emily and Ryan’s peacock-themed wedding!

You two are perfect!

The reception was held at the Old Town Carriage House in Pueblo.  So beautiful inside!

Love!

Emily’s mom.  Love her.

Love this man.  He’s 90 years old and still working, loving life!  We chatted for a while about the secret to a successful marriage. :-)

Pueblo Wedding: Emily & Ryan – Part I

27.06.11 weddings

“What goes through your mind when your bride is walking down the aisle towards you?” I asked.  He sighed and his eyes got big, “I don’t think I can explain it.  It’s just overwhelming.”

Overwhelming.

Because what else would you feel having just been deployed for twelve months, patiently awaiting this very day?  This very moment.

Emily and Ryan were married on a perfect June day in Pueblo, Colorado.  Their wedding was bright and colorful, filled with joy from so many family members and friends.  It was absolutely exquisite, emotional, and well, overwhelming.   E&R, I can’t thank you enough for allowing us to be with you, not only on this day, but through the last 14 months.  You two have endured hardships that many couples won’t see in their lifetime.  Thank you for setting such a wonderful example for me.  We wish you the very best and cannot wait to see you around Springs.

So much love and joy to you,
René + Jesie

Emily you put the gorg in gorgeous.  Absolutely stunning.

Ryan’s sisters made some stunning bridesmaids.

Emily’s grandma.  Love her!  Great shot, Jes.

While Em and I were off to the church, Jes hung with the guys.

Ryan is such a great guy with an enormous laugh.

Ryan’s grandma!

Here we go!  Emily’s father passed away, so her brother and mom gave her away on his behalf.

Favorite! Such a classy greeting.

Emily’s stepfather gave a reading, as well as Ryan’s father.

In addition to bridesmaids and groomsmen, Em and Ryan had saber bearers and escorts.
Love this shot that Jes grabbed of the saber bearers sitting in the back.

Ryan’s folks.  Love them so much.

The escorts.

Emily’s new last name will be Peacock, so a peacock themed wedding was ever so appropriate. :-)

Love this shot that Jes grabbed!

The best is yet to come!  Stay tuned for part II.

Nora & Jason

23.06.11 portraits

Aloha!  Happy Thursday!  I’m finally home from Hawaii.  I’ve about 24 hours to do four loads of laundry, squeeze in a little bit of work, and then prepare for my brother’s wedding this weekend!  I’m on the decoration committee for the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night. :-) This is so wild being a part of a wedding that I’m not shooting.  Kind of exciting. :-)

With that said, I did want to hop on and show you a really sweet shoot with Jason and Nora.  These two have been married for five years. When Jason contacted me, he said he came across our site in a Google search and it was exactly what he was looking for.  He told me he wanted to surprise Nora with a shoot for their anniversary and that they hadn’t had images made of them in quite sometime. Photographing couples in love is really my passion.  I don’t care if they’re newly engaged or have been married for 50 years.  Couples are my thing. :-)  So we met up the day before their anniversary and shot these images around their home in downtown Denver.

As you can probably tell, we had a wonderful time together.  These two really blossomed in front of the camera as the evening progressed.  It was really neat to watch Jason open up and love on Nora a little louder in front of my camera and watch her just soak it up.  Nora, you are absolutely beautiful alone, but even prettier when your husband is adoring you.  Both of you just seem to light up.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this occasion.  Congratulations on five years of marriage.  And thank you for the advice… ;-)

With love and joy,
René